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14'
A
i
L
We're a
to meet
and resi
We're conveniently located in Dakota
County at the crossroad of Inter -
states 35-E and 494 — only 10 minutes from
the Minneapolis/St. Paul International
Airport and 20 minutes from either down-
town Minneapolis or downtown St. Paul.
Since incorporation in 1974, Eagan has
grown to a population of more than 60,000.
Businesses and residents benefit from the
city's carefully planned infrastructure, its
city, county and regional services, its safe
living and working environments. Our edu-
cational system, both public and private, is
excellent, and the quality of life is
unmatched!
Come and learn about the abundance of
amenities that our community provides.
Come, grow in Eagan.
Blackhawk Park
young, dynamic city, ready
the challenges of expanding business
dential communities.
fi inrotion
can 't be bet
This book is brought to you by the City of Eagan; Eagan Economic Development Commission; Eagan
Convention & Visitors Bureau; Northern Dakota County Chambers of Commerce and Dakota Electric
Association. Special thanks to the West Group for printing this publication. For more information about
the City of Eagan, contact us at (651) 681-4600, or visit our Web Site at www.cityofeagan.com.
Eagan is the world headquarters of major corporations such as Northwest
Airlines, West Group and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Business and Industry
Minnesotans are known for their high productivity,
and the labor force available to Eagan businesses is
no exception. (Photo courtesy of the West Group)
Although a young community, Eagan is home to
well -recognized corporations, such as Northwest Airlines
and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota.
Northwest Airlines
Training Center
(NATCO) is one of
the largest in the
world, offering pilot
training for many
major airlines.
Eagan's other major employers include West Group,
Lockheed Martin, UPS, Coca-Cola, Silicon Graphics and
Unisys. With more than 1,700 acres of undeveloped retail,
commercial and industrial land (1998 data), the city is
prepared to accommodate further business growth and
diversity well into the future.
Important to business is the quality of the available labor
force. In Eagan, more than 97 percent of the labor pool has
a high school education. Almost 60 percent of the state's
high school graduates continue with post -secondary edu-
cation. Moreover, Eagan will continue to see dramatic
growth in the economically productive 25 to 44-year-old
age group as the city's population continues to expand.
Also notable, nearly 60 percent of Dakota County resi-
dents commute outside the county to jobs. This rate of
commuting represents a rich potential supply of workers
for employers.
Transportation of products and supplies is of equal impor-
tance to business. Eagan's close proximity to the
Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport gives local
businesses a real advantage for high-speed regional,
national and international service. The city has several
domestic and international freight forwarders within 10
minutes of all Eagan -based businesses.
City Services
Eagan is a "full -service" community,
with public utilities already in place for the future.
Eagan works hard to respond to the needs of its
business and residential communities. City staff
has considerable experience with large developments
and special expertise in security situations and high-
technology facilities.
Eagan's water comes from a series of municipal
wells, with a pumping capacity of more than 3.1 bil-
lion gallons annually. The city also operates two new
water treatment plants, with a combined capacity of
22.5 million gallons per day.
Eagan's power and gas needs are served by Northern
States Power, Dakota Electric and Peoples Natural
Gas. All of these utilities work effectively with their
customers to provide competitively priced services.
The city's ability to meet the public safety needs of
the community is exceptional. The Eagan Police
Department is fully staffed and equipped in the areas
of patrol, investigation and administration. The
City of Eagan is part of the 9-1-1 Emergency
Telephone System with dispatch for fire, rescue,
police and ambulance. The Police Department has a
response time to emergency calls of approximately
three minutes.
The Eagan Police Department has strong working
relationships with Eagan's corporate citizens includ-
ing major employers such as West Group, Unisys,
Blue Cross Blue Shield and Northwest Airlines. The
department has signed a Mutual Aid Agreement with
all law enforcement agencies in Dakota County. This
gives Eagan access to a combined force of more than
400 sworn officers.
The city's Fire Department consists of a volunteer
force of approximately 100 firefighters who receive
weekly training and have access to state-of-the-art
firefighting equipment, such as the Cairns IRIS ther-
mal imaging helmet. First response vehicles can reach
any address in the city in less than three minutes from
any of five fire stations located throughout the city.
Emergency response is aided by the city's Emergency
Vehicle Preemption (EVP) which assists emergency
vehicles through intersections. The excellent fire ser-
vice and extensive water distribution system allows an
insurance rating of 3, providing low premiums for
businesses and residents.
The Police Department provides a staff of 65 sworn officers,
offering a safe community environment.
City staff works to
insure high quality
developments that are
in the best interest of
the community.
Eagan's highly efficient volunteer Fire Department
has an immediate response time with five fire
halls throughout the city.
Modern senior housing and
high quality care facilities offer
senior residents a comfortable
home.
Housing
Eagan consists of well-planne
attractive neighborhoods,
with a broad spectrum of
housing options.
Eagan offers
housing options
that provide an
attractive fit
for all lifestyles.
d
Eagan residents enjoy the city's
rolling terrain covered with
ponds, woodlands and wildlife.
The average sale price of a single
family home in 1998 was
$184,000.
With 18,500 owner -occupied housing units and 6,200
rental units, the city prides itself on balanced hous-
ing options. The recent growth of upper bracket housing
developments has added an important component to
this mix.
The
attra
iden
citie
cons.
low property tax rate in Eagan also contributes to its
ctiveness. The city's relative property tax rate for res-
tial property ranked 82 among 107 metropolitan area
s. Low property tax rates reflect a history of fiscal
ervatism in Eagan and Dakota County.
Eagan Owner -Occupied Housing Types - 1997
Unit Type
ingle Family
Townhouse
Duplex
ondominium
Number of Units
12,900
3,800
700
1,100
Unit Mix
70%
20%
4%
6°%o
Notable is Eagan's specialized housing facilities for
senior residents. O'Leary Manor and Oak Woods of
Eagan offer affordable rents and independent -living ser-
vices, as well as convenient access to shopping centers.
Clare Bridge Memory Care Residence is home to memo-
ry -impaired residents who need specialized care.
Good value, a sense of safety, cleanliness, family -orien-
tation, high quality services and a convenient location all
work together to make Eagan a great place to live! Not
surprisingly, a recent city survey found that residents of
Eagan believe strongly in their community.
With the completion of Interstate
35E, Eagan residents are directly
connected to the 1-494 and 1-35
throughways, offering easy access
to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Transportation
Eagan's outstanding south-
central location,
at I 35-E and 494, puts
you minutes away from
almost every destination
in the seven county
metropolitan area.
The Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport services nearly every
national and international airline and regional carrier. Charter flights
are also available. Freight companies provide ground transportation
of goods throughout North America.
Eagan offers a highly -developed, well -maintained
system of state and county roads and city streets.
One of Eagan's unique features is its convenient access
to the Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport. The
airport is located less than 10 minutes from nearly any
address in Eagan and serves over 14 million passengers
per year.
Eagan is also included in a six -city rapid transit con-
sortium called the Minnesota Valley Transit authority
(MVTA). MVTA provides direct express bus service to
downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis, as well as to the
Mall of America and a number of other points in and
around the area.
f
The strong academic program of Eagan High School
has earned it an award as a U.S. Department of
Education "National School of Excellence."
Education
Eagan's well-educated work
force is a product of Minnesota's
significant investment in education and
training opportunities.
Community Adult Education and
Early Childhood programs provide a
wealth of educational opportunities.
Eagan High School is well known for its innovative, hands-on projects,
such as the model airplane experimental lab shown above. For more
information, see the School District website at www.isd196.k12.mn.us.
Three public school districts, through a network of 16
schools, serve city residents. Eagan High School,
was the winner of the U.S. Department of Education
"National School of Excellence" and "Technology
Exemplar" awards. Redbook has named Eagan High
School as one of the top high schools in the nation. Also
notable is the unique all -day kindergarten option offered
by Pilot Knob Elementary School.
Eagan school districts also offer Early Childhood Family
Education programs for the formative years (between
birth and kindergarten). These parent -child classes strive
to strengthen families and support the ability of all par-
ents to provide the best possible environment for the
growth and development of their children.
One-third of total state and local budgets go to
schools and training programs. In return for this invest-
ment, Minnesota students typically achieve high test
scores on college entrance exams throughout the nation.
Recently, the state posted the second -highest ACT scores
and third -highest SAT scores in the nation.
The Eagan area has a wealth of post -secondary opportu-
nities, with 19 four-year colleges in the seven county
metropolitan area. Education opportunities are also found
at two nearby community colleges, business colleges and
the Dakota County Area Technical College, which
responds to the specific training needs of area employers
through its Training and Development and Adult
Vocational Training programs.
Wthin the city, numerous physicians
and clinics provide services ranging
from family practice and pediatrics, to neu-
rology and ophthalmology. The city offers
three multi -specialty health clinics and
seven chiropractic offices.
Near the city are some of the country's best
hospitals. Fairview Ridges Hospital in
neighboring Burnsville was named one of
the nation's top 100 medium -size hospitals
in 1998. Fairview Ridges Hospital is part of
Fairview Health Services, a community -
focused health system providing a complete
range of services, from prevention of illness
and injury, to care for the most complex
medical conditions.
Included in the list of nearby medical facil-
ities is the prestigious Mayo Clinic in
Rochester. Its cutting edge approach to
medicine and treatment is recognized the
world over. Other prominent healthcare
organizations close at hand include
Children's Hospitals in St. Paul and
Minneapolis, Sister Kinney Institute,
University of Minnesota Medical Facilities,
and many specialty clinics.
Eagan's emergency medical service is
anchored by Health East's full -service life
support ambulance — staffed by para-
medics twenty-four hours a day. The ambu-
lance is less than three minutes from most
addresses in the city.
Without question, residents of Eagan have
outstanding access to the best health care in
the medical field.
Health Care
Residents and employees in
Eagan are served by an excellent
health care system.
Physicians and clinics provide numerous health care services ranging from
family practice and pediatrics, to neurology and ophthalmology.
Ambulance service is on call
24-hours a day in Eagan.
Hospitality and Retail
Need a place to stay for an
evening, a week or a month?
Look no further than Eagan!
Dining pleasure at Eagan's
restaurants — a taste for
every palate.
The Mall of America offers four
levels of indoor shopping, with more
than 500 retail stores.
Shoppers find attractive gift items
and clothing throughout Eagan's
retail district.
Enjoy the many
room specials and
amenities offered at
Eagan's new lodging
properties.
Eagan offers an impressive list of major -
name hotels, with more than 1,500
rooms. These properties comfortably serve
corporate travelers, leisure visitors and
extended -stay guests. Many of the facilities
offer meeting space for groups from 10-200
people. The Royal Cliff Banquet and
Meeting Facility is also available for groups
of up to 500.
Eagan proudly offers more than 70 restau-
rants, with an ethnic variety to suit your
taste in a variety of price ranges. From
locally owned restaurants to major fast food
chains, national brand bistros to supper
clubs — Eagan has it all!
Complementing the variety of lodging and
restaurant alternatives are strategically
placed retail shopping centers. The central
shopping area, located near the intersection
of Yankee Doodle and Pilot Knob Roads,
features the city's "Town Centre" and
recently completed "Promenade" shops.
You'll find everything from clothing, gro-
ceries and office supplies, to travel agen-
cies, discount stores and fine dining.
Still want the option of mall shopping?
