2019.10.02 Council Meeting Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: September 27, 2019
City Council Meeting Schedule
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Time Type of meeting Location
6:45 p.m. City Council Work Session Conference Room A
7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Council Chambers
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at
(763) 531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: September 27, 2019
City Council
Work Session Agenda
October 2, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Conference Room A
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the work session of the Crystal City Council was held at ______ p.m. on October 2, 2019 in
Conference Room A, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council Members Staff
____ Budziszewski ____ Norris
____ Deshler ____ Therres
____ Kiser ____ Gilchrist
____ LaRoche ____ Revering
____ Parsons ____ Serres
____ Adams
____ Banks
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. 2020 City Council meeting calendar.
2. Constituent issues update. *
3. New business. *
4. Announcements. *
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763) 531-
1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
__________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
__________________________________________________________________________
DATE: September 25, 2019
TO: Mayor and City Council
City Manager Anne Norris
RE: 2020 Proposed City Council Meeting Calendar
In preparation for the upcoming year, attached is a draft 2020 City Council meeting calendar. The
following is an outline of the proposed changes to the 2020 regular meeting schedule:
Month Regular Meeting Date(s) Proposed Meeting Date(s) and Comments
March
Tuesday, March 3 and 17
Tuesday, March 10 and 24 (second and fourth
Tuesdays) due to the Presidential Nomination
Primary on Tuesday, March 3.
July
Tuesday, July 7
Due to the Independence Day holiday and similar
to this year, a work session on Thursday, July 9
and one meeting on Tuesday, July 21.
August
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Due to National Night Out and the Primary
Election occurring on the first two Tuesdays, one
meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Two budget work
sessions on Thursday, Aug. 6 and 13. Additionally,
a special meeting to canvass the primary election
results may be needed on Aug. 13 or 14.
November
Tuesday, Nov. 3
Due to the General Election, a work session on
Thursday, Nov. 12 and one meeting on Tuesday,
Nov. 17. Additionally, a special meeting to
canvass the general election results will be
needed the week of Nov. 9 – 13.
After Council discussion, I will prepare the 2020 meeting schedule for the Council to adopt at a
meeting later this year.
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
2020 Proposed City Council Meeting Calendar
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
2020
CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AND WORK SESSION SCHEDULE
Regular meetings of the Crystal City Council are generally held the first and third Tuesday of each month
in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Drive North, beginning at 7 p.m. In addition, the City
Council holds regular work session meetings before and after regular City Council meetings at City Hall.
Standing work sessions are held immediately following the regular City Council meeting and Economic
Development Authority (EDA) meeting, if scheduled. Additional work sessions are held beginning at
6:30 p.m. Moreover, regular additional work sessions of the City Council are held on the second
Thursday of each month at City Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m.
If the date of a regular meeting falls on a holiday or an election day, the date of the rescheduled
meeting is reflected on the schedule. If an additional meeting is held, or if a regular meeting is
rescheduled to a different date, time, or place, notice of the meeting will be posted at City Hall and on
the City’s website. All meetings are open to the public, but the City Council may close meetings to the
public to conduct business authorized or required by law to be conducted in a closed session.
*Denotes a change in the regular meeting or work session schedule.
January July
Jan. 7 City Council and work session meetings July 9 Work session meeting
Jan. 9 Work session meeting July 21* City Council and work session meetings
Jan. 21 City Council and work session meetings (one meeting in July on 3rd Tuesday)
February August
Feb. 4 City Council and work session meetings Aug. 6* Budget work session meeting
Feb. 13 Work session meeting Aug. 13 Budget work session meeting
Feb. 18 City Council and work session meetings Aug. 18* City Council and work session meetings
(one meeting in Aug. on 3rd Tuesday)
March September
March 10* City Council and work session meetings Sept. 1 City Council and work session meetings
March 12 Work session meeting Sept. 10 Work session meeting
March 24* City Council and work session meetings Sept. 15 City Council and work session meetings
April October
April 7 City Council and work session meetings Oct. 6 City Council and work session meetings
April 9 Work session meeting Oct. 8 Work session meeting
April 21 City Council and work session meetings Oct. 20 City Council and work session meetings
May November
May 5 City Council and work session meetings Nov. 12 Work session meeting
May 14 Work session meeting Nov. 17* City Council and work session meetings
May 19 City Council and work session meetings (one meeting in November on 3rd Tuesday)
June December
June 2 City Council and work session meetings Dec. 1 City Council and work session meetings
June 11* No work session meeting Dec. 10 Work session meeting
June 16 City Council and work session meetings Dec. 15 City Council and work session meetings
All regular city council meetings are broadcast live on CCX Media cable. The most recent meeting is rebroadcast
Sunday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 p.m.; Monday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m.; and Tuesday and Thursday at
1 p.m. Meeting webstreaming is available at www.nwsccc.org/crystal.aspx.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
City Council Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
7 p.m.
Council Chambers
The city manager’s comments are bolded.
1. Call to Order, Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance (led by Boy Scout Troop 542).
2. Approval of Agenda
The Council will consider approval of the agenda.
3. Consent Agenda
The Council will consider the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature, in a
single motion:
3.1. Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a. The City Council work session on September 12, 2019.
b. The City Council meeting on September 17, 2019.
c. The City Council work session on September 17, 2019.
3.2. Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk to the City Council, a list
that is on file in the office of the city clerk.
4. Open Forum
(The City Council appreciates hearing from citizens about items of concern and desires to set aside
time during each meeting for Open Forum. To provide ample opportunity for all, speaking time is
limited to three minutes and topic discussion is limited to ten minutes. The Mayor may, as presiding
officer, extend the total time allowed for a topic. By rule, no action may be taken on any item
brought before the Council during Open Forum. The Council may place items discussed during Open
Forum onto subsequent council meeting agendas.)
5. Regular Agenda
5.1. The Council will consider approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance
department to the city council, a list that is on file in the office of the finance department.
Recommend approval of disbursements over $25,000.
Crystal City Council Meeting Agenda
October 2, 2019
Page 2 of 2
5.2. The Council will consider a cancellation of purchase and development agreement with Acacia
Construction for the lots at 5160, 5168, and 5176 Louisiana Avenue North.
Earlier this year the City Council approved selling surplus properties at 5160, 5168 and 5176
Louisiana Avenue North to Acacia Construction for single family homes. Acacia Construction
was unable to meet the terms of the purchase agreement and staff is recommending
cancellation of the purchase and development agreement with Acacia Construction.
5.3. The Council will consider a resolution authorizing the sale of lots at 5160, 5168, and 5176
Louisiana Avenue North to Nal-I-Co Construction.
With the cancellation of the agreement with Acacia Construction for construction of single
family homes at 5160, 5168 and 5176 Louisiana Avenue North, those surplus properties are
available. Nal-I-Co Construction has submitted a proposal to purchase these lots and
complete the construction of single family homes on the lots. Recommend approval of the
resolution authorizing the sale of the lots at 5160, 5168 and 5176 Louisiana Avenue North to
Nal-I-Co construction for single family homes.
5.4. The Council will consider a resolution approving the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
By law cities are required to update their Comprehensive Plans periodically and in the metro
area, those plans are subject to review and approval by the Metropolitan Council. Last
December the City Council authorized staff to submit the Crystal 2040 Comprehensive Plan to
Metropolitan Council for review. On September 25 staff received notice the Metropolitan
Council approved the Plan. Recommend approval of the resolution adopting the Crystal 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
6. Announcements
a. A community and police forum will be held Saturday, October 5 at 10 a.m. at Crystal Community
Center.
b. The City Council will hold a work session on Thursday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. in Conference
Room A at City Hall.
c. The next Citizen Input Time is Tuesday, October 15 at 6 p.m. in Conference Room A at City Hall.
d. The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, October 15 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City
Hall.
e. The Crystal Business Association meets Wednesday, October 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the Community
Room.
f. Local organizations are invited to lead the pledge at City Council meetings; contact city staff for
information.
g. City Council meetings and work sessions are open to the public. Current and previous meetings
are available for viewing and listening at www.crystalmn.gov.
7. Adjournment
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Have a great weekend; see you at Wednesday’s meeting.
Crystal City Council work session minutes Sept. 12, 2019
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the work session of the Crystal City Council was held at 6:43 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2019 in Conference
Room A, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
I.Attendance
The city clerk recorded the attendance for City Council members and staff:
Council members present: Adams, Banks, Budziszewski, Deshler, LaRoche and Parsons.Absent: Kiser.
City staff present: City Manager A. Norris, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources Manager
K. Therres, City Attorney T. Gilchrist and City Clerk C. Serres.
II.Agenda
The Council and staff discussed the following items:
1.Handling Disruptions at Meetings and First Amendment Protections Related to Social
Media.
2.CCX Media on-camera interviewing training.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 8 p.m.
________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
3.1(a)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 17, 2019
Page 1 of 3
1.Call to Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the Crystal City Council was held on
Sept. 17, 2019 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N. in Crystal,
Minnesota. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
Roll Call
Mayor Adams asked the city clerk to call the roll for elected officials. Upon roll call, the following
attendance was recorded:
Council members present: Budziszewski, Deshler, Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.Absent: Banks.
City staff present: City Manager A. Norris, Assistant City Manager/Human Resources ManagerK. Therres, City Attorney T. Gilchrist, Community Development Director J. Sutter, Finance DirectorJ. McGann, Recreation Director J. Elholm, Public Works Director/City Engineer M. Ray, Police ChiefS. Revering and City Clerk C. Serres.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Adams led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2.Approval of Agenda
The Council considered approval of the agenda.
Moved by Council Member LaRoche and seconded by Council Member Deshler to approve the
agenda.
Motion carried.
3.Consent Agenda
The Council considered the following items, which are routine and non-controversial in nature, in a
single motion:
3.1 Approval of the minutes from the following meetings:
a.The City Council meeting on Sept. 3, 2019.
b.The City Council work session on Sept. 3, 2019.
3.2 Approval of the list of license applications submitted by the city clerk to the City Council, a list
that is on file in the office of the city clerk.
3.3 Approval of Resolution No. 2019-71, accepting the following donations:
a.$182.21 from donation boxes for Crystal Police K-9 Unit.
b.$ 3,000 from West Metro Fire-Rescue Relief Association for 2020 Crystal Frolics.
3.4 Approval of Resolution No. 2019-72, establishing deed restriction for Becker Park.
Moved by Council Member Parsons and seconded by Council Member Kiser to approve the consent
agenda.
Motion carried.
4.Open Forum
No public comment was given during open forum.
3.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 17, 2019
Page 2 of 3
5. Regular Agenda
5.1 The Council considered approval of disbursements over $25,000 submitted by the finance
department to the city council, a list that is on file in the office of the finance department.
Moved by Council Member LaRoche and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to approve
the list of disbursements over $25,000.
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Deshler, Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried.
5.2 The Council considered resolutions approving the preliminary 2020 budget and property tax and
HRA levies.
Finance Director Jean McGann addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member LaRoche to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2019 – 73
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2020 PROPOSED GENERAL FUND BUDGET,
2020 PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY,
SET PUBLIC INPUT DATE FOR THE 2020 BUDGET AND PRELIMNARY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Deshler, Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member LaRoche to adopt
the following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2019 – 74
RESOLUTION APPROVING 2020 PROPOSED ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PROPERTY TAX LEVY
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Deshler, Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
5.3 The Council considered tentative acceptance of a builder proposal for 5238 and 5244 Scott
Avenue North.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member Deshler and seconded by Council Member Budziszewski to approve
the tentative builder proposal for 5238 and 5244 Scott Avenue North.
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Deshler, Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried.
3.1(b)
Crystal City Council meeting minutes Sept. 17, 2019
Page 3 of 3
5.4 The Council considered a lot consolidation plat for 5232 and 5238 Scott Avenue North.
Community Development Director John Sutter addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member Parsons and seconded by Council Member LaRoche to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2019 – 75
RESOLUTION APPROVING SOO LINE PARK ADDITION FINAL PLAT
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Deshler, Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
5.5 The Council considered a resolution rescinding the parking restrictions on a portion of Sumter
Avenue North.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Mark Ray addressed the Council.
Moved by Council Member LaRoche and seconded by Council Member Parsons to adopt the
following resolution:
RESOLUTION NO. 2019 – 76
RESOLUTION RESCINDING THE PARKING RESTRICTIONS
ON SUMTER AVENUE BETWEEN 30TH AND 32ND AVENUES
Voting aye: Budziszewski, Deshler, Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.
Absent, not voting: Banks.
Motion carried, resolution declared adopted.
6. Announcements
The Council made several announcements about upcoming events.
7. Adjournment
Moved by Council Member Budziszewski and seconded by Council Member LaRoche to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
_____________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________________ Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
3.1(b)
Crystal City Council work session minutes Sept. 17, 2019
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the work session of the Crystal City Council was held at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2019 in Conference
Room A, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota. Mayor Adams called the meeting to order.
I.Attendance
The city clerk recorded the attendance for City Council members and staff:
Council members present: Budziszewski, Deshler, Kiser, LaRoche, Parsons and Adams.Absent: Banks.
City staff present: City Manager A. Norris, City Attorney T. Gilchrist, Community Development
Director J. Sutter, Finance Director J. McGann, Police Chief S. Revering and City Clerk C. Serres.
II.Agenda
The Council and staff discussed the following items:
1.City manager monthly update.
2.Constituent issues update.
3.New business.
4.Announcements.
III.Adjournment
The work session adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
3.1(c)
Page 1 of 1
City of Crystal Council Meeting
October 2, 2019
Applications for City License
Refuse Hauler
Lepage & Sons Inc 23602 University Ave NW Bethel, MN 55005
Rental – New
5749 Douglas Dr. N. – Fruen & Pfeiffer LLP (Conditional)
5242 Jersey Ave. N. – Pro Operam Sub X LLC (Conditional)
5222 Unity Ct. N. – NANDRI LLC (Conditional)
4755 Welcome Ave. N. – Independent Properties LLC (Conditional)
6629 41st Ave. N. – Jean Witthoft (Conditional)
Rental – Renewal
3518 Brunswick Ave. N. – Fletcher Schwartz
5153 Douglas Dr. N. – James and Bonnie McVeigh (Conditional)
5304 Fairview Ave. N. – MNSF (Conditional)
5700 Hampshire Ave. N. – Todd Campbell
4824 Idaho Ave. N. – Eleasah Tilseth
4088 Jersey Ave. N. – R L Pfeiffer and A J Pfeiffer (Conditional)
3501 Louisiana Ave. N. – Cambridge Apartments (Conditional)
3445 Major Ave. N. – Pooja and Asheesh Choudhary (Conditional)
3424 Regent Ave. N. – Jared Schmillen and LaAnna Wangerin
3149 Winnetka Ave. N. – Sarah and Taylor Doolittle
5509 Yates Ave. N. – Warren Jeung (Conditional)
3339 Zane Ave. N. – Alganesh Woldeabzgi
7225 32nd Ave. N. – Mark Edblom (Conditional)
6610-6614 50th Ave. N. – Jeff Petersen (Conditional)
3.2
DATE:September 24, 2019
TO:Anne Norris, City Manager
City of Crystal City Council
FROM:Jean McGann, Contracted Finance Director
RE:Expenditures over $25,000
Payee Amount
LOGIS Application Support and network services for September $35,545.95
Midway Ford Replacement vehicles 27 & 57 for Community Development $36,800.18
Nuss Truck & Equipment Replacement truck 315 $124,309.00
Waste Management (HRG)August HRG recycling costs $51,648.62
West Metro Fire Rescue District September contribution to West Metro Fire $100,522.40
Metropolican Council Environ Services Wastewater service for October $130,159.55
St. Croix Recreation Playground Becker Park stage shelter $54,939.00
Center for Energy & Environment Home improvement program costs $27,409.67
Kevitt Excavating LLC Install water and sewer service for Iron Horse lots $26,500.00
MN PERA Employee and city required contributions for 9/20/19 pay date $58,736.32
$646,570.69
Description
C:\Users\anorris\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Outlook\6NH9YAG1\Checks over $25000 Memo
5.1
_____________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
_____________________________________________________________________
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for October 2 meeting)
DATE: September 26, 2019
RE: Consider approving cancellation agreement with Acacia
Construction for the sale of 5160, 5168 and 5176 Louisiana Avenue
North (formerly part of Iron Horse Park)
On July 16 the City Council held a public hearing and then approved the sale o f three
lots at 5160, 5168, and 5176 Louisiana Avenue North to Acacia Construction for a total
price of $205,000. Acacia provided a signed purchase and development agreement and
$2,000 earnest money for each lot on July 25. The closing date was to be no later than
September 14.
