HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-14-2019 POSTED IN CITY HALL: May 14, 2019
PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA
TUESDAY, MAY 14 , 2019
7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL (2052 County Road 24)
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments on items not on the agenda
3. Update from City Council proceedings
4. Planning Department Report
5. Uptown Hamel Presentation
6. Approval of April 9, 2019 Planning Commission Minutes
7. Council Meeting Schedule
8. Adjourn
Planning Department Update Page 1 of 2 May 7, 2019
City Council Meeting
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Martin and Members of the City Council
FROM: Dusty Finke, Planning Director; through City Administrator Scott Johnson
DATE: May 2, 2019
SUBJ: Planning Department Updates – May 7, 2019 City Council Meeting
Land Use Application Review
A) Maxxon Variance/Site Plan Review – 920 Hamel Road – The City Council approved a site plan
review for an addition at Maxxon back in 2018. The applicant has now requested a variance from
the 25% hardcover limitation in the Elm Creek shoreland district to invest in the alternative site
improvements rather than pervious bituminous. The Planning Commission reviewed at the March
12 meeting and recommended approval. The City Council held a public hearing on the variance at
the April 16 Council meeting and directed staff to prepare approval documents, which will be
presented on May 7.
B) Raskob Elm Creek Addition – 500 Hamel Road – The John W Raskob Trust has requested to
subdivide the 8 acres (approximately 4 net acres) of property into two separate parcels so
that the family could market the two separately. The Planning Commission held a public
hearing at the April 9 meeting and recommended approval. Staff intends to present to the
Council on May 7.
C) Medina Mini-Storage Site Plan Review – 4790 Rolling Hills Road – Highway 55 Rental
Portable Storable LLC (Jeff Pederson) has requested a Site Plan Review for construction of
a 5,140 square foot mini-storage building within the existing paved area. The Planning
Commission held a public hearing at the April 9 meeting and recommended approval. Staff
intends to present to the Council on May 7.
D) Marshall-Schleeter Lot Line Rearrangement and Easement Vacation – 1495/1585 Medina
Road – Adam and Susan Marshall have requested a lot line rearrangement between their
property at 1495 Medina Road and the parcel to the west at 1585 Medina Road. The
Marshalls want to convey approximately 4.2 acres to the Schleeters. The applicant has also
requested the vacation of the easements along the rearranged lot line, which will be replaced
along the new line. Staff is conducting a preliminary review and will present to Council
when complete, potentially at the June 4 meeting.
E) Maiser Septic Variance – south of Medina Road, west of Hunter Drive – Norton Homes, on
behalf of Pete Maiser, has requested a variance from the minimum 75’ setback for a septic
system from a wetland. The septic designer stated that the only location for a septic is
located approximately 55 feet from a small wetland on the lot. Staff is reviewing and will
present to Council when complete, potentially at the June 4 meeting.
F) Cavanaughs Meadowwoods Park Third Addition/OSI Expansion – Arrowhead Drive, north of
Highway 55 – Arrowhead Holdings (real estate company for OSI) has requested approval of a site
plan review, preliminary plat and rezoning to construct a 2nd building north of their existing facility.
The applicant proposes to construct the building on a separate lot and to rezone the property to
Business, in line with the updated Comprehensive Plan. The Council adopted approval documents
on November 7. The applicant has now requested final plat approval. The applicant has also
proposed some slight adjustments to the site plan, which were presented at the Planning Commission
on March 12. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amended site plan. Staff
will present to the City Council when the final plat is prepared.
Planning Department Update Page 2 of 2 May 7, 2019
City Council Meeting
G) Richardson Lot Combination – PIDs 18-118-23-24-0116 and 18-118-23-24-0117 – Big Island
Land LLC (Dale Richardson) has requested a lot combination of two vacant parcels along
Ardmore Avenue, just west of County Road 19. The parcels do not meet relevant lot
standards and the applicant desires to combine them to construct a single home. The
application is currently incomplete, and staff has requested additional information. Staff will
schedule when complete for review.
H) Charlie’s Restaurant PUD Concept – 172 Hamel Road – Steve Andres has requested
review of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Concept Plan for construction of a restaurant
at the corner of Hamel Road and Sioux Drive. The applicant seeks a PUD to provide
flexibility to use cargo shipping containers for the building structure. The Planning
Commission held a public hearing on April 9, 2019 and provided comments. The City
Council reviewed on April 16. The applicant is considering presenting an updated concept
prior to proceeding with a formal application. Staff intends to leave the application open
and await direction from the applicant.
I) School Lake Nature Preserve 2nd Addn Final Plat and CD-PUD Amendment – Wally and Bridget
Marx have requested an amendment to the CD-PUD to shift the location of one of the lots in the
development. The Council reviewed and adopted a resolution of approval at the April 16 meeting.
Staff will work with the applicant on conditions prior to recording the plat.
J) School Lake Nature Preserve Easement Vacation – Wally and Bridget Marx have requested
that the City vacate the drainage and utility easements within the lot being re-platted in the
2nd Addition plat. New easements will be granted on the new plat. The City Council held a
public hearing at the April 16 City Council meeting and adopted a resolution approving the
vacation. The vacation will be finalized with the recording of the 2nd addition plat.
K) Ditter Concept Plan – Jim Ditter, Tom Ditter, and Ditter Properties have requested review of a
concept plan related to the potential subdivision of four existing parcels totaling approximately 25
acres into five lots. The application will be left open in case the Ditters have additional information
to provide in the coming months.
L) Johnson ADU CUP, Maxxon, Dykhoff Septic Variance, Hamel Brewery, St. Peter and Paul
Cemetery – The City Council has adopted resolutions approving these projects, and staff is assisting
the applicants with the conditions of approval in order to complete the projects.
M) Woods of Medina, Hamel Haven subdivisions – These subdivisions have received final approval.
Staff is working with the applicants on the conditions of approval before the plats are recorded
Other Projects
A) RR-UR Rezoning – The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed
rezoning of 5 parcels in the Northwest corner of the City to the Rural Residential-Urban
Reserve (RR-UR) zoning district. These properties were designated Future Development
Area in the updated Comp Plan and are currently zoned Rural Business Holding. An owner
requested that one of the parcels not be rezoned to allow for limited business development in
the next decades until development is permitted. The Planning Commission recommended
3 of the parcels be rezoned to RR-UR, and leaving two commercial. Staff intends to present
the ordinance to the City Council on May 7.
B) Uptown Hamel – the group of students from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs will present its
findings to the City Council at the May 7 meeting.
C) County Road 47 Master Plan – I attended a meeting with Hennepin County, Plymouth, Maple
Grove, and Corcoran related to planning for future improvements along County Road 47 in
Plymouth. Plymouth and Hennepin County intend to prepare a conceptual layout and “action plan”
over the summer for future improvements (timing unknown).
D) Intern interviews – staff interviewed applicants for the Planning/GIS Intern position. The pool was
strong, and staff is finalizing its selection.
TO: City Council
FROM: Edgar J. Belland, Director of Public Safety,
Through City Administrator Scott Johnson
DATE: May 2, 2019
RE: Police Department Updates
Medina Clean Up Day
We had another successful Medina Clean Up Day. Everyone pitched in to help with the event. We
held our prescription drug takeback day at the same time. 64 pounds of prescription drugs were
taken in and destroyed.
Weapon Cameras
On April 24th at our department shoot at the Delano Gun Range, we fitted all our service weapons
with the weapon cams. A short training was held on the operation and maintenance of the new
cameras. We then shot the weapons to see if they had any negative effects on the weapons. None
were noted. We also had everyone qualify on the rifles at the shoot.
Bike Rodeo
On May 18th we will be holding our 2019 Bike Rodeo for all the local kids and their parents. We
are expanding the event this year to include a tour of the Medina Police Department. We will also
be adding jump houses for the kids and have hotdogs for everyone, with a vender for ice-cream.
If you are available, stop by and join in the fun.
Patrol Updates
For the dates of April 9 to May 2, 2019, our officers issued 108 citations and 161 warnings for
various traffic infractions. There was a total of 4 traffic accidents, 31 medicals, 27 alarms and 1
DWI.
Training
Officer Scharf was in Florida from 04-09 to 04-14 to complete his drug recognition training and
certifications. He is now an expert when it comes to drug impaired drivers. This was an extremely
difficult class and he did an outstanding job finishing near the top of his class.
There have been numerous overweight trucks that have been stopped in the past month by our
officers. They have been doing a great job trying to protect our roadways from all the overweight
trucks.
On 04-14 Officer Boecker was dispatched to Target for an employee theft. It was learned that a
juvenile male had been stealing while working for Target. Total loss admitted to was over $1,600.
Case will be forwarded to the county attorney’s office for review and charging.
On 04-18, Officer Gregory took a theft of mail report. Homeowners learned that someone had
stolen their mail after being notified from their bank that thousands of dollars in bad checks had
MEMORANDUM
been drawn on their accounts. Multiple suspects have been identified and arrested by Orono and
Wayzata Police Departments.
On 04-19, Officer Scharf stopped a vehicle for following too close on Hwy 55. The 23-year-old
female driver was found to be intoxicated and subsequently arrested. Her breath test showed a .19.
She was booked and released from the police department.
On 04-19, Officer Scharf stopped a dirt bike that was traveling on Hwy 55 near County Road 101.
The driver was found to not have a license and when the dirt bike was being impounded it was
found to have been stolen from a burglary over this past winter in Medina. Investigator McKinley
was called in and a search warrant was drafted for the driver’s residence. A second stolen dirt bike
was recovered from the Medina burglary. Driver charged with multiple crimes and booked into the
Hennepin County Jail.
On 04-20, Officer Hall stopped a vehicle for speeding. The driver did not have a driver’s license or
insurance on the vehicle. The driver was arrested and found to be in possession of
methamphetamines. She was subsequently booked into the Hennepin County Jail. Case turned over
to the drug task force.
On 04-23 and 04-24, Officers took theft of snowmobile trailer reports at two separate businesses in
the Hamel area. One of the trailers was recovered the following day in St. Louis Park and a suspect
was identified. Case forwarded to investigations.
Investigation Update
Signed the criminal complaint for the stolen tow truck. A witness identified the suspect through a
photo lineup. The suspects whereabouts are unknown. A warrant was issued for their arrest.
Investigating a theft of mail from a residence in Medina. Checks were taken, washed and used to
purchase a vehicle in Burnsville. The term “washed” is when they take an isopropyl alcohol to
remove the ink from a check. Another check was cashed in Forest Lake. I have identified a possible
suspect. Investigation is ongoing.
Officer Scharf stopped a Medina resident for riding an unlicensed dirt bike on the Highway. The
dirt bike turned out to be one that was stolen from a Medina residence in January. The suspect
admitted that there was another dirt bike in his garage. I responded to the police department and
drafted a search warrant for the residence. After the search warrant was signed by a judge, we
responded to the residence and located the second stolen dirt bike. The suspect was arrested for
receiving stolen property and booked at the Hennepin County Jail.
Investigating the theft of two trailers in the Hamel business area. The suspect is known and has
been very active in the metro area. I am currently working with investigators from Plymouth PD
and Wright County Sheriff’s Office. Investigation is ongoing.
Volunteered at Clean Up Day.
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council, through City Administrator Scott Johnson
FROM: Steve Scherer, Public Works Director
DATE: May 2, 2019
MEETING: May 7, 2019
SUBJECT: Public Works Update
STREETS
• Public Works has noticed that many streets were impacted by winter. We are putting
together a list of projects that were not planned for this year and will try to fit them into
the budget. They are not complete road projects, just specific sections that need attention.
It’s important to do this work or we will lose the integrity of the street.
• We have been coordinating the railroad crossing rehab project at Sioux Dr. The milling
will begin May 6th. When the tracks are removed, we plan to overlay Sioux Dr. south of
the tracks and the portion on the north west lane to Westfalen Trail. Sioux Dr will remain
open from Highway 55 to Westfalen Trail during the construction. There will be a
crossing closure the week of May 19th for Sioux Drive to do the track work. We are
waiting to confirm the timing of the project and will update the information on the City
website and Facebook.
• Seasonal weight restrictions are still posted and being enforced by police. We are getting
close to taking the postings off, but some of the vulnerable streets will most likely be
posted for an extra week.
WATER/SEWER/STORMWATER
• Public Works is working closely with Toll Bros to get the inflow and infiltration (I/I)
under control in the sanitary manholes throughout their development. We are negotiating
with Toll to complete their portion of the project with a warranty guarantee as Pulte takes
over.