There's always the 500 shops in the world-
famous Mall of America, just five minutes
from Eagan! Or take a look at the
Burnsville Center, located 10 minutes south
of Eagan on Interstate 35-E. These are just
two of many shopping opportunities nearby.
Tourism & Attractions
Eagan's tourism industry has grown in stature and
represents nearly $100 million of economic impact to the community.
Prominent area attractions include the nearby
Minnesota Zoo and the world famous Mall of
America with Camp Snoopy Amusement Park. Eagan
is close to all southern metropolitan area attractions,
including Buck Hill Ski Area, Valleyfair Amusement
Park, the Renaissance Festival, Canterbury Park and
Mystic Lake Casino.
Entertainment opportunities abound within the city as
well. Eagan enjoys an indoor amusement park at
Grand Slam USA, featuring miniature golf, batting
cages, bumper cars, laser tag and a video arcade.
Residents and tourists alike can explore Eagan on
horseback or in a horse-drawn hay wagon at the
Diamond T Ranch.
Eagan's sense of community spirit and civic pride are
revealed in the many community and regional festi-
vals held each year. Eagan's Fourth of July FunFest
celebration draws thousands of people annually. Thrill
to the excitement of other special Eagan events, such
as the Yankee Doodle Arts & Crafts Festival; Ho Ho
Ho, It's Eagan's North Pole; Eagan Go Bragh; Eagan
Onion Festival; Espress Fest Music & Arts Festival
and Lone Oak Days Heritage Festival. For a brochure
on attractions and hospitality, call the Eagan
Convention & Visitors Bureau at I-800-EAGAN-20.
Family and friends enjoy the spirit of the old west at
Diamond T Ranch, a popular Eagan attraction.
The Minnesota Zoo,
located just south of
Eagan, features
"Discovery Bay" with its
dolphin shows and shark �'
exhibits. The IMAX 3-D Theatre offers shows around the clock.
Eagan celebrates the 4th of July with a parade, carnival,
fireworks, food and fun for the whole family.
Schultz Lake in Lebanon Hills Regional Park is a popular
gathering place for families throughout the summer.
Eagan's new aquatic park
offers a wonderful quality
recreation activity for our
suburban residents.
Winter fun includes skating,
skiing, snow tubing, outdoor hockey
and indoor hockey at Eagan's new
Civic Arena.
The beauty of Eagan's environment
is preserved in over 50 scenic parks.
iscade
BAY
Athletic programs are available
for all ages.
Scherer Flower Garden, with blooms aplenty.
njoy picnic pavilions, walking trails, archery
ranges, fishing lakes, ice skating facilities, ten-
nis courts, athletic fields, playgrounds, sledding hills
and more within Eagan's 54 parks! Lebanon Hills
Regional Park, a 2,000 acre county park located in
southern Eagan, preserves scenic green space within
the city and offers a swimming beach, hiking and
cross-country ski trails, horseback -riding trails,
canoeing and fishing. Nearby are the Minnesota
Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Historic Fort
Snelling and Fort Snelling State Park.
Nearly 100 miles of trails connect the entire City of
Eagan for walking, running, biking or rollerblading.
The city's Civic Arena offers two ice rinks for indoor
skating. Eagan's new community aquatic facility,
"Cascade Bay," opened the summer of 1999. It fea-
tures a lap swimming pool, water slides, lazy river
and fun for the whole family. Also nearby are eight
public and private golf courses.
The Dakota County Arts and Humanities Council
brings classes and shows to local residents. Eagan is
also home to the Caponi Art Park, an outdoor sculp-
ture garden that is open to the public and features spe-
cial performances throughout the summer, as well as
youth art classes. Beautiful fragrant floral arts and
gardens are found at the Scherer Flower Garden,
which is also open to the public during the growing
season.
Local cultural activities are complemented with pro-
ductions offered in and around Minneapolis and St.
Paul. The Twin Cities boasts the most theatre seats per
capita in the nation and features Broadway hits, tour-
ing shows, Guthrie and Ordway theatre productions.
Ethnic productions abound and dinner theatres offer
shows year-round.
History centers, science and children's museums
located throughout the Twin Cities provide opportuni-
tiies for knowledge, art and culture. Come enjoy the
Science Museum of Minnesota, Children's Museum,
Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Walker Art Center
and Sculpture Garden.
Come Grow in Eagan
With so much to offer, it's
easy to understand why so
many people choose Eagan.
For more information about the City of Eagan, contact us
at (651) 681-4600, or visit our Web Site at www.cityof
eagan.com.
Eagan City Offices
City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Road 651/681-4600
Administration or City Council 651/681-4601
Building Inspections 651/681-4675
Engineering 651/681-4646
Parks & Recreation 651/681-4660
Program Hotline 651/681-4670
Planning & Zoning 651/681-4685
Recycling Information 651/681-4600
Recycling Hotline 651/681-4380
Sewer & Water Billing 651/681-4630
Civic Arena, 3870 Pilot Knob Rd. 651/686-1100
Cascade Bay, Aquatic Facility 651/681-4777
Fire Department, 3795 Pilot Knob Rd.
Emergency 911
Fire Administration 651/905-4800
Fire Marshall/Inspector 651/681-4600
Recreational Fire Hotline 651/686-1115
Maintenance Facility, 3501 Coachman Pt.
Park Maintenance 651/681-4300
Public Works,
Watering/Plowing Hotline 651/681-4550
Road Debris 651/681-4300
Sewer & Water Maintenance 651/681-4300
Snow Plowing 651/681-4300
Street Maintenance 651/681-4300
Northern Dakota County 651/452-9872
Chambers of Commerce
Police Department, 3830 Pilot Knob Rd.
Emergency 911
Non -Emergency 651/681-4700
Crime Tip -line 651/686-1111
Animal Control 651/681-4700
Police Chief 651/681-4700
Tourism Information
Eagan Convention & 800-EAGAN-20
Visitors Bureau
VOTE YES
FEB. 14
Eagan Community Center
Paid for by the Community Center Support Committee, Tim Pawlenty, executive director
Community center is major
contributor to city tax increase
Truth -in -taxation hearing quick and uneventful
by Dan Gearino
Staff Writer
The city of Eagan's truth -in -
taxation hearing Monday was
done quickly, an indication
that citizens are mostly pleased
with the slow growth of the
city portion of the property tax.
Beginning in 2001, Eagan
Hearing/Continued
about the budget by saying that
any questions or concerns
about a home's assessed value
should be referred to the coun-
ty. Though the city truth -in -
taxation hearing is intended to
be a forum for residents to
comment about the city portion
of the property tax, often resi-
dents arrive seeking to com-
plain about or clarify their
home valuation.
Home values in Eagan have
risen steadily in recent years,
leading to large tax increases
for some residents, even
though the city, county and
school district portions of the
taxpayers will begin paying for
the central park and communi-
ty center, approved by voters in
a June 6 special election.
Without factoring in the
cost of the community center,
the average taxpayer would
pay less than in 2000. An
Eagan resident with a home
valued at $150,000, paid $422
in city property taxes in 2000
and will pay $402 in 2001
before the community center is
factored into the equation. For
this taxpayer, the community
center tax will be $49.
At the Monday hearing,
City Administrator Tom
Hedges prefaced his comments
See Hearing, 13A
tax have had only small
increases.
The public comment por-
tion of the hearing lasted about
10 minutes, as several resi-
dents sought clarification
about their tax statements.
The city's 2001 general
fund budget was originally
planned to increase 6.9 percent
from 2000, but the City
Council made several changes
to cut $180,000, reducing the
increase to 5.9 percent.
Among the things cut was
the planned hiring of an addi-
tional police officer.
Public safety is the largest
cost center in the general fund,
comprising 43 percent; public
works and parks and recreation
each take up 15 percent; there
is a 2 percent contingency
fund; and the remaining 25
percent is "general govern-
ment," like the city administra-
tion and council.
Tom Pepper, acting finance
director, said he is pleased with
the 2001 budget.
"We're in very good condi-
tion," he said. "Taxes are only
going up because of the com-
munity's decision to invest in
the central park."
The City Council will
approve the 2001 budget at its
Dec. 19 meeting.
•D WYL' CX%1— t - J)O 0
Eagan seeks youth movement
on center's focus groups
City Council to decide on final
makeup of center, park focus
groups on Sept. 19
By Joshua Nichols
Sun Newspapers
The Eagan City Council wants more
teens involved in the planning process of
the community center and central park
before it finalizes the makeup of the focus
groups that will help guide that design
process.
The council was originally scheduled
to vote on the members of the six focus
groups at its Sept. 5 meeting, but put off
that decision until a special meeting at 5
p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 at the Eagan Mu-
nicipal Center.
Part of the reasoning for the delay is
the lack of teens that have shown an in-
terest in joining a focus group, one of
which will help shape the teen center
proposed for the $15.4 million center.
"We've sent out letters to high schools
and middle schools in the city and asked
that schools provide us with potential
names and let it be known we are looking
for more teens," said Eagan Parks, and
Recreation Director Ken Vraa.
The Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment is also stepping up its efforts with-
in the program's teen programs to en-
courage teens to take part in the process,
Vraa said.
Teens interested in joining a focus
group should contact the Eagan Parks
and Recreation Department at 651-681-
4660.
While the extension doesn't actually
extend the deadline for applying for a
spot on one of the focus groups, it does
give city staff more time to consider ap-
plications that fell through the cracks.
'There are some people who either
didn't get them in quite on time or their
applications got lost in the e-mail system
or what have you," Vraa said. "So some of
those names didn't make it to the council
by the meeting."
The City Council also named Damon
Farber Associates, Inc., as the master
park planner for the central park during
the Sept. 5 meeting.
The council had previously named
TKDA and Moody/Nolan as the center's
architects Aug. 24. TKDA is a St_ Paul ar-
chitectural and engineering firm.
The company's full name is Toltz-
Our news
deadline is 5 p.m.
AV" c. ill
King -Duvall -Anderson & Associates Inc.
Moody/Nolan is a Columbus, Ohio -based
architectural firm that will partner up
with TKDA in the design process.
While the council interviewed candi-
dates for the construction manager job
the same week it interviews the architect
and park planner candidates, it isn't
scheduled to make a final decision on the
position until its Sept. 19 meeting.
The architect and park planner will
meet with the focus groups as the process
starts up. The exact shape that process
will take has not yet been settled, Vraa
said.
"We are going to be meeting with the
architects [this week] to plan the plan-
ning process," he said.
"Once the groups are formed we will
notify each member and we would want
them to get together so they get to know
ee�ac�h.other before the real planning be-
gins
gins.
The focus groups will also be filled in
on the history of the community center
and central park campaign, including the
work done previously by the task force
that recommended the project.
"We want to prepare them adequately
so they know what has already happened
and so they can move ahead with this,"
Vraa said.
As the process picks up speed, the
focus groups will meet with the architect
and park planner to provide their inppt_
"At some point in time the idea is to get
all the focus group members together, but
when that will happen is still up. in the
air."
Although Parks and Recreation De-
partment staffbegan some clean=up work
on the park site this spring, they were un-
able to get far before they had to turn
their attention to other parks and weath-
er -related problems.