On September 11, Acacia informed city staff that they would not be able to complete
the purchase of the properties due to unforeseen health issues on the part of a key
Acacia staff person. In normal circumstances the city would retain the earnest money
provided by Acacia. In these circumstances, staff recommends refunding the earnest
money to Acacia if a new builder closes on the lots by October 16 (see next paragraph).
To that end, Acacia has stated they will submit the signed Cancellation of Purchase and
Development Agreement (attachments B, C and D ) prior to the October 2 Council
meeting.
Dan Brown, the construction project manager who brought Acacia to the table during
the RFP process, still wants to proceed with the new homes on these lots. Mr. Brown
has secured a different builder, Nal-I-Co Contractors, and they have submitted a
proposal to purchase the lots for the same amount and build the same house plans as
Acacia (see agenda item 5.3). Prior to the October 2 Council meeting, Nal-I-Co will
provide a signed purchase and development agreement and $2,000 earnest money for
each lot. The closing deadline for Nal-I-Co is October 16.
If Nal-I-Co closes by October 16, then its earnest money will be applied to the
purchase price and Acacia’s earnest money will be refunded.
If Nal-I-Co does not close by October 16, then the city will retain Acacia’s earnest
money, and either seek a cancellation from Nal-I-Co or consider an extension to the
closing deadline if requested by Nal-I-Co.
A Council motion to approve the cancellation agreements with Acacia Construction
(attachments B, C, and D) is requested.
Council Staff Report
Cancel Purchase Agreement
with Acacia Construction
5.2
Attachment A
5.2
612764v2CR225-463
CANCELLATION OF PURCHASE AND REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
5160 Louisiana Avenue North, Crystal, MN 55422
This Cancellation of Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement entered into this __
day of ______________, 2019, by and between the City of Crystal, a public body corporate
and politic under the laws of the State of Minnesota (“City”) and Acacia Construction
L.L.C., a Minnesota corporation (“Acacia”).
WHEREAS, City and Acacia entered into a Purchase and Redevelopment
Agreement, dated July 16, 2019 (the “Purchase Agreement”) regarding the real property
legally described as follows:
Lot 1, Block 1, IRON HORSE ADDITION, Hennepin County, Minnesota (the
“Property”);
WHEREAS, City and Acacia desire to terminate the Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein
and other good and valuable consideration, City and Acacia hereby agree as follows:
1.Acacia represents and warrants to City that Acacia has not assigned,
transferred, or conveyed its interest in the Purchase Agreement or any interest in the
Property.
2.Acacia acknowledges that the $2,000.00 Earnest Money paid pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement is non-refundable and may be retained by the City. However, the City
will refund the Earnest Money to Acacia if Nal-I-Co Contractors, Inc. closes on the
purchase of the property on or before October 16, 2019.
3.The Purchase Agreement is hereby terminated and neither party shall have
any further rights or obligations thereunder. Acacia hereby acknowledges that it has no
interest in the Property.
Attachment B
5.2
612764v2CR225-463
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have executed this instrument the day
and date first above written.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
By _______________________
Its Mayor
By _______________________
Its City Manager
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ____ day of
_____________ 2019, by Jim Adams and Anne Norris, the Mayor and City Manager,
respectively, of the City of Crystal, a municipal corporation under the laws of Minnesota, on
behalf of the Authority.
Notary Public
5.2
612764v2CR225-463
ACACIA CNSTRUCTION L.L.C.
By: ______________________________
Its Chief Manager
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF __________ )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of
____________, 2019 by Mike Wallien, the Chief Manager of Acacia Construction L.L.C., a
Minnesota limited liability company, on behalf of the limited liability company.
Notary Public
This document was drafted by:
KENNEDY & GRAVEN, Chartered (MNI)
470 U.S. Bank Plaza
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Telephone: 337-9300
5.2
612964v1CR225-463
CANCELLATION OF PURCHASE AND REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
5168 Louisiana Avenue North, Crystal, MN 55422
This Cancellation of Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement entered into this __
day of ______________, 2019, by and between the City of Crystal, a public body corporate
and politic under the laws of the State of Minnesota (“City”) and Acacia Construction
L.L.C., a Minnesota corporation (“Acacia”).
WHEREAS, City and Acacia entered into a Purchase and Redevelopment
Agreement, dated July 16, 2019 (the “Purchase Agreement”) regarding the real property
legally described as follows:
Lot 2, Block 1, IRON HORSE ADDITION, Hennepin County, Minnesota (the
“Property”);
WHEREAS, City and Acacia desire to terminate the Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein
and other good and valuable consideration, City and Acacia hereby agree as follows:
1.Acacia represents and warrants to City that Acacia has not assigned,
transferred, or conveyed its interest in the Purchase Agreement or any interest in the
Property.
2.Acacia acknowledges that the $2,000.00 Earnest Money paid pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement is non-refundable and will be retained by the City. However, the City
will refund the Earnest Money to Acacia if Nal-I-Co Contractors, Inc. closes on the
purchase of the property on or before October 16, 2019.
3.The Purchase Agreement is hereby terminated and neither party shall have
any further rights or obligations thereunder. Acacia hereby acknowledges that it has no
interest in the Property.
Attachment C
5.2
612964v1CR225-463
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have executed this instrument the day
and date first above written.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
By _______________________
Its Mayor
By _______________________
Its City Manager
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ____ day of
_____________ 2019, by Jim Adams and Anne Norris, the Mayor and City Manager,
respectively, of the City of Crystal, a municipal corporation under the laws of Minnesota, on
behalf of the Authority.
Notary Public
5.2
612964v1CR225-463
ACACIA CNSTRUCTION L.L.C.
By: ______________________________
Its Chief Manager
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF __________ )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of
____________, 2019 by Mike Wallien, the Chief Manager of Acacia Construction L.L.C., a
Minnesota limited liability company, on behalf of the limited liability company.
Notary Public
This document was drafted by:
KENNEDY & GRAVEN, Chartered (MNI)
470 U.S. Bank Plaza
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Telephone: 337-9300
5.2
612965v1CR225-463
CANCELLATION OF PURCHASE AND REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
5176 Louisiana Avenue North, Crystal, MN 55422
This Cancellation of Purchase and Redevelopment Agreement entered into this __
day of ______________, 2019, by and between the City of Crystal, a public body corporate
and politic under the laws of the State of Minnesota (“City”) and Acacia Construction
L.L.C., a Minnesota corporation (“Acacia”).
WHEREAS, City and Acacia entered into a Purchase and Redevelopment
Agreement, dated July 16, 2019 (the “Purchase Agreement”) regarding the real property
legally described as follows:
Lot 3, Block 1, IRON HORSE ADDITION, Hennepin County, Minnesota (the
“Property”);
WHEREAS, City and Acacia desire to terminate the Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein
and other good and valuable consideration, City and Acacia hereby agree as follows:
1.Acacia represents and warrants to City that Acacia has not assigned,
transferred, or conveyed its interest in the Purchase Agreement or any interest in the
Property.
2.Acacia acknowledges that the $2,000.00 Earnest Money paid pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement is non-refundable and will be retained by the City. However, the City
will refund the Earnest Money to Acacia if Nal-I-Co Contractors, Inc. closes on the
purchase of the property on or before October 16, 2019.
3.The Purchase Agreement is hereby terminated and neither party shall have
any further rights or obligations thereunder. Acacia hereby acknowledges that it has no
interest in the Property.
Attachment D
5.2
612965v1CR225-463
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have executed this instrument the day
and date first above written.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
By _______________________
Its Mayor
By _______________________
Its City Manager
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ____ day of
_____________ 2019, by Jim Adams and Anne Norris, the Mayor and City Manager,
respectively, of the City of Crystal, a municipal corporation under the laws of Minnesota, on
behalf of the Authority.
Notary Public
5.2
612965v1CR225-463
ACACIA CNSTRUCTION L.L.C.
By: ______________________________
Its Chief Manager
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
) SS.
COUNTY OF __________ )
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _____ day of
____________, 2019 by Mike Wallien, the Chief Manager of Acacia Construction L.L.C., a
Minnesota limited liability company, on behalf of the limited liability company.
Notary Public
This document was drafted by:
KENNEDY & GRAVEN, Chartered (MNI)
470 U.S. Bank Plaza
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Telephone: 337-9300
5.2
_____________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
_____________________________________________________________________
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for October 2 meeting)
DATE: September 26, 2019
RE: Consider resolution approving the sale of 5160, 5168 and 5176
Louisiana Avenue North for new home construction
On July 16, the City Council held a public hearing and then approved the sale of three
lots at 5160, 5168, and 5176 Louisiana Avenue North to Acacia Construction for new
home construction. Acacia was to pay $205,000 for these lots, with a closing date no
later than September 14. Acacia subsequently decided not to complete the purchase
and signed a cancellation agreement for each lot (see agenda item 5.2).
Dan Brown, the construction project manager who brought Acacia to the table during
the RFP process, still wants to proceed with the new homes on these lots. Mr. Brown
has secured a different builder, Nal-I-Co Contractors. Nal-I-Co is a Minnesota licensed
builder with no enforcement actions, and they have submitted a proposal to purchase
the lots for the same amount and build the same house plans as Acacia (attachment
B). Prior to the October 2 Council meeting, Nal-I-Co will provide a signed purchase and
development agreement and $2,000 earnest money for each lot. The closing deadline
for Nal-I-Co is October 16.
All three homes would be two-story with attached three-car garages. Since a public
hearing has already been held for the sale of these lots, the city attorney has advised
that another public hearing is not required.
A Council motion to adopt the resolution approving the sale to Nal-I-Co Contractors
(attachment C) is requested.
Council Staff Report
Approve Sale of 5160, 5168,
and 5176 Louisiana Avenue
North
5.3
Attachment A
5.3
Attachment B 5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
CITY OF CRYSTAL
HENNEPIN COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2019 - ____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF
5160, 5168 AND 5176 LOUISIANA AVENUE NORTH
FOR NEW HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
WHEREAS, the City of Crystal (“the City”) is the owner of PID 08-118-21-13-0115 which has
been replatted as Iron Horse Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, Block 1 of Iron Horse Addition includes Lot 1 to be addressed as 5160 Louisiana
Avenue North, Lot 2 to be addressed as 5168 Louisiana Avenue North and Lot 3 to be
addressed as 5176 Louisiana Avenue North (“the Properties”); and
WHEREAS, the City solicited proposals from builders desiring to purchase the Properties and
construct thereon new single family houses; and
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2019 the City Council held a public hearing on the proposed sale of
the Properties and adopted Resolution 2019 -16 authorizing the sale of the Properties to Acacia
Construction (“Acacia”); and
WHEREAS, on July 25, 2019, Acacia executed a Purchase and Development Agreements for
each of the Properties, failed to close by the September 14, 2019 deadline, and on October 2,
2019 executed a Cancellation of Purchase Agreement for each of the Properties; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2019, Nal-I-Co Contractors, Inc. submitted a proposal to
purchase the Properties and construct thereon new single family houses, which is identical in
lot price, house design, terms of sale and all other material respects to the Acacia proposal
reviewed and considered at the July 16, 2019 public hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Crystal:
1.The sale of the Properties to Nal-I-Co Contractors, Inc. is authorized.
2.The public hearing requirement has been satisfied because the proposal from Nal-I-Co
Contractors, Inc. is identical in lot price, house design, terms of sale and all other
material respects to the Acacia proposal reviewed and considered at the July 16, 2019
public hearing.
3.The sale shall be completed in accordance with the terms of the Purchase and
Development Agreement in substantially the form on file in City Hall, and that the Mayor
and City Manager are hereby authorized to sign said Agreement and other documents
required to complete the sale of the Properties to Acacia.
Attachment C
5.3
Adopted this 2nd day of October, 2019.
____________________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
____________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk
5.3
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
PAGE 1 OF 2
___________________________________________________________________________
FROM: Dan Olson, City Planner
___________________________________________________________________________
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for October 2 Meeting)
DATE: September 26, 2019
RE: Consider adoption of a resolution to adopt the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
A. BACKGROUND
Since late 2017 city staff has been working with the Planning Commission to update the
current Comprehensive Plan. On December 18, 2018, after a public hearing by the
Planning Commission, the Council authorized staff to submit the final plan to the
Metropolitan Council for their review. After receiving the plan, Metropolitan Council
requested additional revisions to the plan. On September 25, 2 019, the Metropolitan
Council authorized the City of Crystal to place its 2040 Comprehensive Plan into effect.
At the October 2, 2019 meeting, the City Council is being asked to adopt a resolution to
adopt the 2040 plan.
Attachments:
A. Final 2040 Comprehensive Plan
B. Resolution
B. CHANGES TO PLAN SINCE DECEMBER 2018
The following are the more significant changes to the Comprehensive Plan since the
City Council last reviewed it on December 18th.
Chapter E (Land Use)
Added a land use category called “mixed use” for the area that contains the city’s
main commercial area. The mixed use area is the boundary for the two Town
Center zoning districts that the City Council approved last month.
Added a description of five policy proposals from the 2016 Bass Lake Road LRT
station area plan.
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
2040 Comprehensive Plan
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE
PAGE 2 OF 2
Chapter F (Housing)
Added a description of several tools that could be used to meet the city’s future
housing needs.
Chapter I (Non-Motorized Transportation)
Added more detailed information about the Crystal Lake and Bassett Creek
trails, the city’s two regional trails.
Chapter M (Water Resources)
Added forecasts for sanitary sewer flow, as well as information about Crystal’s lift
stations and methods to be used by to prevent and reduce excess stormwater
from infiltrating into the sanitary sewer system.
C. REQUESTED ACTION
City Council motion to approve the proposed resolution (Attachment B) is requested.
