07/11/2017 - City Council SpecialSPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2017
5:30 P.M.
EAGAN ROOM
EAGAN MUNICIPAL CENTER
AGENDA
I. ROLL CALL AND ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
II. VISITORS TO BE HEARD
III. SHORT TERM RENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
IV. MULTI-FAMILY PARKING CONSIDERATIONS
V. RESIDENTIAL OVERLAY DISTRICTS
VI. COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE PLAN UPDATE
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda Information Memo
July 11, 2017 Special City Council Meeting
III. Short-Term Residential Rentals – City of Eagan
Direction to be considered:
To provide City staff direction regarding the City Code and Short-Term Residential
Rentals.
Facts:
Earlier this year a short-term rental complaint was made and staff’s research to
corroborate the complaint revealed approximately one dozen Eagan residential
properties that were listed on short-term rental sites, including the subject
property.
In addition to sending a compliance letter to the subject site, Code Enforcement
was directed to send courtesy letters to simply remind/inform the other
property owners of the City’s regulations and registry requirements.
Per Council’s previous direction, staff is not intending to pursue enforcement on
the dozen or so property owners that received a courtesy letter absent a formal
complaint.
The property owner that received the compliance letter submitted a letter
requesting the City Council reconsider the current short-term rental stance.
Neighbor support was also submitted. (attached)
The topic of Short-Term Housing Rentals arose in late 2014. Between
consideration of an Interim Use Permit and a general discussion by the City
Council at a Work Session, a significant amount of information (both pro and
con) was submitted and considered by the City Council.
Also attached is a current ECVB memo and a July 2016 staff memo summarizing
the activities surrounding short-term rentals through December 2015.
Attachments: (3)
SPCC III-1 Letter from property owner and letter of support from a neighbor
SPCC III-2 ECVB research and comments
SPCC III-3 July 2016 Short-term Rental Summary Memo
9'ezg Ll i l
10 April, 2017
Mike Maguire -- Mayor
City of Eagan
3830 Pilot Knob Road
Eagan, MN 55122
Dear Mayor Maguire,
We have now been, just shy of, a 28 year resident here in Eagan on Lone Oak Road.
Recently, it was brought to our attention that our next door neighbors, Paul and Rosemarie
Ndupuechi (1485 Lone Oak Road), have been asked by William Henk in Property Maintenance
with the city, to cease the operation of their Airbnb.
The Ndupuechi's have been operating their Airbnb, for 30 months. We are not aware of any
complaints that have ever filed against them as a result of that operation. Neighbors on all sides
are aware of the operation and we are not aware of anyone that has had issues with it. it does not
bring added traffic or noise to the neighborhood.
As we said, we are their next door neighbor, the only direct neighbor we can see. If there were
any kind of an adverse effect this enterprise was having on the neighborhood, we would see/hear
it.
This enterprise brings a very diverse group into our community to spend their hard earned dollars
with our businesses with absolutely no additional strain on any municipal resources.
We know the Ndupuechis are more than willing to jump through any licensure hoops the city
will present. They simply need to be offered that opportunity and not simply told to cease
operations.
Any relief your office can offer with this city issue would be greatly appreciated by our
neighborhood.
Very truly yours,
Stepp en and Paula Nierengarten _ {
1475 Lone Oak Road
651.343.2676
March 21, 2017
Dear Mayor Mike Maguire
Council members- Paul Bakken, Cyndee Fields, Gary Hansen, and Meg Tilley
Eagan City Hall
3830 Pibt .Knob Road
Eagan, MN 55122
Re: Short-term rental in the City of Eagan
Dear Mr. Mayor and Members of the Council:
We are writing as home owners in the City of Eagan to ask and encourage the elected leaders of the City
to make laws regulating short-term rentals so that home owners can use their homes to become entrepreneurs,
and in some cases, to help pay their mortgages. Currently, there are no laws in the City that allow for short-term
rentals such as Airbnb where guests stay for a day, a week, a few weeks at a time. At the end of February, we
received a letter dated Feb: 22, from William Henk of Property Maintenance/Code enforcement dated Feb- 22,
2017. Following a subsequent meeting with William and Sarah Thomas on Feb. 27, we have closed our listing to
bookings.
We are asking that City to write legislation regarding short-term rentals so that citizens of Eagan can
follow and comply with these rules and run their Airbnb rentals to high standards.
In the Fall of 2012,.my husband and I bought a foreclosed property that needed a lot of love, a rambler
in. Eagan, a Twin Cities' suburb. It was rough and a good price. We knew it was a good time to buy and we also
knew we had the energy to put sweat equity into turning It into our home. After a lot of sweat and some tears,
in 2014, we got it to the point of being.a home with lots of room to host family and friends. it was around this
time thatwe started. -hearing about Airbnb and thought,' Why not have our home make us some money and
help us pay our mortgage?" We informed our immediate neighbors who were supportive and listed our home:
Here are some facts on our Airbnb venture:
o From September of 2014 up to closing our Airbnb listing to bookings, we hosted more than 200 guests.
from .six.countries and 23 states. Some were repeat visitors.
Sixty percent of our guests were here on business. Others were visiting family and chose to stay with its
versus with family. Some are repeat guests.
All guests parked on our property and frequented Eagan restaurants and locates, as we provided a book
with listing of Eagan restaurants, parks, etc. as a service to our guests.
Our immediate neighbors knew and supported us doing.Airbnb. See attached confirmation from
neighbors.
We would like to use a home we have bought and own to make money and would like others to be able
to do so as well. We welcome a meeting to discuss and doing our partto have Eagan join other cities that have
founts away to welcome the added revenue and visitors and allowed property owners to be entrepreneurs via
s rt -term al uch as Airbn
t� Sin
se arfe and Paul :hidupuechii 1
Attachm. eMs: Neighbor Testimonial and Support & Testimonial from guests
Attachment: Testimonial from guests
Testimonials from Guests (Written in our Guest Hook)
Sept. 2014 — "Rose and Paul, Thank you for the hospitality! The house was great and you were very
accommodating. The house is set up well with all the things we needed for a comfortable stay. We had a great;
"girls" weekend in Mpls!" —Cindy McDaniel, Clear Lake, SD
Oct. 2014— "Rose and Paul, your place felt like home! It made ourstay so easy and we are very appreciative of
all that you did to ensure our every need was taken care of. Best of luckto you in your new ventures. This seems
an obvious success! 'til next time, Susie and Suzanne
Oct. 2014 — "Rose and Paul, your home was a welcome respite from the long, bleak hours of air travel, and such
a homey, comfortable treat. Thank you so much for going out of your way to ensure our comfort and pleasant
stay. Thank you, as well, for giving me the opportunity to bask in the glorious light of your sweet pups — a rare
thing (as) I don't often get in cramped NYC. All the best, Kate Weinberg, NYC
Feb. 2015 — "Rose and Paul, this was our first Airbnb experience and a wonderful one. We'll try it again. And,
we'll hope to stay with you again whenever we get back to this area. We are quite impressed with your beautiful
remodeling job! Having such a comfortable space to return to each evening has made a sad time easier for us.
Thanks so much for your generous hospitality. Joanne and Michael George, Longmont, CO, and Will Parrish,
Abington, MD
April 2015 - "Dear Rose and Paul, Thank you so much for an incredible stay! For us, it was great to have the
luxury and. comfort of a hotel, but with your personal touches and warm personalities. You made us feel very
welcome and we look forward to returning! Love, Michael, Felicity and Theo, London, United Kingdom
Sept. 2015 —"I've enjoyed my stay here at your comfortable home. My first Airbnb experience has been a great
onel l'm herewith a wonderful friend for a road trip/sightseeing trip. We have spent time at the Mall, saw a
Twins game at Target. Field, and enjoyed our time downtown. If I'm ever back in the area I hope to stay at your
home again. Joshua, Kansas City, MI
Oct. 2015 — "Rose and Paul, so wonderful and very comfort (sic) place you have and beautiful location. We really
enjoyed a lot in your place. Everything was organized and clean. We are felt more than blessed. We'll come back
whenever we are around. MW Thank you for letting us stay in your place. Love, Adrias and Laura, Sikkim, India.
P5. "So, glad I.chose this place over a hotel for our wedding night!"
June 2016 — "Thank you Rose and Paul for your wonderful hospitality and this great Alrbnb experience. Wish 1
could stay longer. But, I do plan on coming back with my family in the next year. Best wishes! Adi, Canberra,
Australia
July 2016— "Muchimas graclas! Rosemarie and Paul for welcoming me into your home! Such a clean,.spacious,
comfortable and welcoming place. i especially appreciated all the thoughtful suggestions regarding places to
visit while Jn you're (sic) beautiful city! I will be sure to return with my family in the months and years ahead!
WarmlyA appreciated, Jamie Huff, Wheaton, IL
Oct. 2016 — "Rosemarie & Paul, we truly enjoy our stay here at your place. We appreciate (sic) everything you
did to provide us with the best experience we ever had. Thank you. —Tinker (Kearney, NE), and Nicole aka Sijla
(Shenyang, China)
5
Neighbor Testimonial and Support
We are neighbors of Rosemarie and Paui Ndupuechi, and aklewriting to support their request that the City of
Eagan write legislation regulating short-term rentals so that the City can gain the added revenue that these
rentals bring, and that they all operate to a high standard such as we see from Rosemarie and Paul.
Name(s) and Signature
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We are neighbors of Rosemarie and Paul Ndupuechi, and writing to support their request that the City of
Eagan write legislation regulating short-term rentals so that the City can gain the added revenue that these
rentals bring, and that they all operate to a high standard such as we see
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r Rosemarie and Paul.
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We are neighbors of Rosemarie and Paul Ndupuechi, and a ftwriting to support their request that the City of
Eagan write legislation regulating short-term rentals so that the City can gain the added revenue that these
rentals bring, and that they all operate to a high standard such as we see from Rosemarie and Paul.
Name(s) and Signature
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Eagan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Research Prepared for the 7/11/17 Eagan City Council Workshop
Research Topic:
Impact of Airbnb Industry on Tourism and Eagan’s Hospitality Community
Overview:
Since its inception back in 2008, the Airbnb phenomenon has grown exponentially from
a few hundred rentals in a handful of cities into its current inventory of over 3 million
lodging listings in approximately 65,000 cities worldwide. While the Airbnb industry has
richly rewarded countless homeowners and provides convenient and incredibly
affordable accommodations to millions of travelers, a host of issues ranging from health
and safety concerns to crime, privacy and tax avoidance fears have also surfaced. As
Eagan and municipalities across the nation look to regulate the Airbnb industry, we’ve
explored the topic from a tourism point of view and have gathered some information
which you’ll hopefully find useful as you revisit our local regulations.
Airbnb Impact on Eagan’s Hospitality Community:
Given that only a handful of Airbnb options have surfaced in and around the Eagan
area during the past 9 years, the effect from an economic impact standpoint has been
virtually nonexistent. From a tourism perspective, as you can imagine, we currently see
it doing very little in terms of bringing additional tourists
to our destination.
Concerns Raised by Eagan Hotel Owners and General Managers:
While our destination currently has little to offer on the Airbnb front, we feel it would be
naive to ignore the fact that Airbnb options are fairly popular along the East and West
Coasts of the country. Given this, we’ve spoken to a number of our Eagan hospitality
community leaders about how they would feel if an abundance of Airbnb options would
begin surfacing in our region. Here’s a summary of the main concerns that were shared
with us:
• Owners and general managers of our 16 Eagan hotels pride themselves on
guest safety. The fact that the average Airbnb is currently not held to the same
strict safety standards to which all of our Eagan hotels are held is a concern. In
addition to state and local regulations, all of the brands representing our Eagan
hotels also perform their own rigid inspections aimed at making certain guests
enjoy a safe and comfortable experience while staying in Eagan. Should the
Airbnb inventory begin growing exponentially in Eagan, this could potentially
become a huge issue of fairness.