"We hope to get back in there maybe
this fall when things dry out a bit," Vraa
said. "By then we will have put some of
the current workload behind us and we
can go back to pulling the dead and fall-
en trees and such out of there_"
Teen, senior spots lead wish list for city center (3/18/2000) Page 1 of 2
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YELLOW PAGES ■ CARS.COM • CAREERPATH • HOMES/RENTALS
Published: Saturday, March 18, 2000
EAGAN
Teen, senior spots lead wish list for city
center
• For outdoors, walking, bike paths are favored
AMY SHERMAN STAFF WRITER
Eagan city leaders may ignore a suggestion to put in a "Rush
Room" so residents can listen to Rush Limbaugh in the proposed
community center, but some of the citizens' other ideas could
make the cut.
Eagan recently sent an unscientific survey to all residents as well
as members of the business community. About 650 responded to
the form, which asked participants to rank their priorities for a
central park and community center.
The City Council hasn't signed off on final plans to create the
gathering spot, but it recently approved spending $7.4 million --
plus $500,000 for associated costs -- to buy 60 acres for public
use between Unisys, Lockheed Martin and Northwest Airlines.
The sale closing is expected by the end of March.
The community can learn more about the project at a forum at 7
p.m. Tuesday at the Fire Administration building.
The most common No. 1 picks for the park were walking/biking
paths, a spot to view fireworks, a band shell, picnic shelter, a
playground and festival grounds. Indoors, the top choices were
teen center, senior center, walking track, indoor playground,
meeting rooms, banquet facility, basketball/volleyball courts.
Many of those priorities were identified by a task force, which
includes members of various local organizations ranging from
Eagan Seniors to the Eagan Athletic Association. Some unique
ideas included a place to make quilts for the needy and an
.../013616.htm&NS-query=Eagan&NS-search-type=NS-BOOLEAN-QUERY&NS-collection 3/20/2000
' Teen, senior spots lead wish list for city center (3/18/2000) Page 2 of 2
• Help
• News Archives
Feedback
observatory -- or at least a spot on the roof for stargazers to look
through telescopes.
There were several passionate pleas for space dedicated to
seniors and teens. "Teens have no where to gather! We need to
address their need for safe supervised places to congregate,"
wrote one person.
A few survey respondents had criticisms, including the expense
of the project. Some said they don't want the center to compete
with the YMCA or Lifetime Fitness in Eagan. "I would strongly
prefer not to see my taxes go up in order to subsidize an
entertainment facility," wrote one respondent. An exact price tag
-- and how much the project will cost each taxpayer -- hasn't
been determined yet, in part because no final decisions have been
made about what to include on the site. A preliminary projection
for the center is about $12.3 million; the City Council could
decide to hold a referendum to help pay for the project.
The community task force will make recommendations regarding
features for the park and center, which is expected to be reviewed
by the City Council April 4.
Amy Sherman, who covers Eagan, Inver Grove Heights and Rosemount, can
• Back to Top be reached at asherman(pioneerpress.com or (651) 228-2174.
0 2000 PioneerPlanet / St. Paul (Minnesota) Pioneer Press - All Rights Reserved
copyright information
.../0 1 3 61 6.htm&NS-query=Eagan&NS-search-type=NS-BOOLEAN-QUERY&NS-collection 3/20/2000
0 3 - 3 — .10 o
City Council approves
Center plans
CommUflitY is
The City Council unani- two levels, with the main
mously approved the schematic entrance accessible from the
design of Eagan's new upper -level parking lot. The
Community Center, which will upper -level parking lot whold
be built in Central Park, at its 262trve sfand will feature a dec-
March 20 meeting. U on entering the building,
City Council members and P
viewers were treated to a "virtu- visitors will see the park
al" tour of the proposed facility through the two-story main
by the designers. The tour con- area, which will be constructed
will.
sisted of a rotating, 3-D view of of glass. The upper level
the building design projected house a playspace for smaller
onto a screen from the design- children, . and the Chamber of
Commerce and the Conventions
er's laptop. The two-story structure was and Visitors Bureau will be leas -
designed
on that level as well.
designed to have an open feel, ingspace
incorporating glass to provide A staircase and elevators
ample views of the surrounding lead to the lower level, which
park from every angle. will have a fireplace, sitting area
"One of the things we are and juice bar. On one side
of the
trying to do is create some lower level is kit kitchen
ne ot wed-
rea
openness in this building," said with a catering
Ken Vraa, director of Parks and ding receptions and other gath-
Recreation. "So there's a lot of R� , as wel
l as the m, which will serve Oak
windows in this building ...
as a
there's a lot of glass withjriews home base
a theor s senior
of the lower
out to the park area"
The building is made up of See Center, 9A
aienter/Continued
level will be a "pay to play"
area, where visitors pay a fee to
gain access to three gymnasi-
ums, a workout room, locker
rooms and a teen center.
A running track surrounds
the upper level of the gymnasi-
ums and an aerobics/perform-
ance room is also housed on the
upper level.
The lower level entrance
leads outside to a plaza/terrace
that looks out onto the park, and
an additional parking lot will be
constructed on the lower level
next to the building.
In addition to the all -glass
main area, windows are strategi-
cally placed around the build-
ing. The running track, for
instance, will have windows at
each corner so runners can look
out into the park, and the ban-
quet area will have large view -
"There's a fair amount of
glass in this to bring this open-
ness, to bring this natural light
in and a sense of the park," Vraa
said.
Two different firms,
Moody/Nolan, Ltd. and TKDA,
collaborated on the design of
the Community Center, making
sure to include elements that
focus groups had said were
important.
"We felt that they had a real
good experience with commu-
nities and we certainly liked the
way they presented their
design," Vraa said.
The estimated cost of the
Community Center is $11 mil-
lion. The next stage of the proj-
ect is design and development,
which is expected to be com-
pleted by June 1 of this year.
The Community Center is
expected to be completed by
November 2002.
Center/Continued
means to get anywhere"
She says that families are
constantly moving in and out of
Wescott. Because of the high
crime rate in the area, families
whose finances stabilize will
often move. Others move after
being evicted. Wescott Center
staff say that most children in
the program spend less than a
year in the neighborhood.
Frequent moves put a
tremendous amount of stress on
a family, especially children
who have to constantly make
new friends at new schools,
Rivamonte says.
Between 16 and 60 children
show up for the program each
weekday. Between half and two-
thirds of the children are
Somali. On June 27, almost all
of the children are Somali, with
the remainder being white or
African American.
The Wescott Center program
is funded by the city of Eagan
and a series of grants. Many out-
side agencies volunteer time or
materials to the program.
School District 196 provides
tutors who come to the center
after school. Children who live
in Wescott attend school at
either Glacier Hills Elementary
or Dakota Hills Middle School.
Participants in the Wescott
Center program are between the
ages of 4 and 12. During the
school year, the program meets
immediately after school.
During the summer, it meets in
the early afternoon. The summer
program costs $15 for Seven
weeks. Parents who can't afford
the fee may qualify for a schol-
arship.
In addition to the core pro-
gram, there are a variety of other
activities coordinated by the
center, such as woodworking
classes, art camp, movie nights
and field trips. This summer,
field trip destinations include
the Como Zoo, Cascade Bay
and a Minnesota Twins game.
After the relay races, the kids
file into the Wescott Center, sit
on couches and the floor in the
converted apartment family
room and eat ice cream.
Maureen Cuddigan, a chil-
dren's librarian from the Dakota
County Library, arrives, sits in
front of the children and begins
a story.
"Once, there was a tailor,
who fell asleep over his work
every day," she says.
Her voice and facial expres-
sions hold the attention of the
audience, except for two boys
who are laughing and wiggling
in their seats. _A staff member
pulls the boys out of the room
and talks to them, and then
sends them back to listen to the
story.
During storytime, Sharada
Lakhmam, one of the leaders of
the Wescott Center program, is
typing a report on an old
Macintosh computer in one of
the bedrooms. She began work-
ing in the program five years
ago when she was 16 and
attending Eagan High School.
She recently graduated from the
University of Minnesota and is
applying to social work gradu-
ate programs and law schools.
Lakhmam says she didn't
realize the Wescott neighbor-
hood existed before her current
job. She adds that most Eagan
residents either aren't aware of
Wescott or think of it as ,a
stereotypical slum. -
"We're really isolated from
everywhere else in Eagan;' she
said.
When asked about the
headaches of the job, she thinks
for a moment, then says, "The
thing that keeps me in this job is
the kids. They're wonderful."
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unity center
Vote 'no' on socialist co m
presence
the editor:
Recent talk aboutcommu-
nity center for Eagan
the
cliche about needing someplace
to establish a centrist style
"sense of community." The
theme of the 1980s and 1990s
mentality is that the government
can and should do everything
for us; entertain us, educate us,
protect us from ourselves and
watch our every move. Sounds a
lot like socialism to me.
Historically, strong societies
have focused their sense of com-
munity around their church and
their schools. We have this
opportunity in Eagan with a
of many strong p varietyof
differ-
ent churches and wof
school buildings
it
amenities available for free or a
nominal fee. govern-
ment don't need the g
ment to give us a sense of com-
munity. Once again, a small fac-
tion of activists including city
staff are trying to convince us
that we need them to feel happy,
to be satisfied. By holding this
referendum at an odd time, they
are hoping to win by poor
turnout, allowing those who
want this white elephant to win
by default.
They are giving us a picture
who
of our senior citizens as feeble,
helpless people w o will wither
away without this refuge
fugerto
odsek
l
to every day play
don't think the handful of
seniors who have spoken are
accurate in their portrayal of the
majority of our seniors.
Let's tell the City Council to
draft a budget and take the rest
of the year off. Every time they
meet, we lose a freedom or get a
tax hike.
Vote "no" to more white ele-
phants.
TOM GRUNDHAUSER
Eagan
May.11. 2000 4:44PM
MNSUN - News
THE WALLACE GROUP
No,1942 P. 1E/22
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Local ForecastWednesday, May• 17, 2000
Click Here
City seeks to answer questions on
community center levy
By Joshua Nichols Sun Newspapers
(Created 5? 17/00 2:07:27 PM)
With a June 6 vote on whether to sell $15.35 million in bonds to
fund the development of a community center and central park in
Eagan, the city is trying to inform the public of the issue.
Parks and Recreation Director Ken Vraa fielded questions from the
public during informational meetings May 9 and 11
The bond amount would result in an additional 0365 percent in
property taxes for each residence and business in Eagan. That
amounts to an increase of $36.50 for every 5100,000 of estimated
market value.
The proposal calls for a Community Activities Center of
approximately 80,000-square feet. Although several features of the
center were singled out in the proposal, none have been set in
stone, Those features include a senior center, a teen center,
community meeting rooms, banquet facilities, a gym, locker rooms,
fitness area, indoor walking/running track, an indoor playground
and office space for the Eagan Historical Society and other groups.
The park would feature walking/biking trails, picnic shelters, a band
shell, a community festival area, a plaza and decorative gardens.
Following are some of the questions asked at the first of those
meetings and the answers supplied by Vraa and other city staff.
FIJat 651-681-4397. Callers may leave a message, provide
Information is also available through a phone line set up by the city
comments or ask questions. Staff will make retum calls to address
any questions or concerns.
The citys Web site also is an outlet for more information on the
levy Visit www.cityofeagen.com for information or to submit
questions or comments by e-mail.
Q. Why are banquet facilities and office space being considered for
the community center?