2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
POLICY AND LAND USE GUIDE
ADOPTED BY CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 2, 2019
Attachment A
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE/S
Chapter A – Process Overview 2
Chapter B – Community Designation 3 – 10
Chapter C – Demographic Baseline 11 – 12
Chapter D – Metropolitan Council Forecasts 13
Chapter E – Land Use 14 – 25
Chapter F – Housing 26 – 30
Chapter G – Roadway Jurisdiction 31 – 33
Chapter H – Roadway Functional Classifications 34 – 39
Chapter I – Non-Motorized Transportation 40 – 42
Chapter J – Public Transit 43 – 46
Chapter K – Aviation 47 – 53
Chapter L – Parks and Open Space 54 – 60
Chapter M – Water Resources 61 – 65
Appendices:
A. Bass Lake Road Station Area Plan
B. Commercial Market Analysis
C. Station Area Development Assessment
D. Unified Development Code and Official Zoning Map
E. Housing Gap Analysis
F. Park and Recreation System Master Plan
G. Long Term Plan
H. Proposed Local Surface Water Management Plan
I. Proposed Water Supply Plan
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 2
CHAPTER A: PROCESS OVERVIEW
As a municipality within the seven-county metropolitan planning area, Crystal is required to submit an
updated Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan Council in 2018. The Comprehensive Plan is the
city’s policy document and guide for land use and related decision-making used by the Planning
Commission and City Council when it makes decisions related to zoning, subdivision (platting), public
facilities and redevelopment. While the plan does not include detailed development concept plans for
particular sites or designs for public facilities improvements, it does set the stage and provide guidance
for such plans and designs to be developed later.
The Planning Commission was the body tasked with reviewing the proposed updates to the Plan. The
Commission met regularly between November 2017 and April 2018 to discuss the plan and held a
meeting on April 9, 2018 to receive public input. Public input was also solicited in the city’s newsletter
and on its website and social media. On June 5, 2018, the City Council approved the plan for submittal
to other governmental jurisdictions and agencies for a six month review and comment period, as
required by Metropolitan Council. The plan was also sent to the Metropolitan Council for a preliminary
review.
The following affected jurisdictions received the proposed Crystal 2040 Comprehensive Plan on June 6,
2018, with their responses noted below:
1. City of Brooklyn Center – Did not submit comments
2. City of Brooklyn Park – Had no comments
3. City of Golden Valley – Had no comments
4. City of Minneapolis – Did not submit comments
5. City of New Hope – Did not submit comments
6. City of Robbinsdale – Did not submit comments
7. Hennepin County – Comments were incorporated in the plan document
8. School District 281 – Did not submit comments
9. Minnesota Department of Transportation – Had no comments
10. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources - Comments were advisory in nature and no
policy changes were made in the plan document
11. Metropolitan Airports Commission – Comments were incorporated in the plan document
12. Three Rivers Park District – Comments were incorporated in the plan document
13. Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission – Did not submit comments
14. Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission – Did not submit comments
After comments were received from the Metropolitan Council and adjacent jurisdictions, the Planning
Commission held a public hearing on December 10, 2018 on the proposed 2040 plan. At the
December 18, 2018 City Council meeting, the Council directed that the final 2040 plan be submitted to
the Metropolitan Council.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 3
CHAPTER B: COMMUNITY DESIGNATION
In the “Thrive MSP 2040” document, the Metropolitan Council has established several different
community designations for different parts of the region. Crystal is among the areas classified as Urban
(see Figure B-1), which is described as those communities:
“…developed primarily during the economic prosperity between the end of World War II and
the economic recession of 1973-1975. These cities, adjacent to the Urban Center communities,
experienced rapid development to house the growing families of the baby boom era. With
considerable growth and development along highways, the Urban communities exhibit the
transition toward the development stage dominated by the influence of the automobile.”
FIGURE B-1 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL COMMUNITY DESIGNATION
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 4
LAND USE STRATEGIES AND POLICIES
In the “Thrive MSP 2040” document, Metropolitan Council has established general policy goals for all
communities in the seven-county area and specific policy goals for Urban communities. The following
are those policy goals, with comments from the city detailing how the policy is being implemented, or
is planned for implementation:
Policy 1: Align land use, development patterns and infrastructure to make the best use of public and
private investment.
STRATEGIES FOR ALL COMMUNITIES
• Plan for development to support forecasted growth at appropriate densities as articulated in the
land use policies for the Urban designation. Comment: The 2040 land use map and table will support
forecasted growth through a variety of strategies, including allowing accessory dwelling units,
reducing residential lot sizes and widths, promoting residential infill, and identifying redevelopment
areas in the city.
• Plan and develop interconnected and well-connected local streets, adequate stormwater
infrastructure, adequate water supply, and properly managed subsurface sewage treatment systems
to support local growth forecasts. Comment: As development is proposed, the city reviews these site
plan elements to ensure that streets and utilities are adequately providing these necessary services.
• Develop plans to improve conditions for and encourage walking and bicycling where appropriate.
Comment: The non-motorized transportation chapter of the Plan provides strategies for encouraging
walking and biking on city streets.
• Maintain, replace, or expand local facilities and infrastructure to meet growth and development
needs. Comment: As development is proposed, the city reviews these site plan elements to ensure that
infrastructure adequately provides these necessary services.
• Adopt and implement the local comprehensive plan following Metropolitan Council review.
Comment: The city intends to adopt a Comprehensive Plan as required by Minnesota statute 473.175.
STRATEGIES FOR URBAN COMMUNITIES
• Plan for forecasted population and household growth at average densities of at least 10 units per
acre for new development and redevelopment. Target opportunities for more intensive development
near regional transit investments at densities and in a manner articulated in the 2040 Transportation
Policy Plan. Comment: The 2040 land use map and table will support forecasted growth through a
variety of strategies, including allowing accessory dwelling units, reducing residential lot sizes and
widths, promoting residential infill, and identifying redevelopment areas in the city.
• Identify areas for redevelopment, particularly areas that are well-served by transportation options
and nearby amenities and that contribute to better proximity between jobs and housing. Comment:
The 2040 land use map shows potential redevelopment areas in proximity to the city’s main
commercial areas at West Broadway and Bass Lake Road and Douglas Drive and 42nd Avenue, as well
as proximity to the planned expansion of the Blue Line light rail transit (LRT).
• Lead detailed land use planning efforts around regional transit stations and other regional
investments. Comment: The past several years the city has worked with Metro Transit and Hennepin
County to implement the proposed extension of the Blue Line LRT system. The city is working to
implement a transit-oriented development (TOD) overlay zoning regulation within the proposed
station area.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 5
• Plan for and program local infrastructure needs (for example, roads, sidewalks, sewer, water, and
surface water), including those needed for future growth and to implement the local comprehensive
plan. Comment: As development is proposed, the city reviews these site plan elements to ensure that
infrastructure adequately provides these necessary services.
• Recognize opportunities for urban agriculture and small-scale food production. Comment: The city
currently allows raising of chickens, beekeeping, and community gardens.
Policy 2: Conserve, restore, and protect the region’s natural resources to ensure availability, support
public health and maintain a high quality of life.
STRATEGIES FOR ALL COMMUNITIES
• Include goals, priorities and natural resource conservation strategies in the local comprehensive
plan to protect and enhance natural resources identified in regional and local natural resource
inventories. Comment: The Park and Recreation System Master Plan, referenced in Chapter L of the
Comprehensive Plan, has identified some parks as “natural area/passive park.”
• Conserve, protect and interconnect open space to enhance livability, recreational opportunities and
habitats. Comment: The Park and Recreation System Master Plan has identified some parks as
“natural area/passive park.”
• Adopt and implement ordinances for the conservation and restoration of natural resources within
the community. Comment: The Park and Recreation System Master Plan has identified some parks as
“natural area/passive park.”
• Work with regional partners and regional park implementing agencies to identify, plan for, and
acquire natural areas and resources prime for preservation and protection. Comment: The city works
with Three Rivers Park District to construct regional trails and also on restoration efforts at MAC
Wildlife Area, which is on land owned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC).
STRATEGIES FOR URBAN COMMUNITIES
• Integrate natural resource conservation and restoration strategies into the local comprehensive
plan. Comment: The Park and Recreation System Master Plan has identified some parks as “natural
area/passive park”, which are areas set aside for preservation of natural resources and open space.
• Identify lands for reclamation, including contaminated land, for redevelopment and the restoration
of natural features and functions. Comment: The land use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan has
identified areas for future redevelopment. On some of these sites it may be necessary to address
contamination issues and improve the natural features of the site.
• Develop programs that encourage the implementation of natural resource conservation and
restoration. Comment: The Park and Recreation System Master Plan has identified some parks as
“natural area/passive park”, which are areas set aside for preservation of natural resources and open
space.
Policy 3: Conserve, restore, and protect the quality and quantity of the region’s water resources to
ensure ongoing availability, support public health, and maintain a high quality of life.
STRATEGIES FOR ALL COMMUNITIES
• Collaborate and convene with state, regional and local partners to protect, maintain, and enhance
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 6
natural resources protection and the protection of the quality and quantity of the region’s water
resources and water supply. Comment: The Joint Water Commission (JWC) owns and operates the
potable water supply for the cities of Crystal, New Hope and Golden Valley. The JWC has a water
supply plan, which is included in this Comprehensive Plan by reference. The city is also a member of
both the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission and the Shingle Creek Watershed
Management Commission.
• Prepare and implement local water supply plans and source water (wellhead) protection ordinances,
consistent with Minnesota Rules 4720, in all communities with municipal water supply. Comment: The
city is expecting to adopt these ordinances in 2018.
• Plan land use patterns that facilitate groundwater recharge and reuse, and reduce per capita water
use to protect the region’s water supply. Comment: A significant water infiltration project is planned
to be constructed in Becker Park in Crystal in 2019.
• Plan for sustainable water supply options and groundwater recharge areas to promote development
in accordance with natural resources protection and efficient use of land. Comment: The city is fully
developed, but is working on ordinances to allow for land use intensification in appropriate areas. The
city’s water source is surface water that is purchased from the city of Minneapolis and only has wells
for emergency backup use.
• Prepare and implement local surface water plans as required by Minnesota Rules Chapter 8410, the
Metropolitan Land Planning Act, and the 2040 Water Resources Policy Plan. Comment: The city has a
surface water management plan which is currently being updated.
• Reduce the excess flow of clear water into the local wastewater collection system (inflow and
infiltration). Participate in inflow/infiltration grant programs as available. Comment: The city has been
actively reducing inflow and infiltration (I & I) in a number of ways. In 2018 the city completed
replacement of all sanitary sewer manhole lids with solid covers. Sanitary sewer lining and
replacement have also occurred over the last few years.
• Adopt and enforce ordinances related to stormwater management and erosion control. Comment:
The city has recently updated the entire City Code, which included updates to the storm water
management and erosion control provisions.
• Adopt and implement best management practices for abating, preventing, and reducing point and
nonpoint source pollution. Comment: These practices were included in the recent updating of the City
Code related to storm water management and illicit discharge.
• Integrate drinking water source protection into local land use decisions, particularly in Drinking
Water Supply Management Areas. Comment: The city’s potable water is purchased from the city of
Minneapolis, which draws water from the Mississippi River. The only Drinking Water Supply
Management Area (DWSMA) that includes Crystal is a small area located in the northeast corner of
Brooklyn Center.
• Develop programs that encourage stormwater management, treatment, and infiltration. Comment:
The city has a stormwater management ordinance in its unified development code, and coordinates
with the city’s watershed commissions in the review of proposed development.
STRATEGIES FOR URBAN COMMUNITIES
• Implement best management practices to control and treat stormwater as redevelopment
opportunities arise. Comment: The city has a stormwater management ordinance in its unified
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 7
development code and coordinates with the city’s watershed commissions in the review of proposed
development.
• Explore alternative water supply sources to ensure alternative water resources beyond 2040.
Comment: The primary source of potable water is from the Mississippi River purchased from the city
of Minneapolis. The Joint Water Commission has three wells that are available for emergency use
only.
Policy 4: Promote housing options to give people in all life stages and of all economic means viable
choices for safe, stable and affordable homes.
STRATEGIES FOR ALL COMMUNITIES
• Prepare a local comprehensive plan that addresses the affordable housing plan requirements of the
Metropolitan Land Planning Act, including guiding sufficient land to support a community’s share of
the regional affordable housing need and an implementation section that identifies the programs,
fiscal devices, and official controls to be employed to address a community’s share of the regional
need for affordable housing. Comment: These housing issues are addressed in the housing and land
use chapters of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Review local ordinances, policies and partnerships to ensure they encourage and facilitate the
opportunity for the development or preservation of affordable and lifecycle housing. Comment: Much
of Crystal housing is considered affordable, but the city has recently implemented ordinances to
encourage affordable housing such as reducing residential lot areas and widths and allowing
accessory dwelling units.
• Identify and analyze local markets, location, condition, and availability of affordable units, both
publicly subsidized and naturally occurring, to inform the housing element of the local comprehensive
plan. Comment: The city has completed a housing gap analysis to inform future housing needs. This
analysis is summarized in the housing chapter of the Plan.
• Participate in Livable Communities Act programs by negotiating affordable and lifecycle housing
goals that support regional and local housing needs, and prepare a Housing Action Plan to address
those goals and become eligible to access grant funding to address local development and
redevelopment objectives. Comment: As noted in the housing chapter of the Plan, the city participates
in the Livable Communities program.
• Collaborate with partners, especially counties, to rehabilitate and preserve existing housing.
Comment: As noted in the housing chapter of the Plan, the city currently provides these housing
programs.
STRATEGIES FOR URBAN COMMUNITIES
Comment: The city’s housing stock is considered very affordable, such so that the Metropolitan Council
has identified that 25 affordable units are to be built in Crystal between 2021 and 2030 to assist in
meeting the region’s affordable housing needs. Nevertheless, the city has identified redevelopment
areas in the land use chapter of the Plan that will address higher density housing that may be defined
as affordable. The city has implemented ordinances to encourage affordable housing such as reducing
residential lot areas and widths and allowing accessory dwelling units.
• Designate land in the comprehensive plan to support household growth forecasts and address the
community’s share of the region’s affordable housing need through redevelopment at a range of
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 8
densities. Comment: The land use chapter of the Plan identifies redevelopment areas that will support
household growth forecasts.
• Plan for a mix of housing affordability in station areas along transitways. Comment: The city has
identified redevelopment areas in the land use chapter of the Plan where affordable housing may
occur.
• Plan for affordable housing that meets the needs of multigenerational households. Comment:
Redevelopment areas have been identified in the land use chapter of the Plan where affordable
housing could be constructed. The city has implemented ordinances to encourage affordable housing
such as reducing residential lot areas and widths and allowing accessory dwelling units.
• Use state, regional, and federal sources of funding, and/or financing and development tools allowed
by state law to facilitate the development of new lifecycle and affordable housing. Comment: The city
has demonstrated its willingness to partner with other organizations to provide funding to build new
affordable housing. Most recently in 2015, this funding assisted in the construction of a 130-unit
affordable senior apartment building in Crystal.
Policy 5: Sustain and improve a multi-modal transportation system to support regional growth,
maintain regional economic competitiveness, and provide choices and reliability for the system’s
users.
