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DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN 5-1

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Page 1: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

D O W N TO W N & R I V E R F R O N T M A S T E R P L A N5 - 1

Page 2: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N 5 - 2

05. I M P L E M E N TAT I O NThis Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan lays out an ambitious set of initiatives for the future. From the beginning of this project’s planning process, participants expressed their desires for this master plan to be something that will be implemented. There has been a perception that plans have been developed in the past that had great potential but ultimately did not get implemented to the extent they could have been. In order to realize the vision, goals, and concepts of this Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan, it is critical to also establish an implementation strategy upfront.

Implementation of this master plan will likely take 10 to 20 years ultimately, but some of the desired improvements can begin happening right away. Momentum has already begun! Efforts that are already underway include a master plan and regional designation of the Glacial Edge Trail, a community-based redesign concept for Wright Park, and a community public art workshop focused on the downtown riverfront.

The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows:

» Initiatives Already Started

» Overview of Potential Implementation Actions, Costs & Phasing

» Priority Projects

» Jumpstart Projects

» Potential Partnerships

Page 3: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

D O W N TO W N & R I V E R F R O N T M A S T E R P L A N5 - 3

INITIATIVES ALREADY STARTEDGLACIAL EDGE TRAIL (GET)This planned 14-mile regional trail has a master plan that was approved by the City Council in June 2017. The GET has been designated as a regional trail by the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks & Trails Commission (GMRPTC) and is eligible for the GMRPTC’s regional funding program for designing and constructing the trail. The downtown segment of the GET has been identified as an early phase of trail construction in the GET Master Plan.

CITY LIBRARY EXPANSION AND RENOVATIONThe Fergus Falls Public Library is currently being expanded and remodeled with completion of the project anticipated in end of 2018.

WRIGHT PARK REDESIGNA Wright Park redesign concept was developed during the summer of 2017 as a community-based design process that was facilitated by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research. The project’s final report proposes new features and park improvements, including river access and Union Ave enhancements. The report recommends that the City Council officially include the redesign concept in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which will be developed in the future, alongside the City’s other master planning efforts.

FERGUS FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIVERFRONT BUILDING RENOVATIONThe Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has plans to renovate its current building, which is located directly on the south side of the river and the River Walk. The Chamber’s intent is for their renovated facility to become a destination on the Otter Tail River, improve the visibility and use of the River Walk, and inspire additional downtown riverfront development.

Page 4: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N 5 - 4

OLD MILL PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENTThe Old Mill Property has recently been purchased by a private developer. Early redevelopment concepts for this property have included a new residential building with one-, two- and three-bedroom units and a parking ramp. Reuse of the old mill building is still being explored by the developer. The City’s 2011 Historic Properties Survey of Southwestern Fergus Falls found that this property is probably eligible for historic designation on the National Register of Historic Places but more information is needed to determine its eligibility. Historic designation would open up eligibility for historic tax credits to be used for redevelopment of this property.

PUBLIC ARTSpringboard for the Arts facilitated a public art workshop in October 2017. Participants explored the expanding definition of public art by looking at projects of all scales and types and then explored potential locations through a set of brainstorming and mapping activities. The workshop focused on identifying what kinds of public art would be great for Fergus Falls, specifically in relation to the Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan.

FERGUS FALLS YEAR OF PLAY 2018The Fergus Falls “Year of Play” is a partnership between the Springboard for the Arts, Department of Public Perks, and PartnerSHIP 4 Health with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. The intent of the Year of Play is “to use art and culture to inspire play for all ages in Fergus Falls, while celebrating and making visible Fergus Falls’ unique assets, promoting wellness through active living, and facilitating community interaction.”