• The Brockton Lane project is scheduled to begin or at least move onto the site the week
of May 6th. It seems the first week will be mostly prep work. The power poles are in the
process of being relocated already to make room for the trail. Xcel Power from Hamel
Legion Park north to Hamel Rd will now be located underground.
• The transfer switch at the treatment plant had some kind of power surge and caused
major damage. I will be looking to our insurance or Xcel Energy to cover it.
PARKS/TRAILS
• The Eagle Scout has completed the installation of the dug outs at Hamel Legion Park the
weekend of April 27th.
Page 2 of 2
MISCELLANEOUS
• We have scored and set up interviews for the full-time maintenance position. We have
several qualified candidates and are confident we will fill the position.
• Katrina did a great job on organizing cleanup day. The day went very smooth and it was a
great community event.
Uptown Hamel Page 1 of 6 May 14, 2019
Presentation Planning Commission Meeting
MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Dusty Finke, Planning Director
DATE: May 10, 2019
MEETING: May 14, 2019 Planning Commission
SUBJ: Uptown Hamel Presentation
Background
Over the past three months, the City has been partnering with a group of students from the
Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota to engage the public to
identify ways to support improvement and development within Uptown Hamel.
The students held three Open Houses, met with the Uptown Hamel Business Group, and
conducted an online survey and visual preference survey. The group also conducted a literature
review.
The report was scheduled to be provided next week. Because the Commission has no other
action items, staff requested a draft of the report a little bit early so that it could be included in
the packet for review.
The draft report is still under final review, but is attached in the meantime. Staff did not include
the appendices, which are an additional 60 pages. Staff will email the report to Commissioners
to review the appendices, and it is available upon request (email me at
dusty.finke@medinamn.gov) A complete draft, including appendices will also be available in
the public copy of the packet.
The students presented their findings at the May 7 City Council meeting. This presentation will
be played during the May 14 Planning Commission meeting to begin the discussion.
Comprehensive Plan Information
The Uptown Hamel land use applies to property along Hamel Road east of Hunter Drive to the
eastern City border at Brockton Lane. The land use also applies to the property at 500 Hamel
Road, which is located north of Hamel Road and west of Hunter Drive. A map of the area
guided Uptown Hamel can be found at the top of the following page, shown in dark purple.
The Comprehensive Plan describes the Uptown Hamel land use as:
“Uptown Hamel (UH) the Uptown Hamel land use allows residential and commercial uses to be mixed on adjacent sites and to be mixed within the same building or property. Residential development in this designation may be between 4.0 and 15.0 units per acre. The Uptown Hamel area is served by urban services.” (page 5-7)
Uptown Hamel Page 2 of 6 May 14, 2019
Presentation Planning Commission Meeting
The Plan establishes the following objectives for the Uptown Hamel land use:
“The Uptown Hamel land use allows for a mix of residential and commercial uses to create a
vibrant, walkable, and attractive place; a place to shop, work and live.
Objectives:
1. Allow a mix of residential and commercial uses to co-exist on adjacent parcels as well as
within the same structure or on the same parcel. Uptown Hamel is intended to provide
flexibility in terms of residential and commercial uses. As a result, it is difficult to project
future uses in the area, but it is estimated that approximately 40% of the land will be
utilized for residential purposes, 40% for commercial uses, and 20% for office uses.
2. Consider alternatives for meeting parking requirements including parking in the rear
of buildings, shared parking, on-street, underground, or ramp parking.
3. Use building standards that enhance and maintain the small town heritage and traditional
small-town look including brick facades, traditional street lighting, and overhangs over the
sidewalk, boardwalks, and the like. Establishment of design guidelines to support this
objective.
4. Involve residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders in the planning of
these areas.
5. Create master plans for mixed-use areas to ensure integration of uses and
responsiveness to adjacent land uses.
Uptown Hamel Page 3 of 6 May 14, 2019
Presentation Planning Commission Meeting
6. Establish design criteria for platting and developing site plans which will be compatible
with surrounding physical features, existing land uses and the preservation of
ecologically significant natural resources.
7. Encourage underground or structured parking through flexibility to standards, including
increased residential density up to 20 units per acre.
8. Emphasize resident and pedestrian safety.
9. Require utilities to be placed underground wherever possible for reasons of aesthetic
enhancement and safety.
10. Regulate noise, illumination, and odors as needed to maintain public health and safety.”
Current Zoning
Most of Uptown Hamel is currently zoned either Uptown Hamel-1 (UH-1) or Uptown Hamel-2
(UH-2). The regulations for these districts are included in Section 834 of City Code. The
property at 500 Hamel Road was previously included in a different land use, so is zoned Mixed
Use (MU).
Residential Density/Use
Under the previous Comprehensive Plan, a minimum amount of residential development was
required in Uptown Hamel and the allowed density range was higher (7-40 units/acre). As a
result, portions of Uptown Hamel were zoned UH-1, which required residential development in
excess of 10 units/acre.
The updated Comprehensive Plan intends to “provide flexibility in terms of residential and
commercial uses” and the lowers the allowed residential density to 4-15 units/acre (up to 20 with
underground parking). Staff believes this provides the opportunity to have a single set of
regulations for the Uptown Hamel area and would recommend updating the zoning to match the
density requirements. Staff’s intent would be to allow commercial or residential uses (including
the full density range) to be located on any of the parcels which are guided Uptown Hamel. This
would include the possibility of mixing residential and commercial uses within a single parcel or
building.
Architectural Design
The UH districts include the following Architectural Standards. The student group collected a
lot of data about preferences for architectural design, which will guide any changes:
a. General. All new buildings, structures, expansions, remodeling, and development plans shall
conform to these design standards and be compatible and complementary to the buildings
proposed to be retained downtown. Elements of compatibility include, but are not limited
to: building height, form, mass and bulk, fenestration, exterior material appearance, color,
exterior material durability, detailing, setbacks, landscaping, exterior lighting and site
improvements.
b. Building - Street. Building design shall make the street visually more interesting,
functionally more enjoyable and useful and economically more viable. Buildings, porches,
and plaza spaces shall be designed to bring the building and its activity more in contact with
the street.
Uptown Hamel Page 4 of 6 May 14, 2019
Presentation Planning Commission Meeting
c. New Building and Major Expansions. New buildings and major expansions of existing
buildings should be compatible with adjacent and nearby buildings. Buildings shall be
designed and oriented consistent with this ordinance, proposed use of the property, uses on
adjacent properties and nearby amenities. Buildings shall be designed and oriented so as
not to detract from one another or vistas. Views from the residential areas should be
protected. Where these views exist, partial loss of the view may be an unintended but
justified result when development takes place consistent with other provisions of this
ordinance. Entrances shall be placed for easy access from the street. Utilities shall be placed
underground and meters and transformers shall be hidden from view.
d. Integrate – Coordinate. New buildings, structures, remodeling and expansion shall be
integrated and coordinated with development on abutting property. Elements for integration
and coordination include, but are not limited to, sidewalk and pedestrian ways and their
continuity; site lighting; site access; building orientation; building entrances; and utilitarian
functions which are to be totally screened from view or which are contained within the
building and which include loading, trash, and mechanical and electrical equipment.
e. Porches (Overhangs – Canopies – Arcades). Porches, which overhang into walks, are one
of Uptown Hamel’s trademarks. These features should be preserved, enhanced, and
improved. New commercial structures on Hamel Road and Sioux Drive are expected to
be designed and constructed with these features. New porches, arcades or similar
structures which overhang or extend into the right-of- way may be allowed by the city
through approval of the plan, but must be supported in a way which does not obstruct the
traveled portion of the right-of- way. The property owner may be required to obtain a
license from the city or to execute an agreement with the city governing its use,
maintenance and other factors.
Porch/Overhang/Canopy/Arcade Design criteria/guidelines are as follows:
a. Height: If projecting into the public right-of-way, a pedestrian clearance of at
least eight feet and a height consistent with the architecture of the building
shall be provided.
b. Width: At least six feet.
c. Columns: Shall be traditional in design and made from durable materials
such as finished anodized metal, wrought iron or wood in a color
compatible with the building. Wood columns must be cedar or redwood
lumber, at least six inches by six inches, which may be stained or painted.
Columns are not allowed to be affixed to the ground within the right-of-
way.
d. Roof: Shall be durable and meet the wind and snow loads required by code.
Slopes should be to the street and away from pedestrians.
f. Height. New building heights shall not exceed three stories, except as described herein.
Along all street frontages and park property lines, building heights exceeding two stories
shall have the third story set back at least six feet from the front line of the building, and the
fourth story shall be set back 12 feet from the front line of the building. Basement levels
shall not be considered a story, so long as more than 50 percent of the basement structure is
Uptown Hamel Page 5 of 6 May 14, 2019
Presentation Planning Commission Meeting
below grade at the average of all areas around the building. Total building height shall not
exceed 50 feet, except structures such as belfries, chimneys, flues, monuments, cupolas and
domes which do not contain living space, are permitted, provided they are not higher than
10 feet above the height of the building. In the case that the distance from grade to the eave
(or top corner of a flat roof) of a structure exceeds 30 feet, additional fire suppression
apparatuses may be required by the city. A fourth story may be allowed if ten percent of
residential units are dedicated affordable housing units.
g. Materials. Exterior materials shall consist of one or more of the following: natural brick,
stucco, stone, wood, glass, or commercial grade fiber cement lap siding with a wood
appearance which is installed per manufacturer’s specifications. Treated or anodized metal
may be used for trim.
h. Roofs. Roofs may be pitched, mansard, flat, or planted “green roofs.” Flat roofs shall have
an architectural treatment (a “cap”) of an acceptable design. On pitched roofs, materials and
colors must be compatible with the district. All roof run-off must drain onto the property
that creates the run-off. Rain gardens are encouraged.
i. Equipment. Equipment shall not be mounted on the roof unless it can be demonstrated that
there is no other reasonable alternative. If allowed, rooftop equipment shall be screened
using the architectural elements and material from the building, provided they are consistent
with these design standards.
j. Fenestration – Modulation. Windows and openings shall be generous, especially on the
street side, and their placement and design shall express the pedestrian- friendly, livability
of the town center. To this end, third stories or higher must be tiered back from the street
a minimum of six feet per story. Buildings shall be modulated a minimum of once per 40
feet in frontage to avoid long, monotonous building walls. This modulation may include
varying building height, building setback, or building materials/design. At the street level,
at least 30 percent of the façade should be glass in windows and doors.
k. Landscaping and Setbacks. At least 5 percent of the site shall be plaza or landscaped.
Landscaping shall consist of a combination of: decorative deciduous and coniferous trees,
shrubs, flowers, ground covers and rain gardens. Landscaped areas and pockets shall be
delineated and separated by any of the following: curbing, decorative fencing, decorative
walls, planter boxes, containers, “cut outs” in a plaza, or by similar means. An approved
plaza in which at least 20 percent of the plaza is open to the ground allowing full penetration
of water into the ground can be counted to meet this requirement. All that part of the site not
taken up by buildings, walks, or plazas or approved parking and loading shall be landscaped.
Grades and drainage must meet city requirements.
l. Fences and Walls. Fences and walls shall be decorative using a traditional design and may
be used to delineate and separate spaces and to protect topographic change. Fence material
shall be wrought iron, anodized steel or aluminum, or wood. Walls shall be made of
brick, concrete brick, decorative block, cedar or redwood or stucco on concrete. Fences
and walls shall not be located to prevent desirable access through areas.
Uptown Hamel Page 6 of 6 May 14, 2019
Presentation Planning Commission Meeting
m. Utilities. All utilities serving the buildings and facilities shall be underground.
n. Recycling and Trash Facilities. All materials and facilities for recycling and trash shall
be kept inside the principal buildings or within a completely screened area. If a completely
screened area is used it must 1) be architecturally compatible with and made of the same
or better material used on the principal building, and 2) meet the architectural and
development standards of the district.
o. Hazardous Materials. Provisions for storage of hazardous materials must be included in the
building and be identified on the plans.
p. Other Materials. All storage of other materials shall be stored inside the building in a
suitable area in accordance with the approved plan.
Next Steps
At the May 14 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission will discuss the report and the
recommendations. The Commission can request any additional information to guide its review
of the Uptown Hamel regulations.