STRATEGIES FOR ALL COMMUNITIES
• Consider travel modes other than the car when reviewing land development plans to better connect
and integrate choices throughout all stages of planning. Comment: When reviewing proposed
development plans, the city looks for opportunities to make pedestrian and bicycle connections.
• Plan for and construct an interconnected system of local streets, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities
that is integrated with the regional system to minimize short trips on the regional highway system.
Comment: The city is fully developed but in reviewing development proposals, looks for opportunities
to connect new streets to the existing network and to pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
• Adopt access management standards that support state and county highway access and mobility
needs. Comment: The city works cooperatively to adhere to County and State access standards and
mobility needs.
• Plan for compatible land uses and air space adjacent to the system of regional airports. Comment:
The city has zoning regulations in place that provide for future compatible development adjacent to
the Crystal Airport.
• Participate in regional transportation planning activities to ensure that the metropolitan planning
process and regional transportation systems reflects local needs. Comment: The past several years,
Crystal has worked with Metro Transit and Hennepin County to implement the proposed extension of
the Blue Line LRT.
• Work with partners in communities, counties, and the region at large to coordinate transportation,
pedestrian, bicycle, and trail connections within and between jurisdictional boundaries. Comment:
Crystal has worked cooperatively with Three Rivers Park District and Hennepin County for the
extension of regional trails and to plan future pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
STRATEGIES FOR URBAN COMMUNITIES
• Develop comprehensive plans that focus on growth in and around regional transit stations and near
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 9
high-frequency transit services, commensurate with planned levels of transit service and the station
typologies (for example, land use mix, density levels) identified in the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan.
Comment: In the land use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, the city has identified a redevelopment
area around the proposed Bass Lake Road LRT station. The city is proposing to adopt new zoning
regulations that will focus redevelopment opportunities in this area.
• Develop local policies, plans, and practices that improve pedestrian and bicycle circulation, including
access to regional transit services, regional trails, and regional bicycle corridors. Comment: The city
works cooperatively with Three Rivers Park District and Hennepin County to improve and plan for
regional pedestrian and bicycle connections, such as the Crystal Lake and Bassett Creek Regional Trails.
• Consider implementation of travel demand management (TDM) policies and ordinances that
encourage use of travel options and decrease reliance on single-occupancy vehicle travel. Comment:
Although Crystal does not have what would be considered a larger employer that brings many workers
into the city at specific times, the city works to create an environment to reduce congestion at peak
travel times. These strategies include providing opportunities to bike or walk to work, and improving
pedestrian crossing through pavement markings.
• Engage private sector stakeholders who depend on or are affected by the local transportation
system to address local business needs such as routing, delivery, and potential land use conflicts.
Comment: The city has partnered with the traffic routing app, Waze, and is participating in the
Connected Citizens Program. This program brings citizens and cities together to provide current road
and traffic conditions. The vast majority of commercial areas in Crystal are along County highways of
higher functional classification.
• Adopt development standards that improve the user experience, circulation, and access for
bicyclists and pedestrians. Comment: As a fully developed city, Crystal has fewer opportunities to
create new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. However the city is actively working with Hennepin
County and Metro Transit to plan for improved pedestrian and bicycle connections around the
proposed Bass Lake Road LRT station.
• Adopt Complete Streets policies that improve safety and mobility for all road users. Comment: The
city is currently in the process of developing a number of policies to improve traffic safety and mobility,
which may include a Complete Streets policy.
Policy 6: Foster connected land use options to provide businesses and industries with access to
materials, markets, and talent.
• Strategies for all communities. Comment: The Plan identifies four redevelopment areas in the land
use chapter where redevelopment will lead to an intensification of land use, whether commercial or
residential redevelopment. The city has completed a market analysis (Appendices B and C) to inform
the proposed transit-oriented development zoning regulations. The market analysis included input
from potential developers of the redevelopment areas.
• Plan for the further development and intensification of existing and emerging job concentrations.
Comment: In the land use chapter of the Plan, the city has identified redevelopment areas where land
use intensification could occur. Many of these areas are currently zoned for commercial uses, and
redevelopment could assist in business expansion.
• Consider completing a community-based market analysis to better understand real estate needs for
commercial and industrial land. Comment: As part of planning for the proposed extension of the Blue
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 10
Line of the LRT, the city has completed a market analysis to inform the redevelopment of the area
around the proposed Bass Lake Road LRT station.
• Consider addressing economic competitiveness in the local comprehensive plan. Comment: The
market analysis note above addresses Crystal’s commercial strengths in attracting specific businesses.
• Preserve sites for highway and rail-dependent manufacturing and freight transportation. Comment:
Crystal is fully developed so this is not applicable.
• Engage with businesses and other employers to ensure their input is provided to the local
comprehensive plan. Comment: The city has engaged the business community in discussions relating
to the proposed transit-oriented development overlay area noted in the land use chapter of the Plan.
As the city continues to develop plans for these redevelopment areas, business stakeholders will
continue to be solicited for their input on the plans.
Policy 7: Promote sensitive land use and development patterns to achieve Minnesota’s adopted
greenhouse gas emissions goal at the regional scale, and to develop local resiliency to the impacts
of climate change.
• Comment: The city is amending its land use ordinances to allow market-driven land use
intensification within the redevelopment areas identified in the land use chapter of the plan and by
allowing for higher residential densities generally. This intensification reduces dependence on the
automobile.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 11
CHAPTER C: DEMOGRAPHIC BASELINE
Crystal is a predominantly single family detached residential community. It is largely a product of the
period immediately following World War II. As recently as 1945 the community was semi-rural with
some scattered subdivisions, but by 1970 the transition to suburban development was essentially
complete. After 1970 new housing occurred by infill of remaining vacant parcels or redevelopment of
existing land uses (see Figure C-1).
FIGURE C-1 CRYSTAL DEVELOPMENT HISTORY (HOUSING IN RED WAS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD)
Crystal has some of the lowest cost suburban housing in the Twin Cities regional market. This is
generally true for all housing types (single family, townhouse, apartments), for units of comparable
size/features, and for units with similar occupancy status (ownership vs. rental) when compared to
most other suburbs in the metropolitan region.
Census 2010 showed Crystal having 9,634 housing units:
7,280 (75.6%) were single family detached homes.
263 (2.7%) were single family attached (such as townhouses).
236 (2.4%) were in buildings with 2-4 living units.
1,855 (19.2%) were in buildings with more than 5 living units.
From April 1, 2010 through Dec. 31, 2017, the city has seen a net gain of 193 housing units:
63 single family detached homes.
130 in one apartment building (The Cavanagh).
Therefore as of January 1, 2018, Crystal is estimated to have 9,823 housing units:
7,343 (74.7%) single family detached (houses).
263 (2.7%) single family attached (townhouses).
232 (2.4%) in buildings with 2-4 units.
1,985 (20%) in buildings with more than 5 units.
Growth during the period 2010-2017 was due to the construction of single-family homes, including in-
fill development, and the construction of a 130-unit apartment building.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 12
In terms of housing unit occupancy, Census 2010 indicated that Crystal had a 95.3% occupancy rate,
with 9,183 occupied housing units. Of these, 6,847 (74.5%) were owner occupied and 2,336 (25.4%)
were renter occupied. The state average was 73% owner/27% renter; the U.S. average was 65%
owner/35% renter.
In terms of population, Crystal’s peak census year was 1970. The decrease in the average number of
persons per household (“Persons/HH” below) is the reason for the city’s population decline since
1970. This has been occurring in most fully developed communities. In Crystal’s case, these trends
appear to be leveling out: Household size in the 2010 census was 2.39 persons per household – the
same number as in the 2000 census.
YEAR HOUSEHOLDS PERSONS/HH POPULATION
1950 1,591 3.59 5,713
1960 5,922 4.10 24,280
1970 8,313 3.72 30,925
1980 8,994 2.84 25,543
1990 9,292 2.56 23,788
2000 9,389 2.39 22,698
2010 9,183 2.39 22,151
TABLE C-1 CENSUS DATA SUMMARY
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 13
CHAPTER D: METROPOLITAN COUNCIL FORECASTS
In 2017 Metropolitan Council forecast the change in population, households and employment for
each planning jurisdiction in the region through 2040. Their forecasts for the region, each county, and
each municipality in Hennepin County are summarized below (see Figure D-1).
FIGURE D-1 THRIVE MSP 2040 FORECASTS
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 14
CHAPTER E: LAND USE
The Land Use chapter’s main component is the 2040 planned land use map, which is the primary basis
for the city’s zoning map. In this chapter actual land use in 2018 is contrasted with the 2040 planned
land use map.
LAND USE CATEGORIES
• The following land use categories are shown on Tables E-1 and E-3 and Figures E-1 and E-4, which
are the 2018 existing and 2040 planned land uses in Crystal. On Table E-1, the comparison of the
2010 land uses of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan is not an exact comparison to the 2018 existing land
uses. This is due to redefining the institutional category for the 2040 plan, the classification of
undeveloped parcels into an appropriate future land use, and the reclassification of the MAC Wildlife
Area from the airport category to the park category.
• Low Density Residential. Not less than 1 unit per acre nor more than 6 units per acre. This category
typically includes single and two-family dwellings.
• Medium Density Residential. Not less than 6 units per acre nor more than 16 units per acre. This
category typically includes single and two-family dwellings, but also multi-family dwellings.
• High Density Residential. Not less than 16 units per acre nor more than 40 units per acre. This
category typically includes multi-family dwellings.
• Commercial. Retail, offices, restaurants, and some automobile-oriented businesses (on certain
corridors designated in the city’s unified development code).
Mixed Use. Mixed use is a new category for the 2040 planned land use map. The category includes
a vertical or side-by-side mixture of multiple family residential institutional, commercial and industrial
uses. Residential uses may be not less than 25 units per gross acre nor more than 50 units per gross
acre. The city expects that approximately 50 percent of land within this guidance will develop as
residential. The city is proposing to create new zoning regulations for this area that will allow for this
use mixture, as well as reduced parking ratios and building placement guidelines.
• Industrial. Manufacturing, storage, and some automobile-oriented businesses (on certain corridors
designated in the city’s unified development code).
• Park. Includes both active and passive outdoor recreation. If these properties are redeveloped for
other uses, then the properties would be planned for low residential development.
• Institutional. This category includes churches, schools, cemeteries, and publicly-owned properties.
If these properties are redeveloped for other uses, then the properties would be planned for low
residential development.
• Rail Corridor. Property owned by Canadian Pacific or Burlington Northern Santa Fe for their
respective railroad tracks and related facilities.
• Crystal Airport. Property owned by Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) for the operation of
the Crystal Airport.
• Roadway Right-of-Way. This category includes not only right-of-way dedicated by plat or easement,
but also parcels used for right-of-way purposes.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 15
Within Urban Service
Area
Allowed Density Range
Housing Units/Acre
Land Area
Existing (in
acres and
percentage of
land use)
Land Area
Existing (in
acres and
percentage of
land use)
Minimum Maximum 2010 2018
Low Density Residential 1 6
1,767.64
(47.8%)
1786.93
(48.3%)
Medium Density
Residential 6 16 27.87 (.75%) 26.39 (.71%)
High Density Residential 16 40 91.27 (2.5%) 96.51 (2.6%)
Commercial 149.15 (4%) 149.65 (4.1%)
Industrial 91.15 (2.5%) 98.48 (2.7%)
Park 195.56 (5.3%) 246.50 (6.7%)
Institutional/Undeveloped 238.19 (6.4%) N/A
Institutional N/A 191.86 (5.2%)
Rail Corridor 47.48 (1.3%) 46.89 (1.3%)
Crystal Airport 334.46 (9.1%) 286.66 (7.8%)
Roadway Right of Way 753.78 (20.4%) 767.13 (20.8%)
TOTAL
(all sewered; there are no
unsewered areas in Crystal)
3,696.55 3,697
TABLE E-1 2018 EXISTING LAND USE
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 16
FIGURE E-1 2018 EXISTING LAND USE MAP
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 17
RESOURCE PROTECTION ITEMS RELATED TO LAND USE
Historic Sites. There are no properties in Crystal listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hennepin County has identified 64 homes in Crystal built prior to 1919. All of these houses are
currently in private ownership. The homeowners will necessarily make the decisions regarding
preservation of these buildings. The city requires that buildings be maintained and provides incentives
for home improvements.
Environmental Sustainability. The city has adopted the following policies to encourage
environmental sustainability:
1. The city’s unified development code contains an explicit declaration allowing variances which
are necessary for solar energy systems to have access to direct sunlight.
2. In 2018 the city also adopted a new zoning regulation that made it easier for property owners
to install solar energy systems.
3. In 2014, the city began implementation of best practices as established by the Minnesota
GreenStep Cities program.
4. The city participates in Xcel Energy’s Community Energy Reports program.
The city does have solar resources, shown in Table E-2, available for alternative energy production, as
calculated by the Metropolitan Council in 2017 based on exposure to sunlight. The gross solar
generation potential and the gross solar rooftop generation potential are estimates of how much
electricity could be generated using existing tehnology and assumptions on the efficiency of
conversion. The values in the table are not intended to demonstrate the amount of solar likely to
develop within Crystal. Instead the calculations estimate the potential resource before removing areas
unsuitable for solar development or factors related to solar energy efficiency. Figure E-2, also from
the Metropolitan Council, shows gross solar potential for Crystal.
TABLE E-2 POTENTIAL SOLAR RESOURCES IN CRYSTAL
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 18
FIGURE E-2: CRYSTAL’S GROSS SOLAR POTENTIAL
Aggregate Deposits. Information Circular #46 from the Minnesota Geological Survey indicates that
there are no natural aggregate deposits in Crystal.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 19
REDEVELOPMENT
This section identifies areas of the city, shown on the 2040 planned land map, where there is a
significant potential for redevelopment to occur. The city believes that there is strong potential for
redevelopment to occur in any number of these areas due to natural market forces, the city’s desire
to replace blighted or functionally obsolete land uses, or a combination of both.
GENERAL REDEVELOPMENT GOALS
There are areas of the city where redevelopment is likely to be considered at some point in the future.
The identification of these areas does not mean that it is definite that redevelopment would occur
within the time frame of this plan. Depending on the specific site characteristics and market forces at
the time of redevelopment, the physical extent of redevelopment activities may be greater or less
than the area shown in this plan. Key parcels have been identified that appear to be most likely to
trigger redevelopment in each area, but they are not absolutely essential for redevelopment to occur
in most of these areas. Areas not indicated as potential redevelopment areas in this plan are not
precluded from being redeveloped.
Many of the descriptions of the potential redevelopment areas indicate that the likely new use would
be medium or high density residential. This is a function of the cost of redevelopment in that the new
use must be of higher density for the project to be financially feasible. Each project would have to be
examined on its own merits and with due consideration to the characteristics of the surrounding area
and community input.
Redevelopment projects may be completely privately financed, or receive some assistance from the
city and its Economic Development Authority (EDA). Such assistance may take the form of tax
increment financing, tax abatement, housing tax credits, grants from other units of government, or
other funding sources. Each request for financial assistance will be evaluated in accordance with the
policies and procedures governing each respective funding source.