Page 5: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

D O W N TO W N & R I V E R F R O N T M A S T E R P L A N5 - 5

CITY’S 5-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP)The City of Fergus Falls maintains a 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that is updated annually. The CIP is currently used to identify needed high-level capital improvement projects across the City’s various departments, including airport, buildings, equipment, fire, golf course, parking lots, parks, police, sanitary sewer, sidewalk/bike path, solid waste, storm water, streets, and water. The CIP also provides high-level cost estimates and potential phasing for each project within the 5-year time period. Today, the CIP functions as a flexible tool for identifying the City’s overall physical investment needs. The costs and phasing are estimates that are subject to change, e.g. the needed funding is not specifically committed for many of the projects. The CIP is updated annually. The City’s 2018-2022 CIP has been reviewed to identify planned investments that relate to the downtown and riverfront areas, which includes the following:

» City Hall and Clock Tower refurbishment

» Downtown Parking Lots pavement overlay

» Riverwalk restoration

» Former Dairy Property demolition and cleanup

» Sidewalk/Bikepath upgrades

» Street upgrades

» Sanitary Sewer System upgrades

» Storm Water System upgrades

» Water System upgrades

» Old Wastewater Treatment Plant demolition and abatement

» Hannah Park improvements

Page 6: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N 5 - 6

OVERVIEW OF POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS, COSTS & PHASINGBased on the public improvements and redevelopment concepts identified in this master plan, the project team brainstormed the needed implementation actions. These actions fall into the following categories:

» City Plans, Policies and Regulations

» Downtown Business Development

» Private Property Improvements

» Public Property Improvements

» Parks & Open Space Improvements

» Street, Sidewalk and Trail Improvements

» Public Utilities Improvements

» River Ecology Improvements

» Opportunity Sites

Page 7: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

D O W N TO W N & R I V E R F R O N T M A S T E R P L A N5 - 7

IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS

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Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Develop a community-wide Comprehensive Plan that incorporates the DT & RF Master Plan into the city’s adopted policies and maps

Establish a downtown “Main Street” program

Promote, strengthen, and expand the existing storefront improvement program, including addition of design standards for historic and non-historic buildings

Pursue historic designation of eligible historic properties to enable use of tax credits for building improvements

Establish a downtown business resources program (e.g. using tax credits, applying for grants)

Enhance historic elements of existing buildings (e.g. River Inn sign, theater, Victor Lundeen’s)

Improve condition of city-owned parking lots, signage, gravel surface, islands/landscaping

Improve the senior center’s storefront, signage, and uses, e.g. expand types of uses and hours of activity

Evaluate the potential relocation and redevelopment options for city-owned liquor store site

Study feasibility of building a public parking ramp

Study redevelopment opportunities for city-owned public works site in East River Reach

Conduct a downtown parking study

Establish a downtown parking management plan

Create a downtown walking/biking/paddling tour map

Initiate a feasibility study to bring the Otter Tail Historical Society and Museum to downtown

Relocate the farmers market to downtown

Expand downtown event programming (all 4 seasons)

Establish a downtown Special Services District to finance maintenance services for public spaces, signage, parking enforcement, public improvements, and marketing

Establish a downtown overlay district with downtown design guidelines and a development review process

Incorporate the DT & RF Master Plan’s implementation recommendations into the city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Conduct a downtown & riverfront rezoning study to evaluate the plan’s recommendations for establishing a new Mixed Use zoning district, updating the Zoning Map, and expansion of the downtown parking exempt area

Establish a public art policy/planCity

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ns,

Polic

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Near-Term(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)

Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$ - $$$

Update the Park and Open Space System Master Plan - Incorporate State Water Trail Plan - Incorporate Wright Park Redesign Plan - Incorporate Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan recommendations

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for downtown park and open space improvements (existing and proposed parks)

Park

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pen

Spac

e

Impr

ovem

ents

$

$

$

$

$

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$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$$$

$$

$$

$

$

$

$

Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Develop a community-wide Comprehensive Plan that incorporates the DT & RF Master Plan into the city’s adopted policies and maps

Establish a downtown “Main Street” program

Promote, strengthen, and expand the existing storefront improvement program, including addition of design standards for historic and non-historic buildings

Pursue historic designation of eligible historic properties to enable use of tax credits for building improvements

Establish a downtown business resources program (e.g. using tax credits, applying for grants)