• Another concern shared by our hospitality leaders centers around our overall
Eagan brand. Our hoteliers are very proud of the high standards they’re all held
to as exemplified by the myriad renovations and other exciting improvements
that are always taking place in an effort to keep our destination vibrant. Heaven
forbid, if a serious injury or death would ever occur resulting from an Airbnb stay,
our stakeholders would be very concerned about the negative PR Eagan’s entire
hospitality community would receive from a safety concern standpoint.
• Hospitality leaders also feel Airbnb’s go far beyond the boundaries of simply
“renting a room.” Should the concept truly catch on in our region, the feeling is
that they should be considered more on par with bed and breakfasts and that
lodging tax would need to be collected.
National Trends:
As cited above, Airbnb options in more populous regions such as the East and West
Coasts continue to be prevalent. However, the Midwest continues to maintain far fewer
options while also posing more regulatory hurdles for Airbnb hopefuls. Areas such as
Chicago are making it more difficult for Airbnb owners to do business citing pushback
from neighborhoods and hospitality leaders. While the majority of tourism experts
seem to think that the Airbnb inventory will continue to grow, they also feel more
regulations, inspections and tools used to combat privacy concerns will also be
introduced.
How Other Area Communities are Handling Airbnb Growth:
• St. Paul: The Capital City recently proposed rules which would limit the number
of people allowed to stay in a home and how many apartments or condominiums
people could rent out in a building. Property owners would have to follow zoning
and licensing rules, pay sales and lodging taxes, have appropriate insurance
and, in some cases, a fire certificate of occupancy.
• Burnsville: Burnsville’s ordinance effectively bans Airbnb: According to their
ordinance, “rental of private homes for temporary occupancy threatens the
essential character and stability of residential neighborhoods because short-term
tenants have little interest in the welfare of the local community.” It also states
that this type of rental “is often undertaken without adequate on-site
management, compliance with state and local codes for commercial lodging
establishments, and other safeguards for those renting the home.”
• Lakeville: While Airbnb business is allowed in Lakeville, homeowners who rent
single-family homes for short periods of time must abide by a set of regulations
that include prohibiting more than two separate rentals within a 30-day period.
• Savage: The Savage City Council passed an ordinance barring anyone from
renting their homes out for fewer than 15 days taking the possibility of an Airbnb
off the table.
• Apple Valley, Blaine, Stillwater and Woodbury all consider homes “single-
family dwellings,” effectively forbidding an Airbnb from existing in these
communities.
Future Trends:
According to airbnbcitizen.com, “a regulatory pattern is emerging from our
conversations with policymakers—that they frequently divide home sharing into three
categories: 1) shared spaces, 2) primary residences, and 3) vacation rentals and
commercial accommodations. Generally speaking, governments are creating light-touch
home sharing rules for shared spaces and primary residences, and more significant
frameworks for vacation rentals and commercial accommodations. This pattern of light-
touch regulation of shared spaces and primary residences reflects elected officials’
growing appreciation of how Airbnb creates economic opportunity for working families.”
This statement certainly coincides with our research – the emerging patterns seem to
be municipalities either taking a hardline stance against potential Airbnb operators or
they’re exploring creative ways in which Airbnb’s can potentially and legally coexist with
existing hotels and neighborhoods – there does not seem to be any middle ground
whatsoever.
Contact Information:
Needless to say, the Airbnb industry is ever-evolving and poses a unique set of
challenges to Eagan and countless other communities. We stand ready to assist in any
way we can and would be happy to answer any additional questions you may have
about this topic. Best of luck with your policymaking.
Brent Cory, President/CEO
Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau
Phone: 651-675-5544 (direct)
Email brent@eaganmn.com
To: Dave Osberg, City Administrator
Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director
From: Mike Ridley, AICP
City Planner
Date: July 5, 2016
Subject: Airbnb Discussion
Background
Concern was raised in the fall of 2014 by neighbors of a property owner offering a
basement apartment for short-term rental on the website Airbnb.
City staff brought the issue of short-term residential rentals to the attention of the City
Council at their December 16, 2014 Listening Session.
The City Council discussed that the use described was similar to a Bed & Breakfast
(B&B). At the Council’s request, staff polled a number of cities that allow B&B’s and
found that the typical approach to allow such a use was via a Conditional Use Permit
(CUP).
History
The City Code allows a person to rent their home or a room in their home for one or
more months where the home would be deemed as the renter’s residence.
Additionally, the Council had amended the City Code in 2014 to allow for Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADU) in R-1 zoning districts. An ADU is intended to be a self-contained
living unit with a dedicated access and off-street parking.
At that time, the City Attorney opined: “Any home or rooms therein offered to the
public for sleeping accommodations falls within this commercial lodging operation. It is
irrelevant whether the operation is a “traditional B&B,” a single room or several rooms
without any breakfast offered, or a “vacation home rental”—all three provide overnight
lodging accommodations to the public for money and thus, all are commercial lodging
operations.”
Process
Since the City Code did not accommodate short-term rentals in residential zones, the
property owners referenced above applied for an Interim Use Permit (IUP) in March of
2015 to allow the use for a specific term. The Advisory Planning Commission
recommended denial of the permit in April 2015.
Before the City Council considered the IUP request, the applicant requested the item be
tabled until after the City Council considered short-term rentals, generally.
The topic was discussed at the August 11, 2015 Special City Council Meeting where staff
was seeking direction on next steps regarding short-term rentals in residential
neighborhoods.
After a significant amount of discussion the consensus of the City Council was to not
move forward with an ordinance amendment to allow short-term rentals of rooms or
portions of homes in residential neighborhoods.
Conclusion
The applicant withdrew the IUP application on August 21, 2015.
At the suggestion of the City Attorney, the City Code was amended in December 2015 to
clarify that residential occupancy means for a period not less than 30 days.
Please contact me if you have questions or need additional information.
Agenda Information Memo
July 11, 2017, Special City Council Meeting
IV. Multi-Family Residential Parking Standards – City of Eagan
Direction to be considered:
To provide City staff direction regarding Parking Standards.
Facts:
The Eagan City Code parking standard for multi-family residential is two stalls per
unit, with at least half of the spaces required to be enclosed. The City Code does
not differentiate between senior living and market-rate apartments.
The City Council and APC have encountered requested deviations from the
parking standards with enough frequency over the past several years that
Council requested staff research requirements in other metro cities.
The attached memo delves into more detail on the topic.
Attachments: (1)
SPCC IV-1 Staff memo
To: Dave Osberg, City Administrator
Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director
From: Mike Ridley, AICP
City Planner
Date: July 7, 2017
Subject: Multi-Family Parking Standards
Background
As the City Council and Advisory Planning Commission (APC) have witnessed multiple
times over the past several years, the multi-family residential development community
has sought deviations to the Eagan City Code parking standard of two stalls per unit.
The City Code does not differentiate between senior living and market-rate apartments.
In combination, the City Council has been clear in their desire to limit the amount of
unneeded parking, generally. In addition to aesthetics, reducing storm water runoff is
an important byproduct of reducing the amount of pavement.
The City Council requested staff research parking standards employed by other metro
communities to determine if the Eagan standard causes the City to function as an outlier
in comparison.
History
The City Council has regularly approved deviations from the 2:1 requirement for senior
living facilities over at least the last decade; senior facilities have been approved with an
average of approximately one stall per unit.
The APC has reviewed parking standards for senior living facilities in a Workshop setting
and the consensus was support for a one stall per unit ratio.
The City Council has also approved a number of market-rate apartment projects at less
than the two spaces per unit ratio. The development community has been making the
case for several years that two spaces per unit is excessive and that a more accurate
way to determine the need is to base the parking requirement on the number of
bedrooms, rather than number of units.
Findings
The survey of several metro communities found that most require two stalls per unit
and two communities require parking as high as 2.5 stalls per unit. One community
currently requires parking at the rate of one space per bedroom. Similar to Eagan, three
of the seven communities surveyed also require at least half the required parking to be
enclosed.
The survey also considered parking needs suggested by the ITE Manual which
recommends an average parking requirement of 1.23 parking stalls per unit. For the
multi-family developments in which the City of Eagan has allowed less parking,
approved parking ratios have ranged from 1.4 to 1.8 stalls per unit.
The survey also found that required parking stall dimensions vary from 8.5’ x 18’ to 9.5’
x 18’. Eagan’s standard is 10’ x 19’. In addition, only one city surveyed differentiated
minimum dimensions between enclosed and surface stalls. In that particular instance,
enclosed stalls are allowed at 8.5’ x 18’; whereas, surface stalls are required to be 9’ x
18’.
Enclosed stalls (underground or within a structure) are often allowed at a reduced size
due to the absence of the elements (wind, rain, etc.) and the desire to maximize the
stall count due to the expense of approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per stall.
Conclusion
While there is variation in required parking standards, the City’s current two stalls per
unit ratio is not overtly out of step with typical standards in the metro area. However,
the City has also witnessed consistent requests to deviate from the City Code standard
over the past several years.
City staff is clear on the Council’s penchant for the 10-foot stall width; however, staff
suggests the City Council discuss the notion of a lesser stall width for underground or
structured parking.
Policy Considerations
Should the City Code be modified to require parking for multi-family units based on
bedroom count as opposed to unit count?
Should the City Code be modified to require parking for senior living facilities at a ratio
of one stall per unit?
Should the City Code be modified to allow a smaller stall dimension for stalls located
underground or within a structure?
Agenda Memo
July 11, 2017 Special City Council Meeting
V. RESIDENTIAL OVERLAY DISTRICTS
Action to be Considered:
To provide staff direction on residential overlay districts.
Facts:
At the 2017 City Council retreat, the Council discussed the possibility of using residential
overlay districts to encourage reinvestment in residential neighborhoods and upgrade of
the City’s housing stock.
The City Attorney has advised that the City could implement a residential overlay district
to provide flexibility from bulk standards in residential neighborhoods without rezoning.
The overlay district could be applied within specific geographical boundaries.
If the City Council wanted to consider an overlay district, staff would suggest that the
City Council consider flexibility for setbacks and building coverage as these standards
are most likely to inhibit home additions. The City currently receives very few requests
annually for these types of variances, but it is unknown how many homeowners have
been unwilling to pursue variances due to time, expense, and uncertainty.
Similar to the approach employed with our Proactive Code Enforcement program, the
City Council may want to consider the age of the housing stock as a factor in choosing
the location of residential overlay districts. A map showing age of residential buildings is
attached.
Policy Questions:
1. Does the City Council want to consider creating a residential overlay district?
2. If so, should the overlay district allow flexibility for setbacks and/or building coverage
requirements?
3. Should overlay districts be located based on building age or on other factors?
Attachments: (2)
SPCCV-1 R-1 and R-1S Bulk Standards
SPCCV-2 Year Built Residential Map
R-1 Bulk standards (minimum unless noted).
j Lot Area
12,000 sq. ft.
Lot Width
85 feet
Setback From Public Right-of-way
30 feet
i.
Side Yard Setback (principal structure)
10 feet
i
Side Yard Setback (garage or accessory structure)
5 feet
Rear Yard Setback (principal structure)
15 feet
Rear Yard Setback (accessory structure)
5 feet
Structure Height (max.)
35 feet I
Building Coverage (max.)