Attachment
1. Uptown Hamel Report (w/o appendices)
Methods and Strategies for the Revitalization of Uptown Hamel
MURP Capstone Paper
In Partial Fulfillment of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning Degree Requirements
The Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
The University of Minnesota
Ally de Alcuaz
Mary Cutrufello
Nick Kieser
Katriona Molasky
Katie Page
May 10, 2019
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Date of oral presentation Approval date of final paper
_________________________________
Dr. Dan Milz, Visiting Assistant Professor
Signature of Capstone Instructor
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 2
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 3
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the community in the City of Medina for being so welcoming and
coming to our engagement events ready to learn and share. Without their participation this
project wouldn’t have been possible. We would also like to acknowledge the staff at the City of
Medina for their help and the professors at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs for their
support. Individually, we would all like to thank our family and friends for their support
throughout our time at the Humphrey School.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 4
Table of Contents
Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………………………5
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Background…………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Medina……………………………………………………………………………………...….7
Uptown Hamel………………………………………………………………………………...7
Engagement Design…………………………………………………………………………………..10
Stakeholder Analysis ………………………………………………………………………...10
Process Design……………………………………………………………………………….11
Activities……………………………………………………………………………………..13
Dream Street…………………………………………………………………………13
Vision Mapping……………………………………………………………………...14
Preference Scales……………………………………………………………….........15
Comment Cards……………………………………………………………………...16
Online Survey & Mapping…………………………………………………………..16
Public Comments via Email…………………………………………………………17
Visual Preference Survey……………………………………………………..……..17
Analysis………………………………………………………………………………………………18
Methods……………………………………………………………………………………....18
Outcomes and Findings……………………………………………………………................19
Dream Street…………………………………………………………………………20
Vision Mapping……………………………………………………………………...22
Preference Scales……………………………………………………………….........23
Comment Cards……………………………………………………………………...23
Online Survey & Mapping…………………………………………………………..24
Public Comments via Email…………………………………………………………25
Trends………………………………………………………………………………………………...25
Restaurants …………………………………………………………………………………..26
Historic Feel………………………………………………………………………………….27
Parking……………………………………………………………………………………….28
Height Restrictions………………………………………………………………………..….29
Discussion…………………………………………………………………………………………….30
Restaurants …………………………………………………………………………………..31
Historic Feel…………………………………………………………………………….……33
Parking……………………………………………………………………..………………...35
Height Restrictions………………………………………………….…………….………….36
Recommendations………………………………………………………………..……….…………..38
Engagement…………………………………………………………………………………..38
Trend Recommendations …………………………………………………………………….39
Restaurants …………………………………………………………………………..39
Parking………………………………………………………..……………………...40
Height & Historic Feel……………………………………………………………….40
Implementation Tools…………………………………………………………………….…………..42
Pedestrian Connectivity Plan……………………………………………………..………….42
Parking Study & Local Examples …………………………………………………………...43
Certified Local Governments…………………………………………………………..…….43
Minnesota Main Street ……………………………………………………………..………..44
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………….………..46
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 5
Executive Summary
Medina’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies Uptown Hamel as an area for
redevelopment. The City developed key objectives for this redevelopment and was interested in
determining how the community vision aligns with these objectives. The main areas of focus
were Uptown Hamel’s building design, land use, and pedestrian accessibility. The
recommendations for Uptown Hamel’s revitalization suggest Medina work on creating a
pedestrian connectivity plan; write design guidelines that create a cohesive feel in the area
through limiting scale and suggested material use; and continue community engagement as they
move forward with the process. We think it is important that the City invest in infrastructure
including pedestrian connectivity, branding, and street accessories in order to create a gathering
space that attracts future businesses and restaurants. To reach these recommendations, in-person
and online community engagement activities were designed to understand the community vision
and inform recommendations for future community engagement, design guidelines, and zoning
code. Most of the participants were vocal in their desires for a more active and pedestrian-
friendly Uptown Hamel. The participants also had a strong desire to maintain the historic feel of
the area by ensuring the both building façades and color palettes are appropriate. There are many
resources available to the City of Medina as they work towards attaining these goals and
continuing to work with the community is their most valuable asset.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 6
Methods and Strategies for the Revitalization of Uptown Hamel
Introduction
The City of Medina’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies Uptown Hamel as an area for
redevelopment. The City hopes to create a space of civic pride through reinvestment in the area.
The goal of our project was to help the City identify areas of focus for redesigning code and
guidelines for the Uptown Hamel area in alignment with the community vision. The City is
interested in community input on what the community stakeholders—residents, business owners,
and property owners—would like to see for the area. Our team designed and executed a
community engagement process to gain insight into the stakeholder vision for Uptown Hamel.
We completed three open house engagement events, each consisting of three charrette activities.
We supplemented those with an online engagement forum. We then compiled the preferences
and feedback from participants and used it to identify major themes and trends. Analysis of these
trends led to final recommendations for how Medina can move forward with Uptown Hamel’s
revitalization. The open house engagement data was also the foundation for a visual preference
survey from which the City has received the raw results for analysis and interpretation.
Over 50 people engaged with the in-person and online engagement activities. We
identified four main trends in participants’ responses: restaurants, historic feel, parking, and
height restrictions. At the center of these four areas is a desire for a pedestrian friendly Uptown
Hamel. Data from each of the engagement activities showed that many participants feel as
though Uptown Hamel is currently less active and less pedestrian friendly, specifically as a
gathering space, than they would like. In addition to being a gathering space, the participants
were vocal about maintaining and utilizing Uptown Hamel’s historic roots.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 7
The visual preference survey had over 250 responses. While the data has not been fully
analyzed, the raw data shed light on specific design elements for Uptown Hamel. For nearly all
the 11 design topics there were clear preferences from participants.
We recommend that the City of Medina continue to engage the community as the
redevelopment moves forward. Specifically, they should engage the community iteratively to
ensure the design guidelines represent the community’s desires. Additionally, the City should
engage with the four main trends—restaurants, parking, historic feel, and building height.
Possible methods and tools available to the city include creating a pedestrian connectivity plan,
looking into becoming a Certified Local Government and/or a Minnesota Main Street
Community, executing a parking study, and creating a local brand for Uptown Hamel.
Project Background
Medina
Residential growth in Uptown Hamel was addressed somewhat unsuccessfully in the
Medina 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan. In the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, there is more focus
on how the City can encourage both business and residential development. As more growth
occurs in Medina, the City Council and staff want Uptown Hamel to become a unique place the
community can take pride in. Discussions on this topic led to the creation of the new objectives
in Medina’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. There is a historic element in Uptown Hamel that the
City wants to emphasize for everyone to enjoy.
Uptown Hamel
Uptown Hamel was a thriving area in the late 1800s and early 1900s because of its
proximity to the railroad and train depot. The area had a school, hotels, and a post office, which
encouraged people to come and stay in Uptown Hamel. Hamel has always been a part of the City
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 8
of Medina, but the area has historically been known as Hamel after the Lange Hamel family,
who donated the land for the train depot (Medina 2040 Comprehensive Plan, 2018). Now, as its
population rises past 6,000, Medina’s residents are eager to preserve its rural heritage. Figure 1
outlines the boundary of Uptown Hamel based on the zoning ordinances that the City has in
place at the time of this project. Our project area is focused on the area that is zoned Uptown
Hamel.
Over the past fifteen years, many new businesses and single-family homes have been
built near Uptown Hamel. The City’s development strategies—including a 2004 TIF (Tax
Increment Financing) District—have helped the area surrounding Uptown Hamel (2018). Along
Highway 55, commercial development at Clydesdale Marketplace and Hamel Station has
brought economic vitality to the immediate area. The Enclave subdivision is a large development
of single-family homes to the south.
Uptown Hamel itself, however, has not experienced similar growth. Despite the 2010-
2030 Comprehensive Plan’s assumption that high-density residential development would occur
in Uptown Hamel, this type of development has not materialized. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan
revises that assumption by providing “more flexibility for the density of commercial and
residential development in the area” (2018, p. 7-2).
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 9
Figure 1. Land Use Map of Uptown Hamel.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 10
The 2040 Plan calls for a mixed-use approach, encouraging both residential and commercial
development. The hope, according to the Plan, “is that this flexibility will encourage increased
redevelopment in the area” (2018, p. 7-2). There has been no formal community engagement on
this matter up to this point, but working with the community is vital to envisioning and creating
an Uptown Hamel that speaks to the community’s wants and desires.
Engagement Design
Community engagement is a cyclical and iterative process (Bryson, Quick, Slotterback,
and Crosby, 2013). To successfully address the City of Medina’s concepts for the redevelopment
of Uptown Hamel, as well as the constituents’, we utilized multiple community engagement
techniques, strategies, and processes. Our goal for the revitalization project for Uptown Hamel
was to offer engagement activities that were both high in inclusion as well as in participation
(Quick and Feldman, 2011). Community inclusion creates both buy-in from stakeholders and
opportunities to tap into a locally-rooted creativity source.
Stakeholder Analysis
A stakeholder analysis is needed in a project of this scale to determine who should be
involved in the planning, development and implementation of Uptown Hamel project designs.
Listed below are the potential stakeholders involved in this project. These stakeholders should all
have a voice in the planning of Uptown Hamel. During our project, it was our goal to engage as
many stakeholders as possible even if they were not on the list below.
1. Business Owners 2. Land Owners
3. Youth 4. Renters
5. Workers 6. Professional Organizations
7. Elected Officials 8. Non-Profits
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 11
9. School Representatives 10. Business Organizations
11. Environmentalists 12. Disabled Community
13. Neighborhood Groups 14. Pedestrians/Bicyclists
15. Emergency Services 16. Seniors
17. Heritage Organizations 18. City Officials
Before engaging any of the community, it is important to understand the relationships
among stakeholders so that the engagement process runs efficiently. To this end, we conducted a
stakeholder analysis using a framework created by Susskind and Thomas-Larmer (1999),
analyzing core issues of safety, aesthetics, historic character, community vibrancy, and activity
level. Some topics in this project are important to all of the stakeholders, while others only
concerned a minority. However, these five issues were treated equally throughout the
engagement and implementation process. Our community engagement activities were developed
with these key stakeholder relationships in mind.
After a complete analysis (Appendix B), the issues that concerned the highest number of
stakeholder groups were safety and activity level, while aesthetics, historic character and
community vibrancy concerned a majority of the population. It is important for us to find
common ground during the engagement process with the issues that concern all groups. Having
the ability to talk with stakeholders about their main concerns is useful to get the best feedback.
Since our community engagement events are open to everyone, it is important to understand the
dynamics of these issues so the activities and discussions at our events are the most effective.
Process Design
Our community engagement open houses utilized an adult learning approach, with
activities geared towards how adults think about their world. Within that approach, accelerated
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 12
learning provides an active learning engagement, an orchestrated multi-sensory learning
environment, and a relaxed emotional state. Coaching involves having someone with specialized
skills transfer them to someone without those skills through information sharing, modeling,
practicing, and reflection. Guided design involves decision making and problem solving in small
group settings guided by a facilitator. It promotes critical thinking and self-directed learning by
addressing real-world problems. (Trivette, Dunst, Hamby, and O’Herin 2009, p. 2).
We hoped to engage participants in as many different learning methods as possible. They
learned from one another by working on activities together, from us by asking us questions or
being guided through activities, and from themselves through written reflection on their ideas.
Our goal was to allow all participants to engage in ways that best suited their learning style but
also pushed them to engage in new, unfamiliar ways to learn new things. To achieve this, we
designed four engagement activities for the open houses—Dream Street, Vision Mapping,
Preference Scales, and Comment Cards. There were an additional four online engagement
activities—an Online Survey, Online Mapping, Public Comments via email, and a Visual
Preference Survey. These provided a way to participate for those who could not attend the open
houses.
Meetings were held on Saturday, March 2nd from 10am to noon, Wednesday, March 6th
from 5pm to 7pm, and Monday, March 11th from 8am to 10am. Our intention was to set up
meetings on different days of the week with each meeting taking place at a different time in
order to best accommodate non-traditional working schedules and other possible conflicts.
Promotion for these events was done though the City of Medina’s website and the bi-
monthly City newsletter. An additional mailer was sent to addresses immediately north of
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 13
Medina Road as far east as Hunter Drive, on each side of Hamel Road as far as the industrial
park, and on Sioux Drive between Hamel Road and Highway 55.
Specific mailings were sent to the business owners in the area if they were not the
property owners. Our first meeting on February 20th had to be cancelled due to a snowstorm and
was rescheduled for Wednesday March 6th. We notified possible participants by posting it on the
City website and posting a sign at the location of the meeting. It is possible that this cancellation
affected overall attendance.