Enhance historic elements of existing buildings (e.g. River Inn sign, theater, Victor Lundeen’s)

Improve condition of city-owned parking lots, signage, gravel surface, islands/landscaping

Improve the senior center’s storefront, signage, and uses, e.g. expand types of uses and hours of activity

Evaluate the potential relocation and redevelopment options for city-owned liquor store site

Study feasibility of building a public parking ramp

Study redevelopment opportunities for city-owned public works site in East River Reach

Conduct a downtown parking study

Establish a downtown parking management plan

Create a downtown walking/biking/paddling tour map

Initiate a feasibility study to bring the Otter Tail Historical Society and Museum to downtown

Relocate the farmers market to downtown

Expand downtown event programming (all 4 seasons)

Establish a downtown Special Services District to finance maintenance services for public spaces, signage, parking enforcement, public improvements, and marketing

Establish a downtown overlay district with downtown design guidelines and a development review process

Incorporate the DT & RF Master Plan’s implementation recommendations into the city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Conduct a downtown & riverfront rezoning study to evaluate the plan’s recommendations for establishing a new Mixed Use zoning district, updating the Zoning Map, and expansion of the downtown parking exempt area

Establish a public art policy/planCity

Pla

ns,

Polic

ies

and

Re

gula

tion

sD

ownt

own

Busi

ness

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ent

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Pro

pert

y Im

prov

emen

ts

Near-Term(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)

Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$ - $$$

Update the Park and Open Space System Master Plan - Incorporate State Water Trail Plan - Incorporate Wright Park Redesign Plan - Incorporate Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan recommendations

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for downtown park and open space improvements (existing and proposed parks)

Park

s/O

pen

Spac

e

Impr

ovem

ents

Page 8: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N 5 - 8

$

$

$

$

$

$$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$$$

$$

$$

$

$

$

$

Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Develop a community-wide Comprehensive Plan that incorporates the DT & RF Master Plan into the city’s adopted policies and maps

Establish a downtown “Main Street” program

Promote, strengthen, and expand the existing storefront improvement program, including addition of design standards for historic and non-historic buildings

Pursue historic designation of eligible historic properties to enable use of tax credits for building improvements

Establish a downtown business resources program (e.g. using tax credits, applying for grants)

Enhance historic elements of existing buildings (e.g. River Inn sign, theater, Victor Lundeen’s)

Improve condition of city-owned parking lots, signage, gravel surface, islands/landscaping

Improve the senior center’s storefront, signage, and uses, e.g. expand types of uses and hours of activity

Evaluate the potential relocation and redevelopment options for city-owned liquor store site

Study feasibility of building a public parking ramp

Study redevelopment opportunities for city-owned public works site in East River Reach

Conduct a downtown parking study

Establish a downtown parking management plan

Create a downtown walking/biking/paddling tour map

Initiate a feasibility study to bring the Otter Tail Historical Society and Museum to downtown

Relocate the farmers market to downtown

Expand downtown event programming (all 4 seasons)

Establish a downtown Special Services District to finance maintenance services for public spaces, signage, parking enforcement, public improvements, and marketing

Establish a downtown overlay district with downtown design guidelines and a development review process

Incorporate the DT & RF Master Plan’s implementation recommendations into the city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Conduct a downtown & riverfront rezoning study to evaluate the plan’s recommendations for establishing a new Mixed Use zoning district, updating the Zoning Map, and expansion of the downtown parking exempt area

Establish a public art policy/planCity

Pla

ns,

Polic

ies

and

Re

gula

tion

sD

ownt

own

Busi

ness

D

evel

opm

ent

Priv

ate

Prop

erty

Im

prov

emen

tsPu

blic

Pro

pert

y Im

prov

emen

ts

Near-Term(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)

Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$ - $$$

Update the Park and Open Space System Master Plan - Incorporate State Water Trail Plan - Incorporate Wright Park Redesign Plan - Incorporate Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan recommendations

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for downtown park and open space improvements (existing and proposed parks)