20 percent
R -1S Bulk standards (minimum unless noted).
Lot Area8
OQO' 8 sq ft.
�—
Lot Width
65 feet
Setback From Public Right-of-way
30 feet
r— Side Yard Setback (principal structure)
1 6 feet j
Side Yard Setback (garage or accessory structure)
I
5 feet
Rear Yard Setback (principal structure)
I
15 feet
1
Rear Yard Setback (accessory structure)
si
E 5 feet
Structure Height (max.)
I
_
35 feet
Building Coverage (max.)
JJ
25 percent
Lone Oak Rd
Yankee Doodle Rd
Wescott Rd
Diffley Rd
Cliff Rd
L e x i n g t o n A v e
P i l o t K n o b R d
Deerwood Dr
Silver Bell Rd
B l a c k h a w k R d
R a h n R d
N i c o l s R d
J o h n n y C a k e R d g R d
G a l a x i e A v e
D o d d R d
Diffley Rd
C e d a r A v e
Legend
Year Built
< 1971
1971 - 1980
1981 - 1990
1991 - 2015
Year Built-Residential
Comprehensive Plan Update - 2040
0 10.5 Miles
E
Agenda Memo
July 11, 2017 Special City Council Meeting
VI. COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE PLAN UPDATE
Action to be Considered:
To provide a progress report to the City Council on the 2040 Comprehensive Guide Plan update.
Facts:
The City is required by State Statutes to update its Comprehensive Guide Plan every ten
years. The next update is due to the Metropolitan Council by December 31, 2018.
City staff and consultants have been working on components of the Comprehensive Plan
update for several months and anticipate completing the draft plan in the first quarter
of 2018. This will allow time for the required six-month review by the Metropolitan
Council.
The City is well underway with community engagement and is taking a more interactive
approach than has been used previously. Interaction at community events has been
very positive, and City staff is pleased with the level of response to the on-line social
engagement tool.
The attached memo describes progress on the main components of the Comprehensive
Plan: Land Use, Housing, and Economic Development; Water, Wastewater, and Storm
Water; Water Resources and Wetland Management; and Transportation.
Attachments:
SPCCVI-1 Memo, Comprehensive Guide Plan Update
SPCCVI-2 Draft Community Engagement Plan
SPCCVI-3 Social Pinpoint Summary
1
TO: Dave Osberg, City Administrator
FROM: Community Development and Public Works
DATE: July 6, 2017
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Guide Plan Update
The City is required by State Statues to update its Comprehensive Guide Plan every ten years.
The next update is due to the Metropolitan Council by December 31, 2018. City staff and
consultants have been working on components of the Comprehensive Plan update for several
months and anticipate completing the draft plan in the first quarter of 2018. This will allow time
for the required six-month review by the Metropolitan Council.
Community Engagement
The City has compiled a draft Community Engagement Plan (attached) that defines
stakeholders and the timing and method of outreach. In previous comprehensive plan updates,
the City has relied on community open houses to gather input. Open houses no longer draw
large crowds, and the City has restructured its community engagement efforts to increase
opportunities for convenient and effective public input. Social media is being used to promote
community engagement opportunities. Following are community engagement activities that
have been completed or are underway.
• Comprehensive Plan booths at Community Connections, Holtz Farm Festival, Big Rig
Rally, Eagan Art Fest, MarketFest, and the Food Truck Festival.
• Presentation to Chamber of Commerce Eagan Business Council.
• Presentation to Eagan Forward Leadership Group (planned).
• On-line social engagement tool. A “snap-shot” summary of comments through July 5,
2017 is attached. At the end of the first phase of on-line engagement in
approximately mid-July, all comments will be organized, analyzed, and provided to the
Council.
2
• Meetings with Open Door Pantry to facilitate input from unrepresented populations.
• Meetings with the Advisory Planning Commission on special area concepts and the
community engagement plan.
Land Use, Housing, and Economic Development
The City has contracted with Hoisington Koegler to assist with the land use, housing, and
economic development chapters. As a cost-saving measure, City staff is completing the
updates and analysis of much of the background data. With the completion of data analysis
listed below, focus is turning towards chapter drafts.
• Analysis of existing land use and current housing unit counts by type.
• Review of System Statement Forecast for Housing, Population and Employment and
compared to current estimates and planned development to determine consistency
with land use plan.
• Allocation of all housing units, population and employment forecasts to Transportation
Analysis zones, by both Metropolitan Council and refined Eagan zones, consistent with
the System Statement allocation for Eagan.
• Update of community background information, demographic updates and trends.
• Update of technology and broadband information with assistance from the Eagan
Technology Working Group.
Water, Wastewater, and Storm Water
The City has contracted with Black & Veatch to assist with the Water Master Planning chapters,
which include water, wastewater, and storm water. This update provides a review of the
Utilities past and present condition (asset management) and operation (work management).
More importantly, the master plan provides a customized roadmap into the future enabling
utilities to operate and maintain efficient, effective and reliable water systems that not only
meet current needs but those of generations to come.
Master plans are typically updated every 10 years; Eagan last updated its documents between
2005 and 2008. This Water Master Planning project started last summer (June 2016) and will be
complete by the end of 2017.
3
The project objective is to update the planning documents and provide a comprehensive review
of water use for Eagan for both current and future operations.
In addition to the typical plans, a separate report will be created that integrates all the Water
Master Plans with the Storm Water Quality Master Plan to provide a holistic view of water
management, system water use, and a strategic plan with recommendations on optimizing
water use and future management. This “Integrated Water Master Plan” will also incorporate
ideas and opportunities for water reuse.
Water Resources and Wetland Management
The City has contracted with Wenck & Associates to assist with the update to the Water Quality
and Wetland Management Plan (WQWMP), to incorporate the water quality trend data,
phosphorus assessments, and pollution reduction strategies the City identified in the three
studies and management plans of 16 lakes conducted from 2008 to 2015. The 2018-2028
WQWMP will include updated goals and policies for managing Eagan’s surface water resources
and the programs and capital projects proposed to be implemented in the next 10 years to
achieve those goals. The effort will also reflect potential evaluations and updates of City
regulations, including stormwater management, wetland protection and management, and
others to be compliant with our state stormwater permit. Completion is expected at the end of
2017.
Transportation
The City has contracted with SRF Consulting to assist with the update to the Transportation
chapter. Tasks completed, and a schedule for remaining tasks, are as follows:
• City completed a draft of the aviation section which was reviewed by the Eagan Airports
Relation Commission.
• Bicycle system plan complete, received City’s review comments.
• Transit system plan internal review complete, SRF will send to City soon.
• Freight system plan near complete for internal review, SRF will send to City.
• Travel demand forecasts have begun, expected to be complete end of July.
• Roadway system plan has begun, need forecast numbers for draft – SRF will send of City
late summer.
• Final draft expected early fall.
4
• SRF continues to have regular bi-weekly check-in calls with Engineering Staff and will
continue to advance this plan and necessary reviews throughout the summer.
Version 5 – March 28, 2017 P a g e | 1
Community Engagement Plan
City of Eagan – Comprehensive Plan Update
DRAFT - Version 5 - Updated 03/28/2017
Project Description
The City of Eagan is updating its Comprehensive Plan consistent with the requirements of the
Metropolitan Council. The plan will be completed for submission to the Metropolitan Council by the
end of the first quarter, 2018.
The new Comprehensive Plan will incorporate a number of themes that emerged from the Eagan
Forward project. They include:
Redevelopment should intensify uses and result in a built environment that features pedestrian-
scaled development, welcoming public spaces, and opportunities for social interaction.
Housing should be multi-generational, multi-cultural, and available to households at all stages of the
life cycle.
Innovation and creativity are fostered through strategic investments in public spaces and
infrastructure.
Effective transportation links people to destinations regardless of physical ability or mode of travel.
Eagan’s Advisory Planning Commission will oversee the planning process with periodic “check-ins” with
the City Council as well as the Advisory Parks Commission, Energy and Environment Advisory
Commission and Airport Relations Commission.
Comprehensive Plan Update – A Collaborative Effort
Preparation of the Eagan Comprehensive Plan update is a collaborative effort involving City staff and
representatives from four consulting firms. The following outlines the various areas of responsibility
based on the chapters that are contained in the current Eagan Comprehensive Plan.
Chapter Author
1 – Introduction City of Eagan Staff
2 – Community Background City of Eagan Staff
3.- Land Use Plan Hoisington Koegler Group
4 – Housing Hoisington Koegler Group
5 – Parks and Recreation City of Eagan Staff
6 – Natural Resources and Environment City of Eagan Staff
7 – Transportation Plan SRF Consulting Group
8 – Community Infrastructure Black & Veatch – Water and Storm Water
Wenck – Water Quality and Wetlands
Version 5 – March 28, 2017 P a g e | 2
Chapter Author
9 – Economic Development Hoisington Koegler Group
10 - Implementation All
Community engagement efforts and events will not be chapter based but rather, will be organized in a
manner that best presents information to the community at the appropriate times during the planning
process. For example, land use and transportation are likely to be presented in tandem since they are
closely interrelated.
Purpose of Community Engagement Plan
The purpose of the Community Engagement Plan is to define the public engagement process that will
support the development of the Comprehensive Plan update. The Community Engagement Plan is
centered on an inclusive process that encourages everyone to participate and to motivate those who
are not usually engaged to become engaged. Effective public engagement that meets the needs of
various stakeholders and provides a meaningful outcome for decision makers is an important step in the
overall planning process and will be incorporated from start to finish during the project.
This version of the Community Engagement Plan is noted as Version 2. It will be continually updated
during the planning process and will be periodically replaced by subsequent versions.
Community Engagement Objectives and Approaches
Eagan staff will work with consulting team representatives to meet the overall community engagement
objectives. Community engagement during the planning process will be used to help identify
community needs and interests. The community will also be asked to evaluate alternatives for the
future. Community input will shape the overall Comprehensive Plan, which is intended to guide long-
term decisions over the next ten year period and beyond.
Community Engagement Objectives:
Utilize effective communication tools accessible to a broad and diverse audience.
Engage community leaders and underserved populations.
Align outreach strategies with the sequence of project tasks so that input gathered can
meaningfully inform the work products that are developed, including key decision points.
Include community-based events and activities in locales where Eagan residents and
businesspersons typically congregate.
Incorporate the use of online community engagement platforms by City staff including but not
limited to social media and the City website.
Build off of the community engagement efforts undertaken as part of Eagan Forward.
Version 5 – March 28, 2017 P a g e | 3
STAKEHOLDERS
Advisory Planning Commission (APC)
The Comprehensive Plan update process will be guided by the Eagan Advisory Planning Commission.
The APC will meet throughout the process to provide guidance and review draft components of the
plan. The following is a tentative list of anticipated APC meeting dates:
Meeting Date Agenda Topics
Meeting #1 (Joint
Meeting With CC)
03/14/17 Introduction and orientation to comprehensive
planning, the Eagan Plan update process and the
approach to community engagement
Meeting #2 04/25/17 Planned: Review of Land Use (Special Area
Concepts)
Meeting #3 06/27/17 Community engagement update
Meeting #4 07/25/27 Planned: Review Land Use, Housing and economic
Development Chapter
Meeting #5 08/22/17 TBD (Chapter review)
Meeting #6 09/26/2017 TBD (Chapter review)
Meeting #7 10/24/2017 TBD (Chapter review)
Meeting #8 TBD TBD (Chapter review)
Meeting #9 01/23/2017 Conduct Public Hearing On Full Draft Plan
Meeting #10 02/27/2017 Recommend Plan to CC
Eagan City Council
The City Council will be updated and engaged with the planning process during the project at various
points along the way.