Activities
Dream Street. This activity was the most hypothetical. It was designed to be thought-
provoking and problem-solving rather than specifically tied to the existing streetscape in Uptown
Hamel. The Dream Street was a basic street and cross-street with streetscape icons on paper tiles
that participants placed along the streets.
There were approximately thirty different tiles depicting things like big box retail, mixed-
use structures, restaurants, green space, parking, cross walks, bike racks, and so on. There were
several copies of each icon, and the street fit about 20 tiles in total. The exact placement of tiles
on the street was less important than how participants engaged with the activity and how their
thoughts about the street developed. Participants were able to think about what their ideal
streetscape looked like, and then find the best way to arrange their idea in a few blocks. Photos
of some of the completed streets are available in Appendix E. Participants were continually
encouraged to view Dream Street as separate from Uptown Hamel, although many found it
easier to think of the activity as a ‘blank slate’ of Uptown Hamel. Some participants were
hesitant because they understood the activity to be ‘pro-redevelopment’ rather than a
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 14
hypothetical thinking exercise. These participants were encouraged to participate honestly, with
this activity as well as the others.
Vision Mapping. The idea behind the vision mapping was to allow people to think very
specifically about what is in Uptown Hamel now, and what they would like to see there in the
future. This activity provided an opportunity for people to think spatially about what they would
like to see in Uptown Hamel.
For each of the three events, a large aerial map of Uptown Hamel was presented with
color-coded dots participants could place on the map indicating what they would like to see in
the area. The dots represented housing, parking, restaurants, businesses, green space, and mixed-
use development. Each meeting had its own map. Photos of the vision maps are available in
Appendix E.
Figure 2. Dream Street Example with Parking Behind Buildings.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 15
Preference Scales. The preference scales activity was the only engagement tool designed
to collect data in a way that could be displayed graphically. Each event had its own set of
posters. By asking participants to indicate how they currently perceive Uptown Hamel and how
they would like to see it in the future, our group received quantitative insight into participant
trends. This activity was not focused on the specifics of what activities would take place or what
types of businesses is desired in the area. The quantitative insights proved useful as we designed
the visual preference survey at the conclusion of the open house events.
A series of six posters were presented allowing participants to indicate their current
perception of and future hopes for Uptown Hamel. The posters had pairs of images designed to
be in contrast: busy or sleepy, historic or modern, and so on. Participants had color-coded dots to
place on a line between the images to show where they felt Hamel was currently (yellow dots)
and where they would like to see it in the future (green dots). See Figure 3 for an example.
Underneath each set of images was a space for participants to place post-it notes elaborating on
their dot placement or giving specific ideas or thoughts. This activity addressed how participants
wanted the area to look and feel, rather than what activities would take place there or what types
of businesses would be drawn to the area. The topics, listed below, were derived from the 2040
Comprehensive Plan objectives (2040 Comprehensive Plan, 2018).
• Parking • Activity Level
• Design: Historic versus Modern • Street Accessory Level
• Design: Visually Cohesive versus Uniform • Design: Single versus Multi Story
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 16
The preference scales
provided an overview of
participants’ general sentiments
regarding each of the six
categories. The results were
compiled and graphed based on
where the colored dots were
placed along the scale.
Comment Cards. The comment card questions were meant both to work alongside the
engagement activities and to act as a substitute if a participant did not feel comfortable with the
participatory nature of the open house. These cards also allowed attendees to comment on the
event itself. In two locations in the open house space, we laid out sheets with a single page of
questions for participants to answer. We asked them for an overview of their current relationship
with Uptown Hamel and their hopes for its redevelopment. Respondents offered both detailed
and general suggestions for changes that they felt could improve the look and feel of Uptown
Hamel. Comment card responses were compiled into a spreadsheet (Appendix F).
Online Survey and Mapping. The online survey was designed to gather information
analogous to what we collected at the in-person engagement activities. This enabled people who
couldn’t attend the events to respond to similar queries. The survey asked participants to indicate
their current perceptions, desires, and opinions about Uptown Hamel by ranking them on a scale
of one (low/negative/not enough) to seven (high/positive/too much). It also provided space for
written answers to supplemental questions. We also created a Google Maps spatial comment
Figure 3. Sample Preference Scale.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 17
forum allowing participants to provide comments based on a specific location in Uptown Hamel
(Appendix F). This was meant to mimic the vision mapping activity that was done in person as
closely as we could online. The data and comments from the online survey and mapping were
compiled into an Excel document (Appendix F). The information was treated as companion data
to the in-person activities.
Public Comments via Email. Public comments that we received via email were all from
stakeholders unable to attend the open houses. These emails were free form so stakeholders
could provide any input that they desired in their own format. Nick Kieser’s email was listed as
the main contact throughout the Uptown Hamel project. The email was listed in the City
newsletter when the Uptown Hamel project was explained, and the open houses were listed. The
email was also on the City’s website and was used in the specific mailings to property owners
and businesses in Uptown Hamel. During the open houses and meetings with the Uptown Hamel
business group, the email was given out to anyone who wanted to provide any other feedback.
We received six emails in all—one from a business owner in Uptown Hamel, and five from
nearby residents. They are reprinted in Appendix F.
Visual Preference Survey. The visual preference survey was designed to ascertain the
community’s specific design preferences. Whereas the open houses were designed to gain an
understanding of the broad visions of Uptown Hamel, this survey was a more in-depth
exploration of attitudes about visual aspects of the area. We also wanted to have a different type
of community engagement that allowed for feedback that could easily be interpreted into design
guidelines.
The survey was built using Qualtrics. The questions were informed by the results of our
community engagement open house events. It was distributed to an email list gathered during the
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 18
open house events and linked to on Medina’s official Facebook account. Participants were
encouraged to share the survey link with other community members to increase participation.
The survey was designed to take approximately ten minutes to complete. The Qualtrics link only
allowed a device to access the survey one time, but the link was easy to distribute so stakeholders
could share the link between each other. We kept the survey open for two weeks after all of our
open houses.
Because of our time restraints, there was no analysis conducted of the data. The raw data
is included in Appendix G. The topics covered are listed below:
• Building Height • Parking • Wayfinding Signage
• Set Backs • Mixed Use Design • Wall Material
• Façade • Greenery • Color Palette
• Awnings • Lighting
Analysis
Methods
The community engagement analysis was predominantly qualitative, due to the nature of
the activities. In order to understand the vision for Uptown Hamel, emphasis was placed on
understanding participants’ preferences through spoken and written narrative responses.
Quantitative results were analyzed in Excel to produce graphs as a visual representation to
accompany the narrative analysis.
Dream Street. A narrative analysis was written by the student who facilitated the activity
for all three open house meetings. She documented how participants engaged with the activity
and their primary ideas, rather than the exact placement of tiles on the street.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 19
Vision Mapping. Trends from each map were visually assessed. The final written
assessment considered conversations with participants during the events and how the dots were
used by different participants.
Preference Scales. The location of dots on the scales was assigned a numerical value
from one to six. This data was entered in an Excel spreadsheet and graphed. Trends were
identified for participants’ current perceptions and future desires.
Comment Cards. All the text from the comment cards was entered in an Excel
spreadsheet and grouped based on questions. Key takeaways and themes were identified.
Online Survey. All the text from the comments was entered in an Excel spreadsheet and
grouped based on questions. Key takeaways and themes were identified. The survey also
generated quantitative results from the preference scale questions, which were entered in an
Excel spreadsheet and graphed.
Online Mapping. The map was visually assessed.
Email Comments. All emails were read and summarized.
Visual Preference Survey. A formal analysis was not performed on the raw data. The
survey program, Qualtrics, provides summary graphs for each question. These were used to gain
a basic understanding of the data.
Outcomes and Findings
The majority of stakeholder who participated in the open houses lived or owned a
business near or in Uptown Hamel (Figure 4). There were a few residents that came from the
Enclave development and the Ridge View Circle/Elm Creek Drive neighborhood. There was also
a small group of residents that were from the Holy Name Drive area and another from Fields of
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 20
Medina. Once resident came from the Medina Highlands neighborhoods, and one from the Villas
of Medina. Thirty-five community members attended in all.
Dream Street. Over the three engagement events, there were dozens of dream streets
created. Although the activity was intended to be hypothetical, rather than a representation of
Uptown Hamel, many of the comments and discussions were rooted in some aspects of Uptown
Hamel as it stands today. The dream streets ranged from keeping everything the same in Uptown
Hamel to a complete imaginary downtown street. Many participants placed a large number of
street accessories—benches, bike racks, and so on—on the street, and paid particular attention to
the crosswalks. People either placed crosswalks around the intersection or down the major street.
The idea was either to make the intersection more pedestrian-friendly or to make the rest of the
street more pedestrian-friendly.
Figure 4. Map of where participants live or work.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 21
Another common idea was to group gathering-place icons together. For example, some
participants placed the park, bike rack, coffee shop/café, and casual restaurant all together. In
some cases these areas were on the same side of the street, and in others they were across the
street from each other. The rationales for these placements were specific. Most participants
wanted to make sure that children didn’t play too close to the street or have to cross the street at
any time while in the area.
Consistently, participants used their icons to address parking, pedestrian accessibility,
housing, and mixed-use development. Concern over the impact of development on traffic was
constant throughout the activity. Participants generally seemed to want to maintain or decrease
the level of traffic while making parking more convenient and having housing and mixed-use
developments in sections of the dream street. Accessibility for pedestrians and bikers was also a
consistent concern. Some participants placed crosswalks at the intersection in order to make
them more visible to drivers, while others thought they would be best situated away from the
intersection to make the area more walkable. Some even felt that crosswalks should be at both
the intersection and the center of the street, in order to further increase pedestrian accessibility.
An example can be seen in Figure 2. There are additional examples in Appendix F.
Participants were also very interested in placing mixed-use buildings along their dream
street. Most wanted housing on top of restaurants or cafés, with a little office space mixed in.
There were two major placements of the mixed-use icons. One group placed them randomly
throughout the entire dream street. The other group placed the mixed-use icons in one section of
the dream street to create an area to walk through and have other parts of the street serve another
function, like a park.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 22
Vision Mapping
Meeting 1: The dots on the map for this meeting show a focus on housing and restaurants
in Uptown Hamel. Housing dots are mainly concentrated on the western part of Hamel Road,
and restaurant dots are concentrated on the eastern part. Store dots are intermingled between the
restaurant dots and are concentrated on the eastern part of Hamel Road. There were minimal
mixed-use dots on this map, and they were mainly located further off the street on the eastern
end of Hamel Road. Restaurants, housing, and store dots were all near the road. Some housing
dots were located off Hamel Road, closer to Hamel Legion Park. There was one comment that
desired an additional pond and more walking trails near Hamel Legion Park.
Meeting 2: The dots from the second event showed more of a mix of all the land uses.
Open-space dots were placed on both ends of Hamel Road, but mainly on the eastern end. There
was a robust mix of housing, store, and restaurant dots near Hamel Road. This suggests a desire
for mixed-use development, even though the specific mixed-use dot was not used as much. This
map suggests a desire to have more activity or development on the eastern end of Hamel Road.
Parking dots were placed on the periphery of the Uptown Hamel district: near Brockton Lane, in
the existing St. Anne Church parking lot, and near the railroad tracks on Sioux Drive. One
comment wanted a unified roundabout at the intersection of Hamel Road and Sioux Drive.
Another comment wanted to eliminate or restrict truck traffic along Hamel Road.
Meeting 3: The map from the third event had the most dots. Again, most of the dots were
located on the eastern end of Hamel Road. Interestingly, many of the open-space dots were
placed far off Hamel Road in places that already have existing trees or open space. The open
space was located near the railroad tracks, and in and to the west of Hamel Legion Park. Housing
dots were spread evenly along Hamel Road, but housing was the only type of dot placed on the
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 23
western part of Hamel Road. On the east end of Hamel Road, there was a mix of restaurants,
housing, and store dots, with more restaurants than housing and stores. Parking dots were placed
in two locations: near existing parking between Hamel Road and Hamel Legion Park, and at the
intersection of Hamel Road and Sioux Drive.
Preference Scales. Participants in the activity felt that the current level of activity along
Uptown Hamel is low, and they would like to see an increase in the future. Participants indicated
that they would like to see more street accessories, such as streetscaping and greenery along the
sidewalks, along with inviting, festive lighting. Participant consensus on façades was that they
contribute to Uptown Hamel’s historic character, which participants wanted to preserve.