Due to a combination of market realities, financial constraints, limited eminent domain powers and
community concerns about density, traffic, change in general and other issues, it would be unrealistic
to expect that all of the areas described in this section will be redeveloped within the time frame of
this plan. Instead, this plan should be viewed as a menu from which citizens, developers, the Planning
Commission, the EDA and the City Council may compare and contrast various redevelopment
opportunities within the city, and select the best project sites for redevelopment.
Redevelopment projects may trigger, or be triggered by, adjacent public improvements such as
roadway reconstruction, water and sewer upgrades, or streetscaping. In cases where near-term
public improvements are being considered in a potential redevelopment area, but no redevelopment
project is imminent, due consideration will be given to the impact of said improvements on the future
redevelopment potential of the area.
DESCRIPTIONS OF SPECIFIC POTENTIAL REDEVELOPMENT AREAS
The following is a description of four potential redevelopment areas in Crystal as shown on the 2040
planned land use map (see Figure E-3).
Areas A and C. These existing commercial areas may see redevelopment within the timeframe of this
plan as a result of the planned extension of the Blue Line of the region’s light rail line (LRT) transit
system. As discussed in more detail in chapter J of this plan, Metro Transit is planning a LRT station at
the intersection of Bass Lake Road and Highway 81 (Bottineau Boulevard) in Crystal. In addition, a LRT
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 20
station is planned at 42nd Avenue North and Bottineau Boulevard in downtown Robbinsdale, about
one mile from area C. Both redevelopment areas are also accessed by Metro Transit bus routes. As of
the writing of this plan, the city is considering new development zoning regulations for its proposed
redevelopment areas. These regulations could include allowing a mix of commercial and residential
uses, reduced parking ratios, and building placement guidelines. Area A has been guided on the 2040
map for mixed use development.
Although a small portion, approximately 31 acres, of the 63rd Avenue station area lies within Crystal a
majority of the station area lies within Brooklyn Park. The City of Crystal did not participate in the
creation of the 63rd Avenue station area plan. The 63rd station area within Crystal consists of a 13 acre
city-owned community park and single-family homes, neither of which provides favorable
redevelopment opportunities. As such, the portion of the 63rd station area within Crystal is not
designated as a redevelopment area.
A station area plan (Appendix A) for the Bass Lake Road LRT station was completed in 2016 to envision
new land uses within ½ mile of the proposed station. This plan designated potential “opportunity
sites” in what is proposed as area A that have redevelopment potential under the right set of
circumstances. Decisions to participate in redevelopment would be made by individual property
owners based on market opportunity. However since 2016 the city has undertaken projects to
improve the public realm that were first described in the station area plan. These projects include a
streetscape plan along Bass Lake Road between Highway 81 (Bottineau Boulevard) and West
Broadway Avenue, and a redevelopment of Becker Park to transition the park from a sports facility use
to a community gathering area with improved pedestrian connections to both the LRT station and the
surrounding commercial area. It is hoped that improving the public realm in these ways will spur
redevelopment in the station area.
The Bass Lake Road LRT station area plan has policy recommendations for the city’s 2040
comprehensive plan. The following are those policy recommendations, with comments from the city
detailing how the policy is being implemented, or is planned for implementation. Detailed
information about these recommendations are found in the relevant chapters of this plan.
1. Prioritize development opportunities around the station area. The city has created
redevelopment Area A surrounding the proposed station. The boundary of the
redevelopment area adjacent to the LRT station is based on the “opportunity sites”
described in the station area plan.
2. Allow flexibility for higher densities in the station area. This plan requires that any
residential development in Area A be at least 25 units per gross acre, and states as a policy
goal to create new zoning regulations that will allow a mix of uses, including multiple-family
development, within Area A. These new regulations will also reduce parking ratios and
reduce building setbacks from the street.
3. Emphasize streetscape improvements in the station area. In 2018 the city completed
streetscape improvements on the north side of Bass Lake Road within the station area. In
2019 the city is reconstructing Becker Park which will include connections to existing and
planned regional trails.
4. Prioritize pedestrian and bicycle connections in the station area. The improvements
described in number 3, above, will improve the pedestrian experience through better
connections from the proposed station to the city’s main commercial area.
5. Make Becker Park an important element of the station area. The city has completed a
master plan for Becker Park and construction on improvements to the park are slated to
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 21
begin in 2019. The goal of the improvements is to create a community gathering area in
the park, which is adjacent to the proposed station. The city also has a goal of creating new
zoning regulations that will allow a mix of commercial and higher density residential land
uses around Becker Park that will further contribute to the community’s use of the park and
LRT transit system.
In 2018 a market analysis was completed for four of the five cities along the proposed 13-mile LRT
corridor (Appendices B and C). A station area development assessment was completed that provided
input from several developers on how LRT service may impact the various station areas. Developers
stated that the strength of the Bass Lake Road station area is its abundance of retail, anchored by the
recently renovated Crystal Shopping Center. The demographic make up and condition of some
properties were seen as challenges. This plan proposes to offset these challenges by making
improvements to the public realm as described above.
Area B. This site is the Former Canadian Pacific Railway (CPRR) property west of Douglas Drive and
north of the CPRR tracks and contains existing commercial uses adjacent to a single-family residential
neighborhood. The zoning of the site no longer allows new commercial uses, but the existing uses
may continue in their present form. The following are considerations for re-use, expansion or
redevelopment of this area.
1. Any expansion of existing uses or redevelopment of the property shall be compatible with
adjacent residential land uses, including but not limited to issues of traffic, parking, noise,
hours of operation, buffering, screening, impervious coverage, building size, form and
materials. Uses that are considered incompatible with the adjacent area are those that are
customer-intensive commercial uses such as retail or medical office, and auto-related
businesses, such as vehicle wash, sales or repair.
2. The site development standards in the city’s unified development code shall be applicable to
any re-use, expansion or redevelopment of the site. However, no building’s height shall
exceed any of the following: 3 stories, 40 feet, or the building’s setback from the east, west or
north boundaries of the property.
3. Vehicular access shall be primarily from Douglas Drive and access from Idaho Avenue shall be
minimized.
Area D. This area mostly contains a mix of smaller commercial uses and vacant parcels, adjacent to
low density residential. There is some potential for redevelopment along the east side of Douglas
Drive, but it would be challenging due to topographic conditions and a need to acquire some houses
to assemble an optimally sized site. Redevelopment of the west side, along the unimproved
Edgewood Avenue north of 34th Avenue, is mainly limited by fragmented property ownership but
otherwise appears to be a good candidate for infill development. The city is considering new
development zoning regulations for area D. These regulations could include allowing a mix of
commercial and residential uses, reduced parking ratios, and building placement guidelines.
LAND USE CHANGES TO ACCOMMODATE DEVELOPMENT BY 2040
It is expected that redevelopment of some existing land uses will occur in addition to the land use
changes anticipated on the 2040 map (see Figure E-3). Redevelopment will be driven by market
forces, owners’ willingness to sell, and input from the community on specific land use proposals. In
2010, the city had 9,183 households and is projected to grow to 9,700 households by 2040. This
represents a growth of 517 households during this 30 year period. Table E-3 provides a scenario
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 22
under which housing units could be constructed to meet the needs of this projected population
increase. Some of the projected population growth can be accommodated by accessory dwelling
units. In 2018 the city revised its zoning regulations to allow more property owners to construct
this type of residential living space.
LAND USE IMPLEMENTATION ITEMS
The official controls for Crystal is its Unified Development Code (UDC), which are the zoning and
subdivision regulations for the city. These official controls serve as a measure of employment-bearing
land use intensity by regulating the following:
1. Commercial building height. In 2018 the City Council approved an amendment to the zoning
regulations to increase the allowable building height in commercial and industrial areas to 5
stories or 60 feet, whichever is less. Taller buildings may be allowed with a conditional use
permit approved by the City Council.
2. Lot coverage. The city has zoning requirements that allow 85 or 90 percent of a property to be
impervious surface in commercial and industrial areas.
3. Building setbacks. The city has long-standing regulations in place to require that commercial
buildings meet specific locational (setback) standards. In 2019 the City Council is expected to
consider additional UDC amendments relating to building placement for its commercial areas.
4. Lot area, width and depth. The city has regulations in place as minimum standards for lot area,
width and depth for commercial and industrial properties.
In 2018 the City Council approved a complete update to the UDC, which is found in Appendix D, along
with the city’s Official Zoning Map. The 2018 update included regulations to allow more dwelling units
in the city, such as new regulations for accessory dwelling units and reduced lot size requirements.
In 2019 the City Council is expected to consider additional UDC amendments to create new regulations
governing the redevelopment areas described in this chapter. These proposed changes would allow a
mix of residential and commercial uses, reduced parking ratios, alternative building placement, and
higher densities.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 23
FIGURE E-3 2040 PLANNED LAND USE MAP
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 24
Number of Housing Units Time period Description of growth
193 April 1, 2010 to December
31, 2017
Net gain of units during this
period based on building
permits issued.
20 January 1, 2018 to April 1,
2020
Number of single-family
homes anticipated based on
historic trends and available
lots.
74 Present to 2040 Number of accessory
dwelling units that could be
constructed based on a
conservative estimate that
1% of homes would add
such a unit by 2040.
+230 Present to 2040 The city has identified four
redevelopment areas in the
2040 plan, totaling 276
acres. Area A has been
guided for mixed use
development and the city is
expecting to adopt new
zoning regulations in 2019
that will allow for multi-
family residential
development at minimum
density of 25 units per acre
within that area. While it is
impossible to predict which
sites within those 276 acres
will redevelop by 2040, the
household forecast would
be met with redevelopment
of less than 10 acres by
2040.
TABLE E-3 HOUSING UNIT GROWTH TO MEET METROPOLITAN COUNCIL’S PROJECTIONS
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 25
TABLE E-4 2040 PLANNED LAND USE
Within
Urban
Service Area
Allowed Density Range
Housing Units/Acre
Land Area
Existing
(in acres)
and
percentage
of land
use
Land Area
Planned
(in acres)
and
percentage
of land
use
Land Area
Planned
(in acres)
and
percentage
of land
use
Land Area
Planned
(in acres)
and
percentage
of land
use
Number
Change
(in
acres)
Percent
Change
Estimated
percentage
of land in
residential
use (2040)
Minimum Maximum 2018 2020 2030 2040
2018-
2040
2018-
2040
Low Density
Residential 1 6
1786.93
(48.3%)
1786.13
( 48.3%)
1772.29
( 47.9%)
1758.45
(47.56%) - 28.48 - 1.59
90
Medium
Density
Residential 6 16
26.39
(.71%)
26.92
(.73%)
35.64
(.99%)
44.35
(1.2%) 17.96 68.06
90
High
Density
Residential 16 40
96.51
(2.6%)
94.57
(2.5%)
88.98
(2.4%)
83.39
(2.3%) -13.12 -13.59
90
Commercial
149.65
(4.1%)
146.65
(9.9%)
94.07
(2.5%)
41.48
( 1.12%) - 108.17 -72.28
20
Mixed Use 25 50
Not
Applicab
le
6.0
(.02%)
77.70
(2.1%)
149.39
(4.04%)
Not
Applicab
le
Not
Applica
ble
50
Industrial
98.48
(2.6%)
96.51
(2.6%)
82.41
(2.2%)
68.30
(1.8%) -30.18 - 30.65
0
Park 246.50
(6.7%)
246.74
(6.7%)
252.74
(6.8%)
258.74
(6.99%) 12.24 4.97
0
Institutional 191.86
(5.2%)
191.03
(5.1%)
190.73
(5.2%)
190.42
( 5.2%) -1.44 -0.75
0
Rail
Corridor
46.89
(1.3%)
46.89
(1.3%)
46.89
(1.3%)
46.89
(1.3%) 0 0
0
Crystal
Airport
286.66
(7.8%)
286.66
(7.8%)
278.66
(7.6%)
286.66
(7.4%) 0 0
0
Roadway
Right of
Way
767.13
(20.8%)
769.13
(20.8%)
.769.13
(20.8%)
769.13
(20.8%) 2 .26
0
TOTAL
(all sewered;
there are no
unsewered
areas in
Crystal) 3,697 3,697 3,697 3, 697 0 0
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 26
CHAPTER F: HOUSING
The housing chapter describes the current housing types found in the city and forecasts changes in
the number of housing units and population for the planning period through 2040. It also contains the
city’s goals and policies related to housing preservation and new development.
EXISTING HOUSING CONDITIONS
As described in chapter E, the city has four classifications for residential development:
Low Density Residential. A minimumum of 1 unit per acre.
Medium Density Residential. A minimum of 6 units per acre.
High Density Residential. A minimum of 16 units per acre.
Mixed Use. The mixed use category will allow multi-family residential at a minimum density
of 25 units per acre. The city expects that approximately 50 percent of land within this
guidance will develop as residential.
In 2016 Metropolitan Council conducted an existing housing assessment for Crystal. The following are
those findings, based on total housing units of 9,763 and total households of 9,461:
Affordability:
295 units affordable to households with income at or below 30% of Average Medium Income
(AMI)
2,261 units affordable to households with income 31% to 50% of (AMI)
6,624 units affordable to households with income 51% to 80% of (AMI). Figure F-1 is a map
identifying estimated market value for Crystal homes in 2018. Those homes at or below
$243,500 are affordable for a household earning 80% AMI.
Owner-Occupied versus rental units:
Owner-occupied: 6,866 units (70%)
Rental units: 2,897 units (30%)
Publicy subsidized units: 215 units
Cost-burdened households:
Income at or below 30% of AMI: 790
Income 31 to 50% of AMI: 687
Income 51 to 80% of AMI: 733
HOUSING NEEDS
One of the most important needs is to preserve the bulk of the city’s existing, relatively affordable
housing stock while encouraging development of additional housing to meet needs not addressed by
the city’s existing housing stock.
In 2018 a housing gaps analysis (Appendix E) was completed for four of the five cities along the
proposed 13-mile corridor for the extension of the Blue Line of the light rail transit (LRT) system. The
extension of the LRT transit service is described in more detail in chapter J. The first part of the report
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 27
FIGURE F-1 2018 ESTIMATED HOUSING MARKET VALUES MAP
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 28
provided information about existing conditions about the corridor, including the types of existing
housing and demographic characteristics. Other sections of the report include interviews with real
estate professional and community stakeholders to determine the future housing needs along the
corridor.
For the proposed LRT Bass Lake Road station in Crystal, a future housing demand of 400-600 units was
identified in the report. This housing would be primarily multifamily in the form of rental apartments,
senior housing, and multifamily condominiums. With several potential redevelopment sites within the
½ mile radius of the station, the station area could accommodate most of Crystal’s projected
household growth through 2040, and meet the city’s goal of a minimum of 25 dwelling units per acre
within the proposed Bass Lake Road station area.
TOOLS TO ADDRESS HOUSING NEEDS
The following are several tools that city has used and will continue to consider using to address
housing needs at all levels of affordability within the community:
1. Economic Development Authority (EDA). The city has an established EDA that functions to
address housing needs in two capacities. First, through its lot sale program in which structurally
substandard or functionally obsolete homes are purchased, the building demolished, and the lot
sold for the construction of a new home. Second, the EDA provides home improvement assistance
to residents to maintain and improve their homes. The EDA will continue to participate in these
two programs.
