Posted: 10/15/03

EDA hears plans for south side

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

Itís still in the concept stage, but a proposed redevelopment of commercial property west of US-61 and south of SW 11th Ave. could bring major changes to Forest Lake.

The cityís Economic Development Authority board got its first look at the preliminary plans for what is being called Forest Lake Crossways. The proposal is tied to future steps by Washington County to build a library, north service center and transit hub in Forest Lake.

Doug Borglund, a city staff planner, and Jim Harbaugh, a consulting planner with the Sanders firm, outlined the proposal which would replace the existing Northland Mall complex and Winnick Supply, Inc. with a new mix of government services, housing and commercial firms.

The proposal would not replace the Northland Plaza complex and the theater building located on the south end of the Northland Mall site, the planners said.

But the existing mall would be razed making way for a new 54,000 square foot government center and library. Use of the Northland Mall site as a proposed location for the government center and transit hub represents a switch from the Houle Mill site that had been under consideration.

Borglund said a major developer in the metro area has expressed interest in teaming with the city and county to move the project along. He said the EDA could have a role in the project because tax-increment financing may help complete infrastructure projects such as the relocation of sewer and water lines.

ìUltimately this might not be the final project,î Borglund said of the proposal.

But Borglund said the interest of the developer and the countyís intent to secure a site for its transit center give the concept ìlegs.î

The county interest is twofold. The county is serious about providing services to the north end of the county and is planning for the future with the transit hub.

The transit hub would have initial use as a park-and-ride facility with the eventual addition of bus service and in the long term, rail service along the Rush Line Corridor. The Rush Line will follow what is now the Hardwood Creek trail system, a facility that will continue with a future rail line.

Washington County is programming funds for the project in its capital improvement bonding schedules and is ready to commit $13 million to the project, Borglund said Monday.

Borglund said initially discussions have taken place with Winnick Supply management and a relocation plan is being prepared for a city-owned 38-acre site south of 202nd St. The phased development plan would also target relocation of the Dresel Trucking facility south of Northland mall.

With a phased plan, Borglund said existing businesses that wish to remain in the area could be accommodated in new commercial space that would be constructed. The Northland Mall site covers 17 acres while Winnick has a five-acre parcel.

Chip Robinson, city administrator and executive director of the EDA, said the phased development of the site from 11th Ave. south to the southwest of TH-97 would give the city time to properly plan the development. A redesign of the south leg of TH-97 and US-61 is proposed for 2008.

ìIn a way itís good,î he said of the highway redesign. ìIt allows us (time) to plan the corridor. This (plan) has feet. The county is really excited.î

Borglund said staff-level meetings with the Northland Mall owner, the developer and Winnick Supply will continue. Key topics include the plan concept, infrastructure needs and land costs.

ìWeíre still working on these issues,î Borglund said.

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