Park

s/O

pen

Spac

e

Impr

ovem

ents

$

$

$

$

$

$$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$$$

$$

$$

$

$

$

$

Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Develop a community-wide Comprehensive Plan that incorporates the DT & RF Master Plan into the city’s adopted policies and maps

Establish a downtown “Main Street” program

Promote, strengthen, and expand the existing storefront improvement program, including addition of design standards for historic and non-historic buildings

Pursue historic designation of eligible historic properties to enable use of tax credits for building improvements

Establish a downtown business resources program (e.g. using tax credits, applying for grants)

Enhance historic elements of existing buildings (e.g. River Inn sign, theater, Victor Lundeen’s)

Improve condition of city-owned parking lots, signage, gravel surface, islands/landscaping

Improve the senior center’s storefront, signage, and uses, e.g. expand types of uses and hours of activity

Evaluate the potential relocation and redevelopment options for city-owned liquor store site

Study feasibility of building a public parking ramp

Study redevelopment opportunities for city-owned public works site in East River Reach

Conduct a downtown parking study

Establish a downtown parking management plan

Create a downtown walking/biking/paddling tour map

Initiate a feasibility study to bring the Otter Tail Historical Society and Museum to downtown

Relocate the farmers market to downtown

Expand downtown event programming (all 4 seasons)

Establish a downtown Special Services District to finance maintenance services for public spaces, signage, parking enforcement, public improvements, and marketing

Establish a downtown overlay district with downtown design guidelines and a development review process

Incorporate the DT & RF Master Plan’s implementation recommendations into the city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Conduct a downtown & riverfront rezoning study to evaluate the plan’s recommendations for establishing a new Mixed Use zoning district, updating the Zoning Map, and expansion of the downtown parking exempt area

Establish a public art policy/planCity

Pla

ns,

Polic

ies

and

Re

gula

tion

sD

ownt

own

Busi

ness

D

evel

opm

ent

Priv

ate

Prop

erty

Im

prov

emen

tsPu

blic

Pro

pert

y Im

prov

emen

ts

Near-Term(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)

Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$ - $$$

Update the Park and Open Space System Master Plan - Incorporate State Water Trail Plan - Incorporate Wright Park Redesign Plan - Incorporate Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan recommendations

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for downtown park and open space improvements (existing and proposed parks)

Park

s/O

pen

Spac

e

Impr

ovem

ents

$

$

$

$

$

$$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$$$

$$

$$

$

$

$

$

Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Develop a community-wide Comprehensive Plan that incorporates the DT & RF Master Plan into the city’s adopted policies and maps

Establish a downtown “Main Street” program

Promote, strengthen, and expand the existing storefront improvement program, including addition of design standards for historic and non-historic buildings

Pursue historic designation of eligible historic properties to enable use of tax credits for building improvements

Establish a downtown business resources program (e.g. using tax credits, applying for grants)

Enhance historic elements of existing buildings (e.g. River Inn sign, theater, Victor Lundeen’s)

Improve condition of city-owned parking lots, signage, gravel surface, islands/landscaping

Improve the senior center’s storefront, signage, and uses, e.g. expand types of uses and hours of activity

Evaluate the potential relocation and redevelopment options for city-owned liquor store site

Study feasibility of building a public parking ramp

Study redevelopment opportunities for city-owned public works site in East River Reach

Conduct a downtown parking study

Establish a downtown parking management plan

Create a downtown walking/biking/paddling tour map

Initiate a feasibility study to bring the Otter Tail Historical Society and Museum to downtown

Relocate the farmers market to downtown

Expand downtown event programming (all 4 seasons)

Establish a downtown Special Services District to finance maintenance services for public spaces, signage, parking enforcement, public improvements, and marketing

Establish a downtown overlay district with downtown design guidelines and a development review process

Incorporate the DT & RF Master Plan’s implementation recommendations into the city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Conduct a downtown & riverfront rezoning study to evaluate the plan’s recommendations for establishing a new Mixed Use zoning district, updating the Zoning Map, and expansion of the downtown parking exempt area

