2025.12.11 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Dec. 8, 2025
City Council
Work Session Agenda
Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 | 6:30 p.m.
Upper Community Room/Zoom
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 on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at
_____ p.m. electronically via Zoom and in the upper community room at city hall, 4141 Douglas
Dr. N., Crystal, Minnesota. The public may attend the meeting via Zoom by connecting to it
through one of the methods identified in the Notice of Dec. 11, 2025, Work Session.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Cummings ____ Bell
____ Deshler ____ Tierney
____ Eidbo ____ Therres
____ Kamish ____ Elholm
____ Kiser ____ Hubbard
____ Onesirosan ____ Kunde
____ Budziszewski ____ Struve
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda item:
1) Review preliminary/draft Town Center Vision Plan.
2) Euna OpenBook demo.*
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.
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: Dec. 5, 2025
CRYSTAL CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE OF DEC. 11, 2025 WORK SESSION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Crystal City Council will hold a work session on Thursday, Dec. 11,
2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the upper community room at city hall, 4141 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal,
Minnesota and via Zoom.
Per the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.02, council members may participate by
interactive technology.
The public may attend the meeting via Zoom by connecting to it through one of the methods
identified below.
Topic: Crystal City Council Work Session
Time: Dec. 11, 2025, 6:30 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84692193445?pwd=7oz9qD4Oe7xlQEfgxilXi7R3I0Bgf5.1
Meeting ID: 846 9219 3445 | Passcode: 4141
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdf1VdaN5A
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.
TOWN CENTER
VISION PLAN
TOWN CENTER
VISION PLAN
CITY OF CRYSTAL
DAMON FARBER LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
SURVEY RESULTSSURVEY RESULTS
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
CHARACTER & IDENTITY
01 What words best describe the desired future character of the Town Center? (choose up to 2)
South End Charlotte Assembly Row Somerville
Hyde Park Village Tampa South End Charlotte The Village at Mendota Heights
Downtown Wayzata
Walkable + Active
Destination For Dining
Green + Connected Small-Town Feel
Transit-Oriented Urban Innovative + Modern
52%
8%
38%
23%
47%
15%
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
EE
F
F
G
G
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
02 In which area would investments have the greatest potential to catalyze redevelopment in the next 10 years? (choose up to 3)
Crystal Shopping Center & Target
West Broadway Streetscape & Corridor
Edges of Becker Park
Future Roundabout - Hanson Ct Area
Future Blue Line Station Area
Planned Development East of Rail Corridor
North of Bass Lake Rd
REDEVELOPMENT FOCUS
18%
20%
22%
58%
60%
29%
31%
BB
A
A
D
D C
C
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
03 How bold should redevelopment be?
PRESERVE CHARACTER TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE
SCALE OF CHANGE
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
74%
AVG.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
04 Which transportation improvements are most critical for the Town Center? (choose up to 2)
MOBILITY & STREET DESIGN
Assembly Row Somerville
P Street Corridor Lincoln Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Downtown Henderson, Kentucky
