In preparation for the upcoming Cold Spring Community Visioning Session, the 20/20 Vision Team has been recapping projects that emerged after the first visioning session in June 2004. This week, the Design Standards action team is highlighted.
The formation of the Design Standards team occurred as a result of the MN Design Team community visioning process in June 2004. Residents, who either attended the visioning session or were surveyed prior to the session, responded about the importance of design standards as an element they wished Cold Spring would adopt. In addition, many wished Cold Spring would retain a small-town feel with a pedestrian-friendly environment. In a nutshell, the traditional look of a downtown became an important goal for the team.
With this criteria, the design standards action team publicly solicited interested volunteers and proceeded ahead. John Frischmann chaired the group and his experience as an architect brought first-hand credibility. Team member Ann Harren also provided residential architectural experience, design insight, and landscape awareness. Team member and Stearns County historian, Steve Penick, brought a historical angle with insight into Cold Spring's past and how it could be incorporated into the design standards. The group met frequently and varied from five to nearly a dozen residents and business owners from the community, each bringing their experience to the table. Community business leaders were also invited to gain perspective on their concerns and to find common ground. It was a true community effort.
The City's leadership was present at nearly all meetings and brought the City's viewpoint. When it came time to formalize the group's recommendations, the City hired a professional consultant from Municipal Development Group to ensure the ordinance was practical by building on the experiences of other communities. The consultant worked with specifics such as zoning, common practices for MN cities, legal issues, possible public concerns, drafting the document, and other issues.
Even before this process began, City leaders were convinced the current zoning ordinance needed to be updated. So, the design standards team developed a series of zones (updating an outdated document that city staff stated was difficult to regulate due to its vagueness) and incorporated design standards for each. The downtown zone remained the most strict and outlying industrial zones were the most lenient. Design Standards included building materials, building height, landscaping, and architectural elements. The committee also attempted to form zones following existing business use and any new construction expected for these zones. As might be expected, some businesses did not fit into proposed new zones. While not a large number, it was hoped these businesses could be accommodated to continue their existing use while at the same time encouraging alternative locations within the city for new business coming into the community of that same type of use. Businesses not in conformity with the new standards would NOT be forced to make changes to their existing buildings until they do major remodeling or additions .
The design standards team attempted to balance business concerns such as remodeling structures, lighting, signage and good common sense. The standards attempted to be flexible and affordable, yet raising building quality. Enhancing/retaining property values was a major priority. An extraordinary amount of time was spent on this community initiative, especially when the 20/20 land use team, city planning commission, and city council became involved in developing the zoning/standards document.
After considerable time and review, a draft document went to the City Council for discussion at multiple public meetings. In consideration of feedback received during the public meetings, the draft document was revised and unanimously approved by the City planning commission and council in March of 2006. Next steps for the Design Standards team include the placement of welcome signs near entrances to the City.
Please don't miss the next opportunity to provide your input about the future of Cold Spring. Your participation in the upcoming community visioning on September 18 is essential. The event begins at 6:00 PM with a complimentary meal at the St. Boniface Parish Center. The visioning session immediately follows. No reservations are needed, other than contacting the Chamber office at 685-4186 if you need on-site childcare or transportation to the parish center. A Spanish translator will also be available and attendance door prizes will be awarded. Your input is important and sincerely welcomed.
Please mark the visioning session on your calendar - September 18 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the St. Boniface Parish Center - it will be time well spent.