Sentiments regarding the availability of parking in the area were more ambiguous. Both the
perceived current and preferred future amount of parking were evenly spread across the board.
There was a concern that with more development, the demand for parking would exceed the
current availability. Participants also reported that they see parking garages as one possible
solution to this concern.
Participants recognized that Uptown Hamel is, at present, predominantly single-story,
and most said they would like to see it become more multi-story in the future. Multi-story, as
explained in the post-it comments, was generally defined as being either two or three stories.
Most participants felt that the current design of Uptown Hamel is not cohesive. About half of the
participants wanted to keep some aspect of the uniqueness and individuality of the buildings in
Uptown Hamel, while the other half wanted a design plan that creates a more visually cohesive
streetscape.
Comment Cards. Comment cards were only filled out by those who attended the in-
person engagement events and were designed to mirror the activities. Unsurprisingly, responses
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 24
tracked closely with the
results of our analysis of the
activity data. However, the
comment cards allowed
participants to offer detailed
explanations of their opinions
in a way that the hands-on
activities did not. It was one
of the only chances, outside of
the post-it notes, for
participants to say exactly what they would like to see where. Participants mentioned things like
bakeries, cafés, casual restaurants, ice cream parlors, and so on. Many respondents discussed
their attachment to the small town feel of Uptown Hamel and the history it holds, while still
advocating for updated amenities and accessible space. The responses in the comment cards were
used to create a word cloud (Figure 5) that showed these as the most common words used:
coffee, shops, restaurants, historic, and walk.
Online Survey and Mapping. The results of the online findings show that participants
perceive Uptown Hamel to have low activity levels and enough parking. They desire a slight
increase in activity and a more cohesive look that emphasizes the district’s historic aspects.
While survey responses indicated that participants are largely satisfied with Uptown Hamel, the
written comments do suggest they would like to see a more family-friendly environment with
gathering spaces. Suggestions included casual restaurants, ice cream stores, and places to sit.
Written comments also voiced concern about new housing creating increased traffic. Diverging
Figure 5. Word cloud created from comment card responses.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 25
from in-person feedback, the online responses showed less emphasis on the historic nature of
Uptown Hamel, and more on increased activity levels, gathering, and family-friendly activities.
Public Comments via Email. The emails focused on how Uptown Hamel could increase
its economic viability and provide more amenities to the neighborhoods around the area.
Stakeholders emphasized accessibility and connecting the area to the surrounding neighborhoods
in all seasons and for all individuals. They also suggested specific restaurants or stores they felt
would increase the number of visitors to the area. These stakeholders wanted a more vibrant
community feel, which they felt would be accomplished with new development bringing more
people to the area or more activities that people could attend. Safety was also a recurring theme
in the email comments. The stakeholders wanted safer means of pedestrian travel, efforts
towards safer through traffic along Hamel Road, and more effective parking.
Trends
After a comprehensive review of the community engagement data gathered both in
person and online, we identified four consistent desires in participant responses: restaurants,
maintaining the perceived historic feel, ensuring that parking is adequately suited to new
development, and keeping building height at or below three stories. Building height was partly a
proxy for enthusiasm for mixed-use development, and partly an indicator of appropriate land use.
Overall, participants wanted Uptown Hamel to be a family-friendly gathering place which is
visibly proud of its historic roots. It is important to state that these trends were identified based
on what appeared to be the most important to the participants, but there is variation in the
participants’ desires regarding them. The following discussion identifies the desires of the
majority while recognizing differing opinions.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 26
Restaurants
There was a strong desire for a café in the downtown area. At the first event, one
participant wrote on an icon for casual restaurant to specify it would be a coffee shop or bakery
(Figure 6). This adjusted icon was consistently chosen by
following participants. Participants also wanted to see
one or two sit-down restaurants, but the desire seemed to
be focused more on informal dining—having somewhere
to grab a quick bite to eat or a drink and go to a baseball
game or Hamel Legion Park.
Many participants in the open house events left
written comments or mentioned during in-person
activities that they would like to see more restaurants and
cafés along Hamel Road. One participant suggested
“[c]offee shop; Restaurant that is family-oriented; Flower
shops; Occasional shops” when asked what they would
like to see in Uptown Hamel on the comment cards. Another participant wanted “[b]reakfast
lunch Restaurants, nail salon, ice cream stand, coffee, brewery/bar that is kid friendly … order at
counter burger/pizza place … could come over after baseball games…” Many other comments
reflect a similar sentiment, a desire for places to dine informally and engage with the community.
There is a strong desire for these restaurants to help create an atmosphere for gathering in
Uptown Hamel. Participants placed at least five restaurant dots on every vision map. There is
also a concentration of restaurant dots on every map on the eastern side of the main intersection.
Figure 6. Dream street icon with “Coffee
Shop/Bakery” added.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 27
Historic Feel
Participants in our community engagement consistently identified the historic feeling of
Uptown Hamel as an important asset. For example, one commented that they “think part of
Uptown Hamel's charm is that it looks like a very quaint country Main Street.” Other participants
thought an update was in order. “I love the historic feel to it but without anything modern added,
it seems to lack that ‘pop’ that many small towns have. We have to move a bit with the times to
stay relevant,” suggested one. By exploring historic preservation through the lens of economic
development and downtown revitalization, we can better assess how this could be capitalized on
in the redevelopment of Uptown Hamel.
This sentiment was also evident in the preference scale activity (Figure 8). Interestingly,
online survey responses leaned more towards changing the current design (Figure 7). The online
survey was taken by fewer participants; the difference in response may be due to a small sample
size. Taken together, however, in-person and online responses suggest a preference for bolstering
the historic feel with modern elements.
Figure 7. Looks: Maintain or Change. Online survey results about maintaining or changing the current look.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 28
Figure 8. Design: Historic vs. Modern. Open house preference scale results for historic versus modern.
Parking
Many comments suggested putting parking behind buildings in order to create a more
cohesive and walkable downtown area. When participants preferred parking ramps to surface
parking, they were very vocal, but they were not the majority. Most participants feel as though
there is currently enough parking but are concerned that with their desire for more activity,
parking may become an issue. One participant explained, “I think for the current businesses, etc.
there is enough parking in Uptown Hamel. The church has their own lot to help them with their
parking. I think Uptown Hamel should look to increase pedestrian traffic from the surrounding
neighborhoods. The park also has enough parking (I have been there at very busy times and
never struggled to park.)” This quote emphasizes that there is enough parking now, but that the
area should be more pedestrian-friendly. Another participant describes the need for proactive
planning this way: “Parking should be planned for each business, or block of businesses.
Preferred to be behind the store fronts.” This participant expands on the idea: “Emphasize
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 29
gathering spaces, stores. Hide parking but need some street parking to create buzz on main
street.” Some participants want a parking ramp, but that is not supported by how much parking
participants seem to anticipate needing due to redevelopment. However, it is aligned with
participants’ desire to have parking situated away from the main road. This desire was also seen
in the vision mapping activity. The yellow dots, representing parking, were primarily placed on
the edges of the Uptown Hamel area or behind the main street. The preference scale activity had
conflicting results, largely due to confusing wording on the poster itself regarding the future
desires. As a result, it is hard to interpret the future desires. However, there seems to be a general
perception that there is currently enough parking in Uptown Hamel (Figure 9).
Figure 9. Parking: Enough vs. Not enough. Open house preference scale results for parking.
Height Restrictions
Building height came up throughout the in-person activities. In the dream street activity,
most participants avoided icons that were large or appeared to be over three stories.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 30
Conversations around the dream street and vision mapping activity frequently came back to
building height, especially regarding mixed-use development. Many participants wanted
clarification about whether “mixed use” could be done in a two-story building, or if it inherently
meant a larger building. After clarification, most participants liked the idea of having two- or
three-story buildings throughout the area.
Preference scales also showed that building heights are currently perceived to be low
throughout the area, but that participants are open to higher building heights in the future.
Comments that were left with the preference scales also showed a desire for a mixed profile of
building heights, which reflects a desire for mixed-use development in the area.
Figure 10. Design: Single vs. Multi Story. Open house preference scale results for single-story versus multi-story.
Discussion
The overarching theme tying our four data trends together is a desire for a pedestrian-
friendly Uptown Hamel. All of them—restaurants, historic feel, parking, and building height—
are evidence of the desire to have a pedestrian-friendly gathering space throughout the area.
Other interests that emerged during the community engagement, like the desire for more street
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 31
accessories (Figures 11), are further supporting evidence of this vision. The following discussion
expands on the importance of each trend and explains how it contributes to the overarching
theme of a pedestrian-friendly area. We also address the idea of creating a cohesive feel in an
area. By this we mean creating an area with a distinct identity that is sustained throughout the
area, as opposed to an area that is repetitive, identical, and uniform.
Figure 11. Street Accessories: Few vs. Many. Open house preference scale results for street accessories.
Restaurants
The presence of restaurants and cafés has been shown to bring people to an area and to
increase the amount of time spent by individuals in that area. Additionally, more frequently,
restaurants are functioning as the initial draw for consumers to visit a shopping center or
business district (Edelson, 2006). This is important for Uptown Hamel because as shopping
experiences continue to shift to online platforms and home deliveries, local restaurants provide a
unique service that continues to bring customers into the physical dining room. Lin, Pearson, and
Cai (2011) view restaurants as a branding opportunity for the surrounding community,
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 32
identifying opportunities for the online world to interact with the physical one. As “destination
restaurants” become increasingly popular with the rise of social media, these restaurants also
double as brand ambassadors for the community. Having a strong brand identity can help
distinguish the area from competitors and build customer loyalty in the long run. Two or three
locally-run and locally-supported restaurants or cafés in Uptown Hamel would help create a
cohesive feel, bolster local pride, and allow for the creation of gathering spaces along the
corridor.
It is important to understand the necessary components for creating a “convivial” place,
like that which is desired by the participants. Rodriguez and Simon (2015) use the term
“convivial” to describe places that are lively, friendly, and allow for human interaction among
diverse groups. Some of the works that Rodriguez and Simon draw from blame a lack of
conviviality for urban spaces that lack human interaction, activity in the streets, and a loss of
social capital. Conviviality aims to draw individuals to the physical space while providing a
place to do so. These spaces are often be public or semi-public places, such as restaurants, coffee
shops, or plazas, where people can gather and stay for as little or as long as they want. Being able
to connect with others helps create a sense of place, safety, and enjoyment for everyday life
(Blackson, 2012). Currently, Uptown Hamel has few areas that can be described as convivial.
The addition of restaurants and cafés, with public space such as benches or tables, will help
create these spaces in Uptown Hamel.
A study conducted in 2014 reiterates the importance of restaurants and cafés in drawing
community members to an area. In this study, conducted by Grunwell and Ha (2014) for a small
town in North Carolina, survey respondents (town visitors and nearby university students and
faculty) consistently responded that their top reason for visiting the town was for restaurants and
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 33
specialty food stores. When asked what they would like to see more of in this small town, the
responses included more ethnic restaurant and food options. These findings suggest that the
opening of the desired restaurants will bring more community members to Uptown Hamel and
bolster its conviviality.
Historic Feel
Historic preservation has been identified as a supporting strategy to downtown
revitalization and economic development (Ryberg-Webster & Kinahan, 2014). For Ryberg-
Webster and Kinahan, place matters in economic and community development in relation to
historic preservation. “Recent literature on building local competitive advantage through unique
built environments, attracting the ‘creative class’ through urban amenities, livable neighborhoods
and a strong sense of place, and capitalizing on neighborhood assets to drive community
development has reinvigorated the idea that place matters” (p. 127). They quote an article saying
“the authenticity historic buildings represent is marketable in an environment that all too often
features routinized and formulaic development” (p. 127). Capitalizing on a community’s historic
resources puts that community at an advantage due to the uniqueness of those offerings.
“Historic resources are important to resilient communities because they are places of
memory and stability even in the face of… change” (Appler & Rumbach, 2016, p. 92). By
protecting historic resources, communities preserve a shared identity and reinforce social capital
(2016). Historic preservation can encompass several things be yond direct preservation. It can
include adaptive reuse—where a property is redeveloped for a new economically viable need—
or design guidelines to help an area retain historic character (Ryberg-Webster & Kinahan, 2014).