Safe Crossing with Lighting and
Bump-Outs Bike Trail Connection
Wayfinding Signage / ArtOn-Street Parking / Shared Street
80%42%
44%9%
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
05 What types of public spaces should define the Town Center? (choose up to 2)
St. Charles Illinois High Point Seattle
Lincoln Square Chicago Bell Street Park Seattle South End Charlotte
Indianapolis Cultural Trail Cherry Creek North Denver
Civic Plaza or Event Square Pocket Park / Seating Nodes Outdoor Dining Street
Linear Trail ConnectionArt / Gateway Feature Stormwater and/or Native
Pollinator Planting
PUBLIC REALM
Pedestrian Friendly Street with
Trees, Lighting, and Seating
66%
44%34%
21%14%13%
8%
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
06 What level of activity should occur along Becker Park’s edges?
LOW ACTIVITY HIGH ACTIVITYMEDIUM ACTIVITY
BECKER PARK EDGE
66%
AVG.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
07 What role should Bass Lake Road play in the future Town Center?
Primarily a Gateway Corridor — move traffic
efficiently, enhance appearance
A Main Street Spine — prioritize walking,
small retail, and public realm
A Balanced Hybrid — maintain flow but
integrate safe crossings and street trees
BASS LAKE ROAD
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
59%33%8%
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
08 How should West Broadway evolve? (select your top priority)
WEST BROADWAY
Focus on public realm and pedestrian
experience
Transition to mixed-use with upper-story
housing
Strengthen link to Becker Park
Maintain current roadway configuration and
suburban character
17%
39%
30%
14%
B
A
D
C
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
09 Where should the City focus pedestrian + bike safety investments first?
BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Narrow Douglas Dr from Becker Park to
West Broadway, build Three Rivers Trail on
East side of street
Crossing of Broadway to better connect
Becker neighborhood with Becker Park
Along Bass Lake Road West of the
Becker Park/streetscape projects
Other
Along West Broadway from 58th to the
CPKC crossing
6%E
B
B
A
A
D
D C
21%C
27%
19%
27%
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
10 The Target/Crystal Shopping Center is an important economic anchor for the community today. As part of this visioning process,
we’re looking decades ahead to ensure this area remains vibrant, adaptable, and continues to play a meaningful role in the Town Center.
What role should this area serve in the future?
KEY SITE OPPORTUNITIES
Full redevelopment with a totally new form
and function, like Excelsior and Grand
Allow parts of it to redevelop as they
become obsolete, but allow the successful
suburban-style development to remain
Leave it as it is, with some beautification
and limited infill development where there’s
excess parking (like Taco Bell)
6%
B
A
C 46%
48%
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
11 If the Walgreens corner redevelops, what should it signal?
KEY SITE OPPORTUNITIES
No change
Mixed-use entry (housing over retail)
A clear gateway with art or architecture
B
A
C 12%
46%
42%
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
DF/ CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
12 What do you hope future generations will enjoy about Crystal’s Town Center?
“To be able to have a
beautiful ‘town square’
where live events can
happen and Abring people
in from other cities, having
them wanting to live here.”
“I think a mix
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
h
o
n
o
r
i
n
g
the history (Ta
r
g
e
t
#
3
,
t
h
e
cool Arby’s sig
n
,
J
i
n
’
s
,
t
h
e
old Crystal Sta
t
e
B
a
n
k
)
a
n
d
redeveloping
t
h
e
n
e
w
.
M
u
c
h
of that corner
d
a
t
e
s
b
a
c
k
t
o
the 1950s/60
s
.
L
e
t
’
s
h
o
n
o
r
t
h
e
history - bring
b
a
c
k
t
h
e
o
l
d
Crystal Center
b
a
l
l
,
f
o
r
i
n
s
t
a
n
c
e
- while updati
n
g
f
o
r
t
o
d
a
y
a
n
d
keeping safe f
o
r
p
e
d
e
s
t
r
i
a
n
s
”
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
“It needs to be walkable/bikable. We’re in the
suburbs and can already drive to giant stores
with giant parking lots nearby. For this to be a city
center destination, especially interconnecting with
the blue line, it MUST NOT be car-first!”
“I hope they w
i
l
l
e
n
j
o
y
a
p
l
a
c
e
w
i
t
h
m
o
r
e
o
f
a local soul an
d
i
d
e
n
t
i
t
y
w
h
i
c
h
r
e
f
l
e
c
t
s
t
h
e
i
r
community and
n
e
i
g
h
b
o
r
s
-
i
n
s
t
e
a
d
o
f
s
o
l
e
l
y
national chains
.
I
l
o
v
e
a
c
h
e
e
k
y
l
i
l
’
T
B
e
l
l
or Domino’s st
o
p
,
b
u
t
I
g
o
o
u
t
o
f
m
y
w
a
y
t
o
support the loc
a
l
b
u
s
i
n
e
s
s
e
s
a
n
d
w
o
u
l
d
l
o
v
e
more opportuni
t
i
e
s
t
o
d
o
s
o
.
”
“Where’s the
crystal ball...”
“I hope that future generations will
enjoy the enhanced sense of belonging
and community this redevelopment
will bring!”
“Safe welcoming
s
p
a
c
e
that gives priorit
y
t
o
p
e
o
p
l
e
over vehicle mov
e
m
e
n
t
a
n
d
storage”
“I hope that they will have some
t
h
i
n
g
s
i
m
i
l
a
r
t
o
downtown Robbinsdale on West
B
r
o
a
d
w
a
y
.