A. "When we looked at other community centers we saw the
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05/17/2000 4:47 PP
-> CITY OF EAGAN ,TEL-6516814612 05/17'00 17:37
May.17. 2000 4:45PM THE WALLACE GROUP No.1942 D. 17/22
MNSUN - News
http:- nutsun.com-story.asp?city=Eagan&story=3715
A. "When we looked at other community centers we saw the
success they have had with their banquet facilities and there is
definitely a need for them in Eagan, We think it will provide a
strong revenue stream into the facility and the same goes for the
office space. We will lease the extra office space to groups at the
going market rate."
Q. Why was the decision made to include a gym when there ere
already gyms available at local schools, churches and YMCAs?
A. "What we have been hearing from Community Education is that
the gyms they have are overbooked right now. We also see the
gym as a program space for other areas of the center that are
otherwise not associated with the gym. It could be used for a senior
dance or a youth party or for an art fair. We see it more as a larger
room to be used fo' other uses as well."
Q. One aspect mentioned about the community center is that it
would provide youth with a place to go. Why does the city feel the
need to take care of our children and aren't there already facilities
in the community that can handle that function?
A. "We at the Parks and Recreation Department have heard from
people over the years who feel something like this is needed in the
community. The City Council felt the best thing to do was to place
the issue before the city to see if residents do feel it is needed.
Only the city itself can answer that question."
Q. How much will issuing the $15.35 million in bonds for the
community center and park cost in the long run?
A. "This is a 20-year bond and the annual cost to cover the
principal plus interest will be around $1 .4 million. When that is
figured out, I believe the figure is around $27 million." [Over the
course of 20 years, given an annual debt service of S1,402,420,
the total cost of the project plus interest on the bonds would Dome
to just over $28 million.]
Q. If my house is valued at $144,000 [the average valuation of an
Eagan home] now, if it goes to $200,000 in five years, will I pay
more in property taxes for the community center levy?
A. "If everyone's rate goes up, everyone would still pay the same
amount. We have to pay the $1.4 million each year and that figure
doesn't change. When you look at the growth pattern of Eagan
over the years, we plan to have new houses and businesses come
into the community. They would also share the cost. So the
additional amount you pay for the levy Is actually more likely to go
down as time goes on.
Q. Why is this bond levy being put before the city before there are
any specific plans and designs for the community center?
A "The City Council didn't want to hire consultants and put in the
thousands of dollars it would cost to do the planning stage of the
center before knowing whether It was what the community wanted.
So the idea was to see if the community wants it before we take
that step and commit those funds."
Q. Are residents going to receive a chance to vote on the design
for the community center or play a part in deciding what features
are Included?
A. "Residents will not be able to provide that feedback through a
vote, but they will be given that opportunity through meetings,
Once an architect Is chosen, there will be various steps throughout
the process where the designs are brought before the people so
they can provide input on what they like and what they don't "
Q. If the bond fails, what happens to the park land the city now
2 of 3 05: 1712000 4:47 P
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May.17. 2000 4:46PM THE WALLACE GROUP
No.1942 P. 18/22
MNSUN - News http://mnsun,comistory.asp?c,ity=Eagan&story=3715
owns?
A. "That would be put before the City Council. However, we are
certainly going to have to maintain the property. City crews have
already been doing maintenance work on the property. If the
building does not go forward, then we would have to put some kind
of ground cover down to help with erosion issues and to keep dust
down. There are a lot of old, nice trails there that may not be the
safest, but they are passable and they could still be used."
Q. Are operational costs Included In the bond amount?
A. "Right now we have estimates from other facilities on what those
costs are, but without any plans for the center, we don't have any
for ours exactly. However, we plan to have the fees and charges
from various areas to cover our operational costs. For instance,
what we saw in other communities was their banquet facilities not
only cover its costs but also generate a profit that covers areas not
able to cover their own costs."
Q. What happens if the levy is approved and then the estimates for
the plan come In over budget?
A. "The cost of the plan is not going to go up We have a fixed
budget and if something goes over that, then It will have to be
pared back."
Q, If money is left over from the bonds once the community center
is built, where would those funds go?
A. "I would assume that any left -over funding would go to pay for
the debt service on the bonds."
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how many juveniles were. prose- Dakota County's 14-to-17 year otd a:`z28-2,t72" "�
EAGAN k..
ommuni .. center downsized to meet budgeti
."Seniors` tteens space,
storagearea reduced
AMY SHERMAN STAFF WRITER
��"' •w ice: ?+:
r"� he. Eagan community center
Lwill be smaller than planned
;tv keep -the projecton budget.
The city changed the building
4,,cesign after the project came in
,almost $1 million over budget.
.About 10,000 square feet were
shavedoff. the center, which will
!:`;;now' be about 72,000 square' feet
when it ,opens by the end of.2002.
For the most part certain
rooms -were. shrunk, rather than
.,eliminated. The. senior center: and
teen center will be a little small-
: ; er. The ;historical society' won't
, , get storage space in the .building
anymore, but :will get display
cases in the. center and storage
space in the • fire- administration
ti
t or creative desi
the; highest' u '
home remio�ehn
Sawhorse tucks&
•
• Additions
• Kitchens
• ! a,°ths.
building.. .
Some groups are frustrated to
see their spaces trimmed.
"We don't ,think, it's enough.
(space) but we've got to start
somewhere," senior Joe Nardi
said. Seniors hope,, their space can
be expanded in the future.
Other ` centercomponents
include three gyms, space for
health and fitness, arts and crafts,
computers, music, a banquet room
and other uses.
The park ,will include trails,
sites for the` 4th of July celebra-
tion and'' other`'festivals, a sliding
hill, a small; band shell,' play-
ground equipment, among other
amenities. The"city's Fourth of
July celebration 'will be' at the
park this summer.'
Eagan Athletic Association;
which serves about 11,000 youth,
is excited about the gym space,
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS
Board approves budget trim
that will cut 5 teaching jobs
which will serve a .variety of
sports. The gyms will also be open
for adults.
"We're so tight with space right
now with the school district we
can't wait to have it," EAA presi-
dent Dan Klekner said.
In June voters narrowly,
, approved a $15.3 million referen-',
dum to help develop the 60-acrer
central park and community• cen-
ter at Pilot Knob and Yankee
Doodle roads. Eagan bought the.
-,land from other funds for about
$7.4 million.
The City Council will review the
park master plan today and most
likely the building design March
20..
Amy. Sherman, who covers Eagan, Inver '.
Grove. Heights and Rosemount, can be
reached at asherman@
ploneerpress.com or (651) 228-2174.
But school district expects
revenue torise next year
The Inver Grove' Heights 'school
board trimmed $761,000 from
.its budget` foe -next school % year
Monday night;; :a; move . that elimi-
nntnQ nhnnf Firm 4nnnhinn nn4444nnn
tions by administrators that the
district will see a revenue
increase of about 3 percent next
,year. Superintendent Jerry
Robicheau, who met with state
legislators Monday during a lobby-
ing effort at the State Capitol,
said lawmakers are optimistic that
'-N.. £..W V
-49
I': Inrexchat for
)lea, ty .tatng an offender in,`
?drive by shooting, Dakoth' Coto
Gambling .`'
• CON IINUED FROM 113 '
for now. '
Spent pull -tabs and blotted bingo
sheets add up. Statewide, charita-
ble gambling gross receipts for
fiscal 2000 were. $1.5
according to the Gambling Control
Board's annual 'report. That's,
spread among 1,531 licensed non-
profits in Minnesota. Charitable
gambling contributes $60 million
in taxes to the state each year,
said Gary Danger, compliance
officer with the Gambling Control
Board.
Proceed:: also are put to work
in communities. The Legion donat-
ed to many Forest Lake nonprofits
and is an important sponsor of the
local Fourth of -July celebration. It
also paid its mortgage, and build-
ing taxes from gambling proceeds.
Now the one-time benefactor will
be turning to others for help,' said
Chuck Bernin, commander We'll
need to do fund-raisers," he;said.
The problems ' at ,this Legion
post are similar to those in some
other charitable gambling groups.
When organizations ;leave gam-
bling responsibilities to one person
or small group and fail to require
that monthly reports be included
in the minutes, "that's how they
get in trouble," said Howard Reg-
ister, chairman of the Gambling
Control , Bbard's compliance review
group.
An accountant hired to make.
sense of. the Legion's books spent
. six months doing so, and deter-
mined that roughly $5,000 remains
unaccounted for, Danger said. He
manager and
er last yea;
don't discuss
board ;didn't
the problems
Bernin, who I
rnander last
"We as
require mow
said. They p
:license; in OK
trols ,have' a
Bernin' said, 'a
what's rec
Still, men
"This is ;
that does a lc
the entire n
penalized for
few," said C
Legion membi
Overall, nor
bling rules we
the proceeds
as snowmobil(
fire tri cks.
,Yet some
because there.
ship and lei
such groups, h
ors should vote
d
. Beni
Seniors an soon -to -be Center referendum
es' on y Ea an community ll might rooms,
To
wonderful kitchens for
L+ -� able t
be very excited. Fina y we potluck dinners and coffee par -
the editor:
We are writing to ask the d• the
good people of Eagan to vote
"yes" on the community center
June 6.
My husband and I have lived
in Eagan since 1961. We were a
very small township at that time.
We had no gas stations, no
supermarkets and no fire depart-
ment. We have seen Eagan grow
into a big city.
When my husband and I
were first asked to be on the
community center task force as
senior representatives, we were
o have a senior center
like all of the surrounding cities.
The seniors meet at Oak
Woods Senior building once a
month and O' LearY's once a
month. We also meet at
McDonald's on Diffley
Road
and Lexington Avenue twice a
month. We barely fit in the room
at our last get-together. There
were 23 seniors there.
We visited the senior centers
in surrounding cities. Weare
have
very jealous. They
libraries, computer rooms, craft
ties. And when they hear that we
don't have a senior center, y
invite us to join theirs. Do We
have to go to another city?
We think it's time for seniors
and soon -to -be -seniors to have a
place to call their own. Please
vote "yes" on June 6.
WALTER LAWRENCE and
SHIRLEY LAWRENCE
Eagan
Advocates of community
center use flawed reasoning
To the editor:
The public meeting of the
Eagan community center task
force provided startling lessons
on how to push through govern-
ment programs.
For the task force to say
"Other communities have one,"
is the ultimate example of
flawed reasoning.
The task force also uses
flawed reasoning in suggesting
that government run a commu-
nity center to save families.
The community center
would allegedly be good for its
proponents but would be erect-
ed and run at the expense of
others. It is another example of
the public being asked to fund
such projects as the Minnesota
Twins and light rail; good for a
few, but at the expense of many.
JON RUKAVINA INMS0t4e.,
Eagan PrkaNk -il o�
c/m-oat
SUN CURRENT
Eagan edition
NEWS
NOTES
April 10, 2003
Eagan shows off Community Center
Submitted Illustrations
Above is an exterior view of the future Eagan Community Center. Below is a drawing of the banquet room.
First tenants have moved in
With the opening of the
Eagan Community Center get-
ting closer with every passing
day, the city of Eagan released
two artist's renderings last week
to give the public an idea of
what's coming.
The renderings, one interior
and one exterior, were drawn by
architectural illustrator Werner
Pipkorn and will be used in
early marketing efforts until
completed photographs can be
taken.