Adaptive use can spawn economic development by finding economically viable new uses
for old properties and creating additional revitalization activities in surrounding properties
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 34
(Wojno, 1991). Wojno advocates for planners to capitalize on the connection between economic
development and revitalization. Planners can reduce the burden of redevelopment on investors
by reducing regulations for adaptive reuse projects, allowing them to not be held to the same
standards as new developments.
Uptown Hamel has many options for maintaining its historic feel. There are planning,
social, and design methods for achieving this goal. Additionally, these goals can be directly
aligned to the revitalization and even help bolster it. Preservationists have worked with cities to
ensure that zoning ordinances, comprehensive plans, design review, and other planning efforts
help retain historic character, showing that the field is moving toward more flexibility (Ryberg-
Webster & Kinahan, 2014). Ryberg-Webster & Kinahan source many studies done showing that
historic preservation increases property values and has the potential for “catalytic spillover
effects” contributing to the revitalization of adjacent properties.
Main street revival in a smaller urban area can hinge on small scale, targeted responses
like creating an unusual attraction (for example, a carousel), introducing a farmer’s market, or
adopting a theme for the street (Filion, Hoernig, Bunting, & Sands, 2004). In Filion, Hoernig,
Bunting, and Sands’ study of successful small-metro Central Business Districts (CBD), they
were able to identify these key areas of highest importance: active, street-oriented retail space;
cultural activities (such as art galleries or live entertainment); concentrations of jobs; and a
pedestrian-friendly environment with busy sidewalks. Additional areas of importance were green
space, civic events, and a wide variety of land uses to encourage activity throughout the day.
Beyond the types of retail or individual activities, the study stressed the importance of using
design to maximize “pedestrian-based synergy between downtown activities” (2004, p. 332).
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 35
Filion, Hoernig, Bunting, and Sands identify six categories of measures used by
successful small-metro CBDs that may be appropriate for Uptown Hamel. The first is using
incentives to provide public-sector financial support to private investments such as tax increment
financing, loan guarantees, and other incentive funding. The second addresses creating
identifiable streetscapes through urban furniture, façade improvement programs, and public art.
The third involves placement of public buildings and convention centers in the area. The fourth
is addressing pedestrian issues through parking management—using traffic calming measures,
creating pedestrian malls, creating municipally run parking, or possibly banning parking
altogether. The fifth is preserving natural amenities and creating pedestrian corridors to these
areas. The sixth includes marketing and event programming to increase the visibility of the area.
Parking
A growing body of work that began with the publication of Donald Shoup’s The High
Cost of Free Parking in 2005 points to cities having a chronic excess of parking, much of it
underpriced. Shoup argues that this is generally the result of municipal planning and zoning
decisions made in order to maximize convenience and efficiency for cars (Shoup, 2005). Due to
the car-centric nature of these decisions, cities and towns looking to revitalize and re-imagine
themselves have faced problems developing infill, redeveloping existing urban spaces, and
creating pedestrian- and bike-friendly places. While many cities have come to understand the
seemingly counterintuitive logic of Shoup’s (2005) arguments about parking, there are still many
others who have not. As such, implementation has come in fits and starts. In addition, downtown
business owners often fear negative economic impacts without ample free parking. However,
research shows that exactly the opposite is likely to happen.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 36
Another common concern is that an influx of new people, whether residents or customers
attracted to new business development, will cause parking issues in an urban area. In response,
municipalities have historically imposed parking minimums on development. LeRoy (2017)
notes the negative effects on this assumption has on urban areas—increased real estate prices,
more cars, and a “degraded built environment” (p.3). He argues for the elimination of parking
minimums, and cites case studies in Champaign, Illinois, Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Buffalo,
New York, where the problems he describes have been ameliorated.
This research implies that the Uptown Hamel community participants are wise in
thinking that parking should be moved away from the main street in order to create a pedestrian-
focused area. It also emphasizes that while historically, planning has been very auto-friendly
with respect to parking, it also has the power to be the opposite. Uptown Hamel can embed the
desires of the communities into zoning code and parking requirements in order to achieve the
desired balance of car- and pedestrian-friendliness.
Many older downtowns, like Uptown Hamel, have become surrounded by suburban
areas. Even if the immediate downtown zone is bike- and pedestrian-friendly, most people will
arrive there by car. Providing an appropriate level of parking is critical to these downtowns’
success, while too much will be detrimental to their vitality. Vehicle accommodation is
important, as it is still an auto-oriented world, but that need not be the downtown death sentence
it has been in the past.
Height Restrictions
In the context of a downtown, subdivision, or other distinct district, building heights
combine with massing, proportion, and scale to create visual coherence (Gorski, 2009). Height is
perhaps the simplest to understand. New development shouldn’t be out of proportion to existing
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 37
structures. When older or historic properties exist next to new development, these visual
concepts help create a sense of place that encompasses both. Participants agree that new
developments should reflect the general look and feel of current buildings. One participant
explained that they “[l]ove single or 2 stories. Avoid 3+ stories. Keep small town feel.” This
quote accurately depicts the sentiment of many participants that the new developments should
‘keep the small-town feel.’ A majority of the comments, however, stated that three stories was an
acceptable height for development. The desire for three-story buildings is aligned with a desire
for mixed-use development. As another participant noted, “[t]he mixed-use profile allows for
street level access to businesses while providing housing on 1 or 2 levels above. No more than 3
floors in total.” Participants felt as though three stories provides enough new development to
increase the activity level of the area while maintaining the small-town feel. The three-story limit
is also aligned with desires to limit, or at least control, the amount of new traffic that increased
development might bring.
Building height limitations also impact public safety, health, and planning. From a public
safety standpoint, height restrictions have been used to ensure that buildings can be adequately
protected by a municipality’s firefighting equipment. From a public health standpoint, they
ensure that light and air are not blocked. Planners can use height restrictions to encourage
cohesiveness and “small-town feel.” Setting maximums on building height, however, is only one
part of that equation. In order to create a feeling of cohesion and community, planning best
practices call for a variety of building heights, with only some at the maximum. The flexibility
that the new Comprehensive Plan affords the Planning Commission and City Council should
allow for a well-curated mix of building heights beneath the three-story restriction.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 38
Recommendations
Most of the recommendations that follow align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
objectives for Uptown Hamel. They are also mindful of the overarching context of pedestrian
accessibility, which is common to all four of the participant response trends.
Engagement
We recommend is continuing to engage stakeholders on the possible changes in Uptown
Hamel. This can be accomplished by utilizing the City’s existing social media outlets, but we
also recommend they begin reaching out on additional social media outlets. Medina could create
a Twitter, or Instagram, or utilize local Nextdoor community pages. The City could also consider
creating a separate Uptown Hamel social media presence, now or as activity levels begin to
increase.
Using direct email to contact stakeholders was very successful for this project and
produced the highest amount of participation. We suggest the City begin a direct email list to
keep in touch with constituents concerned about specific projects and generate participation in
this way as well.
Along with these digital forms of engagement, Medina should find ways to engage with
the community directly through events and activities. The City can begin by having a presence at
existing events in or near Uptown Hamel like the Hamel Rodeo or Freeze Your Buns Run, or at
baseball tournaments in Hamel Legion Park. By providing impromptu situations for engagement,
the City gains access to stakeholders they might otherwise miss. It also shows the City is willing
and able to come to people where they already are. The City can also create new events in
Uptown Hamel, like a farmer’s market or other family-focused events, that will help bring
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 39
pedestrian activity to the area, engage different stakeholders, and expand the stakeholder group
the City can reach as Uptown Hamel continues to change.
We recommend that the City develop an Uptown Hamel brand. This brand will act as a
physical manifestation of the pride the community has for the area. It will also help bring
together the continued engagement around Uptown Hamel by making the events easily
identifiable. Additionally, creating the brand is a great engagement opportunity for the
community. The brand can also be utilized for wayfinding and signage throughout the area to
create an “Uptown Hamel feel” and highlight the historic features.
Trend Recommendations
Each of the trend-specific recommendations below achieves a specific goal within the
process of revisioning Uptown Hamel. The recommendations act together to promote the
pedestrian-friendly gathering place so enthusiastically outlined at our community engagement
events and online.
Restaurants. One way to encourage restaurants to open a brick and mortar store in
Uptown Hamel is to encourage and provide a space for food trucks. If the city code allows for
food trucks in Uptown Hamel, and the trucks have a space to set up near local activities, they
may see the hole in the market that has been described by so many participants. The first barrier
to entry is city code. We recommend that it be reviewed to ensure that food trucks are expressly
allowed within certain areas of Uptown Hamel. Second, identifying a location for the food trucks
to set up will be key to attracting the trucks. Since Uptown Hamel is not currently a destination
area, perhaps the best way to begin the truck program would be in conjunction with the youth
baseball program at Hamel Legion Park or at a public event on Hamel Road.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 40
Parking. Parking should be studied in more detail in the Uptown Hamel area. It will be
important to understand the parking needs in Uptown Hamel when new developments come into
the area. Uptown Hamel is unique from other areas in Medina, so it is difficult to determine
parking needs without direct analysis. Thoughtfully conceived parking areas that do not inhibit
pedestrian connectivity or traffic flows will be important here. Ideally, stakeholders would like to
see parking away from Hamel Road. When new developments go through the approval process,
Medina should encourage pedestrian connections that will help improve the existing
infrastructure. In the new ordinances for Uptown Hamel, flexibility will be key to balancing the
amount of parking required for new development with the area’s pedestrian needs. New
developments should be encouraged to propose innovative and creative ways to manage parking
and pedestrian needs in the area.
Height and Historic Feel. Creating design guidelines for the area will help manage both
the height and massing of developments and the overall historic feel. The best opportunity for
Medina to apply new design guidelines to developments is when those developments go through
the approval process with the Planning Commission and the City Council. The Council and
Planning Commission can review new developments to ensure that the height stays at or below
three stories. Since the historic feel was an important aspect for many stakeholders in Uptown
Hamel, new developments should go through a flexible and comprehensive design plan review.
This will allow for more community input at public hearings and help ensure the design and
characteristics of new developments complement the community vision of Uptown Hamel. Open
Council and Commission meetings let the public speak directly with the developer and describe
their goals for Uptown Hamel. This will lead to development that better represents the
community’s vision of Uptown Hamel.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 41
The results and preliminary analysis from the Visual Preference Survey (Appendix G)
can be used to create the design guidelines for Uptown Hamel. Both the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) and the Minnesota Main Street program provide resources and
support for establishing design guidelines in different ways. The SHPO provides grant funding
for Certified Local Governments for the creation of design guidelines, while Minnesota Main
Street provides access to materials and networks that will support a community in creating
design guidelines.
Medina should consider starting a Heritage Preservation Commission to begin the
process of becoming a Certified Local Government. It opens doors to additional funding sources,
tax credits for developers, and resources that could assist in historic area revitalization. It will
also provide required oversight to developments that take place under the HPC’s jurisdiction.
While Uptown Hamel might not be the right fit for a historic district designation, the
community’s connection to its history is a sign that preserving that history when and where
possible would be of value.
Medina should also consider becoming a Network Community with the Minnesota Main
Street program. Becoming a Network Community has a small annual fee ($250) and provides the
City with access to quarterly conferences that cover topics that may be of interest to the Uptown
Hamel revitalization initiative. The program has been very successful in many communities and
may be a good fit for Medina. Becoming a Main Street Community requires community support,
of which it is evident that Medina has a lot. Exploring the possibilities as a Network Community
would allow Medina to see if this is the right program for their community.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 42
Implementation Tools
Pedestrian Connectivity Plan
Establishing a connectivity plan will allow Medina to create a more cohesive
environment for pedestrian activity in the Uptown Hamel area. The plan can consist of any areas
the City feels would improve this overall goal, such as designing a complete sidewalk system,
installing street amenities, implementing traffic calming measures, and utilizing wayfinding
signage. By investing in a long-term plan to create a pleasing pedestrian environment, Medina
can leverage that plan to encourage local businesses and property owners to support the plan.
In 2014, Mankato established a “Front Street Connectivity Plan” (2014) that could serve
as a useful guide to Medina. It is focused on a distinct area of their town, has overarching
implementation goals, and provides specific actions, timeline, and cost outlines. It discusses the
idea of encouraging local businesses to engage in co-op parking to decrease the space used for
lots. It lists ideas for creating a more aesthetically-pleasing environment, including a table of tree
species that can thrive when planted along streets. Wayfinding signage is a large part of the
implementation plan, acknowledging that is complex to implement signage for all entrances into
an area. This would likely be less of a concern for Medina as Uptown Hamel is smaller in size
and wayfinding implementation would likely not have as many phases.