Establish a public art policy/planCity

Pla

ns,

Polic

ies

and

Re

gula

tion

sD

ownt

own

Busi

ness

D

evel

opm

ent

Priv

ate

Prop

erty

Im

prov

emen

tsPu

blic

Pro

pert

y Im

prov

emen

ts

Near-Term(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)

Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$ - $$$

Update the Park and Open Space System Master Plan - Incorporate State Water Trail Plan - Incorporate Wright Park Redesign Plan - Incorporate Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan recommendations

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for downtown park and open space improvements (existing and proposed parks)

Park

s/O

pen

Spac

e

Impr

ovem

ents

Page 9: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

D O W N TO W N & R I V E R F R O N T M A S T E R P L A N5 - 9

Near-Term(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)

Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$ - $$$

$

$

$

$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$

$

$

$

$

Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Prepare a Downtown Streetscape Master Plan including wayfinding and signage

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for roadway, intersection, and streetscape improvements for Union Ave, Lincoln Ave, Stanton Ave, and others

Design and seek funding sources for the implementation of the Glacial Edge Trail and other downtown trail improvements

Initiate railroad crossing discussions with the railroad company - Shift Buse Street crossing to Broadway and add a new crossing at St. Andrews

Prepare Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan

Riverfront Parking Lot East

Relocate sanitary sewer lines crossing over the river

Relocate overhead power lines underground as redevelopment and streetscape improvements occur

Expand city’s infrastructure and utility services to serve opportunity sites, such as the Old Dairy site and Old Lumber Yard site

Demolish, plan, and redevelop old waste water treatment facility

FERC study for hydroelectric plants relicensing, including sedimentation, wildlife habitat, fish passages, etc.

Hoot Lake Power Plant study

Water quality study / stormwater management study

Identify streambank enhancement opportunities (restoration / native plant communities)

Incorporate green infrastructure / stormwater treatment practices intended to improve water quality and reduce runoff (e.g. Complete Streets Policy)

Temporary traffic calming (pilot project)

Glacial Edge Trail bridge over river

Riverfront Parking Lot West

West River Reach (Old Dairy Property)

Downtown East Gateway

Downtown North Gateway

Old Mill Property redevelopment

Civic Mall/Washington Ave

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$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$$$

$$

$$

$

$

$

$

Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Develop a community-wide Comprehensive Plan that incorporates the DT & RF Master Plan into the city’s adopted policies and maps

Establish a downtown “Main Street” program

Promote, strengthen, and expand the existing storefront improvement program, including addition of design standards for historic and non-historic buildings

Pursue historic designation of eligible historic properties to enable use of tax credits for building improvements

Establish a downtown business resources program (e.g. using tax credits, applying for grants)

Enhance historic elements of existing buildings (e.g. River Inn sign, theater, Victor Lundeen’s)

Improve condition of city-owned parking lots, signage, gravel surface, islands/landscaping

Improve the senior center’s storefront, signage, and uses, e.g. expand types of uses and hours of activity

Evaluate the potential relocation and redevelopment options for city-owned liquor store site

Study feasibility of building a public parking ramp

Study redevelopment opportunities for city-owned public works site in East River Reach

Conduct a downtown parking study

Establish a downtown parking management plan

Create a downtown walking/biking/paddling tour map

Initiate a feasibility study to bring the Otter Tail Historical Society and Museum to downtown

Relocate the farmers market to downtown

Expand downtown event programming (all 4 seasons)

Establish a downtown Special Services District to finance maintenance services for public spaces, signage, parking enforcement, public improvements, and marketing

Establish a downtown overlay district with downtown design guidelines and a development review process

Incorporate the DT & RF Master Plan’s implementation recommendations into the city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Conduct a downtown & riverfront rezoning study to evaluate the plan’s recommendations for establishing a new Mixed Use zoning district, updating the Zoning Map, and expansion of the downtown parking exempt area