Meeting Date Agenda Topics
Update #1 (Joint with PC) 03/14/2017 Introduction and orientation to comprehensive
planning, the Eagan Plan update process and the
approach to community engagement
Update #2 Mid-Summer Project update: Land use, housing, economic
development
Update #3 Fall Plan chapter progress report
Update #4 Early Winter Full document progress report
Advisory Parks & Recreation Commission (APrC)
The APrC will be updated on the planning process during the project at intervals determined by Park &
Rec staff.
Version 5 – March 28, 2017 P a g e | 4
Non-elected or Appointed Stakeholders
Stakeholders are those individuals or groups who have a vested interest in, or might be interested in or
impacted by the outcomes of the City of Eagan’s Comprehensive Plan Update. Project stakeholders
include, but are not limited to:
Eagan residents and businesspeople
Faith Community
Business owners/employers
Major landowners
School Districts – 196, 191 and 197
Private Schools
Eagan Forward Action Teams
Service Clubs - Eagan Rotary Clubs, Eagan Lions Club, Eagan Foundation, ECVB, etc.
Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Eagan Internal – Public Safety, Eagan Tech Working Group, and City Departments
Regional Agencies – Dakota County/CDA, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA),
Metro Transit, DARTS, Mn/DOT, Metropolitan Council, and Minnesota DNR
Not all stakeholders will be impacted to the same extent or have the same level of interest in the
Comprehensive Plan. Identifying the broad range of Eagan stakeholders will help shape appropriate
engagement techniques. The effectiveness of specific engagement methods can vary considerably from
one audience to another. Major groups to engage and methods of engagement most likely to be
successful include:
Groups to
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Eagan Residents x x x x x
Public and Private
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Faith Community x x x
Eagan Seniors x x x x
Eagan Businesses x x x x x
Eagan Chamber of
Commerce x x
Eagan Service Clubs x
Eagan Internal x
Eagan Forward
Action Teams x x x
Regional Agencies x
Version 5 – March 28, 2017 P a g e | 5
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Community Open Houses
Community open houses will be held during the planning process. The meetings will be held in locations
central in the City and at a time convenient for most residents. The open houses may consist of a
combination of large group presentations, small group activities, informational handouts, paper
questionnaires, display boards, and staff and consultants available for conversation. Open houses are
tentatively envisioned as follows:
Fall 2017 – consult and collaborate – preliminary concepts
Winter 2017/18 – discuss and agree
Digital Engagement
The City of Eagan will post updates on the City’s website at regular intervals informing the public of
upcoming meetings, milestones during the project, and ways to be engaged. Online engagement is
expected to focus initially on general information and general community input; at the mid-point of the
planning process, the emphasis will shift to gaining feedback on concepts; and ideas and near the
conclusion of the planning process, it will focus on obtaining specific comments on draft sections of the
plan. Digital engagement will generally occur as follows:
May 2017 – On-line survey – Special Area concepts and guiding principles. Use of social media
to provide general information and drive users to on-line survey content.
June – October 2017 – Periodic posting on City website of key planning concepts and ideas from
draft plan chapters along with comment mechanism. Use of social media to provide general
information and drive users to on-line survey content.
November – December 2017 – Posting on City website of complete draft chapters for review
along with comment mechanism. Use of social media to provide general information and drive
users to on-line survey content.
Ongoing – May 2017 – December 2017 – Email blast updates to email address list members.
Address list continually compiled and updated throughout the project.
Online Surveys/Questionnaires
Survey Monkey Online questionnaires will be utilized by the City to engage people who
prefer to participate electronically. Online questionnaires are likely to be used primarily in
the early and mid-point of the planning process.
Social Media
City staff will update various social media sites with Comprehensive Plan information, such
as public meeting notices and online questionnaire links.
Version 5 – March 28, 2017 P a g e | 6
https://twitter.com/CityofEagan
https://www.facebook.com/CityofEagan
https://nextdoor.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/EaganETV?feature=watch
Email Updates
Email updates will be sent to interested parties throughout the project. Email addresses will
be collected on sign in sheets at the open houses and other project events. Interested
parties who contact the City will be added to the email list.
Media Outreach
The City will work with local media outlets to distribute information on the comprehensive plan process
and in-person and digital engagement opportunities.
Ongoing – May 2017 – December 2017
Press Releases
For key events during the planning process and prior to each Open House, a press release
will be distributed to local news outlets. The press release will provide general information
about the project, encourage local interest and support, and urge interested parties to
attend the open house and participate in online questionnaires.
City Newsletter
The Experience Eagan newsletter which is distributed six times per year will be used to
provide information about the Comprehensive Plan process, key activities and available
engagement opportunities.
Cable TV
Cable television will be used to provide information about the planning process. Content
may air on:
Channel 14 – Neighbor Community Public Access
Channel 15 – E-TV Community
Channel 16 – E-TV Government
Channel 20 – Eagan Television Interactive
Version 5 – March 28, 2017 P a g e | 7
Community Events
Community events can be very effective forums for engaging Eagan residents in the planning process.
Types of engagement may include: a booth with project information and questionnaires, a brief
presentation by a project team member, handouts, poster displays with project information, and pop-up
meetings.1 Planned or potential events include:
Event Location Date Primary
Purpose/Objective
Staffing
Responsibility
Community
Connections
Eagan Community
Center
03/04/2017 Inform and Listen Staff
Holz Farm Spring
Festival
Holz Farm 05/21/2017 Inform and Listen
Big Rig Rally Central
Maintenance
Facility and Fire
Station 1
06/08/2017 Consult and Collaborate
Eagan Art Festival Eagan Festival
Grounds
06/24/2017 Consult and Collaborate
Market Fest Eagan Festival
Grounds
July 2017 Consult and Collaborate
National Night Out Eagan
neighborhoods
08/01/2017
Food Truck Festival Eagan Festival
Grounds
08/18/2017 Consult and Collaborate
Indoor Winter
Farmer’s Market
Fall 2017
Senior Expo TBA
TBD
1 A pop-up meeting is a way for more people to be involved in and informed about the
Comprehensive Plan process. Simple materials will provide a starting point for
discussions in various locations. Feedback can be collected by facilitators (Advisory
Commission members and volunteers) and online through survey links in order to be
incorporated into the overall community input.
Informational Displays at Public Places
Posters with project information may be displayed at locations like the Eagan Library, Eagan Community
Center, City Hall, Cascade Bay, local coffee shops, major retail centers, etc.
Version 5 – March 28, 2017 P a g e | 8
Underrepresented Stakeholders
Eagan’s Comprehensive Plan update needs to include historically underrepresented populations
including people in poverty, people of color, recent immigrants and other non-English speakers, children
and youth, renters, people with disabilities, young adults and others.
In order to involve a wide spectrum of Eagan residents in the planning process, the City will collaborate
with community groups and organizations that are focused on serving and representing historically
underrepresented people and build partnerships to help provide the resources needed to fully engage
all stakeholders in the plan.
Comment TypesStakeholder Engagement By DayStakeholder Engagement Summary
Social PinPoint Map - July 5, 2017
LIKE IT! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
I love the city's dedication to maintaining green space. Lebanon Hills is one
of our favorite parks. (19, 0)
great park and amenities (16, 0)
I love having access to a park this size so close to my home. Park access
was a huge reason we chose Eagan to live. (15, 0)
Eagan has outstanding parks and green spaces. Keep up the good work!
(14, 0)
I like that places like Bald Man and New Bohemia offer options for adults to
go out in Eagan. It'd be great if their locations had less of a strip mall vibe.
Bald Man in particular is doing wonders with what it's been given. Will it sur-
vive/thrive in that space though? (11, 0)
Love having green space in the city (10, 0)
I love the new restaurants and grocery options here. Looking forward to see-
ing how this development progresses in the future. (10, 1)
Great park and facilities (8, 0)
Terrific ball fields! Appreciate the good care Eagan takes of these fields.
When we travel to play ball in other communities we see plenty of subpar
fields. (6, 0)
LOVE the transit connectivity to Minneapolis/St. Paul and the rest of the re-
gion. Would love to see local service expanded (445, 438, etc.) (6, 1)
awesome unique park (5, 0)
Love the Eagan Art House but wish we had more studio space for adults.
The art room there is not very large or inviting (but the staff is!) and not set
up very well for easels. I would like to see the outdoor space facing the park
utilized more--maybe some out buildings? Trail connection to Caponi? (5, 0)
Pinewood is a terrific community school! (5, 1)
Love going here with my dogs (4, 0)
I love the community center, I love the farmers market, playground, fitness
center. I'd love to see more happening there, like having bands play on
weekend nights or adding a day for the market fest. I would also love to see a
small splash pad added near the playground. It can get really hot out there!
Also, it would be great to see community gardens there - I would guess many
nearby residents would love the availability of a garden plot. (4, 0)
Access to great mountain bike trails. (4, 0)
LIKE IT! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
"While adding this development is nice, I would have liked to see less parking
lot and more of a walking destination. With the layout being primarily parking
lots, it is not very friendly to walk between shops.
Would also like to see more local and specialty restaurants and less chain
restaurants. (4, 0)"
Excellent fields, but the "lights are coming soon" sign is getting pretty old and
should be replaced. (Or I suppose you could actually put lights in.) (4, 0)
Am very appreciative of the investment in the art park. Proud to have it in our
community. (4, 0)
Love this dog park! It's a terrific community benefit. (4, 0)
This is a great park within walking distance to my house. I love the quiet
trails. (4, 0)
The best example of public facility architecture in Eagan. (4, 1)
Great school and school district. (4, 2)
I love this green trailway and wish it could be expanded all over! (3, 0)
Access to miles of Lebanon Hills trails (3, 0)
great trails, beach, lakes, visitor center (3, 0)
I walk though here frequently, and the trails in this development were de-
signed very well. (Apart from a few drainage issues.) This could be a model
for future developments. (3, 0)
The library is a wonderful resource and does a fantastic job with program-
ming for all ages. (2, 0)
I LOVE the new intersection at Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle! Thank you!!
(2, 0)
I like the addition of local business like Bald Man! (1, 0)
Lebanon Hills is an asset. Keep it beautiful, expand it where you can, and get
rid of buckthorn! (1, 0)
Love the dog park!! Great natural space for my dog to run. (1, 0)
Love this park! Please do all you can to keep it vibrant and well attended.
More parks and green space all over the city would be great. (1, 0)
Completely agree with expanding the Art House. It is a wonderful resource!
(1, 0)
I agree; the community center is a great asset to our community. (1, 0)
Use the off-leash dog park often! (1, 0)
Love all the parks!! (1, 0)
Nice park. We enjoy visiting on a regular basis. Love all of the activities! (1, 0)
LIKE IT! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
I would love to see some original one of a kind sit down restaurants and more
entertainment options come to this area. Like a new up to date movie the-
ater. I go to Inver Grove, Rosemount and Apple Valley and spend my money
because the theater on cliff is so run down and the equipment is out of date.
(1, 0)
not crowded, peaceful (1, 0)
High-quality park in a strange and underused location. (1, 0)
We love having easy access to such a fabulous green space right in the
city...and access the restrooms! (1, 0)
The Art House is great but desperately needs upgrades and expansion,
regardless of whether Art Works Eagan goes into Fire Admin. (1, 0)
Love the beach and trails just as they are. No need to add a playground,
that's not what this park is about. Please keep it as wild as possible. (1, 0)
LOVE Captain Dodd park -- clean, safe, cozy community park that mostly
attracts neighbors. (1, 0)
We love our neighborhood! Feels safe, close to parks and beautiful trees!