The center's first tenant, the
Eagan Convention and Visitors
Bureau, has already moved in.
Beginning in May the indoor
play area for children, known as
The Blast, the Lone Oak Room
for seniors, and the banquet and
meeting spaces will all open.
"It's an amazing building,
like a jewel set in a remarkable
setting," Pipkorn said. "What an
enormous asset. You have that
natural site with all the advan-
tages of rolling hills and walk-
ing paths. You have the band
shell and an amazing building."
Pipkorn's "couple of hun-
dred hours" of work began with
site tours, pencil sketches and a
detailed review of plans and
construction documents. He
then applied acrylic paint to
canvas and let the artist's cre-
ativity take over.
There is also a logo for the
Eagan Community Center
showing the Eagan lone oak tree
bracketed by angles of color sig-
nifying the four corners of
Eagan coming together to make
one community.
The Eagan Community Cen-
ter will have a public open house
Friday, July 4, but meeting
rooms, banquet facilities and the
Blast will open Friday, May 2,
along with the Lone Oak seniors
room opening Tuesday, May 13.
Other aspects of the building
will open later this summer
with the grand opening celebra-
tion set for Sept. 27. For rates,
reservations, or questions call
651-675-5550.
Seniors await their new space
Eagan Senior Center to open
May 13 in Community Center
with dinner, dance
BY JOSHUA NICHOLS
While the foundation may have
been put in place more than three
years ago, Eagan senior citizens
are only now getting to see the
concrete results of their patience
and planning.
The Eagan Senior Center, also
known as the Lone Oak Room,
Sun Newspapers
■ a - ■■
will open next month in the new
Eagan Community Center.
"Eagan seniors seem to be ex-
cited about it and for good rea-
son," said Dick LeMay, an Eagan
resident and a member of the
committee planning programs
for the senior center. "Once it gets
up and running and all the kinks
are worked out, it will be a great
addition to the community."
LeMay's family has been a part
of Eagan's history before it was
even Eagan. The lake down the
street from his home bears his
family's name.
- - -
•
So, fittingly, LeMay has oeen a
part of the process that led to the
senior center since the begin-
ning. He was a member of a task
force that suggested buying the
land that became Central Park
and that same task force helped
outline the components of the
Community Center.
The first event for the Eagan
seniors will be a dinner and dance
slated for the center's new ban-
quet hall from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tues-
day, May 13.
SENIOR: To Page 13A
www.mnSun.com
Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan SumCurrent/Thursday, April 24, 2003
13A
Senior
From Page lA
The Community Center is northwest
of the intersection of Pilot Knob and
Yankee Doodle roads.
Tickets for the catered buffet and
music by the Paul Hefron Trio will be $20
with dance -only tickets available for $5 in
advance and $7 at the door. Reservations
are needed by Friday, May 2.
The dance event will include seniors
from Burnsville, Farmington, Apple Val-
ley, Lakeville and Hastings. The senior
center will be open for people to visit and
see the new room.
That is just one of several events the
seniors' Program Development Commit-
tee is working on to introduce the com-
munity to the new center.
A Donation Tree will be set up in the
senior center from May 13 to May 28. In-
dividuals will have a chance to pick off
an oak leaf, designating an item needed to
help furnish and complete the room.
These gifts can be brought to the
"Spring Shower the Senior Center"
potluck luncheon at 11 a.m. Wednesday,
May 28.
Seniors have been preparing for the
center's opening ever since voters ap-
proved construction of the community
center by referendum in June 2000.
Margo Danner, another Eagan resident
on the program committee, said the se-
niors group began meeting regularly at
the Eagan Municipal Center two years
ago as a way to prepare for when they had
their own space.
"We really wanted to get things to-
gether in preparation for this time," Dan-
ner said. "That's how we started meeting
regularly, but now it will be nice to have
our own space and get some activities
going." The seniors group had met every
Wednesday in the Community Room at
the Eagan Municipal Center. Meeting in
a public space that the city needed access
to didn't provide the flexibility Danner
and other seniors would have preferred.
"It's not like we can use it every day,"
Danner said. "The new space will change
that. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
with volunteers every weekday. We can
alsoplan evening activities or if we want
to have something on a Saturday, we now
have that option as well."
Activities in the center will be set by
the needs of its seniors, but likely would
include such things as bridge clubs,
potluck lunches, craft day and book
clubs, Danner said.
Like most new things, the new center
doesn't come without growing pains.
Danner cautioned that things will likely
start out slow at the center and pick up
steam over time.
"Right now we are seeing what seniors
want in the center and what kind of ac-
tivities they would like to see," Danner
said. "It will be slow to start off, but after
the public realizes we are there, things
will pick up."
Some seniors who are helping orga-
nize activities and programs for the cen-
ter have other concerns about starting up
the center.
Wally Lawrence, another member of
the program committee, said several se-
niors are concerned that they might not
be able to use coffeepots in the room be-
cause of other city rules in the commu-
nity center. He also said he was upset the
center ended up being smaller than orig-
inally proposed because of space issues.
Lawrence and LeMay said the seniors
group is working with city staff to ad-
dress those concerns before the center of-
ficially opens.
"I personally feel we have come a long
way in having this here, but I also feel
that we are falling short of what could
have been," Lawrence said. "But it still
will be a nice area for seniors in the com-
munity to use. It's more than we have now
and at this point I feel I am at a wait and
see situation. Hopefully everything will
work out"
With the first day the senior center
will be officially open set for Wednesday,
May 14, with a "Get Acquainted Day"
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the seniors group is
still waiting to put the finishing touches
on the center. Danner said that the se-
niors' space is mostly complete but that
no furniture or equipment has been
moved into the space yet.
"We're hoping to get things moving
pretty soon," Danner said. "It's been a
long process and at times it seems to
move slow, but we are just hanging in
there and trying to be patient."
LeMay said he hopes that once things
are running, the senior center will be a
valuable addition to the community and
an important resource for Eagan's se-
niors' population.
"It is especially important for those se-
niors who have lost their mates over the
years," LeMay said. "They may be look-
ing for some companionship and some-
thing to do. If this adds something to the
remaining good years in a person's life,
then it will be a great place."
For more information on the Eagan
Seniors Center and activities, contact
Cathy Buldoc at the Eagan Parks and
Recreation Department at 651-675-5500.
glx,?9pcc
„zr 6,42)
mnSun com
Eagan hires center's architect
as design process develops
St. Paul firm TKDA and Ohio -
based Moody/Nolan selected as
architects
By Joshua Nichols
Sun Newspapers
Nearly a year after a community cen-
ter and central park began to be dis-
cussed, the design effort has kicked into
high gear.
The Eagan City Council emerged from
meetings that kicked off Aug. 22 with a
consensus on hiring TKDA and
Moody/Nolan as the architects for the
$15 million community center.
That week the council also inter-
viewed applicants for construction man-
ager for the center and planners for the
central park that surrounds the build-
ing.
Rather than wait until its Sept. 5
meeting, when the council was scheduled
to make a decision on the park planner,
the council hired TKDA and
Moody/Nolan Aug. 24 so representatives
from the firms could sit in on the con-
struction manager interviews.
"It was a real good process and we had
lots of real good prospects," said City Ad-
ministrator Tom Hedges. "Coming out of
the interviews we had some tough choic-
es to make, but it all went really well."
TKDA is a St. Paul architectural and
engineering firm. The company's full
name is Toltz-King-Duvall-Anderson &
Associates Inc. Moody/Nolan is a Colum-
bus, Ohio -based architectural firm that
will partner up with TKDA in the design
process.
"They are working with TKDA be-
cause they have done quite a few com-
munity centers and they have that expe-
rience behind them," Hedges said. "This
way we get that resource and we also get
the resources of the local firm as well."
Originally 13 architectural firms
showed interest in the project, Hedges
said.
That group was narrowed down to the
five finalists who made presentations at
the Aug. 22 meeting.
"After the meeting the council really
had two favorites," Hedges said. "So we
did some additional review and checks
and then after the park planner inter-
views Aug. 24, they officially chose TKDA
and Moody/Nolan."
Architects were evaluated on a num-
ber of criteria, including strength of their
team, experience, how their presentation
reflected Eagan's vision, their general de-
sign philosophy and how their approach
would work with the focus groups that
will help design the center.
While the park planner was to be
named during the council's Sept. 5 meet-
ing, some additional review of construc-
tion mariager prospects has been de-
layed. The city will likely decide on a con-
struction manager at its Sept. 19 meet-
ing, Hedges said.
The city is hiring a construction man-
ager rather than a general contractor be-
cause it is more cost efficient, Hedges
said. The city also used a construction
manager for the Civic Arena and Cascade
Bay projects.
"A construction manager will decide
for instance whether steel is needed and
then will go out and get the bids," Hedges
said. "They work as an agent and orga-
nize the entire construction process for
us. It generally saves money that way
and that is why we went in this direc-
tion."
The group of task forces that will be
working with the park planner, architect
and construction manager has also
begun to take shape.
Applications for the task forces were
due last week and Beth Wielde, Parks
and Recreation administration special-
ist, said the overall response was good.
"We've had a lot of responses from cit-
izens who want to take part in the
process," Wielde said.
"Right now we are working on setting
up those task forces based on the re-
sponses we received."
About 10 focus groups will be formed
to meet and discuss design aspects of the
center and the park. The make-up of
those groups was tentatively scheduled
to be approved by the City Council at its
Sept. 5 meeting.
Director
eager to
open doors
Sandy Breuer busy readying
Eagan Community Center
for May opening
BY JOSHUA NICHOLS
Sun Newspapers
Eagan Community Center Di-
rector Sandy Breuer spends a lot
of her time walking through the
still unfinished halls of the com-
munity center.
The rest of her time is spent in
her office just down Pilot Knob
Road in the Eagan Municipal Cen-
ter dealing with the other aspects
of readying the new building for
its spring premiere.
"Construction is always a lot of
fun when you are dealing with
weather conditions, work order
changes and everything else,"
Breuer said.
"Then there is setting the poli-
cies and procedures for when the
building opens. It's a very exciting
time, but it's also a very busy
time."
Breuer came to the city of
Eagan back in September after
working in Shoreview since 1999
as both the assistant director of
parks and the community center
manager. Prior to that, she worked
with Apple Valley Parks and
Recreation, rising to the position
of recreation superintendent.
An Apple Valley resident,
Breuer looked at running Eagan's
community center as both a
chance to shorten her commute
and the opportunity to work with
a highly regarded parks system.
"Eagan Parks and Recreation
has such a good reputation and
that combined with a brand new
building with all new amenities, it
was hard to resist," Breuer said.
"It was mostly the challenges of
opening a new building that really
drew me here."
CENTER: To Page 13A
www.mnSun.com
Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun.Current!Thursday, March 6, 2003 13A
Center
From Page 1A
The Eagan City Council recently set a
soft opening for the Community Center
for May 3 with an official grand opening
celebration for Saturday, Sept. 27.
Components of the center will open at
various times between May and Septem-
ber, with The Blast indoor playground
starting May 2. The senior center will
open May 11 with the fitness center open-
ing Aug. 9 and the teen center premier-
ing Sept. 5.
Breuer has lived in Apple Valley for
the past eight years, but worked in the
area before then. She said that many of
the things that she likes about Apple Val-
ley are also readily available in Eagan.