Establish a public art policy/planCity

Pla

ns,

Polic

ies

and

Re

gula

tion

sD

ownt

own

Busi

ness

D

evel

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pert

y Im

prov

emen

tsNear-Term

(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$

- $$$

Update the Park and Open Space System Master Plan - Incorporate State Water Trail Plan - Incorporate Wright Park Redesign Plan - Incorporate Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan recommendations

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for downtown park and open space improvements (existing and proposed parks)

Park

s/O

pen

Spac

e

Impr

ovem

ents

IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS (CONTINUED)

Page 10: DOWNTOWN & RIVERFRONT MASTER PLAN...The Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan Implementation Chapter is organized as follows: ... The project’s final report proposes new features and

I M P L E M E N TAT I O N 5-10

Near-Term(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)

Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$ - $$$

$

$

$

$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$

$

$

$

$

Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Prepare a Downtown Streetscape Master Plan including wayfinding and signage

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for roadway, intersection, and streetscape improvements for Union Ave, Lincoln Ave, Stanton Ave, and others

Design and seek funding sources for the implementation of the Glacial Edge Trail and other downtown trail improvements

Initiate railroad crossing discussions with the railroad company - Shift Buse Street crossing to Broadway and add a new crossing at St. Andrews

Prepare Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan

Riverfront Parking Lot East

Relocate sanitary sewer lines crossing over the river

Relocate overhead power lines underground as redevelopment and streetscape improvements occur

Expand city’s infrastructure and utility services to serve opportunity sites, such as the Old Dairy site and Old Lumber Yard site

Demolish, plan, and redevelop old waste water treatment facility

FERC study for hydroelectric plants relicensing, including sedimentation, wildlife habitat, fish passages, etc.

Hoot Lake Power Plant study

Water quality study / stormwater management study

Identify streambank enhancement opportunities (restoration / native plant communities)

Incorporate green infrastructure / stormwater treatment practices intended to improve water quality and reduce runoff (e.g. Complete Streets Policy)

Temporary traffic calming (pilot project)

Glacial Edge Trail bridge over river

Riverfront Parking Lot West

West River Reach (Old Dairy Property)

Downtown East Gateway

Downtown North Gateway

Old Mill Property redevelopment

Civic Mall/Washington Ave

Stre

et /

Side

wal

k / T

rail

Im

prov

emen

tsO

ppor

tuni

ty S

ites

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Near-Term(0-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs) (10+ yrs)

Mid-Term Long-Term $ - $$ - $$$

$

$

$

$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

$$$

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$$$

$$$

$$$

$$

$

$

$

$

Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Prepare a Downtown Streetscape Master Plan including wayfinding and signage

Prioritize, design and seek funding sources for roadway, intersection, and streetscape improvements for Union Ave, Lincoln Ave, Stanton Ave, and others

Design and seek funding sources for the implementation of the Glacial Edge Trail and other downtown trail improvements

Initiate railroad crossing discussions with the railroad company - Shift Buse Street crossing to Broadway and add a new crossing at St. Andrews

Prepare Bike/Pedestrian Master Plan

Riverfront Parking Lot East

Relocate sanitary sewer lines crossing over the river

Relocate overhead power lines underground as redevelopment and streetscape improvements occur

Expand city’s infrastructure and utility services to serve opportunity sites, such as the Old Dairy site and Old Lumber Yard site

Demolish, plan, and redevelop old waste water treatment facility

FERC study for hydroelectric plants relicensing, including sedimentation, wildlife habitat, fish passages, etc.

Hoot Lake Power Plant study

Water quality study / stormwater management study

Identify streambank enhancement opportunities (restoration / native plant communities)

Incorporate green infrastructure / stormwater treatment practices intended to improve water quality and reduce runoff (e.g. Complete Streets Policy)

Temporary traffic calming (pilot project)

Glacial Edge Trail bridge over river

Riverfront Parking Lot West

West River Reach (Old Dairy Property)

Downtown East Gateway

Downtown North Gateway

Old Mill Property redevelopment

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Downtown Riverfront Master PlanFERGUS FALLS

Develop a community-wide Comprehensive Plan that incorporates the DT & RF Master Plan into the city’s adopted policies and maps