Only wish we had a playground :) (0, 0)
This park and farm has such neat activities for kids! (0, 0)
I love the Eagan YMCA! A great place to meet community and have kids
learn god healthy habits! (0, 0)
Agreed! My son (3) looks forward to "mark fest" and feels right at home jump-
ing between vendors, music and playground! (0, 0)
Great schools! I can't wait for my son to attend this one! (0, 0)
I love the path around this pond. Wish there was a way it could go all the way
around but my kiddos love running on it every day and I know they are safe
from cars! (0, 0)
Close to the freeway and shopping. We can get many places in the metro
within a half hour. Nice neighborhood. Love the parks and community offer-
ings. (0, 0)
"Love that this park land is primarily left untouched. Please continue to keep
It as natural as possible. (0, 0)"
Eagan does not need to increase housing. A net gain of housing units is not
why I've lived here for 15+ years. (0, 0)
Recycle facility is great!! (0, 0)
Eagan does a good job with regard to sustainability but the comp plan
should have a dedicated section on sustainability that includes specific,
quantifiable goals and timelines. (0, 0)
LIKE IT! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
Excellent park but the trail maps could be improved. I lived here for seven
years before I realized there's a through-path from Lexington to Deerwood,
which makes a nice walking loop for me. (0, 0)
This is also a really nice neighborhood park, though. (0, 0)
This is a regional park, not a city park. But it is wonderful. (0, 0)
Oops, wrong location. (0, 0)
The weekly Parkrun in Thomas Lake Park is an inspiring and motivating
collaboration between the city's parks and rec department and the Parkrun
organization. http://www.parkrun.us/Eagan (0, 0)
New development of needed housing will enhance this area. (0, 1)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
This whole corner of Eagan is a bit of an eyesore. Private businesses have
every right to operate wherever it's allowed, but the massage parlor and run-
down gas stations near Nichols and 77 aren't particularly good representa-
tives of what the rest of Eagan is becoming. (24, 2)
Shopping center could definitely use some improvements. I would like to
see more smaller and local food options. Eagan has many chain restaurants
which does not lead to much character. (20, 1)
Would love to see a bike trail that connects to the Big River trail in Mendota.
(18, 4)
Eagan should move to a single garbage collector per neighborhood. This
single operator would mean about 3 garbage trucks moving per neighbor-
hood each week instead of the dozens that do so now. Greatly decrease
road maintenance issues and pollution as well as increase safety. (18, 7)
Please let's not let what happened to this green space ever happen again in
Eagan. While we can't get that former golf course's green space back I hope
there can be a strong emphasis going forward to not create new neighbor-
hoods out of our remaining open spaces. I am happy to pay my share of
property taxes and lose out on the added revenue those new neighborhoods
bring in if it means we have open spaces. (17, 1)
Eagan should work with Dakota/Ramsey Counties & Met Council to get Light
Rail Line along 35E from a St. Paul LRT connection to Burnsville Center. Then
also greatly increase/create local bus routes within Eagan to feed LRT sta-
tions. LRT (Not BRT, which is looked at as just express buses and will never
be equal to LRT) would help move employees to Eagan's industrial sites and
help get people to downtown jobs - cutting traffic jams and moving poor
people without cars to where jobs are available. (17, 9)
Biking on either Cliff or 3 is dangerous. We need wider shoulders or dedicat-
ed bike lanes, especially the routes designated as MRT. (16, 2)
I know there are a lot of aging strip malls in Eagan but this one look particu-
larly sad. This area looks like a good place fore redevelopment. (15, 1)
Target needs to be upgraded to a super target (15, 4)
Eagan needs to put more pressure on its internet access duopoly and foster
competition from others. Year after year, Comcast rates abysmally in cus-
tomer satisfaction, to the point they are considered the "most hated company
in America". CenturyLink doesn't fare much better and misleads potential
customers about their product by misrepresenting FTTN as FTTH. Eagan's
citizens are left to choose the lesser of two evils and reward these companies
for their terrible service and misleading marketing. (12, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
There should be a left turn lane at the park driveway on Cliff while going
West. People either don't pay attention to you slowing and get far too close or
they illegally pass on the shoulder. This is especially dangerous when pedes-
trians or bikers are present. (12, 0)
The intersection at Diffley and Dodd is horrid. No one knows how right of way
anymore. LOTS of drivers coming up the hill from 3 do not stop and I've seen
more than once a biker/pedestrian almost getting hit for lack of attention by
drivers. A light wouldn't be prudent, but a roundabout would be, with plenty
of room for walkers and bikers in the middle to cross safely. (12, 3)
We have all of this gorgeous riverfront, it seems ridiculous that there's no
public access and it's basically hidden from the city population by industrial
backroads. I'd like to see the City work with Fort Snelling State Park to turn
some of Eagan's riverfront into usable public space. (11, 0)
There should be a reduction of speed at the Beach entrance through to Hwy
3 AND a roundabout at Cliff and Dodd. How many people need to die at that
intersection before something is done? The last one was horrifying :( (10, 0)
Lebanon Hills could use some sprucing up (schultz beach area) maybe redo
the bathrooms, put in a cafe with outdoor seating, make the beach a little
nicer and clean up the lake (10, 1)
It would be nice to see a true 'downtown' somewhere in Eagan. We have
enough big box and national chain stores, but not many small, local shops
and restaurants. Would be nice to have an area where you could walk
through a downtown with multiple restaurant and other destination-type at-
tractions. (9, 0)
Old closed down buildings. Needs to be redeveloped. (9, 0)
Wish we had an outdoor community pool in Eagan that everyone can afford.
Many pools only cost $2-5 per visit. Cascade Bay and the YMCA are great,
but very expensive. (9, 1)
Needs a stop light installed at corner of Lexington and Northview Park Road.
When school in session, bad traffic. At rush hour, impossible to turn onto
Lexington from Northview. (9, 4)
We would love to have a hospital in Eagan, both for jobs and safety. Right
now, ER visits are at least 20 minutes away. (9, 5)
General city wide comment - the city needs to better enforce ordinances
about keeping front yards updated and clear of clutter - too many people
leave their garbage cans in front of their homes all week long - too many
have campers/trailers/materials stored permanently in front of house. Parts
of city look very 'junky' as a result. (9, 5)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
We're 15 minutes from any real retail. There are sites but no projects. We
need retail that doesn't consist of tanning beds, nail salons or fitness centers.
(9, 7)
You absolutely need to have some sort of cross walk where drivers obey the
signs perhaps even a stoplight. Kids crossing to get to school are at a Huge
risk of getting hurt. It's mind boggling to me that the city hasnt addressed
this yet as it's been an ongoing issue since I've lived here - 17 years!!!! Also
the high school kids leaving school at 2:30 are so unsafe and careless. It's
very scary when they fly through the neighborhood. (8, 0)
The noise here from 77 has really become much louder in the last 5 years.
The Slater Acres Park and surrounding area is much lower than the highway
and the eastern side of 77, leading to noise being louder than ever before.
A sound barrier on the western side of 77 would benefit many families and
park-goers. (8, 0)
The left turn lane to get onto the 35E ramp from Cliff Rd. is much too small/
short to accommodate all the traffic. It often backs up into the normal lanes,
people swerve to pass...I see near accidents here all the time (8, 0)
I'd like to see this turned into a roundabout. The intersection is usually busy
with people not knowing the right of way rules. It also has a fair amount of
bikers and people on foot trying to get to the Highline trail. (8, 1)
Very dangerous intersection - many times Im have almost been hit by cars
exiting/entering to Holiday/McDonalds (8, 1)
The stretch of Cliff Rd from Cedar to 35E is run down looking, especially on
the south side of Cliff. (8, 2)
There's a constant stream of peddlers at this corner and other intersections
nearby. I figured out that they are taking the bus from Minneapolis down to
the new transit station off of Nichols a few blocks away. They come down to
Eagan because people give more cash to them. Please let Eagan citizens
know where donate to local charities instead, so the money gets used prop-
erly. (7, 0)
There should be some kind of pedestrian light during the school year at
Northview on Diffley so the kids can cross safely without having to walk up to
Lexington or down to Braddock. Right now, they run across when they can
and sometimes get stuck on the center islands and cause drivers to be con-
fused. There are lights that stay green until a pedestrian hits the button and
then it turns red so the ped can go. This location would be perfect for one. (7,
0)
Not sure who controls the lights at Cliff and Hwy 3, but there does not seem
to be any consistency in how they operate. (7, 0)
Old Amoco gas station. Been vacant for years looks dumpy. (7, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
The West End Gun Club relocated their entrance a couple years ago. Now
our neighborhood is a thoroughfare for their business and we get parade of
vehicles speeding through at closing time. They should return to using their
old entrance that brought traffic around our neighborhood instead of through
the heart of it. (7, 1)
This intersection screams out for a roundabout. (7, 1)
We really really need bus access to the Community Center/Farmer's Market/
Festival Grounds. Not having that is embarrassing. (7, 1)
Eagan has enough housing. Please no more added units. Either multi or
single family. Would really like to see no net increase in housing units and
even better would love a decrease in net units. (7, 1)
The congestion created by the SA and new Kwik trip is pretty brutal and
there's bound to be accidents at this location. The city needs to figure out a
better lane and traffic flow situation here. (7, 1)
Homeowner's fences need to be better regulated - too many are broken
down, unrepaired, look out of place, etc. Having a uniform fence look along
any one street would make the whole community more attractive. This is a
general city wide comment, but is very evident along Lexington. (7, 2)
The block of Biscayne between Red Pine and Spruce Street has industrial
businesses that accept deliveries from semi trucks at their loading docks
throughout the week. Our kids in Homestead Village are expected to be
walkers to Red Pine. This stretch is especially dangerous and there aren't
even any sidewalks for our little kids. This stretch and the rest of Biscayne
needs sidewalks before someone gets run over. People also constantly
speed on Biscayne. (6, 0)
I'm not a big fan of this new development. It's very dangerous to navigate
through on foot, since there are no sidewalks except for right at the store
fronts. It also seems a little odd that there were two fitness clubs allowed to
be in there, when there is the Eagan community center fitness center right
across the street. I would rather have seen something that better incorpo-
rated the natural beauty of Eagan, and maybe didn't encourage such con-
sumerism. (6, 0)
The two southbound lanes on Lexington merge together at precisely the point
where a dedicated right turn lane into the athletic fields is needed. Extend
the right lane a little further and make it a right turn lane. (6, 0)
Bike friendly paths would be great along Pilot Knob into Mendota. The cur-
rent sidewalk is 'skinny' and right next to traffic. (6, 3)
13 really could use a bike lane. (6, 5)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
The bike lane south of 494 is on the west side of the road, with a non-existant
shoulder on the east side when crossing. Cars getting off 494 never look for
pedestrians and bikers. I have nearly been hit multiple times and the light
cycle is so short I can miss the light when the don't wait for me even; when I
have the signal to cross Pilot Knob. Make a Bike lane that crosses 494 on the
east side and goes south to Yankee Doodle. (5, 0)
Extending entrance lane from 35ES exiting onto Cliff.... if turning at first stop
light there is not much time/space to get over to left lane or to allow for merg-
ing..... (5, 0)
Would be nice to have sidewalks in 'older' neighborhoods that currently do
not have sidewalks. Streets are wide but not best place for kids to ride bikes,
etc. (5, 0)
Aging homes need repair and upgrade. (5, 1)
Art House exterior needs to be upgraded - it is an eyesore compared to other
city owned buildings. (5, 4)
no sidewalk/ bike way to get across 55 (5, 4)
This would be a great location for a round-about in my opinion. This road has
a 50 MPH speed limit and I know there is a ton of speeding on this stretch of
road. (5, 5)
Wish this light was easier to get across!!! Takes forever to get across hwy 3!