"The sense of community that is in
this area is something that I really like,"
Breuer said. "Eagan has so many warm
people and great businesses and they've
all welcomed me with open arms."
Most of her time is spent on market-
ing efforts as the construction cycle be-
gins winding down. Those efforts are
right now focusing on the components of
the center that will open first.
That includes such things as notify-
ing 670 day care providers in the area
that The Blast will be available for day
trips as well as taking reservations for
the center's meeting and banquet rooms.
"The response has just been phenom-
enal so far," Breuer said. "The area is
still a construction zone, so we're not let-
ting the public in for tours yet, but when
we bring people in for wedding recep-
tions, the brides have really loved the re-
ception area because it has such great
views."
Breuer said that one of the biggest
challenges she has faced since taking on
the position, is simply reminding the
community that the center will eventu-
ally be opening.
"People voted on this and then they
forgot about it as time went on," Breuer
said. "We are trying to get people to know
that it's coming. It's been coming for a
long time and now it's just about ready to
ripen so we want people to remember."
The city began taking reservations
for the center's banquet areas before
Breuer began her position and response
so far has been positive. She said that Sat-
urday nights have been popular, with
most of them booking months in ad-
vance.
As Breuer's job transitions from the
construction to operations phase, she is
finding herself at the center of a hiring
process with many different openings
set to be filled before the building opens.
"We will be hiring many people to
help run the building and we are in that
process right now," she said. "So people
can keep an eye on the city's Web site to
see what positions we have posted."
Breuer said she thinks that once peo-
ple have had a chance to tour the new
center, they will be overwhelmed by both
its beauty and the many components it
offers.
"It really is elegance versus energy,"
said Breuer when describing the center.
"There are great views from the banquet
room and it's very powerful when you
walk into the building. There really is an
`ahhhhh' reaction.
"Then you also have all the energy on
the other side of the building with the fit-
ness center and the gyms. This will be a
very busy, active place."
Even though she spends so much time
in the center, Breuer said she still finds
herself noticing something new every
day. She said she doesn't think she will
ever get tired of walking into the build-
ing.
"I really am looking forward to having
the community come in and participat-
ing in the building," Breuer said. "I can't
wait for everybody to enjoy this new fab-
ulous amenity for the whole communi-
ty"
For more information about the Com-
munity Center, contact Eagan Parks and
Recreation at 651-675-5500 or visit the
city's Web site at www.cityofeagan.com.
www.mnSun.com
Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Current/Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2000 11 A
Eagan calls on public in design of proposed center, park
City advertising for focus group
members to help guide process
By Joshua Nichols
Sun Newspapers
Eagan residents who have been eager
to make their voices heard on the design
process for the city's new community cen-
ter will get their chance starting next
month.
During a special meeting Aug. 1, the
Eagan City Council cleared the way for
the city to advertise for residents inter-
ested in joining focus groups to help
guide the design of the center and its sur-
rounding park.
"We're going to be advertising in the
newspapers for people from the commu-
nity who want to serve on the focus
groups to help design the building and so
forth and work with the architects," said
City Administrator Tom Hedges.
While the council did not set exact
sizes for the focus groups, Hedges said
the city would most likely be looking at
four or five people per focus group. The
members of the three focus groups, each
group dedicated to a different aspect of
the design process, would then meet with
the design consultants the city hires to
provide their input.
Eagan residents interested in apply-
ing to join a focus group are asked to con-
tact the city at 651-681-4600 for an ap-
plication. The council plans to appoint
the members of the focus groups at its
Sept. 5 meeting.
"The decision is still a ways off, but we
are into the process of seeing who would
want to help us out," Hedges said.
While the council is starting the
process of gathering public input on the
design aspects, it is also beginning to look
at the hiring of the consultants.
The city has received 14 to 15 request
for proposals from architects interested
in designing the building, Hedges said.
The council will tackle the issue of hir-
ing the general architect, a construction
manager and a park planner during the
week of Aug. 21. During that week, coun-
cil members and city staff will interview
candidates for the three consultant posi-
tions in three separate sessions that will
take up most of a day.
General architect interviews are set
for Aug. 21, park planner interviews for
Aug. 24, and construction manager inter-
views for Aug. 25.
"These are the consultants the city
will be hiring for the community center
and central park design process," Hedges
said. "The whole interview process is
open to the public and it will take about
seven or eight hours each day."
The council also plans to vote on the
three consultant positions at its Sept. 5
meeting, Hedges said.
Eagan voters approved the $15.35 mil-
lion center 3,024 to 2,933, a difference of
91 votes, in a June 6 special election. The
center will be built on a 60-acre parcel of
land northwest of the intersection of Pilot
Knob and Yankee Doodle roads that the
city bought for $7.3 million earlier this
year.
The community center's proposed fea-
tures include a senior center, a teen cen-
ter, community meeting rooms, banquet
facilities, a gym, locker rooms, fitness
area, indoor walking/running track, an
indoor playground and office space for
the Eagan Historical Society and other
groups.
Hedges said the site improvement
work for the park could begin later this
summer, with the park possibly being
completed by next summer. The commu-
nity center could be finished by early
2002, he said.
a.v. DVXLIIYY
Ea an MN 55121
t_irtrt,--e-/s71,4141),
SIXTEENTH
YEAR
HUNDRED AND
\ Developer proposes
basketball center for
city's community park
by Lori Hall
Staff Writer
The buzz of Eagan consider-
ing building a community center
and park has spread. The Eagan
Athletic Association (EAA) and
a group of senior citizens
recently requested a community
activity center, and now a pri-
vate developer is proposing to
build a basketball facility.
Chris Moarn of Parks Real
Estate proposed a multimillion
dollar basketball facility to the
Eagan Advisory Parks
Commission during its Dec. 16
meeting.
Moarn wants to build a facil-
ity with one NBA (National
Basketball Association) size
court, six high school courts and
one volleyball court on the site
the city is currently considering
for its community park. The city
is pursuing a parcel of land
owned by Duke Weeks Realty
near Yankee Doodle Road and
Pilot Knob Road.
The basketball center would
be built through The Hoop
U.S.A., Inc., a basketball, vol-
leyball and fitness club. The
Hoop would design and own the
building and run the programs.
The Hoop currently owns
four privately owned facilities
across the nation and is working
on two more centers proposed to
be owned through public/private
partnerships, according to
Moarn.
Moarn is proposing such a
partnership with the city Eagan.
He has requested the city donate
the land required for the center
and The Hoop could then work
special prices and practice times
for the city and city organiza-
tions.
"We're talking about basket-
ball, but we're also talking about
partnership," said Moarn.
The city of Eagan has never
donated land to a for -profit busi-
ness in recent history though it
has assisted several ventures
through tax increment financ-
ing, according to City
Administrator Tom Hedges.
The center being proposed
for Eagan is between 50,000 and
70,000 square feet. The focus of
the building would be the NBA
size court, which would drop 14
feet and be surrounded by 900
padded seats.
Attached meeting rooms and
changing rooms, retail stores
and restaurants are also included
in this initial design.
"I'm convinced a stand-alone
facility like this works," said
Moarn.
He said such a facility is
ideal for basketball tourna-
ments, playoffs, summer camps
and training camps as well as
other events such as volleyball,
cheerleading, danceline, gym-
nastics, wrestling, town meet -
Sae Proposal, 12A
Proposal/Continued
ings, business fairs, proms,
political rallies, pet shows and
auctions.
"There's all kinds of vari-
ables involved here," said
Moarn.
EAA President Dan Klekner
said Moarn's proposal is a two-
edged sword. Though the EAA
is desperately in need of space
and practice time, Klekner said
The Hoop's rates for gym use
are "extremely high."
The Hoop typically incorpo-
rates both membership fees and
single event fees for special
events.
Klekner said the EAA would
be open to the idea of a pub-
lic/private partnership between
The Hoop and the city, as long
as Eagan's youth programs have
the time and space they need.
"My main job is to make sure
the needs of our youth are met,"
said Klekner. "If the city is
unable to provide a facility, we
will be forced to go to an out-
side organization."
Moarn said he would like to
bring The Hoop President Larry
Steele to the City Council with-
in the next 30 days to present a
more specific proposal for the
facility and the site.
Advisory Parks Commission
Member Terry Davis recom-
mended the board integrate the
proposal with the work current-
ly being conducted by the
Community Facility Land
Acquisition Task Force.
The City Council expects to
receive feedback on the issue
from the Advisory Parks
Commission during its Jan. 4
meeting. A public hearing is set
for the Jan. 4 City Council meet-
ing to receive information for
schematics, infrastructure, and
location and cost estimates for
the community center.
Task force to present findings about
potential Eagan community center
The Community Facilities to fund a facility of this nature;
Task Force, a group of nearly 40 and, finally, the timing of a bond
individuals representing com- referendum if recommended.
munity organizations and resi• Following the task force rec-
dents at large, have been work- ommendation, anyone wishing
ing for several months to deter- to comment about the recom-
mine whether a community mendatien or about issues relat-
activity center should be recom- ed to a community center, the
mended for construction on development of the property, or
property the city has recently issues related to a bond referen-
purchased in central Eagan. dum to fund property or com-
The task force has now com- munity activity center develop-
pleted its recommendation and ment is encouraged to speak.
will present it to the City Following the public com-
Council Tuesday, April 4, at the ment period, the City Council is
regular City Council meeting likely to discuss and take action
beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the task force recommenda-
Following its recommendation, tion and discuss the possibility
public comment will be taken and timing of a bond referen-
regarding the recommendation dum.
and on the issues related to a Regular City Council meet -
community activity center. ings are generally held at 6:30
The task force was directed p.m. on the first and third
by the City Council to deter- Tuesday of each month in the
mine whether the Eagan com- City Council chambers at the
munity needs and would support Municipal Center. 3830 Pilot
a community activity, center; Knob Road. All meetings are
what features, activities and open to the public and the pub -
amenities and programs a com- lic is encouraged to participate.
munity center should include if Meetings are also televised live -
recommended; how much a on cable channel 16.
community activity center of the If you would like to make
recommended type would likely comments about this issue and
cost; whether public/private are unable to take part in the
partnerships should be explored ',Nord 4 City Council meeting,
within the construction and/or send comments to: Eagan City
operation of a community activ- Council, Eagan '.Municipal
ity center and whether a bond Center, 3830 Pilot Knob Road,
referendum should be called for Eagan, 55122.
www.mnSun.com
e .6/
Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Current/Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2000 9A
Eagan City Council focuses in on center design process
Focus groups announced
By Joshua Nichols
Sun Newspapers
The Eagan City Council added 39 new
members plus a construction manage-
ment firm last week to the team that will
help design Eagan's first community cen-
ter.
Stahl Construction Co. of Minnetonka
was named the construction manager for
the $15.3 million community center dur-
ing the City Council's Sept. 19 regular
meeting. The company joins architectur-
al firms TKDA and Moody/Nolan and
master park planner Damon Farber As-
sociates on the design team.
TKDA is a St. Paul architectural and
engineering firm. The company's full
name is Toltz-King-Duvall-Anderson &
Associates Inc. Moody/Nolan is a Colum-
bus, Ohio -based architectural firm that
will partner up with TKDA in the design
process.
The other final component to the de-
sign team was named just before the
Sept. 19 regular meeting, when 39 mem-
bers were selected for six focus groups.