Establish a downtown “Main Street” program

Promote, strengthen, and expand the existing storefront improvement program, including addition of design standards for historic and non-historic buildings

Pursue historic designation of eligible historic properties to enable use of tax credits for building improvements

Establish a downtown business resources program (e.g. using tax credits, applying for grants)

Enhance historic elements of existing buildings (e.g. River Inn sign, theater, Victor Lundeen’s)

Improve condition of city-owned parking lots, signage, gravel surface, islands/landscaping

Improve the senior center’s storefront, signage, and uses, e.g. expand types of uses and hours of activity

Evaluate the potential relocation and redevelopment options for city-owned liquor store site

Study feasibility of building a public parking ramp

Study redevelopment opportunities for city-owned public works site in East River Reach

Conduct a downtown parking study

Establish a downtown parking management plan

Create a downtown walking/biking/paddling tour map

Initiate a feasibility study to bring the Otter Tail Historical Society and Museum to downtown

Relocate the farmers market to downtown

Expand downtown event programming (all 4 seasons)

Establish a downtown Special Services District to finance maintenance services for public spaces, signage, parking enforcement, public improvements, and marketing

Establish a downtown overlay district with downtown design guidelines and a development review process

Incorporate the DT & RF Master Plan’s implementation recommendations into the city’s 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Conduct a downtown & riverfront rezoning study to evaluate the plan’s recommendations for establishing a new Mixed Use zoning district, updating the Zoning Map, and expansion of the downtown parking exempt area

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Update the Park and Open Space System Master Plan - Incorporate State Water Trail Plan - Incorporate Wright Park Redesign Plan - Incorporate Downtown and Riverfront Master Plan recommendations

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D O W N TO W N & R I V E R F R O N T M A S T E R P L A N5-11

PRIORITY PROJECTSSince this master plan identifies a great number of ideas and concepts for improving downtown and the riverfront, the following short list of priorities has been identified by the project team and community input. The priorities include both Catalyst Projects that are viewed as the most important projects for improving and transforming Fergus Falls, as well as Jumpstart Initiatives that will enable the community to get started right away on implementing the master plan.

Working with the project’s Project Management Team (PMT), Community Advisory Committee (CAC), and the general public, eight (8) priority projects have been identified.

PRIORITY PUBLIC SPACE & SYSTEM PROJECTS1. DOWNTOWN PARKING SYSTEM » Conduct a parking study

» Develop a downtown public parking management plan prior to redevelopment of the riverfront parking lot opportunity sites

» Evaluate potential for a public parking ramp

2. GLACIAL EDGE TRAIL » Design, funding, and construction of downtown riverfront segment, e.g. Riverwalk, Union Ave,

Stanton Ave » Design, funding, and construction of Old Dairy site segment

3. DOWNTOWN CIRCULATION (WALK, BIKE, DRIVE) » Integrate planning, designing and funding of pedestrian and bike facilities into city’s

transportation and/or parks & recreation initiatives, including shared alleys, mid-block crossings, and bikeways

» Prioritize downtown and riverfront trails construction

» Improve traffic control methods on Lincoln Ave and Union Ave

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I M P L E M E N TAT I O N 5-12

4. PUBLIC ART & WAYFINDING » Develop a public art policy and plan for downtown and the riverfront

» Develop a wayfinding signage plan and implement installation of signage

5. DOWNTOWN EVENTS AND BUSINESS RESOURCES » Establish a downtown-focused business organization, e.g. Main Street Program, committee of

Chamber of Commerce, independent group

» Expand city’s technical and financial assistance for business improvements (e.g. design guidelines/manual, grants, low-interest loans, tax credits, historic designation)

PRIORITY OPPORTUNITY SITES1. RIVERFRONT PARKING LOT EAST REDEVELOPMENT » Design, finance, and construct riverfront park, balcony and amphitheater on east riverfront

parking lot

» Design, finance, and construct River Balcony on both the east & west riverfront parking lots, including the Court Street mid-block pedestrian crossing