2. Metropolitan Livable Community Act (LCA). The city participates in the livable communities
program which is administered by the Metropolitan Council. In 2013 LCA funding was used to
assist in the development of a 130-unit affordable senior apartment building by removing
hazardous asbestos material from the building that previously occupied the site.
3. Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The city has used TIF financing to advance various commercial and
residential projects. Most recently TIF financing was used for the Bass Lake Road streetscape
improvements within the proposed Bass Lake Road LRT station area.
4. Zoning and subdivision ordinances. In 2018 the City Council adopted ordinances to reduce lot
sizes for single-family homes and duplexes and to allow accessory dwelling units, both of which
provide options for creating new and affordable housing options.
5. Rental licensing and inspection programs. The city’s program has been helpful to preserve the
quality of naturally occurring affordable rental housing through annual license renewal, consistent
code enforcement and regular inspections, and effective handling of tenant complaints.
6. Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE). The city participates in CEE programs designed to
preserve the city’s affordable housing by offering home improvement assistance to households
below 110% of area median income.
7. Housing bonds and Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The city has acted as a pass-through for
housing bonds and low income housing tax credits for multiple projects.
8. Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG). Low income homeowners with home repair
needs are eligible for a no-interest, deferred loan.
The following additional tools are available to address housing needs. The city may use some or all of
these tools, dependent upon a specific development project. The city will make a determination by
the end of 2027 if these tools will be used or not.
1. Housing bonds
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 29
2. Tax abatement
3. Programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
a. HOME Investment Partnerships
b. Project Based Rental Assistance
4. Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG)
5. Affordable Housing Incentive Fund (AHIF) administered by Hennepin County
6. Homes Within Reach and other community land trusts
7. Site assembly, either through the city’s EDA or by partnering with the Land Bank Twin Cities.
8. Consolidated Request for Proposals coordinated by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
9. Providing affordable housing resources and referrals to existing or future residents including
first time homebuyer, down payment assistance and foreclosure prevention programs
10. Housing Improvement Areas (see Minnesota State Statutes, sections 428A.11 to 428A.21)
11. Participation in housing-related organizations, partnerships and initiatives
HOUSING POLICIES
1. Preserve most of the city’s existing single family detached houses. About 75% of the city’s housing
units are detached single family houses, and these are relatively affordable when compared to
houses in other suburbs in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. The vast majority of the city’s
existing houses will remain, making preservation critically important. Preservation activities may
include not only repairs and maintenance but also major renovations and additions that
significantly transform and update an existing house.
2. Preserve most of the city’s other housing types, such as townhouses, duplexes and apartments,
and also seek opportunities to eliminate blighted, structurally substandard or functionally
obsolete properties.
3. Increase the availability of new housing of the type currently underrepresented in Crystal’s
housing stock, such as move-up single family houses, multi-family apartments, and senior
independent living rental or co-op units. This policy recognizes that redevelopment will be
controlled and limited by market demand, physical constraints, financial and political realities, and
a limited legal environment for the use of eminent domain.
4. Metropolitan Council has established the city’s share of the region’s needed additional affordable
housing for 2021-2030 as 25 units. The following is a breakdown of the number of these units by
area median income (AMI):
At or below 30% of AMI – 14 units
From 31-50% of AMI - 1 unit
From 51-80% of AMI – 10 units
The city expects to meet this need with construction of additional multi-family housing.
Consistent with Table E-4, the city expects that 78 acres of land guided as Mixed Use will be
available for development by 2030.
HOUSING IMPLEMENTATION ITEMS
1. Continue participation in the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act (LCA), including compliance
with the 1995 housing goals agreement. Crystal is already meeting the goals contained within that
agreement. If the housing goals of this program are amended in the future, the city will consider
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 30
how it may continue to participate in the program. The city will also consider adopting a Fair
Housing Policy when it considers continuing LCA participation for the 2021-2030 decade.
2. Use regulatory tools to protect life and property, and to preserve the existing housing stock.
Crystal is currently using the following regulatory tools:
Rental licensing and inspections program.
General code enforcement activities to promote community maintenance and upkeep
including enforcement actions necessary to gain compliance with city code.
Continue incentives for preservation of the of the city’s existing single family detached houses.
Specific city-funded programs limited to households below 110% of area median income
including:
Crystal grant program which provides grants for 20% of eligible home improvement costs.
The Community Fix-Up Fund.
Both programs are administered by the Center for Energy and the Environment, which also
provides technical assistance.
3. Acquire blighted, structurally substandard and functionally obsolete residential property for
demolition and replacement with new houses in accordance with the city’s Economic
Development Authority’s (EDA) on-going program, budget parameters and market conditions.
4. Work with developers to incorporate the construction of new housing consistent with the city’s
housing goals into redevelopment projects as appropriate for the redevelopment site. Through
this policy, the city intends to meet the need for development of at least 25 new affordable units,
and 25 dwelling units per acre within the proposed Bass Lake Road station area, as well as meet
new housing needs based on demographic projections. It is likely that such development would
occur in one or more of the potential redevelopment areas identified in Chapter E. Based on the
assumed densities described at the beginning of this chapter, the affordable housing need could
be accommodated on one or two potential redevelopment sites totaling less than 10 acres. The
city will continue to work with developers to find appropriate sites for such housing as market
conditions dictate.
5. As roadway congestion continues to increase, promote Crystal’s locational advantage as a first ring
suburban community, including its relative proximity to employment concentrations, activity
centers and regional attractions.
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CHAPTER G: ROADWAY JURISDICTION
This chapter focuses on the question of which government entity is responsible for each roadway, and
identifies anticipated changes to roadway jurisdiction. The following acronyms are used throughout
this chapter and throughout this Comprehensive Plan:
Municipal State Aid (MSA). A roadway that the city has identified as having significant
importance to the overall transportation network. The roadway must meet certain state
requirements on design and the city is eligible to spend its allocation of state aid funding on
maintenance and reconstruction of that road segment.
County State Aid Highway (CSAH). Like MSA streets, but owned, managed and maintained by
Hennepin County.
Trunk Highway (TH). Owned, managed and maintained by the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (“MnDOT”).
JURISDICTION OF CITY ROADWAYS
The following is a description of the roadways that are under the jurisdiction of either Hennepin
County or MnDOT (see Figure G-1).
1. CSAH 8 (West Broadway Ave.) was originally called Territorial Road and was the main route
northwest from Minneapolis. In the 1940s its role as a trunk highway was supplanted by what
is now CSAH 81.
2. CSAH 9 (42nd Ave. /Rockford Rd.) was a trunk highway (TH 55) until that designation was
shifted to Olson Memorial Highway in the 1950s.
3. CSAH 10 (56th Ave./Bass Lake Road) has always been a county road.
4. CSAH 81 (Bottineau Boulevard) was a trunk highway (TH 52 then TH 169) until approximately
30 years ago, when MnDOT turned it over to Hennepin County as part of an exchange for the
current alignment of TH 169.
5. CSAH 70 (27th Ave./Medicine Lake Road), CSAH 102 (Douglas Dr.) and CSAH 156 (Winnetka
Ave.) are section line roads, meaning that they follow the “square mile” survey lines
established under the township-range survey system used throughout most of the U.S.
6. TH 100 was built in the 1930s and 1940s as Minneapolis’ first beltway. The segments through
and adjacent to Crystal were reconstructed to modern freeway standards in the early 2000s.
ROADWAY JURISDICTION POLICIES
The city is in the process of adopting a roadway jurisdictional transfer policy. Hennepin County has in
the past expressed their interest in eliminating CSAH 8 from their road system by turning it over to the
city. The city would accept responsibility for this roadway only after it is reconstructed to the city’s
urban standards with municipal consent or the county provides the city with the funds to accomplish
same. The city is unsure whether the segment north of CSAH 10 (56th/Bass Lake Rd) is a good
candidate for turnback and would not consider such a change without further study and consultation
with the cities of New Hope and Brooklyn Park.
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FREIGHT
Thereare not any barge, truck/intermodal freight terminals in Crystal. Canadian Pacific and Union
Pacific do have railways through the city. The large commercial area located at West Broadway Avenue
and 56th Avenue North (Bass Lake Road) is well served by Hennepin County roadways. There are no
known issues for good movements in Crystal on the city’s State Aid Municipal system.
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FIGURE G-1 ROADWAY JURISDICTION MAP
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CHAPTER H: ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
This chapter describes how each roadway fits into the regional transportation system and hierarchy of
different types of roadways. It also considers specific changes to roadway configurations including
increasing or reducing the number of lanes on some arterial or major collector roadways. The
following terms are used frequently throughout this chapter:
Principal arterial. In the metropolitan area principal arterials are typically trunk highways
owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (“MnDOT”). Most are freeways, which
have controlled access with grade-separated interchanges, or expressways, which have limited
access with at-grade, signalized intersections at major cross streets. Principal arterials tend to
favor maximum mobility to promote traffic flow and minimal access points.
Minor arterial. These roadways are generally county roadways balancing mobility and access.
Older minor arterials typically favor access more than more recently constructed minor
arterials.
Major collector. These roadways are typically city streets but also include some county
facilities. Major collectors slightly favor access over mobility.
Minor collector. These roadway are city streets that typically have been designated as
Municipal State Aid (“MSA”) routes. They favor access over mobility.
Other local streets. These roadways represent the majority of mileage in the city’s roadway
system. They also favor access over mobility.
CLASSIFICATION OF CITY ROADWAYS
Functional classification designations help identify which routes are most worthy of federal funding,
guide local decisions regarding mobility versus access, and in developing areas identify needs for right-
of-way preservation and land use regulation for future routes. These designations are based on
parameters established by Metropolitan Council. This comprehensive plan established the following
functional classifications (see Figure H-1):
TH 100 is a principal arterial.
The following routes are minor arterials:
- Part of CSAH 8 (West Broadway Avenue) from Douglas Drive to 56th Ave.
- CSAH 9 (42nd Ave.)
- CSAH 10 (56th Avenue/Bass Lake Road)
- CSAH 70 (Medicine Lake Road)
- CSAH 81 (Bottineau Boulevard)
- CSAH 102 (Douglas Drive south of West Broadway)
- CSAH 156 (Winnetka Avenue from 30th Avenue to 39th Avenue)
The following routes are major collectors:
- CSAH 8 (West Broadway) north of 56th Avenue
- CSAH 8 (West Broadway) south of Douglas Drive
- 36th Avenue
The following routes are minor collectors:
- 32nd Ave. from Welcome Ave. to New Hope border.
- 34th Ave. from Welcome Ave. to Hampshire Ave.
- 38th Ave. from Welcome Ave. to Hampshire Ave.
- 47th Ave. from Welcome Ave. to Louisiana Ave.
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 35
- 47th Ave. from CSAH 81 (Bottineau Blvd) to CSAH 8 (W. Broadway).
- Fairview Ave. west of CSAH 102 (Douglas Drive) to New Hope.
- Corvallis Ave. from CSAH 8 (West Broadway) to CSAH 81 (Bottineau Boulevard).
- 54th Ave. from CSAH 8 (West Broadway ) to Nevada Ave.
- 55th Ave. from Douglas Drive to Sherburne Ave.
- Wilshire Boulevard from Regent Ave. to CSAH 81 (Bottineau Blvd).
- 58th Ave. from CSAH 10 (Orchard Ave.) to Regent Ave.
- 58th Ave. from Elmhurst Ave. to Sumter Ave.
- Winnetka Ave. from 58th Ave. to 60th Ave.
- Sumter Ave. from 58th Ave. to CSAH 10.
- Nevada Ave. from CSAH 10 to 54th Ave.
- Sherburne Ave. from CSAH 10 to 55th Ave.
- Douglas Dr. from 55th Ave. to CSAH 8.
- Regent Ave. from 58th Ave. to Wilshire Blvd.
- Welcome Ave. from 42nd Ave. to 46th Ave. and 47th Ave. to CSAH 8
- Noble Ave.
- Hampshire Ave. from 38th Ave. to 47th Ave.
- Hampshire Ave. from CSAH 70 (Medicine Lake Road) to 36th Ave.
- Adair Ave. from 36th Ave. to 47th Ave.
- Louisiana Ave. from CSAH 9 (42nd Ave.) to Fairview Ave.
- Xenia Ave. from 46th Ave. from 46th to 47th Ave.
- 46th Ave. from Welcome Ave. to Xenia Ave.
● Forecasted 2040 traffic volumes for principal and minor arterials were developed by Hennepin County
in 2016 for its 2040 Transportation Systems Plan. The city accepts and incorporates these annual
average daily traffic (AADT) forecasts into this plan as shown in italics in Figure H-1.
● The city has allocated the 2040 employment, housing and population forecasts from Chapter D to
specific Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) based on reasonable expectations for infill development and
redevelopment consistent with Chapter E (see Figures H-2 and H-3). A traffic analysis zone is a unit of
geography used in transportation planning models. The TAZ used in this plan was determined by the
Metropolitan Council.
● All existing principal and minor arteral roadways are owned and maintained by either the
Minnesota Department of Transportation or Hennepin County. Information on the existing number of
lanes and future number of lanes is available through their Comprehensive Planning documents.
Additionally, heavy commercial traffic volumes is available from the respective jurisdictions.
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 36
FIGURE H-1 CRYSTAL ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS
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FIGURE H-2 TRAFFIC ANALYSIS ZONES
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 38
FIGURE H-3 2040 METROPOLITAN FORECASTS BY TRAFFIC ANALYSIS ZONES (TAZ). Unless noted
otherwise, numbers are positive.
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 39
ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION POLICIES
The following are the city’s policies relating to roadway functional classification.
1. MSA routes except 36th Avenue are classified as “minor collectors.”
2. No new roadways should be constructed with more than one travel lane in each direction
unless they also have a center left turn lane or, preferably, a median with left turn lanes.
3. Streetscape improvements should be used to enhance the visual appeal of the community for
visitors and residents alike. Enhanced streetscaping, while taking into consideration
maintenance needs and costs, should be a consideration for any major new roadway
construction or existing roadway reconstruction project. Also, such improvements may be
implemented along existing roadways where reconstruction is not anticipated for some time,
provided that the streetscaping will not substantially conflict with anticipated long term
improvements for the roadway or have significant maintenance requirements or cost
implications.
4. The city will work with Hennepin County in applying its access management guidelines (from
its 2040 Transportation Systems Plan) to any areas of new development or significant
redevelopment in the city where such areas abut a minor arterial roadway. MnDOT Access
Management Guidelines are not applicable because the only principal arterial roadway in the
city, Trunk Highway 100, is a freeway with no direct access except at the 36th Avenue
interchange.
ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION IMPLEMENTATION ITEMS
The following are the city’s implementation strategies relation to roadway functional classifications.
1. Continue to monitor and evaluate the road network system to align traffic demands on the
system with the design, maintenance, and operation of the roadway system.