The 39 members were chosen after four
rounds of balloting at the special meet-
ing.
Each of the six focus groups repre-
sents a different section or function of the
community center or park. The architect
and park planner will meet with the
focus groups as the process starts up, said
Parks and Recreation Director Ken Vraa.
The members of the focus groups are:
•Gyms, Health and Fitness Focus
Group: Keith Behnke, Amy Crary,
Michael Dean, Patty Hamling, Dan
Klekner, John Rudolph, Scott Swenson.
• BanquetfComputers/Meeting/Co
nference/Playground/Child Compo-
nents: Ann Carlon, Lynae Gieseke, Kay
Gustafson, Douglas James Heffner,
Cindy Johnson, Cathy Miller, Catherine
Pickrell.
•Seniors: Joseph Bari, Gloria Carl-
son, Barbara Johnson, Shirley Lawrence,
Wally Lawrence, Joseph Nardi.
•July 4/Festivals: Don Clark, Margo
Danner, Jerry Marko, Raleigh Seelig,
Judy Stewart, Pat Thomas, Ted Wachter.
•Teens: Alison Bakken, Don Elsen-
heimer, Julie Stackhouse, Tim Staley,
Clyde Thurston, John Wagner.
•Bandshell: John Curlee, Dennis
Felling, Quinn Hutson, Dorothy Peter-
son, Jim Seitz, Tom Wilson.
24 Hour Information & Referral
11111 (ITItS Mt111 AItA
AV man accused
of defrauding
An Apple Valley man has
been charged in Dakota
County court for his connec-
tion with a fraudulent land-
scaping business.
Matthew Shane McDon-
ald, also known as Matthew
Shane McCarthy, 23, hie been
charged nth 12 counts of
representation.
Possible victims include
those who received damage
during recent rainstorms in
hall ON Pau 2A
District 196 to
review books
The District 196 Recon-
sideration Review Commit-
tee will meet next month to
discuss a request to add two
books to the district's high
school libraries.
The books in question are
"Darwin On Trial' by Phillip
E. Johnson, and 'Darwin's
Black Box' by Michael J.
.e-..tom h E•ea tr. ! .r
August 9, 2000
Opinion Page-4A
Worship pirectory..Pape 19A
tel It Be ..,Page 21A
Calendar ,..,..Page 23A
Sports. P 24A
C1..*. 18
Eagan calls on public in design of center, park
City to advertise for focus
group members to help
guide Process
By Joshua Nichols
sin tamp po s
Aug. 1, the Eagan City Council Hedges said the city would moat 'The decision is still a ways
deared the way for the city to likely be looking at four or five off, but we are into the process of
advertise for residents interest- people per focus group. The seeing wlaq would want to help
ed in joining focus groups to members of the three focus ua out,' Hedges said.
help guide the design of the cen- groups, each group dedicated to While tits council is starting
ter and its surrounding park. a different aspect of the design the process of gathering lic
'We're going to be advertia- process, would then meet with input on the design aspects, it is
ing in the newspapers for people the design consultants the city also beginning to look at the hir-
from the community who want hires to provide their input. ing of the consultants.
Eagan residents who have to serve on the focus groups to Eagan residents interested The city has rived 14 to 15
been eager to make their voices help design the building and so in applying to join a focus group request for proposals ar_
heard on the design process for forth and work with the arthi- are asked to contact the city at chitecta interested in
the city's new community center tects,' said City Administrator 651-681-4600 for an applica- the building. Hediale mkt
will get their chance starting Tom Hedges. tion. The council plans to ap-
next month. While the council did not set point the members of the focus
During a special meeting enact sizes for the focus groups, groups at its Sept. 5 meeting.
WM" Mk
S(nnwne's
freasure
celebrates
anniversary
ver i
-y Pen r:._.
Eagan shows off Community Center
Submitted Illustrations
Above is an exterior view of the future Eagan Community Center. Below is a drawing of the banquet room.
First tenants have moved in
With the opening of the
Eagan Community Center get-
ting closer with every passing
day, the city of Eagan released
two artist's renderings last week
to give the public an idea of
what's coming.
The renderings, one interior
and one exterior, were drawn by
architectural illustrator Werner
Pipkorn and will be used in
early marketing efforts until
completed photographs can be
taken.
The center's first tenant, the
Eagan Convention and Visitors
Bureau, has already moved in.
Beginning in May the indoor
play area for children, known as
The Blast, the Lone Oak Room
for seniors, and the banquet and
meeting spaces will all open.
"It's an amazing building,
like a jewel set in a remarkable
setting," Pipkorn said. "What an
enormous asset. You have that
natural site with all the advan-
tages of rolling hills and walk-
ing paths. You have the band
shell and an amazing building."
Pipkorn's "couple of hun-
dred hours" of work began with
site tours, pencil sketches and a
detailed review of plans and
construction documents. He
then applied acrylic paint to
canvas and let the artist's cre-
ativity take over.
There is also a logo for the
Eagan Community Center
showing the Eagan lone oak tree
bracketed by angles of color sig-
nifying the four corners of
Eagan coming together to make
one community.
The Eagan Community Cen-
ter will have a public open house
Friday, July 4, but meeting
rooms, banquet facilities and the
Blast will open Friday, May 2,
along with the Lone Oak seniors
room opening Tuesday, May 13.
Other aspects of the building
will open later this summer
with the grand opening celebra-
tion set for Sept. 27. For rates,
reservations, or questions call
651-675-5550.
Proposed
CIVIC CENTER CONCEPT
VILLAGE OF EAGAN
Dakota County, Minnesota
January 15, 1973
presented by:
BLACKHAWK PARK, INC.
4940 Viking Drive
Edina, Minnesota 55435
Consultant:
DESIGN PLANNING ASSOCIATES, INC.
4826 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417
To: Village of Eagan Officials
From: Blackhawk Park, Inc.
Subject: Status of Planning for Planned Unit Development and
Civic Center Proposal.
Several months ago, a general concept plan was submitted to the
Community for the development of our property in Eagan. This plan
called for a diversified type of development with a variety of uses
and approval was obtained at that time for the general concept
proposed.
At the present time, we are involved in refinement of the plan with
primary consideration being given to the details of first stage
development. Both public and private decisions are involved,
however, and therefore meetings have been held with the Community
Engineer, Park Planner, and others. At the present time, consid-
eration is being to utility needs, public site needs, street
alignments and grades, and similar matters.
It is important at this time to consider public needs in the area
and to coordinate various aspects of the private and public
planning. First stage development may well start in the north
portion of the property in the general vicinity of the existing
Village Hall; proper planning at this time would call for meeting
all desired public needs for expansion and/or new public facilities
in this area. Other decisions are involved throughout the project
area pertaining to parks, trails, streets, and the like.
Of prime concern at this time is the potential need for a civic
center site which could be developed as part of total project.
If the Village desires to expand its public uses in and -near the
existing Village Hall, said uses can be planned for at this time.
If public land uses are not desired in this location, then suitable
and alternate private uses may be considered.
The Blackhawk Park Plan concept calls for "community/civic center"
type uses which could take various forms depending upon local
public needs and desires. The location, size, and type of various
public service uses could vary depending upon total community
needs in the area.
To assist you in discussing your long-range needs the following
pages contain generally accepted planning criteria and standards
for various types of needed public facilities.
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PUBLIC FACILITIES STANDARDS
The standards used in the location and development of any public
structure become subject to critical review by any person visit-
ing or passing the facility. All public facilities should serve
as a sign of progress and good planning on the part of the munici-
pality. Public buildings are looked upon as a reflection of the
Community, either good or bad, to its citizenry and potential
business, industry, and residents. Their contribution to the
attractiveness of a city cannot be understated.
Locational Criteria
In selecting location for public buildings of the central type,
the first consideration is to determine whether these buildings
are to be placed on sites that are appropriate for each individual
structure but that are, in general, unrelated one to the other, or
whether they are to be combined in to a group of buildings of
harmonious composition, commonly called a civic center. The
decision depends on circumstances in the community and cn the
relative weight given to various consideration. Both arrangements
have advantages and disadvantages.
In some communities there are very definite advantages in favor
of the civic center type of design. The civic center plan offers
conveniences to the public who have dealings with several different
public agencies as well as for the public officials who must work
in close relationship with each other. Certain communities find
that a civic center can be a factor in arresting blight over a
particular area, in enhancing aesthetic values, or in affording
greater opportunities for developing civic and cultural interest.
However, the civic center idea may not always be feasible. In
a given municipality there may be definite advantages in distri-
buting public buildings within the central area in order that
functional responsibilities will be better served. In reaching
a decision as to which plan is better in a particular community,
attention should be given to topographical factors, the current
stage of building development, transit and traffic conditions,
parking problems, and the general characteristics of the community.
Careful study of the location of any public building by the planning
agency should begin with study of the needs and functions to be
included in the building and the services they will perform. This
is the same type of study that would be made by an architect in
determining the size, shape, and arrangement of the building, and
it is the first criterion in site selection. The chief contribu-
tion of this review would be made to determine the relationship
of other agencies or activities to those to be housed in the new
building, and the reciprocal influence of the proposed building
on surrounding spaces and uses.
-2-
The interrelationship between the activities within the proposed
building and other activities, whether governmental or private,
is the second criterion in site selection. For example, if certain
related activities are fixed in location, and proximity would be
beneficial to the occupants of the proposed building, the pro-
posed building should be close if at all possible.
To a certain extent, the specific building requirements will pre-
determine some of the locational requirements to use as standards.
However, the following general standards do apply.
A) In most instances, a public facility is best located near
other public functions of a related nature to provide maximum
utility and economy of operation.
B
C
The facility should be central to the area of service. For
example, a village -wide facility is normally best located in
the geographic center of the Community but this is not always
true and subject to modification by other factors.
Normal considerations include environmental conditions:
1. Availability of utility service.
2. Direct or near direct access to the major road system
(two directional if possible).
3. Zoning (the zoning district should be appropriate).
Only in rare and unique cases should public facilities
be located where private uses of a similar nature would
not be permitted.
4. Proximity to other facilities, services, or materials that
are necessary to the operation of the .proposed municipal
building.
D) The criteria established from the general guidelines for the
selection of a site should be evaluated for each potential
general area to:
1. Provide maximum utility and economy to the public at a
minimum cost both in terms of land and buildings.
2. Conform to the overall Comprehensive Plan as well as
existing lard use in the area adjacent to and near the
site under study.
3. Upgrade the general appearance of the area. (The site
potential and development should be at least equal to
existing private development).
4. Be designed and located so as to avoid possible future
problems such as badly planned access that could result
in hazards or congestion.
E) The site should in no way be detrimental to adjacent or nearby
residential property or neighborhoods.
The study of these criteria should lead to a locational choice
-3-
where the building can perform its functions most effectively
while at the same time fit harmoniously into the master plan for
development of the community.
Aesthetic and Functional Considerations
Closely related to the activities found in civic centers are
considerations of aesthetics, design, and function. Where
cultural activities are carried on, greater emphasis is generally
placed on the beauty and appearance of the building itself.
Design is important, however, even in the small community requir-
ing only one building to conduct the public business, because it
may be the only municipal building in the community for years
to come. Each municipal building or civic center is unique and
there is no civic center design per se. There are, however,
certain considerations regarding appearance and function which
would apply to any municipal building whether serving a small but
expanding population or the development of a civic center complex.