2. OLD MILL SITE REDEVELOPMENT » Collaborate with developer on the site’s redevelopment

» Design, finance, and construct adjacent street improvements for Union Ave, Stanton Ave, and Vine Street

3. OLD DAIRY SITE REDEVELOPMENT » Engage BNRR in negotiation for two desired rail crossings at Broadway and St. Andrews

» Public improvements (trail, park space, parkway, river access) planning, design, funding and construction

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D O W N TO W N & R I V E R F R O N T M A S T E R P L A N5-13

JUMPSTART PROJECTSImplementation of the Downtown & Riverfront Plan is not a single project or action. Implementation is a collection of public and private actions that occur over a period of years and build long-term momentum. Based on the anticipated needs, impacts and feasibility of all of the master plan’s recommended implementation actions, the following next steps or priorities are identified to jumpstart efforts:

» Design the riverfront park, balcony and amphitheater

» Conduct a downtown parking study

» Establish the Glacial Edge Trail regional funding program for trail design and construction

» Identify alternative traffic control methods to the existing four traffic lights on Lincoln Avenue, e.g. Court St and Mill St

» Test temporary traffic calming and pedestrian/bicycle crossings on Union Ave (Lincoln to Junius)

» Develop a city-wide Pedestrian & Bike Master Plan

» Improve the senior center’s storefront, signage, and uses, e.g. expand types of uses and hours of activity

» Develop design guidelines/manual for downtown, including streetscape/wayfinding, buildings, parking, landscaping, and signage

» Experiment with bringing events to the proposed downtown riverfront park site

» Experiment with farmers market events and locations downtown

» Use public art to build awareness and excitement for future downtown and riverfront improvements (e.g. temporary art installations, murals, pop-up art activities)

» Use the City’s CIP as a tool to align the City’s long-term capital investment planning with the Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan’s priority projects

MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEEA critical step is to set up an implementation committee who can focus on the needs and priorities of implementing this master plan. This committee would facilitate an ongoing, focused, and collaborative implementation approach and champion the master plan’s vision, guiding principles, concepts, and recommendations. This working group would be involved in coordinating partnerships, implementation projects, funding strategies, and community outreach. Composition of this committee should represent the diversity of stakeholders related to downtown and the riverfront. This committee is not intended to displace or duplicate services already performed by city departments or other existing agencies.

Historic photos of downtown Fergus Falls can guide future design guidelines

Testing termporary pavement markings for traffic calming and pedestrian/bicycle crossings

Experimental riverfront amphitheater at Shop, Move n’ Groove 2017

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I M P L E M E N TAT I O N 5-14

POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS & FUNDERSAlthough the City of Fergus Falls will play a major role in implementing the Downtown & Riverfront Master Plan, the ultimate success of the master plan will depend upon the City’s partnerships with both public, private and non-profit downtown stakeholders for collaborating projects and funding. In addition to the City and Economic Improvement Commission, key partners could include the following:

North Country Trail Association

Otter Tail County Historical Society Museum

Pedal Fergus Falls

» A Center for the Arts

» Business Development of Fergus Falls (BDFF)

» Chamber of Commerce

» Downtown Riverfront Council

» Explore Minnesota Tourism

» Fergus Falls Housing and Redevelopment Authority ( FFHRA)

» Fergus Falls Farmers Market

» Forward Fergus Falls

» Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC)

» Lake Region Arts Council

» Lake Region Healthcare

» Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

» Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

» Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

» North Country Trail Association – Minnesota Waters & Prairie Chapter

» Otter Tail County

» Otter Tail County Historical Society

» Otter Tail Lakes Country Association

» Otter Tail Power Company

» Otter Tail Valley and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroads

» PartnerSHIP 4 Health

» Pedal Fergus Falls

» Preservation Alliance of MN / Main Street Program

» Springboard for the Arts

» Visit Fergus Falls

» West Central Initiative

» Western Minnesota Industries, Inc (WMI)

» Area civic and service organizations

» Downtown businesses

» Local arts organizations and artists

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