Scary when biking or walking with kids. With the school here wouldn't access
to Lebanon Hill be fun for the students. (4, 0)
Eagan is wonderful, but the internet speeds are another story. If Eagan ex-
panded it's fiber optic infrastructure, it would keep us competitive with other
areas like Rosemount, where fiber optics are already being implemented. (4,
0)
Please address concerns for the kids walking to school. The crosswalks are
not obeyed by the drivers and someone is bound to get hurt. The mornings
are the worst as kids are rushing to school (parent drivers are not much bet-
ter) and after school they zoom through the neighborhoods where little kids
are playing. (4, 0)
"So many people use the path around these ponds at Burr Oak Park
It would be great to see the paved path from the parking lot to be extended
around the pond all the way to the bridge and then from the bridge around
the other side along the pond by the outfield to re-connect with the existing
path
This would enable people to use the path without getting there shoes wet
from the grass in the morning and evening and also allow for rollerblading
and biking around the pond (4, 0)"
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
A pristine plot of land was ripped up, ponds destroyed, wildlife uprooted and
crime has increased. And although the convenience of a 24 hour grocery
store and other options are nice, the lack of promised nightife or a larger
restaurant and/or other amenities is a real let-down. (4, 1)
What happened with the crosswalk on Pilot Knob by Wilderness Run Road?
Why was it relocated a few feet south? The signage hasn't been updated cor-
rectly, and now it's more confusing than ever for drivers, who generally ignore
it anyway. People are not using the trail because it's such a terrible setup.
There needs to be a pedestrian stoplight at least, or a bridge. This is highly
unsafe (4, 2)
no side walk/ bike trail (4, 2)
Limited bus routes, difficult to utilize public transit solely within Eagan. (4, 3)
We would visit the Schultz Beach area a lot more often if there was also a
playground. Young kids cannot last long on the trails. When the water is too
cold for swimming, we would be more likely to visit if the kids had a play
ground to play on after tiring of hiking and playing in the sand. In fact, the
area would then be perfect for potentially rainy days - play outside and if it
rains go inside to the visitor center. (4, 8)
There should be a speed limit sign with a speed gauge on top. Rosemount
has them in a lot of neighborhoods with them with a solar pannal on top and
they are extremely useful. The only speed limit sign is back on Biscane near
the school and is usually coverd by a tree. (3, 0)
Would love to see more dedicated bike lanes on major roads/streets - all over
the city. This type of travel is only becoming more popular. Bike lanes make
everyone safer - bikers, walkers, and drivers. Especially lanes that connect to
major destinations like shops or parks - or other parts of the county. Some-
thing I definitely considered when looking where to move to. (3, 0)
Traffic flow around this area needs to be completely re-thought. Getting out
of this area and onto westbound Diffley is ridiculous. The whole section of
Lexington from Diffley to Lexington Point needs a complete redesign as well.
(3, 0)
This intersection could use some improvement. It's getting increasingly dif-
ficult to make a left onto southbound Lexington from Lexington Point. Having
said that, I don't think a 4-way stop makes any sense here. Maybe a round-
about? (3, 0)
This spot is very dangerous as it is a blind corner that leads right into a
daycare with parents pulling out with cars loaded with kids. There is a sign
indicating blind driveway, but few pay heed to it and cars come screaming
around that corner. (3, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
The gas station and strip mall here are in horrible condition, as is the parking
lot. (3, 0)
This area looks run down and outdated. The shell gas station looks horrible.
The area in general needs updating and landscape efforts (3, 0)
Perhaps pedestrian access could be added here. (3, 0)
Pedestrian access into the park is really terrible on this side. Perhaps some
city/county partnership to get a connection from Oak Pond/Trapp Farm parks
over or under Cliff into the LH trail system would be possible? (3, 0)
I often feel unsafe as a pedestrian at this intersection. (3, 0)
Speeding cars, high volume due to Lifetime Fitness- often traveling at 45-
55mph near an elementary school and neighborhoods with children- please
lower the limit or, if possible, have someone start ticketing! Thanks (3, 0)
"I disagree because I like having the choice of what I pay. We moved out of
Mpls to Eagan about 10 years ago. Our city controlled garbage was HIGH
and we had to separate our recyclables ( at that time they did not having
single sorts and in some areas, they still don't). I like having the choice. We
are on our 3rd hauler and are extremely happy with the price we pay now.
I'm not sure how many trucks move through your area now, but we only have
about 3 in ours as it is, not dozens. (3, 0)"
Needs path or designated area on road for bicycles, walkers/runners. It con-
nects to the bike path. This part of 77th is on a hill and narrow. Doesn't feel
safe getting to the path. (3, 0)
I agree! This is on Dakota Counties to do list as a future trail in development.
But it would be great to have more bike trails that interconnect so bikes do
not have to share the road with cars on the busiest streets. (3, 0)
It is very hard to turn left off of Duckwood Drive to go South on Pilot Knob
Road. The turn arrow is too quick - sometimes three cycles to get through
intersection (3, 0)
Major back-up all time of day between Hwy 13 and Silver Bell. Lights not
timed right to allow traffic flow into/out of neighborhoods and outlets (3, 1)
I know many empty nesters seeking single level townhome living - impossible
to find in Eagan. They don't want to move away and I don't think we want
people who love it here to leave. This needs to be addressed. (3, 1)
No idea where it could be practical, but a trail access from the Woodland
Trail area to the east would make this section of Eagan much more walkable.
(3, 1)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
Eagan and Mendota Heights should cut a deal to redraw their city lines to
make 494 the boundry between the cities - it would make it more efficient for
city maintenance and city recognition. Save money for both communities. It
looks like about same amount of land would go to/subtract from both cities.
(3, 1)
How about some architectural requirements with higher quality exterior fin-
ishes for new retail construction? Brick, natural stone, etc.? This is your run
of the mill strip mall. I think Eagan can do better and should. The newer fire
station off of Yankee Doodle is much higher quality and more aesthetically
pleasing and not nearly as visible. This is the type of image I think Eagan
should start portraying. (3, 2)
Inconsiderate soccer people use all the dog park parking when there's soc-
cer at the fields. City seems unwilling to enforce anything. (3, 2)
Built in 1975/77 this is the oldest existing shopping center in Eagan and
should be one of the first up for redevelopment. One of several areas the City
should be proactive about making decisions quickly. (3, 2)
Pilot knob could use a bike lane. The bike path on the sides are really side-
walks and biking with pedestrians is dangerous (3, 2)
It would be nice if the City enforced the rules regarding boats and RV's being
parked on Eagan streets all summer with the owner moving these vehicles
only occasionally. I hate my neighborhood turning into recreational parking
all summer long. Can't this be addressed by more frequent police patrols of
known offenders? Why must residents constantly call about the same issue
without resolution? (3, 2)
Lexington needs a shoulder for bikes. Bikes should not be on the sidewalk
with pedestrians (3, 8)
Eagan has too many Cub Foods stores and a lack of natural/organic grocery
options. Kowalski's and Byerly's are not realistic options for those who are
health conscious or care for local/organic options. (2, 0)
Our only true broadband option is Comcast (fastest DSL service we can
get is a pitiful 12Mbps). I would love to drop Comcast and get fiber-to-home
service, but it's only available in smalls pockets of Eagan. Please encourage
companies like CenturyLink to continue their deployment to existing neigh-
borhoods! (2, 0)
The Massage Parlor needs to close. It is disgusting that this is in our commu-
nity and in a residential area (2, 0)
Oy what a mess. I feel like we are turning into Woodbury - all sprawl and no
character. (2, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
Or add a 4 way stop sign to that intersection of Brooklyn and Biscayne. Too
many kids and families on walks with cars going too fast on Biscayne. On
dog was hit and killed right on Biscayne. Heaven forbid something like that
ever happen to a neighborhood kid when we could have taken extra steps to
ensure traffic remain alert and at appropriate speed. (2, 0)
There should be a speed limit sign with a speed gauge on top. Rosemount
has them in a lot of neighborhoods with them with a solar pannal on top
moved further down the road. The sign here is always covered by trees as
the area isn't currently maintained. (2, 0)
Navigating the roads and parking lots in here is atrocious. I'm here a couple
times a week and always see confused drivers stopping where the shouldn't
and not stopping where they should. Traffic flow is horrible. (2, 0)
"Parking for only dog park users is not always respected.
Dog Park could use some lights to create a safer feeling, especially on winter
evenings when it gets dark earlier.
A potable water source closer to dog park would be great. (2, 0)"
I know the nearby house you are talking about. However, your map pin is not
on the accurate address, and I don't feel it's appropriate to call out a neigh-
bor on a public forum. I've talked to the city several times about it. Please
call the city of Eagan and voice your concern. The city keeps your informa-
tion anonymous. The more that complain, the more likely city code will be
enforced. (2, 0)
The dog park is nice but very isolated. I've been the only one there with my
dog and had men pull up in their cars to watch me. Not a safe feeling at all.