The plan also includes what they call the “Great Streets Best Practices Guide Book” that
identifies twelve places around the world that have created lively, pedestrian-focused
environments. The Guide Book lays out street and sidewalk configuration, overall layout, land
use and development, and amenities for each of the study areas. They each approach the topic of
pedestrian connectivity in different ways that work for their individual communities—as Medina
would be doing as well.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 43
Parking Study and Local Examples
A parking study would allow the City of Medina to fully understand the current use of the
available parking. This will help inform how parking should be shifted during redevelopment
and speak to the quantity that should be required of developers. Performing the parking studies at
peak and low levels of activity within Uptown Hamel will also help determine the quantity of
parking needed as activity increases.
Throughout Minnesota, dozens of cities have addressed parking dilemmas as their
downtowns have grown—or grown back. Many solutions involve providing parking in blocks
just off or behind the main business or historic district, much as our community engagement
participants suggested for Uptown Hamel. This approach has been used effectively in the 50th
and France area of Edina, where large garages hide parking and enable the density that powers
this bustling shopping village (“50th and France,” 2019). The City of Red Wing has invested in
three ramps away from its historic district (“City of Red Wing,” 2019). Of course, this kind of
parking is expensive—on average, $24,000 per space (Litman, 2009) compared to the cheaper
alternative of surface lots. Smaller cities like Excelsior have used surface lots to create parking
opportunities off the main street, enhancing the experience of pedestrians on the main street
(“Excelsior Minnesota,” n.d.).
Certified Local Governments
Certified Local Governments (CLGs) are a nationwide tool for historic preservation. To
become a CLG, a city, county, or township must apply to their State Historic Preservation Office
(SHPO). To be considered eligible, they must first have a qualifying heritage preservation
ordinance and a commission (also known as an HPC) (“Minnesota State Historic Preservation
Office,” n.d.). Part of the HPC’s job in overseeing the work of the preservation ordinance is
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 44
designation of properties and building permit reviews. Minnesota’s SHPO provides a sample
ordinance that local governments can use to meet the requirements for application.
CLGs are required to maintain a qualified HPC, maintain a system for identifying historic
properties, enforce appropriate legislation for the designation and protection of historic
properties, provide for public participation in the local preservation program, play an expanded
role in nominating properties to the National Register, and perform other agreed-upon functions
delegated by the SHPO. CLGs are eligible for additional grant funding for projects including
historic resource surveys, building reuse studies, design guidelines for property owners, and
public education. In 2019, around $95,000 was available in grant funding for CLGs (“Minnesota
State Historic Preservation Office,” n.d.). Of the 56 municipalities with HPCs in Minnesota, only
14 are not also CLGs (“Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office,” n.d.). CLGs that may be
of interest include Excelsior, Lanesboro, Hastings, Red Wing, and Litchfield.
Minnesota Main Street
Minnesota Main Street is a Main Street America Coordinating program run by the
Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (“Minnesota Main Street,” n.d.). The goal is to provide
partner communities with training, tools, information, and networking to reinvigorate their
commercial districts (Minnesota Main Street, 2018). The program is most effective in
communities where residents have a strong “emotional, social, and civic connection” and are
motivated to make a difference. Minnesota Main Street provides quarterly workshops, held in
one of the Designated Main Street Communities, that cover different topics related to main street
revitalization. The workshops require a small registration fee but are open to all and can be a
good way to determine if the program is a good fit for a community (“Minnesota Main Street,”
n.d.).
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 45
Minnesota Main Street has a proven track record of helping communities revitalize their
downtowns. In 2017, for every $1 spent to run a local Main Street program, $23.77 was
reinvested into the community. They boast a yearly contribution of $13 million in financial
investment, 123 property improvements, 32 new businesses, 229 new jobs, and over 5,000 hours
of volunteer time (Minnesota Main Street, 2018). They offer multiple levels of partnership,
Network Communities and Designated Main Street Communities. The Network level is focused
on providing access to resources and networking opportunities for communities that have an
interest in revitalization but may not have the capacity to meet Designated status yet. Designated
Main Street Communities have multiple levels: Affiliate Communities and Accredited
Communities. Affiliate Communities include Small City Affiliates and Big City Affiliates, a
distinction based entirely on population size (Big Cities are over 5,000 in population, Small
Cities are under). Affiliate Communities have demonstrated their commitment to the
comprehensive revitalization of their downtowns and are continuing major efforts towards
revitalization. Accredited Communities have achieved distinction in their efforts and outcomes.
They are held to a series of accreditation standards in order to achieve this level (Minnesota
Main Street, 2018).
Since program success is highly determined by community involvement, Minnesota Main
Street stresses the importance of the community understanding the program. Communities often
take one to two years learning about Minnesota Main Street and working with the program.
There is no application deadline, applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and annual fees
vary depending on level. Initial entry into the Network Communities is $250 yearly while Big
City Affiliates have an annual fee of $2,500. Affiliates have larger commitments to make as a
community (establishing a Main Street Steering Committee, for one), but in return they gain
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 46
access to more services. For instance, they gain the ability to apply for funding, design services
and training, and strategic planning assistance (Minnesota Main Street, 2018).
Through Minnesota Main Street, communities also gain access to a new pilot program
called Artists on Main Street. Artists on Main Street is working in partnership with Springboard
for the Arts to explore how creative placemaking can influence main street development and
address challenges faced by main street communities today. They hold workshops on creative
placemaking, and their pilot year projects can be seen in Faribault, Mankato, and Winona
(“Minnesota Main Street,” n.d.).
Conclusion
Medina’s community has shown great interest in the revitalization of Uptown Hamel.
The trends that emerged from our engagement activities and online platforms outlined a vision of
a more pedestrian-friendly and inviting corridor. By creating design guidelines and codes for the
area that reflect these visions, Medina can confidently move forward with the process of
redevelopment. Medina should also continue engaging with the community by using diverse
methods of outreach as it moves forward with this process. Creating new opportunities for
community involvement in and interaction with Uptown Hamel will build a sense of ownership
and long-term sustainability.
REVITALIZATION OF UPTOWN HAMEL 47
References
50th and France. (2019). Retrieved from 50th and France website:
https://www.50thandfrance.com/
2040 Comprehensive Plan. (2018). Retrieved from City of Medina website:
https://medinamn.us/regulations-fees/comprehensive-plan/
Appler, D., & Rumbach, A. (2016). Building Community Resilience Through Historic
Preservation. Journal of the American Planning Association, 82(2), 92–103.
https://doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2015.1123640
Blackson, H. (2012). The Five Cs of Neighborhood Planning. Retrieved from Place Makers
website: http://www.placemakers.com/2012/08/30/the-five-cs-of-neighborhood-planning/
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Appendices
Appendix A
Comprehensive Plan 2040 Objectives for Uptown Hamel
The Uptown Hamel land use allows for a mix of residential and commercial uses to create a vibrant, walkable,
and attractive place; a place to shop, work and live.
Objectives:
1. Allow a mix of residential and commercial uses to co-exist on adjacent parcels as well as within the same
structure or on the same parcel. Uptown Hamel is intended to provide flexibility in terms of residential and
commercial uses. As a result, it is difficult to project future uses in the area, but it is estimated that approx-
imately 40% of the land will be utilized for residential purposes, 40% for commercial uses, and 20% for
office uses.
2. Consider alternatives for meeting parking requirements including parking in the rear of buildings, shared
parking, on-street, underground, or ramp parking.
3. Use building standards that enhance and maintain the small town heritage and traditional small-town look
including brick facades, traditional street lighting, and overhangs over the sidewalk, boardwalks, and the like.
Establishment of design guidelines to support this objective.
4. Involve residents, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders in the planning of these areas.
5. Create master plans for mixed-use areas to ensure integration of uses and responsiveness to adjacent land
uses.
6. Establish design criteria for platting and developing site plans which will be compatible with surrounding
physical features, existing land uses and the preservation of ecologically significant natural resources.
7. Encourage underground or structured parking through flexibility to standards, including increased residential
density up to 20 units per acre.
8. Emphasize resident and pedestrian safety.
9. Require utilities to be placed underground wherever possible for reasons of aesthetic enhancement and safety.
10. Regulate noise, illumination, and odors as needed to maintain public health and safety.
Appendix B
Stakeholder Analysis
Table 1: Issues of Significant Concern to Stakeholders
Safety Aesthetic Historic
Character
Community
Vibrance Activity Level
Business
Owners X X X
Youth X X X
Elected Officials X X X X X
School
Representatives X X
Environmental-
ists X X
Neighborhood
Groups X X X X
Emergency
Services X X
Heritage
Organizations X X
Land Owners X X X X X
Renters X X X X
Professional
Organizations X X X
Non-Profits X X X X X
Business
Organizations X X X X X
Disabled
Community X X
Pedestrians/
Bicyclists X X
Seniors X X X X X
Workers X X
City Officials X X X X X
Appendix C
Templates
Comment Cards
Uptown Hamel Comments
1. How often do you come to Uptown Hamel? What might bring you to the area more?
2. What would you like to see happen with Uptown Hamel in the future?
3. What characteristics of Uptown Hamel are important to you? Do you want to be cohesive or diverse?
Modern or historic?
4. Do you want to see more activity in the area? If so, what type of activity?
5. What kinds of businesses/restaurants would you like to see in Uptown Hamel?
6. Is parking an area of concern when coming to Uptown Hamel? Would it be an area of concern if the
area was more active?
7. Is there anything else you want to share? How can we improve this engagement event in the future?
Online Survey via Google Forms
4/3/2019 Uptown Hamel Redevelopment
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aFcB6l_GPK3nPQ1hpv8VsEtRdS6Wd6kLzG6WPoOWXng/edit 1/3
Uptown Hamel Redevelopment
The Uptown Hamel area has been identified for redevelopment in Medina's 2040 Comprehensive plan.
As part of our Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Project, we are conducting community
engagement to better understand what Medina residents would like to see in Uptown Hamel.
If you would like to give feedback in person, there will be three open house events held at the Hamel
Community Center.
(3200 Mill Drive, Medina MN 55340)
February 20th, 2019: 5 pm to 7:30 pm (Rescheduled due to weather)
March 2nd, 2019: 10 am to Noon
March 6th, 2019: 5 pm to 7:30 pm
March 11th, 2019: 8 am to 10 am
Additionally, feedback can be given to Nick Kieser at Kiese057@umn.edu
* Required
1. Currently, how satisfied are you with Uptown Hamel? *
Mark only one oval.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Not Satisfied Very Satisfied
2. Why are you dis/satisfied with Uptown Hamel? What draws you to Uptown Hamel or what
keeps you from coming? *
3. How active is Uptown Hamel? *
Mark only one oval.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Not very Very active
4. How active would you like Uptown Hamel to be? *
Mark only one oval.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Less Active More active
5. Please comment on the current level of activity and desired level of activity in Uptown Hamel.
6. How would you like Uptown Hamel to look?
Mark only one oval.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7. Describe how you would like Uptown Hamel to look.
8. Is there enough parking in Uptown Hamel?
Mark only one oval.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
9. Where is there too much/little parking? x
10. What would you like to see more of in Uptown Hamel? (ie. more restaurants, sidewalks, etc)
11. Any overall feedback for the event? How can we improve these events to best capture your
input?
12. What are your preferred methods of contact to provide input in the future? (ie. survey, events,
email, etc)
13. What neighborhood in Medina or surrounding
city do you live in?
14. If you would like to receive updates and
notices for future engagement opportunities,
please leave your email address.
Powered by
Google Forest -1
Appendix D
Complete Email List
stangfam2014@gmail.com
robinson.kelsey@gmail.com
bob@rundigital.net
ericabob@gmail.com
katieshoemt@gmail.com
jcasey@weg.net
davidshubbe@aol.com
tmcskipper@gmail.com
tboser@yahoo.com
ddesclawziers@gmail.com
peter.galzki@medinamn.gov
tsharp2972@aol.com
jendav028@yahoo.com
andybell2022@gmail.com
krathke1@aol.com
Jenniferumphrey@gmail.com
mhbartkowski@gmail.com
andybell2022@gmail.com
peter.galzki@medinamn.gov
filestea@yahoo.com
Landrotv@hotmail.com
Dhelmey@gmail.com
alexandra.theon@gmail.com
jmschwar@mtu.edu
drbrendafortin@fortinchiropractic.com
jcasey@weg.net
connie@fortinconsulting.com
Indigohomeandinteriors@gmail.com
tdykhoff@a-p.com
rmfortin4@gmail.com
gavinsalsbery@yahoo.com
nikerina@me.com
buzzellamassage.sarah@gmail.com
larry.hoglund@biworldwide.com
kdragisich@fsboh.com
scott.johnson@medinamn.gov
MOmann@fsboh.com
RTraut@fsboh.com
Appendix E
Images by Activity Type
Dream Street
Land Use Map
Scale Activity
Appendix F
Results
In-Person Event Figures
Online Graphs
Google Maps Comment Online Activity
Email Comments
“Hello Scott -- I’ll be out of town during March, so won’t be able to attend the
Revitalization meetings. I work at Art 2 Heart and have a suggestion: can the city please
plow the sidewalks in the Uptown area? The retail businesses -- as well as the
customers -- would really appreciate this!
