Title
Approving the Rice-Larpenteur Vision Plan as a foundational document to guide transportation and overall revitalization of the area.
Body
WHEREAS, Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue is a key gateway into the Cities of Maplewood, Roseville, and Saint Paul (the three Cities); and
WHEREAS, the neighborhood adjacent to Rice and Larpenteur is one of the most densely populated area of Saint Paul, outside of downtown; and
WHEREAS, the Rice and Larpenteur intersection is located within a concentrated area of poverty based on census data of household income; and
WHEREAS, the three Cities are coordinating efforts to improve the area around the intersection of Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue; and
WHERAS, the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce has helped to coordinate efforts between the three Cities; and
WHEREAS, the Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue intersection was identified as the highest priority planning area after a Smart Growth America assessment of Larpenteur Avenue that was sponsored by Ramsey County, the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce, and East Metro Strong; and
WHEREAS, the three Cities held a joint public input event to identify needs for the corridor, including improved public safety, better pedestrian facilities and public realm, and more community-oriented business; and
WHEREAS, Ramsey County is undertaking a Rice Street corridor study to plan the future roadway cross-section; and
WHEREAS, this area was designated a Commercial Vitality Zone project in 2017, and the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority provided $50,000 to help prepare this plan in partnership with the cities of Maplewood and Roseville; and
WHEREAS, the three Cities retained a consulting team led by Perkins & Will; and
WHEREAS, the Gateway Planning Committee was formed, which included elected officials and staff from the three Cities, and provided direction on the planning project; and
WHEREAS, a Community Advisory Group provided insights into the area and feedback on recommendations; and
WHEREAS, two community design events were held in June 2017 and one community open house was held in November 2017 to help guide the recommendations of this report; and
WHEREAS, the study provides recommendation for:
• pedestrian, bicycle, and transit user experience enhancements;
• public realms improvements around streetscape and urban forest;
• stormwater management;
• roadway changes and intersection improvements;
• key redevelopment sites within the gateway area; and
• project implementation; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee, on September 19, 2018, forwarded its recommendation on to the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission forwarded its recommendation on to the Mayor and City Council on October 5, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that City Council approves the Rice-Larpenteur Vision Plan as a foundational document to guide transportation improvements and the overall revitalization of that area.