(2, 0)
Would love bike lane/facilities along Nicols to connect to the Outlet and Tran-
sit Station (2, 0)
Eagan once took pride and care to make sure developments were not bar-
ren, crammed in, overbuilt horrors, and preserved the city's greenspace
and aesthetics. I don't know why or what has changed, but blatantly ugly,
barren, overcrowded developments like this are destroying Eagan's singular
core value as a beautiful place to live. Re-instate responsible development
requirements, including greenspace, and don't allow this horrifying over-
development to continue. (2, 0)
I live nearby, and the garbage generated by the construction has been ter-
rible for years now and still continues. It is a big wide open space (they cut
down all the existing trees), and the wind blows everything east into the next
neighborhood and into Lebannon Hills. I am so sick of it. (2, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
It's unfortunate that no one in the history of Eagan's development had an
appreciation of a downtown. Stillwater's downtown is so attractive, fun, safe,
etc. Even Lakeville and Rosemount have quaint downtown areas. Yet we
keep developing like a stereotypical suburb with strip malls and too much
focus on bringing in chains and big box stores. We don't need another gro-
cery store, we need some character. (2, 0)
Dangerous left turn into and out of our neighborhood from and onto Lex-
ington Ave. respectively. Cars driving north on Lexington are speeding as
though they won't make it up the hill. 4-way stop would be ideal; or perhaps a
round-about. (2, 0)
Longest light cycle in the city and traffic is always congested. (2, 0)
There's a public trail back here that goes nowhere and dead-ends at the top
of a cliff. Extend it into the park somehow? (2, 0)
Built in 1984, this is the fourth-oldest existing shopping center in Eagan and
should be one of the first up for redevelopment. One of several areas the City
should be proactive about making decisions quickly. (2, 0)
Bikes do not have to be on the sidewalk and are allowed on the street. It is up
to the driver of an automobile to give 3 feet to the biker. (2, 0)
Lemay lake has problems every summer with algae. Controls were promised
but were only done for one year and it continues to be a problem. (2, 0)
Could not agree more!! (2, 0)
While I don't disagree that a uniform look along a street would be attractive, I
wonder how you enforce that while also continuing to support the rights and
freedoms of the homeowners. Do you force homeowners to put up fences
even if they don't want them? Do you put up a uniform fencerow, then charge
all the property owners in the city to cover expenses? How do you envision
this working? (2, 0)
It would be nice to have a nice bakery in the area...fresh bread, baked
goods, a place to stay and have coffee, etc. Maybe even serve sandwiches
over the noon hour, Not a chain but a locally owned business. (2, 0)
This would be a great spot for a pedestrian crossing of 35E. (2, 1)
I often feel unsafe as a pedestrian at this intersection. (2, 1)
The intersection of Wilderness Run Rd and Lexington is a tragedy waiting
to happen. There needs to be a stop sigh at least on Lexington. Cars go
screaming through that intersection on Lexington and ignore the crosswalk
which leads directly to a beautiful park. (2, 2)
Possibly horder situation (2, 4)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
This crosswalk could be a lot safer for kids walking to school. Cars turning
right routinely cut pedestrians off. This should have high visibility measures
like blinking lights when the pedestrian lights indicate it is safe to cross. (1, 0)
The trail map at the entrance to the Highline trail is very out of date. It needs
to be updated. I would like to see improved signage on more city trails to
help navigate. (1, 0)
Traffic noise is overwhelming at times in the diffley/johnny cake/35e neighbor-
hood (Oakbrooke). Would love to see a sound barrier on 35e. Plane traffic
has also become a major concern (1, 0)
I'm constantly seeing people begging for money at this intersection. This
detracts from the visual appeal of the area. Having people panhandle here
makes the area look cheap and run down (1, 0)
There is an Asian massage parlor located here. I suspect prostitution is going
on. This should be thoroughly investigated (1, 0)
Need a crosswalk with flashing lights (1, 0)
In general, I'm not pleased with all the little strip malls that have been put up
in the last 10 years or so. (1, 0)
How about some architectural requirements with higher quality exterior fin-
ishes for new retail construction? Brick, natural stone, etc.? This is your run
of the mill strip mall. I think Eagan can do better and should. The newer fire
station off of Yankee Doodle is much higher quality and more aesthetically
pleasing and not nearly as visible. This is the type of image I think Eagan
should start portraying. (1, 0)
Why is this beautiful city building sitting vacant? And across the street we
are adding to the police station and jail? Use this amazing building for some-
thing please. I thought the art house group's idea was great. (1, 0)
I liked the old Pavilion better (1, 0)
I meant to hit comment, and accidently hit "dislike". I would love to see more
bike trails where families can safely ride together and not have to share the
road. I have two young children, and I would not have them bike with me on
the road. (1, 0)
Any chance a tennis court could be added to this park? (1, 0)
Interchange is super busy and backs up. It would be nice to have another
option, besides Dodd Road- which is also very busy, to access 494 during
peak times. (1, 0)
Sidewalk to Diffley Marketplace is often flooded and muddy. Must walk
around through trees to avoid the mud and water. (1, 0)
this area needs a safe walking/biking paved way. there are many walkers
here and there are blind approaches for drivers. (1, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
These apartments are very outdated and unattractive. City requirements that
are enforced to make owners keep up their properties (1, 0)
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (1, 0)
I had a dream this spring that McCarthy Farm had been replaced by a world-
class botanical garden, something the Twin Cities are lacking. That's prob-
ably too ambitious for Eagan but can't hurt to mention it. (1, 0)
Horrible pit hole and a uneven driving surface at this intersection. You have
to drive straight through at 2 mph or your car will bottom out. Cars swerve
around the unevenness and literally go in the other lane to avoid it. (1, 0)
I feel like a trail redesign would be worth the effort in these parks. (1, 0)
This path really ought to connect into O'Leary Park somehow. (1, 0)
The intersection was changed to make sure the people coming out of Kuttoff
were taking a right and then a uturn if needed just after the Recycling Zone.
Too many times I see drivers taking a left out of there (even though it means
they are going into the right turn lane and up and over the curb) mostly be-
tween 3-5. I started taking pictures. (1, 0)
I agree! This is a huge eyesore for Eagan and a dangerous area since they
redid the turn lane JUST for the new neighborhood. (1, 0)
I'm seeing a lot of the same comments that were brought up during the "Ea-
gan Foward" meetings, yet all I see is the stuff the people didn't really want
added, added to Eagan. This isn't a large city, it's a suburb, let's treat it as
such. I would hate to see what happened to Burnsville happen here too. (1,
0)
I think what is there is more than sufficient. (1, 0)
This area isn't used by the public; seems like a waste of resources; and I
don't believe it currently qualifies as a lake to therefore require the area to be
a watershed district. I'm sure that qualifies Eagan for state funds but with-
out cooperation of all neighbors, the lake will never be clean (without algae
blooms). Fish stocking seems to have been an unsuccessful experiment as
well. Perhaps "lakefront" native barrier would be a better solution. (1, 0)
Better bike access on Denmark. Wider sidewalk or safer bike access on
street. (1, 0)
Heavy traffic getting to Lone Oak (1, 0)
Timing of lights and traffic (1, 0)
Traffic noise from 35E is very loud for the neighborhood and park to the west
of the highway. A sound barrier would be helpful in controlling the noise level.
(1, 1)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
Can Eagan do something to incentivize commercial/retail development of the
southwest corner of 3 and Red Pine? There there are so many industrial busi-
nesses, retail would help balance out this area and give it more of a neigh-
borhood feel (plus increase walkability scores for Eagan). We're not looking
for a copy of the strip mall at Diffley and 3. Something that fills the needs of
all the neighborhoods and traffic from the school. (1, 1)
For years, it's been difficult to turn left from eastbound Diffley to northbound
Pilot Knob because it's hard to get up to the corner during a red light in
time to trigger a left turn signal. I was excited to see the lights have been
replaced to accommodate left turns on a flashing yellow left turn signal this
month, but I'm disappointed that this feature hasn't been turned on and we're
still waiting long periods of time for a left turn signal. (1, 1)
There are already plans through the County to pave some trails to accom-
modate biking. It'll be a same to see the rustic beauty of this park blighted by
blacktop. (1, 1)
I don't know what needs to be done here but people take this curve way too
fast in the winter and end up in my next door neighbor's front yard and they
always take out the light post at the entrance to the park. I don't know how
many times that light post has been replaced in the 6 years I have lived here
but it's been a lot! Maybe a sign reminding people to slow on this curve? (1,
1)
No one knows how to navigate the roundabout! (1, 1)
These apartments with stores underneath need a facelift now that the outlet
mall is there. (1, 1)
left, right then right again. it;s simple (1, 1)
go away keep your personal beefs on this page (1, 1)
Would be great to have a pedestrian crossing of 35E somewhere around
here. (1, 1)
Would like to see trail access into PE Park from here. (1, 1)
If the city could acquire the rights to build a trail from Berry Patch to Denmark
this would make that whole section of the city more navigable on foot. No
idea if this is feasible though. (1, 1)
Roundabout at Cliff and Dodd would be wonderful! (1, 1)
There is another stop light up the road at Lexington and wescott, and at
Lexington and diffley, I think another light at this intersection would slow the
traffic in Lexington down to much (1, 1)
Ridiculous to have "reserved parking" for dog park. Its a public space, ac-
cessible to all on a first come / first served basis. Its funny how people who
are there to exercise their dogs are unable to exercise themselves by walking
from any available parking spot at the park. (1, 3)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
"Lots of Coyote sightings
Is anything being done to control / protect people and small animals (1, 3)"
Make walmart bigger or build a new one and make it a supercenter (1, 4)
This is a fantastic park! They only reason I gave it a "thumbs down" is be-
cause I would like to see this park add paved bike trails. My family bikes,
and we travel to other areas in order to safely ride on trials. It would be nice
if we could bike at such a fantastic park. I also think that others would benefit
from adding paved bike trails as well. (1, 6)
MOA is two highway exits north of here, why does this exist? Too many over-
priced niche stores. (1, 8)
We love hiking in Lebanon! But... could we add a couple port-a-potties along
the trails? When you get into the middle of the park, it is hard to find a place
off the trail. Between Jensen and O'brien would be great. (1, 8)
Either finish this road or replace unattractive road signage with something
decent. (0, 0)
Yes!!!!!!!! (0, 0)
That would really slow down the traffic on this road which is already backed
up during peak times (0, 0)
Agreed! Rather than have to go through loads of brush (0, 0)
I live here as well. I'd love to see something done with it that we could walk
to! (0, 0)
I too would love to see this. I know Cliff is a county road so the city has lim-
ited say in this but a sidewalk here would be really useful. There should be a
much better crosswalk at Dodd as well. (0, 0)
Water quality in Schwanz Lake is still quite poor. I know rain gardens were
put in to help filter the run off but it still regularly greens over with algae. (0, 0)
There needs to be a bike path along Hwy 13. When I come off the 494 bridge
path, there is nothing but an unsightly wide shoulder. It could be stunning
riding in the trees! (0, 0)
The drainage ponds in this area appear to be pumped from Thomas Lake, so
are just as full of algae and milfoil. Cleaning up Thomas Lake and mandating
that nitrates from fertilizer do not flow into the entire chain would help water
quality. I lived near Como Lake and the neighborhood was charged with
assisting to clean up that lake-along with U of M students. Multiple measures
were taken. We could learn from their successful ongoing project. (0, 0)
Thomas Lake could be beautiful. It needs to be cleaned, aerated, or fixed
somehow to make it more aesthetic and attractive to wildlife. (0, 0)
The Crane Creek neighborhood needs better internet options. Comcast is
only option as Qwest and others don't run high speed here. (0, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
Traffic on 149 is very heavy making turns out of the development difficult.
School buses can wait up to several minutes waiting for break in traffic. this
area needs a light or roundabout. (0, 0)
I drive through the Pilot Knob-Valley Creek exchange daily . the traffic head-
ing north on Valley Creek turning West on Pilot Knob routinely runs the red
light for several cars at a time. Not unusual to see five or more cars do so. (0,
0)
Would be nice to have a Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, local co-op/national gro-
cer or something similar to Tailor Made Nutrition in Woodbury. (0, 0)
Would be nice to have more organic, local and natural restaurant options.