2. Hennepin County has in the past expressed their interest in eliminating CSAH 8 from their road
system by turning it over to the city. The city would accept responsibility for this roadway only
after it is reconstructed to the city’s urban standards with municipal consent or the county
provides the city with the funds to accomplish same. The city is unsure whether the segment
north of CSAH 10 (56th/Bass Lake Rd) is a good candidate for turnback and would not consider
such a change without further study and consultation with the cities of New Hope and
Brooklyn Park.
3. Consider specific streetscape improvements along existing roadways that are not likely to be
subject to major roadway improvements, such as full reconstruction and/or widening, for the
foreseeable future. Take maintenance expectations and costs into consideration when
evaluating any potential improvements.
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CHAPTER I: NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION
This chapter addresses the need for facilities to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle travel. The
following terms are used frequently throughout this chapter:
Sidewalk - A facility primarily for pedestrians, and typically (but not always) constructed of
concrete. Sidewalks may be placed directly behind the curb or may be separated from the
roadway by a boulevard area.
Multi-use trail - A facility for both pedestrians and bicyclists, and typically (but not always)
constructed of bituminous pavement. Multi-use trails may be placed in the same manner as
sidewalks or substantially further separated from the roadway; for example, trails are
sometimes located in separate right-of-way or in a public park.
Bike lane - A facility primarily for bicyclists. Bike lanes may be shared as a roadway shoulder
(“breakdown lane”). The city of Crystal does not currently have any dedicated bike lanes,
although these can be found on some county roads.
BACKGROUND
Most of Crystal was developed in an era when little thought was given to long-term planning in
general and non-motorized transportation facilities in particular. This means that the city’s natural,
obvious potential routes typically along lowlands, lakefronts, and creeksides were mostly platted and
developed many decades ago. Today Crystal has limited opportunities to create a system of facilities
for non-motorized transportation. In addition, the city’s resources are limited and the city will not
have the sort of complete, interconnected system found in many of the more recently developed
suburbs.
An existing and proposed sidewalk and trail plan is Figure I-1. This figure includes regional trails
under the jurisdiction of the Three Rivers Park District as well as the planned and existing facilities
proposed for the Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN) by the Metropolitan Council. In
some cases, trails may be under multiple jurisdisdictions. For example, Hennepin County may provide
the right-of-way for a trail, but the trail itself is constructed and maintained by Three Rivers Park
District.
The following is a description of existing and proposed regional trail facilities referenced on Figure I-1:
Crystal Lake Regional Trail. 4.3 miles of this trail are complete through Robbinsdale and
Crystal. Utimately the trail will continue through the northwest metro area cities of Brooklyn
Park, Osseo, and Maple Grove to Elm Creek Park Reserve.
Bassett Creek Regional Trail. The 7 mile trail connects French Regional Park in Plymouth to
Theodore Wirth Regional Park in Minneapolis through the cities of New Hope, Crystal and
Golden Valley.
CP Rail Extension Regional Trail Search Corridor. This regional search trail corridor is proposed
by Metropolitan Council, and a portion of the trail would connect through Crystal. The search
process is being managed by Three Rivers Park District.
NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION POLICIES
1. Due to the city’s limited resources, a culture should be created that the city’s streets are an
important part of its non-motorized transportation system. Not only do streets connect people
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 41
to the places they want to go, but they are also used as a gathering space for neighborhood
bonding.
2. Take advantage of low-cost opportunities to improve and publicize existing non-motorized
transportation opportunities. Examples include designating striped shoulders or parking lanes
as bike lanes and adoption of an official sidewalk, trail and bike lane map.
3. In some areas where a multi-use trail is desired, it may be more practical to utilize a
combination of a sidewalk and a bike lane.
4. Explore the potential to create additional non-motorized transportation opportunities where
remnants of the pre-development landscape remain.
NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION IMPLEMENTATION ITEMS
1. Adopt an official sidewalk and trail map showing existing and proposed facilities.
2. Consider options for improving safety at the marked pedestrian crosswalk on CSAH 102 (Douglas
Drive) at Fairview Avenue near the Crystal Community Center / pool complex.
3. Where feasible, roadways with existing striped shoulders or parking lanes on both sides of the
street could be designated as bike lanes. These existing segments are as follows:
CSAH 10 (56th Avenue a.k.a. Bass Lake Road) east of Yates Avenue.
Noble Avenue south of 36th Avenue.
32nd Avenue from Nevada Avenue to Winnetka Avenue.
Louisiana Avenue from CSAH 70 (27th Avenue a.k.a. Medicine Lake Rd) to 32ndAvenue.
CSAH 70 (27th Avenue a.k.a. Medicine Lake Road) west of CSAH 102 (Douglas Drive).
4. As additional roadways are re-striped or reconstructed with shoulders or parking lanes on both
sides of the street, they too could be designated as bike lanes. These potential segments include
but are not limited to the following:
West Broadway north of 57th Avenue (reconstruction).
West Broadway south of Fairview Avenue (reconstruction).
36th Avenue west of CSAH 102 (Douglas Drive)
36th Avenue east of Regent Avenue
5. Study the feasibility of a ped/bike bridge in the general vicinity of CSAH 81 (Bottineau Boulevard)
and CSAH 10 (56th Avenue / Bass Lake Road).
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 42
FIGURE I-1 EXISTING AND PLANNED SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 43
CHAPTER J: PUBLIC TRANSIT
This chapter discusses Metro Transit’s current service in Crystal and the potential to extend the Blue
Line of the metropolitan area light rail system (LRT) from downtown Minneapolis through Crystal to
end in Brooklyn Park. This regional transit route would pass through Crystal generally parallel to CSAH
81 (Bottineau Boulevard), and includes a station in the vicinity of CSAH 10 (56th Ave. a.k.a. Bass Lake
Road). Figure J-1 shows the current public transit system in Crystal, with the proposed extension of
the Blue Line LRT.
BACKGROUND
Crystal is served by Metro Transit, an arm of the Metropolitan Council. Therefore route locations and
frequency and type of service are determined by another government agency beyond the city’s
control. Crystal has been identified by Metro Transit as being located in Transit Market Area III, which
is described as having:
“…moderate density but tends to have a less traditional street grid that can limit the
effectiveness of transit. It is typically urban with large portions of suburban and
suburban edge communities. Transit service in this area is primarily commuter
express bus service with some fixed-route local service providing basic coverage.
General public dial-a-ride services are available where fixed-route is not viable.”
The following Metro Transit bus routes currently serve Crystal:
14: follows 36th and Douglas in Crystal; connects to the Robbinsdale transit center
(Hubbard Marketplace) and serves Honeywell in Golden Valley as well as
downtown Minneapolis via West Broadway.
705: Follows Winnetka Avenue intermittently through Crystal; connects to the
Starlite transit center in Brooklyn Park and the Louisiana Avenue transit center in
St. Louis Park.
716: Follows Douglas Drive and West Broadway in Crystal; connects to the
Robbinsdale transit center and serves the 63rd Avenue & Bottineau Boulevard park-
n-ride facility as well as the Zane Avenue corridor in Brooklyn Park.
717: Follows 42nd Avenue through Crystal; connects to Cub Foods at Nathan Lane in
Plymouth and the Robbinsdale transit center (Hubbard Marketplace).
721: Follows 56th Avenue North (Bass Lake Road) in Crystal; connects to the
Brooklyn Center transit center (Brookdale) and serves Hennepin Technical College
in Brooklyn Park.
755: Follows Winnetka Avenue in Crystal with a limited service loop to Nevada
Avenue; serves New Hope as well as downtown Minneapolis via Golden Valley and
TH 55.
758: Follows Douglas Drive and West Broadway and a short segment of Noble
Avenue in Crystal; connects to the Robbinsdale transit center (Hubbard
Marketplace) and serves Honeywell in Golden Valley.
764: Similar to 715, except that instead of connecting to the Robbinsdale transit
center (Hubbard Marketplace), it provides express service to downtown
Minneapolis via TH 100 and I-394.
767: Follows 56th Avenue (Bass Lake Road) and West Broadway on its way from
New Hope to the 63rd Avenue & Bottineau Boulevard park-n-ride facility and
express service from there to downtown Minneapolis via I-94.
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 44
Metro Mobility also operates a non-fixed route within the twin cities metropolitan area, including
Crystal. Transit Link dial-a-ride service is available in Crystal, but there are not any transit hubs in
Crystal connecting to regular bus routes.
In addition to the bus service in Crystal, the potential extension of the Blue Line LRT would pass
through Crystal on an alignment parallel to CSAH 81 (Bottineau Boulevard) and the BNSF railroad. This
facility is indicated in Metropolitan Council’s 2040 Transportation Policy Plan and is a 13-mile route
with eleven proposed stations (see Figure J-1). In early 2018 engineering plans were completed to
represent 90% design for this LRT project. Construction of the proposed line is expected to begin in
2020, with service starting in 2024. A station area plan was completed in 2016 for the Bass Lake Road
LRT station (see chapter E for more information about this planning effort).
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FIGURE J-1 EXISTING PUBLIC TRANSIT ROUTES, WITH PROPOSED BLUE LINE LRT EXTENSION
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 46
PUBLIC TRANSIT POLICIES
1. Because the city does not have the resources or authority to operate its own public transit
service, and is dependent on a regional agency (Metro Transit) for that service, there is little for
the city to do in terms of policy regarding the bus route system.
2. It is the policy of the city to assist Metro Transit in the development of the Blue Line Extension
LRT project. The city’s assistance will take the form of staff participation in design and related
work but not direct financial participation.
PUBLIC TRANSIT IMPLEMENTATION ITEMS
1. Monitor and, as needed, participate in any Metro Transit consideration of modifying,
expanding or eliminating transit service to the city.
2. Exercise the city’s land use authority and any applicable municipal consent powers regarding
any such changes in service or new facilities proposed by Metro Transit.
3. Continue to assist with the development of the Blue Line Extension LRT project.
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 47
CHAPTER K: AVIATION
This chapter addresses the role of the Crystal Airport in the regional aviation system and describes the
city’s policies for accommodating the continued operation of the facility by the Metropolitan Airports
Commission.
BACKGROUND
Crystal Airport (airport identifier “MIC”) is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Airports
Commission (MAC), a public corporation. The airport also operates five other reliever airports and
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. MAC’s other five reliever airports are:
St. Paul Downtown in the city of St. Paul (airport identifier “STP”)
Flying Cloud in the city of Eden Prairie (airport identifier “FCM”)
Anoka County in the city of Blaine (airport identifier “ANE”)
Airlake in the city of Lakeville (airport identifier “LVN”)
Lake Elmo in central Washington County (airport identifier “21D”)
MAC classifies Crystal, Airlake and Lake Elmo as minor relievers which mainly serve personal aviation.
MAC classifies its other three reliever airports, St. Paul Downtown, Flying Cloud and Anoka County, as
primary relievers which mainly serve corporate and business aviation. Total annual operations for
MAC-operated reliever airports for the past several years are found in Figure K-1. MAC’s Crystal
Airport property is approximately 436 acres, of which 336 are within Crystal, 80 within Brooklyn Park
and 20 within Brooklyn Center.
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 48
FIGURE K-1 TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATIONS AT MAC-OPERATED RELIEVER AIRPORTS
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 49
Crystal Airport was established in the 1940s, immediately prior to development of the surrounding
residential areas. The airport was subsequently expanded with longer runways, additional runways and
larger taxiways and hangar areas. These expansions occurred after the surrounding neighborhoods had
been developed.
The state subsequently adopted regulations defining safety zones and limiting or even precluding
certain land uses in each zone. These regulations were adopted by the city in its 1983 Airport Zoning
Ordinance. In Safety Zone A, nearly all development is prohibited. At this time, within the city of Crystal
there are 114 single family houses and 14 multi-family dwelling units in Safety Zone A,. In Safety Zone
B, houses are only permitted in an ultra-low-density, rural residential setting. At this time, within the
City of Crystal there are 144 single family houses and 2 multi-family dwelling units in Safety Zone B.
Because these areas were fully developed prior to the state’s creation of airport safety zones, they are
allowed to remain as established residential neighborhoods and new structures may be built to replace
existing structures.
In 2017 MAC adopted the 2035 Long-Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP) for the Crystal Airport that would
continue operation of the facility. However, the following are two of the more significant changes to the
airport proposed by MAC in the LTCP (a summary of the changes is found on Figure K-2):
Convert portions of the existing paved blast pads on Runway 14L-32R to usable runway. This
increases the published runway length from 3,267’ to 3,750’ and shifts this entire runway
approximately 115’ to the northwest which will locate all of the runway protection zones
(RPZs) on MAC property rather than on private residential property. The 65 DNL (Day-Night
Sound Level) for the primary Runway 14/32 noise contour associated with the refined
preferred alternative contains four net new residential parcels when compared to the original
preferred alternative. However when compared to the baseline (existing) condition, there is
only one net new residential parcel in the 65 DNL noise contour (see Figure K-3). The Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) considers the 65 db DNL contour line as the threshold of
significance for aircraft noise impact.
Retain a portion of the existing turf runway and operate it in a manner that will reduce runway
crossing points, airfield complexity and incursion potential while preserving turf operational
capabilities.
Decomission Runway 14R/32L and convert it to a full parallel taxiway for primary
Runway14/32, extended to the new runway ends.
Starting in 2018, MAC began a more detailed noise analysis as part of the environmental review
required to implement the LTCP. Figure K-4 is found in the LTCP and is a comparison of the proposed
airport changes in relation to Crystal’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
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FIGURE K-2 FINAL PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE OVERVIEW FROM MAC’S 2035 LONG-TERM
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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FIGURE K-3 FINAL PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE DNL NOISE CONTOURS FROM 2035 MAC’S LONG-
TERM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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FIGURE K-4 FINAL PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE IN MAC’S 2035 LONG-TERM COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
COMPARED TO CRYSTAL’S 2030 PLANNED LAND USE
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 53
AVIATION POLICIES
1. Notify the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in accordance with CFR - Part 77, using the FAA
Form 7460-1 "Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration”. This requirement is currently
located in Crystal’s unified development code.
2. Continue to protect airspace in accordance with the 1983 Joint Airport Zoning Ordinance, as
amended.
3. All airport property is currently zoned as “Airport” land with no other noted land use.
Consistent with MAC’s 2035 LTCP, if MAC proposes non-aeronautical uses on part of the airport
site, and a modification is required for zoning MAC will then work with the City to make changes
as appropriate.
AVIATION IMPLEMENTATION ITEMS
1. Continue to assist MAC in the implementation of the preferred alternatives in the 2035 Long
Term Comprehensive Plan.
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 54
CHAPTER L: PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
The City of Crystal went through a year-long park system master planning process that resulted in the
approval of a Park System Master Plan by the City Council in 2017 (see Appendix F). As a fully-
developed city, there is very little property that can be dedicated for new parks. Therefore the Park
Plan proposes to re-imagine the existing parks to meet the changing needs of Crystal’s residents.
Elements of the Park Plan document are incorporated into this chapter, but a more thorough
discussion of park related topics can be found in that document. This chapter describes the existing
parks and trails system, and provides goals and policies necessary to achieve the planned system of
parks and trails in the city.
EXISTING PARKS AND TRAIL SYSTEM
The Crystal park system consists of 27 individual park units (see Figure L-1). Individually, each park
provides certain features that serve a niche within the overall system plan. Collectively, the parks
provide a comprehensive set of facilities and amenities to serve the local population.