1. The civic building or group of buildings should be compatible
to some degree with the surrounding uses through the use of
similar architectural style, similar building materials,
colors, and the like. In short, the well -designed civic
center will not clash with its neighbors.
2. While aesthetics are to a great extent a matter of individual
taste, a village hall providing government services is prim-
arily an office building and should not be considered either
a monument or an ornament. Interior space needs should be of
primary importance and the building should be attractive and
functional, conveniently and efficiently arranged from the
standpoint of those who use it as a headquarters for municipal
activities.
3. Civic buildings should be economical in both maintenence and
original construction. True long-range economy is -achieved
by a judicious balance between original cost and maintenance
cost. A building with cheap materials and equipment for the
sake of low first cost may be quite expensive in maintenance
and replacement.
Public Works: Building and Open Storages
The use under consideration is an industrial type use. It should
be located in much the same manner as if it were a private
company contracting to provide the same services. It is clear
then, the first place to look is in areas presently zoned for such
uses or areas which may reasonably be re -zoned for such use.
Common faults in selection of public sites:
1. Assuming that a public use is vastly different from a private
use and the same rules do not apply (i.e. public works storage
-4-
area in residential area while private contractors are not
permitted to do so).
2. Selection of site almost solely on the basis of initial cost
without apparent regard for total, long-range costs.
3. Failure to anticipate and provide for future expansion needs.
4. Failure to consider expert advice.
Primary Considerations:
1. Treat the selection of a site similar to that if it were a
private corporation.
2. Obtain adequate area for future needs.
3. Develop the site in a manner that sets the example rather than
the exception to good site planning and appearance.
4. Consider long-term costs as well as immediate costs.
ALTERNATIVE CIVIC CENTER PROPOSAL
If the larger civic center is not desired, an alternative would
be to place certain neighborhood service uses such as a day care
center in a "neighborhood" orientation. Various service uses could,
however, be planned as part of a total civic center complex
depending upon Village desires.
The proposal at this time would be to offer the Village the
opportunity to plan for new and expanded facilities at and near
the existing Village Hall site. A general concept plan is
presented at this time to indicate the potential and obtain your
thoughts and suggestions. If the idea has merit, it can be
further pursued and planned in coordination with Community
interests.
-5-
CIVIC CENTER EXAMPLE
20 Acre Proposed Civic Center Site
Village of Shoreview, Minnesota
Reflections end Suggestions
Reference:
From:
To the Development of Eagan
Leo Murphy, Area Resident Since 1944
The number one future problem of Eagan will be traffic movement. We will literally
choke on our traffic unless we adopt a better overall plan for primary and secondary
street layout. We have no plan for street continuity. Many streets dead end at
another cross street. Deerwood Drive and Blackhawk are good examples. To continue
west from Deerwood, you have to turn up Blackhawk for about 100 feet, stop and make
a dangerous left cross traffic turn. Every developer lays out his own street plans with
no thought as to how they will tie in with surrounding land. Some of our town is so
hilly that streets can he laid out only at given points. Can we consult the Highway
Department or a traffic engineer for advice?
Jandric's street plan on the 40 A next to mine is a good example of lack of continuity.
He proposes a solid row of homes along my quarter mile line with only one east -west
road on my northwest corner. Just beyond this on my property is a hole several acres
in size that is 20 to 30 feet deep. I would not be able to tie in a street at thi.s point.
I also have a high east -west ridge running across the front third of my property. It
slopes down and levels off near the Jandric Addition. Since Blackhawk Lake blocks
any north exit, and the freeway all the east and one-half of the south, I would have
no other choice than to build a street along Jandric's. This would provide only one exit
for the 80 to 100 families who may eventually live there. How will emergency vehicles
get to these people if Deerwood Drive became blocked as it often does in winter, if
this is the only exit? I have been snowbound for as long as seven days. At least
three east -west streets should be provided that will tie in with the topography of the
land surrounding it. The same applies to his north -south streets.
Second: Overall traffic fatalities, maintenance costs, and so on are in direct proportion
to motor vehicle miles. The shortest distance between two points is still a straight
line. The people west of 35E in Section 21 will have to drive a quarter mile west to
Blackhawk and a quarter mile east on County 30 to get to the interchange, or one mile
per day more than if they could go directly south to the interchange on a street on the
section line between 20 and 21. We have no plans for continuous through secondary
streets to relieve traffic congestion On our few main roads. Our present secondary windirg,
dead ending, streets not only slow down traffic for emergency vehicles and school buses -
but add millions of extra miles of travel for our residents. The longer your car is on the
road, the more it contributes to air pollution, traffic congestion, and your chances of
being involved in an accident.
Let us examine Mr. Rosene's proposal for Blackhawk Road. To make it more realistic,
let us compare it with University Avenue and its parallel through secondary streets.
Three blocks north is Thomas, three more Minnehaha, and five more, the Pierce Butler
Freeway to the south, two blocks St. Anthony, one block the freeway, two blocks
Marshall, one more Selby, and a few more Summit. These are all high volume through
stop secondary streets that carry a high volume of rush hour traffic. Picture the gigantic
traffic jam on University if you closed these streets. This will be the fate for Blackhawk,
since there are no provisions for secondary streets.
Let's do a little arithmetic. Blackha'wk from #,30 to Minnesota 4 13 crosses two
sections. As now laid out, approximately a half section of hornes on each side
through these two sections will feed on to Blackhawk as equivalent of two sections.
Two sections equals 1280 acres. Three homes (which includes multiple dwellings)
per acre, less 180 acres lakes and so on equals three times 1.100 acres,equais
3300 families. Suburbanites average slightly over two cars per family and nearly
two people per home working {]_ . 81 . 1.8 work cars times 3300families equals 5940
cars. Average conservative length per car of 15 feet plus three car lengths between
equals 60 feet. Sixty feet times 5940 cars equals 356,000 car feet. 356,000 divided
by 5280 feet per mile equals 67 miles of cars. Time to move this traffic at 40 MPH
equals one and one-half hours at an uninterrupted rate. However, Blackhawk is
stopped at County 4k3fl and Highway #43. Before Univac, I would enter
#13 from Blackhawk without waiting. From 7:40 to 7:50, #13 is now a solid stream of
cars. I now wait on an average of two minutes (equivalent of 15 cars per half hour)
Some mornings, cars aro backed up part way on P1ac] hawk and there are only a few
dozen families moved into Jardrics along Blackhawk. What will it bo when Blue Cross
(January) Multi Clean, and all the aprtx ents along #13 devclo e? To digress a moment,
we should ask the highway department to put in turn lane. on #13 in front of Blue Crows
between Blackhawk and Yankee Doodle. We £re headed for paralysis on Blackhawk when this
area is completely developed. Residents on Blackhawk will find themselves imprisoned
during rush hours. llo willface impossible congestion on our main roads unless wo
dovelope a network of thru secondary streets not more then one quarter miles aprt.
As an example: if there was a thru secondary street i mile east of Blackhawk on the
section line of 20 and 21 coming out at the interchange of 35E and Co.,'30, people
coming home from work in St. Paul and our industrial perk can come off 35E at #30 turn
directly on to this secondary street. This street would servo about 160 A, equals 480
homes or 900 cars thus reducing traffic on Blackhawk. These 900 cars would save 1
mile round trip per working day. 1 mile times 240 working days times 45 work years
times 900 cars times 100 per mile equals S 9J2,000. I t would also mean reduced rend
maintenance by 9,720,000 miles these families would not travel if they didn't have to
go to Blackhawk.
We should develops a master plan for thru soconiary streets for our entire town. The
developers could then come in and build these streets according to our master road
plan. As of now each developer lays out his own plan with a result of patch quilt
obstacle course of dead ending mis sfitting streets. These developers squeeze in as
many homes and as few roads as possible after taking out as many dollars as possible,
they take off leaving us with a life time of problrrs.
Recently in the news a traffic expert predicted that within a few years, traffic around
our big cities will Trove at a snails pace and people will be able to walk to work much
faster even long distance.
To understand the future congestion on our toed roads at the 35E interchanges, ve only
have to compare them with 94 paralleling University Ave. in St. Paul. There is F diamond
at Dale, 2 mile further at Lexington, *mile further at H mline a z diamond and mile
further a diamond at Snelling and etc. Rush hour traffic backs up considerable distance
at these interchanges. Since our interchanges will be 2 miles apart at Co.30 and 31
tho congestion at these points will become impossible. We should be thinking of widening
these county roads to at least four lanes for at least mile on each side of the freeway.
We should be thinking of adding more interchanges such as at Deerwood Dr. and etc. At tl:e
present rate of growth, our country's population will double in 32 years. Some social-
ogists say 20 to 25 years since congress removed immigration restrictions last year.
The present rural to urban migration will continue. No one dreamed of the fantastic
growth of the past two years. This arca will explode after the construction of 35E.
Socialoc ical Asnects....Dr. Margaret Meal, famous anthropologist and socialogist,
who's books aro used as college t:/xts, made a study into juvenile delinquency and
formation of gangs. The teenage years are the most unstable and anxiety ridden period
of human development. Our personalities do not st abalize until our thirties. Tho teen-
ager is not accepted into adult society. He has to find acceptance among his own ago
group to relieve this anxiety. In co:munities where commercial businesses (drug store,
restaurant, filling station and etc.) aro mixed with the residential, the teenagers
have a place to gather after school or evenings. Having a glass of coke with the group
satisfies this need of acceptance. She found that if they have no place to gather,
they have a tendency to form secret gangs meeting in secret places away from adult
eyes and supervision and usually end up delinquents. These places also have a socializing
affect on adults, since they have a greater chance of meeting and knowing thcir`neightor
thus reducing factions and creating a more cohesive neighborhood. Commercialized
businesses more then pay their way in taxes while homes do not.
Let us keep in mind 35E will funnel tourist traffic from all the southeast, south and
southwest parts of the U.S. thru our co:;4nity. Millions of tourist dollars will be
rolling thru. Why not siphon off some of it by motels, clubs, filling stations,
restaurants, and etc. Taxes on these then will help relieve our tax load.
I cannot imagine anyone in his right ruin2 wanting to build next to a fr every. 35.E is
designed as a primes truck route especially to the So.St. Paul Stockyards. Most of the
livestock move at night during the hot summer months when n people have their windows
open. It would be quite difficult to sleep with those big diesel trucks moving all
night under your window. Commcriciel buildings act as a sound barrier for homes 'beyond.
Catarpillar tractor's warehouse, Pacific Mutual Door, (whose interiour will take your
breath away on entry) and paper warehouses are only a few of the: con.nercial buildings
going up along 35E north of St. Paul. Just beyond these are some nice hones bring
built.
This mixing gives people a chance to walk to work thus reducing traffic and air
pollution problems. Why can't we have. a few Ma -Pa small businesses mixed in our
neighborhood so that on a beautiful summer night, I can take a stroll (exercise reduces
heart trouble, our number one killer) down to the corner store for my favorite cigar.
Why not a store on Deerwoo + or Dlnckhawk? Why should I have to drive six miles round
trip to our shopping center?
Let us not dcvelope a suburban slurnberland whore people go off to work by ds.y and sleep
by night. Let's give our town a little personality, a little variety, and a little
small town atmosphere. We all deplore the cold impersonal atmosphere of cities like
Now York.
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