A
walkable space with a good mix
o
f
r
e
s
t
a
u
r
a
n
t
s
,
appliance stores, housing, etc. I
w
o
u
l
d
r
e
c
o
m
m
e
n
d
looking into that stretch of W Br
o
a
d
w
a
y
b
e
t
w
e
e
n
N
42nd Ave & 41st Ave N”
“A place where it is easy
to get to on bike or by foot
that feels safe, trendy,
and a place where local
restaurants and shopping
areas exist”
“Keep the
s
m
a
l
l
t
o
w
n
f
e
e
l
,
make it mo
r
e
w
a
l
k
a
b
l
e
a
n
d
inspire inte
r
e
s
t
i
n
v
i
s
i
t
i
n
g
shops and
h
a
n
g
i
n
g
o
u
t
w
i
t
h
friends”
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
13 How would you best describe your
relationship with this area of Crystal?
14 What is your age?
15 How would
you describe
your gender
identity?
I live here (72.22%)
None of the above
(0.46%)
Under 18 (0.47%)
Woman (60.68%)
Man (35.92%)
Other (1.94%)
Non-Binary (1.46%)
18-24 (3.72%)
55-64 (8.84%)
65+ (8.84%)
I own a home here
(61.11%)
I work here
(12.96%)
I own a business
here (3.24%)
I play/visit here
(41.67%)
Other (9.26%)
I rent a home/
apartment here
(3.24%)
25-34
(31.16%)35-44
(27.91%)
45-54
(19.07%)
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DEMOGRAPHICS
16 How would you describe your race/
ethnicity?
18 What is your household income?
17 How often do you currently
visit the Town Center Area
(Becker Park, Crystal Shopping
Center, and areas surrounding
Bass Lake Rd, West Broadway,
and Bottineau Blvd?American Indian or Alaska Native (1.98%)Asian or Asian American (2.48%)Black or African American (3.96%)Hispanic or Latino (5.94%)Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (0.5%)Another Race (0.5%)Other (2.48%)White (89.11%)Frequently (weekly)
80.47%
12.56%
5.12%
1.86%
Occasionally (monthly)
Rarely (few times per year)
Never
Under $15,000
(0.99%)
Between $15,000 and
$29,999 (1.98%)
Between $30,000 and
$49,999 (5.94%)
Between $100,000 and
$150,000 (31.19%)
Between $75,000
and $99,999
(17.33%)
Between $50,000
and $74,999
(11.88%)
Over $150,000 (30.69%)
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
GUIDING PRINCIPLESGUIDING PRINCIPLES
TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
GUIDING PRINCIPLESGUIDING PRINCIPLES
1. CREATE A WALKABLE,
GREEN, CONNECTED
CORE
2. CELEBRATE
COMMUNITY IDENTITY &
A SENSE OF PLACE
THESE GUIDING PRINCIPLES ARTICULATE THE COMMUNITY’S SHARED VISION FOR CRYSTAL’S TOWN CENTER,
BALANCING GROWTH, IDENTITY, AND LIVABILITY THROUGH THOUGHTFUL DESIGN AND INVESTMENT.
3. GROW WITH
PURPOSE
4. PRIORITIZE
LIVABILITY & MOVING
FORWARD
DF/ CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025
CREATE A WALKABLE, GREEN,
CONNECTED CORE1
A. WALKABLE + ACTIVE CORE
Prioritize a pedestrian-first environment that encourages
walking, biking, and gathering. Streets, trails, and crossings
should be safe, comfortable, and inviting for people of all
ages, especially along West Broadway, Bass Lake Road, and
near Becker Park.
B. GREEN + CONNECTED
Integrate landscape, stormwater, and tree canopy
improvements that link Becker Park, the Blue Line station
area, and nearby neighborhoods. A connected green network
should blend recreation, ecology, and mobility.
C. A PEOPLE-CENTERED WEST BROADWAY
Reimagine West Broadway as the Town Center’s main
civic spine, a multimodal, green, and walkable “main
street” that links Becker Park, local businesses, and future
redevelopment.