The Park System Plan categorized all parks into four classifications. Each park classification serves a
particular purpose in meeting local needs. Although some flexibility is warranted, classifying parks is
necessary to ensure a well-balanced system that effectively and efficiently meets the needs of
residents and recreational programs for the city. The four classifications are as follows:
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 55
FIGURE L-1: CRYSTAL’S EXISTING PARK SYSTEM
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 56
NATURAL AREAS / PASSIVE PARKS
Passive park spaces provide relief in developed areas through the incorporation of nature-based
elements. These parks vary in size and may be located in wetlands, floodplains, and an assortment of
outlots left as open space. These natural areas may include the following amenities:
Trails
Boardwalks
Benches
Education opportunities such as interpretative signage
Community gardens
Nature play areas
Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP’s)
The parks within Crystal identified as a natural area / passive park are:
Brownwood Park
Florida Park
Hagemeister Pond Preserve
MAC Wildlife Area
Memory Lane Park
Soo Line Park
Twin Lake Shores
Typical Natural Area/Passive Park
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Neighborhood parks are intended to serve residents within a half-mile (10-minute walk) of the park
and provide basic recreational experiences to meet the needs of the immediate neighborhoods. The
13 parks identified as neighborhood parks range in size and amenities. Neighborhood parks may
contain the following amenities:
Small backstop with no groomed infield
“Regular” play area
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 57
Small multi-purpose field
Half-court basketball
Paved court (such as four square or gaga pit)
Outdoor fitness equipment
Small picnic shelter
The parks within Crystal identified as a neighborhood park are:
Broadway Park
Cavanagh Park
Crystal Highlands Park
Fair School Park
Forest School Park
Iron Horse Park
Kentucky Park
Lee Park
North Bass Lake Park
Skyway Park
Sunnyview Park
Twin Oak Park
Yunkers Park
Typical neighborhood park amenities
COMMUNITY PARKS
Community parks area intended to serve the needs of the adult and youth athletic programs. They are
the location for the city’s full size athletic fields and they incorporate additional complementary
amenities to meet the recreational needs of the community. Community parks are usually at least 10
acres in size. Below is a list of amenities that are proposed to be in community parks:
Large multi-purpose rectangle field
Softball / baseball fields
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 58
Multiple full-sized courts (tennis / pickleball)
Ballfields and court lighting
Hockey rinks
Sledding hills
Park buildings with restrooms and four-season gathering space
Picnic shelters
Sand volleyball
Disc golf
Larger community play area
Dog Park
Outdoor fitness equipment
The parks within Crystal identified as community parks are:
Bassett Creek Park
North Lions Park
Valley Place Park
Welcome Park
Typical community park amenities
DESTINATION PARKS
The intended use of destination parks is to provide unique or signature gathering spaces. The size of
these parks vary. The following provides a list of specialized facilities:
Destination / inclusive play area
Flexible performance area / lawn
Water feature / fountain
Ice surface / plaza space
Community Center
Aquatic Center
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 59
Skate Park
The parks within Crystal identified as a destination park are:
Becker Park
Grogan Park
Typical destination park amenities
TRAIL SYSTEM
The Crystal trail system consists of sidewalks and multi-use paths identified in Chapter I. Some of the
trails within the city are under the jurisdiction of Three Rivers Park District. The trail system is
intended to make connections among neighborhoods, parks, public or semi-public facilities, shopping
areas and workplaces.
PARK POLICIES
1. Optimize existing park and open spaces based on current community needs.
2. Planning for the park system should place an increased emphasis on a community perspective,
with a secondary emphasis on neighborhoods.
3. Specific park facility improvements should attempt to maximize adaptive flexibility so that the
parks may change as the needs of the neighborhood and community change.
4. Maximize opportunities to make water bodies more appealing, for example, by continuing and
expanding the planting of appropriate vegetation adjacent to stormwater ponds, creeks and
lakefront in parks or on other public property. In addition to improving the aesthetics of the
site, it will help to improve water quality over time.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 60
5. To the extent feasible in a first tier suburb, develop trails to improve the connectivity among
park sites, community facilities, residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. Chapter I
has a proposed sidewalk and trail plan.
6. Continue to require park dedication or payment-in-lieu, as appropriate, for any new
development that results in an increased number of residential dwelling units or acres of other
development in the city. Such funds will be used for capital improvements to the parks system
including but not limited to land acquisition, clearance and site preparation for parks or open
space use; expansion or improvement of existing facilities; and construction of new facilities.
PARK IMPLEMENTATION ITEMS
Future park improvement projects will be funded by the city through its Long Term Plan (Appendix G),
with additional outside funding provided through grants, stormwater credits, and other sources of
revenue. The initial investments would occur during a time frame of three to five years with a focus
on the most immediate needs of the community.
1. The relocation of the Becker Park ballfields to Welcome Park and the redevelopment of Becker
Park are the city’s top park project priorities.
2. Following the anticipated investment in Becker and Welcome parks, the remaining community
parks will be prioritized for development and will be implemented based on available funding.
By prioritizing efforts to implement community parks, a larger population can be served.
Though a more prevalent effort will be made towards community parks, neighborhood park
development funding will be needed to replace specific amenities,taking into account the
physical condition of the amenity and needs of the community.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 61
CHAPTER M: WATER RESOURCES
Crystal’s water resources include wastewater and sanitary sewer, surface water and potable water.
WASTEWATER AND SANITARY SEWER PLAN
Crystal is a fully developed community, and as such, the land use changes contemplated in this
Comprehensive Plan are not expected to have a insignificant impact on the regional wastewater
treatment and disposal system.
The city’s sanitary sewer collection system is complete and the city’s focus will continue to be on
maintenance and preservation of the existing system. The city does not anticipate construction of any
major sanitary sewer trunk lines or lift stations through 2040. No service agreements have been
needed or entered into with adjoining communities after December 1, 2008.
Metropolitan Council forecasts that both average and peak flows will decline slightly through 2030
(see Table M-1). Their forecasts are based on their growth forecasts for population, households and
employment (see Chapter D).
TABLE M-1 SANITARY SEWER FLOW FORECASTS
SANITARY SEWER FLOW FORECASTS
2010 2020 2030 2040
Sewered Population 22,151 22,700 23,200 23,800
Sewered Households 9,183 9,500 9,600 9,700
Sewered Employment 3,929 4,400 4,640 4,900
Average Annual
wastewater flow (million
gallons per day)
2.19 1.76 1.75 1.65
Allowable Peak Hourly
Flow (million gallons per
day)
6.13 6 5.8 5.7
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 62
FIGURE M-1 CRYSTAL SANITARY SEWER NETWORK
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2040 Comprehensive Plan 63
The sanitary sewer collection system in Crystal discharges to the Metropolitan Council lift station L30
via two trunk sewer lines, one a 24” and the other a 30” line. The average daily flow into the station
through the 24” line is 704,000 gallons, while it is 1,056,000 gallons through the 30” line. Table M-2
provides further information about the city’s lift stations.
TABLE M-2 2018 SANITARY SEWER LIFT STATION DATA
CRYSTAL LIFT STATIONS
Lift
station
name
Address Pump #1,
(GPM) [1]
Pump #2
(GPM)
Pump #3,
(GPM)
All pumps
running –
Total
pumpage
capacity
(GPM)
Recorded
average
daily
pumpage
(GPD) [2]
East 3203 Vera Cruz Ave N 825 825 Not
applicable
1,250 134,905
West 6618 - 41st Ave N 500 500 Not
applicable
750 71,797
Perry 4701 Perry Ave N 100 100 Not
applicable
185 2,848
Welcome 3000 Welcome Ave N 225 225 Not
applicable
280 56,389
Colorado 6115 – 41st Ave N 190 190 Not
applicable
275 1,449
Maryland 4505 Maryland Ave N 150 150 Not
applicable
300 10,619
South 5825 - 32nd Ave N 770 2,000 2,000 3,400 708,602 [3]
Notes:
15. GPM is gallons per minute
16. GPD is gallons per day
17. The south lift station receives discharge flows from both the east and welcome lift stations. Therefore,
the average daily pumpage for the south station reflects the added quantity.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 64
The city does not have any Individual Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS) within its boundaries.
The city is committed to preventing and reducing excessive infiltration and inflow (“I/I”) in the local
sewer system. To that end, the city has implemented the following policies:
In chapter 7 of the city code, the city prohibits connection of sump pumps, foundation drains,
and rain leaders to the sanitary sewer.
Since foundation drains, sump pumps, and roof leaders to the sanitary sewer system are not
allowed, any existing connection, if found, would need to be disconnected.
As part of the street reconstruction program between 1995 and 2017;
o The city offered to install sump boxes in the boulevard in those locations where drain
tile or storm sewer will be located adjacent to the street.
o The city televised the sanitary sewer mains in each project area and repaired or
replaced pipes and manholes that have been severely compromised as project funding
allowed. Since 2017, the city proactively televises its sanitary sewer mains to identify
future maintenance needs.
o The city provided residents the option to replace a portion of their lateral sanitary
sewer connection, including the wye connection at the main.
As part of its 2009-2010 water meter replacement program, each home in the city was
inspected for prohibited connections to the sanitary sewer and the city ordered removal of
any unlawful connections.
The city replaced sanitary sewer manhole lids with new lids that do not have any holes in
them. This project was completed in 2018.
The city is lining its sanitary sewer mains and has completed a number of sanitary sewer lining
projects and will continue to do so.
Approximately 86% of Crystal homes were constructed prior to 1970. The city is looking into
the purchase of flow meters to further investigate/identify locations of potential private I/I.
This project is anticipated to start in the next few years and continue indefinitely. The on-going
monitoring of sanitary sewer flows will be used to identify problem areas as well as measure
the impact of projects on reducing flow.
Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) continues to be a challenge in Crystal. The sources of the I/I include cracks
in the existing private lateral services or main sanitary sewer pipes, illegal connections and manhole
cracks. Replacement of the sanitary sewer manhole lids with solid covers has resulted in noticeable
reduction in inflow during large rain events. Capital projects, including cost and schedule, to reduce I/I
are shown in the city’s Long Term Plan (Appendix F). Projects included in the Long Term Plan include
the long term replacement of sanitary sewer mains, maintenance and replacement of sanitary sewer
lift station equipment, and other routine equipment replacements associated with sewer collection
system operation and maintenance.
The city is evaluating the purchase of flow meters to gather more information on the extent and
location of I/I within the entire sanitary sewer system. This data collection will be followed by analysis
and follow up action where feasible. One of the key aspects of analysis is to measure or estimate the
amount of clearwater flow generated by the public and private sewer systems. Once sources are better
identified, costs for correction can be determined. That said, the city is not delaying efforts to line the
sanitary sewer system and has allocated over a half million dollars a year to this effort. Project efforts
and timelines to mitigate I/I are shown in the Long Term Plan. The utility CIP is funded through user
fees to all properties in the city.
Based on guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Table M-3 shows the estimated
yearly and peak flow I/I into the sanitary sewer system.
CITY OF CRYSTAL
2040 Comprehensive Plan 65
Table M-3 Estimated I/I Flow to Sanitary Sewer System
SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Crystal lies within the Bassett Creek and Shingle Creek watersheds. In late 2018 the city completed a
draft of its Surface Water Management Plan for review by the two watershed districts in Crystal (see
Appendix H). The plan was submitted to the Metropolitan Council for their review.
POTABLE WATER SUPPLY PLAN
The Joint Water Commission (JWC) owns and operates the water supply for the cities of Crystal, New
Hope and Golden Valley. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) approved the JWC’s
water supply plan template on February 26, 2019. The approved JWC water supply plan is included in
this Comprehensive Plan as Appendix I.
Estimated I/I Flow to Sanitary Sewer System
Year Average
Daily
Flow
(Million
Gallons)
Yearly I/I
Percentage
Peak
Flow
Rate
(Million
Gallons)
Peak I/I
Percentage
2010 1.744 3% 1.92 11%
2011 1.850 14% 2.36 33%
2012 1.642 4% 1.88 16%
2013 1.729 10% 2.11 27%
2014 1.858 19% 2.54 41%
2015 1.548 4% 1.70 13%
2016 1.730 8% 1.88 16%
CITY OF CRYSTAL
RESOLUTION 2019-__________
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2040 CRYSTAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, A
COMPILATION OF POLICY STATEMENTS, GOALS, STANDARDS, AND MAPS FOR
GUIDING THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes section 473.864 requires each local governmental unit
to review and, if necessary, amend its entire comprehensive plan and its fiscal devices and official
controls at least once every ten years to ensure its comprehensive plan conforms to
metropolitan system plans and ensure its fiscal devices and official controls do not conflict with
the comprehensive plan or permit activities that conflict with metropolitan system plans; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes sections 473.858 and 473.864 require local governmental
units to complete their “decennial” reviews by December 31, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the Crystal City Council authorized the review and update of its
Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the proposed 2040 Crystal Comprehensive Plan is a planning tool intended
to guide the future growth and development of Crystal in a manner that conforms with
metropolitan system plans and complies with the Metropolitan Land Planning Act and other
applicable planning statutes; and
WHEREAS, the proposed 2040 Crystal Comprehensive Plan reflects a community
planning process conducted in the years 2017 through 2018 involving elected officials,
appointed officials, city staff, the public at large, and other stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 473.858, the proposed 2040
Comprehensive Plan was submitted to adjacent governmental units and affected special
districts and school districts for review and comment on June 6, 2018 and the statutory six-
month review and comment period has elapsed; and
WHEREAS, the Crystal Planning Commission has considered the proposed 2040
Comprehensive Plan and all public comments, and thereafter submitted its recommendations to
the Crystal City Council; and
WHEREAS, on December 10, 2018, the Crystal Planning Commission conducted a
public hearing on the proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Council approved Resolution 2018-162 authorizing the proposed
2040 Comprehensive Plan to be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review; and
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on September 25, 2019, the Metropolitan Council
completed its review of the proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan and found that the Plan meets
the requirements of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act; conforms to the metropolitan system
plans for transportation (including aviation), water resources, and parks; is consistent with
Thrive MSP 2040; and is compatible with the plans of adjacent jurisdictions and affected special
districts and school districts; and
Attachment B
WHEREAS, the 2040 proposed Comprehensive Plan includes all revisions made during
the review process and responds to additional advisory comments that are part of the
Metropolitan Council’s actions authorizing the City Council to place its proposed 2040
Comprehensive Plan into effect.
NOW THERE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF CRYSTAL,
MINNESOTA, that the 2040 Crystal Comprehensive Plan is adopted and is effective as of the
date of this resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, pursuant to sections 473.864 and 473.865 of the
Metropolitan Land Planning Act, the City will: (1) review its fiscal devices and official controls;
(2) if necessary, amend its fiscal devices and official controls to ensure they do not conflict with
the 2040 Comprehensive Plan or permit activity in conflict with metropolitan system plans; and
(3) submit amendments to fiscal devices or official controls to the Metropolitan Council for
“information purposes.”
Adopted by the Crystal City Council this 2nd day of October, 2019.
____________________________
Jim Adams, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________________
Chrissy Serres, City Clerk