Would prefer a local small business, but a People's Organic or Good Earth
would be nice. (0, 0)
So true.... agree to this. (0, 0)
Nevermind- it looks like they finally trimmed the trees enough to view the ap-
proaching traffic. :-) (0, 0)
Gun club is also a big source of noise pollution. It's my least favorite thing in
the neighborhood. (0, 0)
The lights here and at Red Pine are unbelievably long. Getting on or off 3
takes forever. (0, 0)
I always find the notion that bikers don't pay taxes to be funny. We are paying
for it. If I don't drive on the roads do I get a credit? Sorry, that isn't how things
work. (0, 0)
Definitely agree. This is a destination spot and probably the most dangerous
part of town for biking/walking. (0, 0)
In general, I'm not pleased with all the little strip malls that have been put up
in the last 10 years or so. (0, 0)
It's not the intersection's fault, it's the drivers not paying attention, especially
westbound on Wescott. A couple weeks ago a semi coming from northbound
Denmark for some reason decided to turn left onto Wescott while I was in the
crosswalk and nearly killed me. (0, 0)
Putting this here because the Festival Grounds are where it would be most
used, but really citywide comment: City code 7.10 prohibits sidewalk/trail/
street chalk art, and should be revised. Most neighboring cities do not pro-
hibit this. (0, 0)
Everywhere a major trail or pedestrian route to school or transit station cross-
es a road, the crosswalk should be at trail level, not street level, to reinforce
right-of-way to trail user. (0, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
The intersection at Cliff and Dodd is horribly dangerous and the accidents
here over the last few years indicate just that! Traffic studies continue to be
done in August when the traffic is not as much of a concern. A turn lane off
of east bound Cliff at Dodd would help this intersection as well. (0, 0)
Had the same experiences. Stopped going because of lack of use by others
and location. (0, 0)
One thing I've always said about Eagan for the past 24 years is it's a commu-
nity with three downtowns: Cedarvale/Outlet Mall, Cliff Road between Nichols
and 35E, and Town Center / Promenade. Hard to fix that, but it would be nice
to see an attempt made. (0, 0)
Biking into the park is no worse then driving in! Easier access to those that
want to hike/run the trails. (0, 0)
Better lighting and pathways along cliff would also help! Love the idea of a
roundabout. (0, 0)
I would love walking or bike path into the park!! The road is to windy and nar-
row to be safe with kids. (0, 0)
Duckwood Drive would be improved by having sidewalks on both sides. It
is very hard to cross this street to get to a sidewalk as cars don't respect the
stop signs. My kids aren't safe crossing here and I don't feel safe either. (0,
0)
More free community sponsored activities. I see there will be a movies in the
park this year. Something like that but more often would be a great start. (0,
0)
I didn't know where else to put this. There is a need for more affordable
childcare. (0, 0)
Yes! Its not fun having to squat in the woods hoping no one else comes
along. (0, 0)
I agree. It would be great to have access from the trail into Patrick Eagan
Park. It doesn't have to be paved, but just a nice walking trail would be won-
derful. It's a beautiful area. (0, 0)
I live near this area and completely agree with the comments. It's mostly
empty and very seedy looking. (0, 0)
Yes, the choice in internet providers is horrible. Maybe a city sponsored Wi-
Fi? (0, 0)
The area is looking worn out and seems to be a massive sea of black parking
lot that is mostly empty. The parking lots at Walmart and Kohls are pot hole
ridden and need to be replaced, not patched. (0, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
There is no municipal park or open space in the area east of 35E and west
of Pilot Knob between Duckwood and Diffley Roads. I wish this had been
addressed 25-30 years ago as there is probably not any available land in this
area currently. (0, 0)
I agree with both of the above comments. I had hoped to see some up-scale
shopping and some sit-down restaurants. The roads within the development
are confusing. (0, 0)
The left turn onto Lexington is clogged by people making U-turns. It should
either be illegal to make u-turns here, or the left light should be a lot longer to
accommodate them all. (0, 0)
Love the new development! However, this area seems to be busy. I think it
will get busier as the new Quarry Road mixed use comes in. I would propose
that we add a 4 way stop here. (0, 0)
Busy! Backs ups daily. (0, 0)
There are large trees on the property on the NE corner of Yorktown and
Trenton. If you're southbound on Trenton from Diffley, the trees make it nearly
impossible to see vehicles approaching the intersection on Yorktown from the
east. You actually have to pull out into the intersection to have any visibility.
(0, 0)
Let-down indeed. This is a chaotic parking lot surrounded by shops that are
so far apart that people drive between them. I've been once and don't plan
on going back. (0, 0)
Cliff Rd is used as a speedway and has become increasing dangerous for
park users and people that live in the neighborhood. Speeds need to be
reduced and enforced including permanent signage for illegally passing on
the shoulder. (0, 0)
Well that's not helpful. I didn't say the crosswalk was confusing for users, I
said it was confusing for drivers. (0, 0)
Some accommodation is needed for pedestrian crossing to Patrick Eagan
Park/Art House especially since improvements are in the works to make the
park more accessible and kid-friendly. (0, 0)
its already is... (0, 0)
The parking lot in this strip mall is HORRENDOUS and completely neglected
by the city. (0, 0)
It's run down and needs some beautification. Landscaping efforts. Business
updated, the shell gas station looks terrrible. (0, 0)
no it is not! not even close. go away lib. (0, 0)
you pay for it (0, 0)
How on earth is that possible, it's one of the clearest 4 ways in Eagan. (0, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
Wrong, there is little no no traffic on these paths, and they are officially bike
paths. (0, 0)
In the other direction, it would be nice if there was signage to let people
know that traffic turning left from southbound PK to go through on Duckwood
should be in the rightmost left turn lane. The left lane becomes left-only so
fast that there's always lane-changing chaos on Duckwood after the turn. (Or
maybe both lanes could go through?) (0, 0)
I consider this park/path to be one of Eagan's hidden gems. I use it, but
hardly ever see anyone else there. (0, 0)
Marie does not have snow removal in the winter, causing walkers & dogs to
walk in the street. Cars speed in and out of. Granite City. (0, 0)
Correction, third-oldest. (0, 0)
Built in 1980/83, this is the fourth-oldest existing shopping center in Eagan
and should be one of the first up for redevelopment. One of several areas the
City should be proactive about making decisions quickly. (0, 0)
Town Centre would be a great location to rezone for high density retail/resi-
dential when it's redeveloped. (0, 0)
We just had the streets re-paved in our neighborhood, and will be assessed
for this necessary work. It seems counterproductive to have 6 different trash
haulers coming through a single neighborhood of about 30 homes have (12
fast moving and noisy trucks on recycling days). I would far prefer the city
limit haulers to 2 (or 3 at most) companies. In addition to wear and tear on
the roads, there are issues with safety and children, noise, and plenty of trash
falling from the multiple trucks. (0, 0)
The intersection was changed to make sure the people coming out of Kuttoff
were taking a right and then a uturn if needed just after the Recycling Zone.
Too many times I see drivers taking a left out of there (even though it means
they are going into the right turn lane and up and over the curb) mostly be-
tween 3-5. I started taking pictures. (0, 0)
"They are working on acquiring the fire admin building that's been empty for
years next to the city buildings on Wescott and Pilot Knob.
The Art House relies on volunteers to paint the building too. (0, 0)"
I can see them replacing this overpass/stretch of road one day. (0, 0)
The URgency Room (by Sam's Club) does everything an ER does and if they
can't take care of an issue, they can transport people via ambulance to a
hospital. (0, 0)
This is not in the Eagan city limits, it's IGH. (0, 0)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
I do agree that something has to be done at this intersection. I've encoun-
tered impatient people coming out if Northview and turning in front of me
when I'm trying to turn left into the church parking lot. I've heard that a pe-
destrian died there a number of years ago. (0, 0)
"What is needed is affordable Senior housing. Not another 1400.00/month
condo unit. The CDA has a hold on all applications until June of 2018 be-
cause of the long wait times.
I do think there's enough townhomes in Eagan though. (0, 0)"
Oops, I put this in the wrong place. I meant to put it between Cedar and 35E.
I don't see how to change it. (0, 0)
very slow intersection when headed south (0, 0)
There has been a focus on discount retailers in the new development. It
would be nice to have more upscale retailers like Athleta, REI, Land of Nod,
Crate and Barrel, etc. (0, 1)
It is difficult to turn left off of westbound Crestridge onto southbound Pilot
Knob. Could a light be added to control this intersection? (0, 1)
Would love to see more activities through the library. (0, 1)
Needs a deer crossing sign! I drive this around midnight coming home from
work and there are always deer crossing here. For someone unfamiliar with
the area it could come as a surprise. (0, 1)
I intensely dislike what was done to the old Lockheed Martin site. The traffic
inside the shopping area is horrible. The parking places are tiny. The streets
are dangerous -- people drive too fast and ignore the stop signs. The cross-
walks aren't marked. There aren't sidewalks on both sides of the street. The
stores are second-rate. What a waste of beautiful land. (0, 1)
it's very difficult to turn north onto Pilot Knob from Kings Wood Road, even at
non-rush hour times. Is it possible to time the lights at Wescott and/or Deer-
wood roads to help resolve this issue? I sometimes wait 4 to 5 minutes to
make a left turn. (0, 1)
A HUGE improvement would be to allow a direct onramp between 55 and 52.
(0, 1)
Something more to slow vehicles to the posted limit. Better lighting (0, 1)
Would be nice to have a trail connection from Windcrest to the library. (0, 1)
Not a very biker friendly end of the road for Dodd, construction will end one
day, but there's still no safe shoulder for a biker (sidewalk is unusable right
now), how can a driver give the 3 feet of space the law requires here? (0, 1)
The on ramp to Cedar north has been in need of a redo at the light for 30
years for the people taking a right from Cliff onto Cedar. (0, 1)
NEEDS WORK! COMMENTS (UP VOTES, DOWN VOTES)
Not a very biker friendly end of the road for Dodd, construction will end one
day, but there's still no safe shoulder for a biker (sidewalk is unusable right
now), how can a driver give the 3 feet of space the law requires here? (0, 1)
During rush hour it is horrible trying to turn onto Diffley from Daniel, especially
during the school year. I would suggest an all way stop. (0, 2)
Love the park, but recently the removed many of the picnic tables. Could we
get new picnic tables or maybe benches on the trails. Also many of the trails
are very uneven and unsafe, mostly due to erosion. I have twisted my ankle
and have fallen. (0, 2)
it would be you paying for it? I am a tax payer I SAY NO! (0, 2)
they are bike paths stay off the road unless bikes pay a fee!!!! (0, 2)
Built in 1979, this is the second-oldest existing shopping center in Eagan and
should be one of the first up for redevelopment. (Although unlike others of its
age this one did get a major upgrade.) One of several areas the City should
be proactive about making decisions quickly. (0, 2)
I hate the Outlets. One, they are not true outlet stores. They are regular
priced stores. Two, they have greatly increased the rent in the surrounding
properties which used to be fairly affordable. (0, 3)
SURVEY RESPONSES
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
Property taxes are LOWER than most
surrounding communities. I am as-
suming it is because we have some
significant sized businesses that help
keep them low for individual home
owners. I do love the new outlet mall
and HyVee complex - convenience
is great, BUT (see weaknesses).
Great to see that Prime Therapeutics
is expanding in Eagan. I am also
excited about the new Viking's facility.
Maybe Eagan High School will have a
competitive football team in 25 years!
Cascade Bay was a favorite of our
kids when they were younger.
We keep adding lots of LOW wage
jobs in Eagan. I would love to see
more high paying jobs come to Ea-
gan. Any way to attract more busi-
nesses? We probably need more low
income housing, but lets be creative
so we can keep the problems that
sometimes come with this as low as
possible. I am bummed that all the
golf courses are gone in Eagan. I un-
derstand the economics, but Parkview
was a great place for kids to learn to
play golf. Invest more in the outdoor
facilities. I know it costs money, but
think about the Bielenberg complex
in Woodbury...these types of facilities
are becoming common place. City of
Eagan and District 196 should figure
out a way to work together to maintain
the facilities jointly and turn them into
state of the art! How about REAL
bathrooms at Eagan High School
baseball and football fields? We at-
tract lots of summer sports competi-
tions to Eagan (softball for one)...let's
expand on that.
I love that we have been creative and
have a very diverse economy and
we've tried to help those that are less
fortunate (Dakota Woodlands, The
Open Door, the place for homeless
teens - forgot the name). Maybe we
should promote this more.
Keep improving the public transporta-
tion system! Not just express routes
- more times and more runs could get
more people that don't have or don't
want cars to move to Eagan.
access to most everything (freeways,
twin cities, shopping, airport, parks).
Great school district, but that's not
the City's responsibility. Decent street
maintenance, good police force/fire.
The community Center is fantastic.
a downtown area where people get
out of their cars to walk around and
shop/socialize. The outlet mall is the
closest thing, but I'd like to see more
local shops, food, etc.
less focus on turning Yankee Doodle
into the next Hwy 42 in Burnsville and
rather attracting more unique places
for residents and visitors to shop and
socialize at.
The continued establishment of strip
malls that keep people in their cars.
More affordable senior housing that
isn't apartments
No hospital
Limited non chain restaurants,