D. MOBILITY FOR ALL
Enhance connectivity through safe crossings, lighting, bike
trail links, and shared streets. Streets should move people,
not just cars, and prioritize safety and accessibility.
1
DF/ CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025
2 CELEBRATE COMMUNITY IDENTITY
& A SENSE OF PLACE
A. BECKER PARK AS A CIVIC FRONT DOOR
Frame Becker Park with welcoming, moderately active edges,
integrating dining terraces, event space, and family-friendly
uses, while maintaining green, open character at its core.
B. CELEBRATE IDENTITY + ARRIVAL
Strengthen gateways along Bass Lake Road, Bottineau
Boulevard, and the future station area with distinctive
public art, signage, and landscape that celebrate Crystal’s
identity and signal entry into a unique civic district. Highlight
the city’s neighborhoods, cultural diversity, and civic
pride through art, design, and storytelling, and create a
cohesive visual language that connects parks, streets, and
development. Invite partnerships with artists, schools, and
local organizations to shape a Town Center that truly reflects
Crystal’s spirit and voice.
C. SMALL-TOWN FEEL, BIG CITY ACCESS
Preserve Crystal’s approachable, small-town charm while
introducing modern amenities, housing, and transit options
that reflect its role as a connected, livable inner-ring
community.
2
DF/ CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025
3 GROW WITH
PURPOSE
A. FOCUS REDEVELOPMENT ENERGY WHERE IT
CATALYZES CHANGE
Target investment where it can spur momentum, including
the West Broadway corridor, Crystal Shopping Center and
Target area, and Becker Park edges, to create visible, early
wins that build community confidence.
B. BALANCE EVOLUTION AND STABILITY
Encourage incremental redevelopment that evolves naturally
over time with clear phasing strategies for 2030, 2040, and
2050. Respect existing investments while welcoming bold,
high-quality infill and mixed-use projects that set a new
standard for design.
C. A RESILIENT, ADAPTABLE, AND LOCALLY ROOTED
ECONOMIC HEART
Plan for long-term flexibility at key commercial anchors,
including the Crystal Shopping Center, allowing partial
redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and infill to evolve with
changing markets while maintaining economic vitality.
Support local businesses and community-scale retail that
reinforce Crystal’s character, and promote reinvestment that
enhances the Town Center’s image and tax base.
3
DF/ CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025
44 PRIORITIZE LIVABILITY &
MOVING FORWARD
A. TRANSIT-ORIENTED AND CONNECTED
Leverage the future Blue Line Station to create a compact,
accessible district where homes, jobs, and services are a
short walk or ride away. Strengthen pedestrian and bike links
to enhance “last mile” connections across the Town Center
and adjacent neighborhoods.
B. HOUSING CHOICE AND AFFORDABILITY
Encourage a range of housing types that serve residents at
different stages of life and income levels. Support attainable,
high-quality homes that fit Crystal’s character and allow both
long-term and new residents to thrive.
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP/ 10.23.2025CRYSTAL TOWN CENTER VISION PLAN
TOWN CENTER VISIONINGTOWN CENTER VISIONING KEY DRIVERS
GATEWAY NODE
TAPERED
DEVELOPMENT
GATEWAY NODE
GATEWAY NODE
OPPORTUNITY FOR
BIG CHANGE
COMMERCIAL CORE
GATEWAY NODE
CIVIC PLAZA/
GREENSPACE
DISTRICT IDENTITY
ENHANCED CONNECTIONBLUE
L
IN
E
STA
T
ION
P
LA
ZA
PROMENADE
WEST BROADWAY
STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENT
BASS LAKE RD STREETSCAPE
ENHANCEMENTS
FRAME BECKER PARK -
EYES ON THE STREET
WEST BROADWAY
STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENT
- STREET TREES
- ENHANCED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
- LIGHTING & FURNISHINGS
- FRONT WITH BUILDINGS
- ROAD DIET
- STREET TREES
- LIGHTING & FURNISHINGS
CRYSTAL AIRPORT
BASS LAKE RD
B
O
T
T
I
N
E
A
U
B
L
V
D
W
E
S
T
B
R
O
A
D
W
A
Y
- GREATER DENSITY
- MIX OF USES
- SMALLER BLOCKS
- GREENER & WALKABLE