Currently, we shovel snow off our own area, of course. But the Post Office and other
non-retail businesses don’t shovel off their walks. This inhibits foot traffic all winter.
Thanks!”
“I hope your Uptown meeting was successful!
I had a comment about the public parking and didn’t want to do it while Terri and Brad Lein were there.
I think a parking ramp would be perfect, eventually, located at the municipal lot behind the giant apartment
building and Cloe’s attic.
Not only does the City already own the property, but it would be a wonderful addition to the Community Build-
ing. Our lot is constantly being encroached upon with the baseball, t-ball, sliding, skating...you name it!
There really isn’t enough spots for our own clients when it’s a big event. The bank allows overflow parking
when they are not open for business, but eventually, this will get to be a bigger and bigger problem. Who
knows...maybe the HCB will put on an addition someday!
Thank you,”
“I think there was an open to the public planning meeting that was canceled because of a snow storm and I
am not sure if there was one rescheduled. One of the ideas I wanted to bring to the open house session was a
suggestion regarding distracted driving due to cell usage. I mostly hear about proposed new regulations and
laws, but I don’t ever hear about cities taking actions to provide ways to facilitate better cell phone usage. My
suggestion would be that the city of Medina work towards creating designated and signed communications
areas specifically designed as pull off areas for drivers to use their phones. These Com-spots could be widened
approaches on rural roads and possibly multi-use areas like parking lots in our cities. In our current society we
now live with cameras and heightened awareness of things that look suspicious, so anyone who pulls over in
a driveway to is scrutinized. This can make drivers hesitant pull over to use phones or social communications.
There are also some areas where roads are narrow with no shoulders so it isn’t safe. My hope would be that by
providing Com-spots we could encourage better phone usage, and have a safer city. I think a driver going down
a road seeing a sign for a designated Com-spot in short distance would likely wait to view a text or make a call.
I don’t think this concept would be to costly and could be phased in or out based on public reactions.”
“I live in the Enclave neighborhood in Medina. I am unable to attend the open houses for the revitalization of
uptown Hamel, but am looking forward to see what becomes of the area! One thing that I have noticed are that
the sidewalks are not stroller friendly. The pavers make for a very bumpy ride for my little ones and when I have
tried to walk in the area I have ended up walking on the street. There are so many sidewalks/paths leading to
uptown Hamel and it would be great if it were more walk-able for families.”
Hello, I recently received the mailing and visited the city web site about the Uptown Hamel Project. I
don’t think I will be able to make any of the upcoming open houses but I wanted to share some
thoughts.
First, I think it’s a good idea to get some input and make some changes to Uptown Hamel. We were one
of the first homes built in the Enclave development and we love the neighborhood and park and the
location overall. However, after being here for almost 7 years, there are some opportunities for
improvement. There are hundreds of new homes within walking distance of the downtown area and it
doesn’t have much of value for any of us. There are too many antique shops and too little else and most
of those buildings are very old and look out of date. Inn Kahoots is a funny old bar but not really a
welcoming gathering place. We could use a coffee shop/wine bar - there is one in Excelsior that would
fit very well with the demographic here now. That Hamel Brewery would have been great by the way so
use that space for something new. We love the little restaurant down the hill called Oak Eatery, it would
have been great to have that on Main Street as it’s not really walkable to get down that hill from our
neighborhoods. A similar little development to that building that Oak Eatery is in would be great up on
Main Street. The other thing that would be great to have are some festivals like the Edina Art Fair or
James J Hill days in Wayzata - close the street and get some food trucks and artisans in there. The Rodeo
event could be leveraged more to bring in some people to the downtown area rather than just some
bands at Inn Kahoots. Finally, there are a lot of young kids in the new neighborhoods and there will be
many more when the development on Brockton gets done so focus on that demographic, maybe an ice
cream or yogurt shop or something like that.
Anyway, I’m just brainstorming but wanted to share my thoughts.
I’m writing in response to the Uptown Hamel Open House notice we received in the mail today. Life is
busy so rather than attending one of the open houses I’m emailing with my thoughts.
My wife and I and our four young children moved into the Enclave neighborhood just south of Hamel a
year and a half ago. We’ve enjoyed 10 or 15 minute walks to the Oak Eatery, Mass at St. Anne’s,
InnKahoots with neighbors, the sledding hill and playground in the park, and a massage or two at
Buzzellas. We think enhancing uptown Hamel is a great idea! Here are some ideas:
1) Give BIG incentives to persuade Honey & Mackie’s Ice Cream shop from Plymouth (between the new
Hyvee and a Holiday gas station) to relocate. There’s nothing special about their current location and a great ice
cream shop like theirs is the PERFECT thing for a place like uptown Hamel – almost everyone likes great ice
cream and people will drive out of their way to get it.
2) Give incentives for InnKahoots to add a large nice outdoor patio seating area.
3) Persuade a pizza joint to move. Latuff’s would be the best but it’s probably too far away currently so
maybe 3121, although their pizza isn’t that good.
4) Whatever happened to the craft brewery?
5) No more antique knick knack shops please.
6) My 10 year old son would like a baseball card shop.
7) Rock Elm?
8) A large movie screen for outdoor movies in the park in the summer? One of our neighbors in the Enclave
has equipment and puts on family movie nights in the community pool in the summer. They are well attended.
Thanks for your consideration. Again, we love the idea of enhancing uptown Hamel.
Comment Card Results
Individual
How often do you come to Uptown
Hamel? What might bring you to the
area more?
What would you like to see happen in
Uptown Hamel in the future?
What characteristics of Uptown
Hamel are important to you?
Do you want to see more activity in
the area? What type?
What kinds of
businesses/restaurants would you
like to see in Uptown Hamel?
Is parking and area of concern?
Would it be an area of concern if the
area was more active?
Is there anything else you want to
share? How can we improve this event
in the future?
1
Drive thru; Go to Post Office; Used to
have business there; Possibly have on
there again
Be more like downtown Excelsior; How
they rejuvinated Excelsior Accessible; Better known; Cleaned up
Yes; stores (small business),
boutiques, restaurants, coffee
shops; preferrably not all chains
Things that attract locals to stay
here for food, drink, shopping,
beauty, hanging out
It's fine now, but will need to
improve with more businesses.More communication on it
2 Every day, I work here.Multi-story; residential/commercial Both cohesive and diverse; historic
facades; modern interiors
Yes, more businesses and
community events Coffee shops; Craft/quilt shop
Not right now, but during events like
Hamel Holiday and the Rodeo
Parade it is definitely busier
Make a way to connect all the parking
lots on the south side of Hamel with
connections to Hamel Road both more
east and west
3 Every day! I own a small business here.
I would like to see the historic
buildings remaining and in working
order with the addition of attractions
to bring people into our hub.
I love the historic feel to it but
without anything modern added, it
seems to lack that "pop" that many
small towns have. We have to move
a bit with the times to stay relevant.
Non-noisy daytime activities - art
fairs, crafts, FARMER'S MARKETS,
kids activities, fitness events, small
food businesses such as ice cream,
coffee, and pastries!
People like food and beverages!
Coffee shop; Soups and salads;
Donut shop/bakery; Ice cream;
Burger specialty;
Brewery/microbrewery; Wine
bar/bistro; Pizza
I don't see it as a current issue, but
could be. There is vacant space that
could easily be parking lots.
Because our business relies on a quiet
neighborhood, too much commotion
directly near our business could hurt
us. While I do not see that as an issue
due to location, it is something I think
about for our clients.
4 Five days per week, if I lived here.Sustainable development. Designed
low impact to Elm Creek.
Preserve small town heritage, but in a
way that allows more modern use of
the space (Hamel, not Medina).
Shops; Restaurants; Housing above
or mixed in; Businesses; No more
antiques - something that appeals to
more people
Small business; Restaurants; Shops;
Locally owned and operated. No
target, McDonalds, Menards, etc.
Parking ok today. Should have more
in future. Think multi-level parking,
not sprawl.
Green space integrated into
development; Storm water
management to protect Elm Creek.
Keep "Hamel" identification, not
"Medina" identification.
5 Daily Hub of suburban/rural activity Diverse; Historic Yes - food, services, businesses No fast food; No big box Currently no; Yes when businesses
grow, expand N/A
6
Restaurants; Art fairs; Baseball
tourneys; gathering spaces; store
fronts/clothes; Gifts
Restaurants; Art fairs; Baseball
tourneys; gathering spaces; store
fronts/clothes; Gifts
Need to be a good mix of cohesive
and diverse, modern and historic
Yes - Restaurants; Art fairs; Baseball
tourneys; gathering spaces; store
fronts/clothes; Gifts
Restaurants; Stores; Salons;
Clothing; Gifts
Not now - could be if we get more
traffic
Need more communication via social
media on these types of meetings
7 I walk to Uptown for exercise; Bank;
Post office; Church; Ball games Develop the church property!!Keep and preserve old buildings More ball tournaments; Park socials No chain restaurants No - Parking ramps bottom of Sioux;
Ball park parking Improve street lighting; Too low
8 One per month. Events; Street fairs;
Concert venue
To become a destination spot for
shopping, entertainment, dining and
gathering
Cohesive and historic Concert venues and street fairs Barbershop; Dining; Boutique; Mens
and womens diversity in business Parking garage
Bring the owners of the properties
together and collaborate with a vision
plan, goals, initiatives
9 Every day Restaurants; Keep the park; Better
lights; Keep small town Historic, small town Community events on Hamel Road;
Involve business and history Coffee; Lunch; Sandwich shop Yes - more parking in the back
Better street lights; Banner on light
polls; Sidewalk improve in walking; Get
rid of box in front of the historic library
10 Often Senior housing; Multi-family housing
linked to park/trail system
Historic with unique
shops/restaurants
Should be draws to the city/Hamel
with restaurants, shops, unique
shops
Coffee shop; Restaurant that is
family-oriented; Flower shops;
Occasional stops
No
The city needs to work with existing
property owners; Businesses to
plan/discuss future. Work with - not
tell or dictate
11 Once per week; Restaurants Family-friendly establishments Small town, historic feel N/A
Unique bars/restaurants; Activity
center - indoor playground, curling
center
Yes and yes N/A
12
Visit Hamel Park on weekends with kids
(age 8 and 6); Live very close by so drive
through daily
Revitalize with more gathering spots
for families; Walk to breakfast; Coffee
shop; Lunch/drinks with friends;
Similar to Wayzata and Excelsior
N/A
More activity - few commercially-
zoned areas; Should be a destination
for neighborhood first
Breakfast; Coffee shops; Ice
cream/treat; Lunch/Diner; Brewery -
ok for kids
No concern for me - we would ride
bikes or walk N/A
13 3-4 times per week; Restaurants Small shops; Restaurants Diverse; Historic Slightly more Restaurants N/A N/A
14 Few times a year; seeking family-
friendly activities/events/shops
Become a destination for daytime and
evening entertainment
Very little other than convenience of
the post office and enjoyment of Inn
Kahoots
Yes - Casual; family-friendly places
(i.e. parks, shops)
Coffee and donut shop; Ice cream
shop; Wine bar; Casual dining;
Fitness studio
Yes - I wouldn't be able to walk from
my home, I'd need to find parking
I had only heard about it third-hand.
Try to get the word out better. Could
have posted an article in Local Ties? I'll
post on our neighborhood's Facebook
page for the next one.
15
Frequently. I drive through the area
every day, shop at the antique stores,
and go to Inn Kahoots every once in a
while. We need more dining options.
Developed into an
office/retail/restaurant area with a
rustic feel. Farmers State Bank is a
great example of theme.
Cohesive and historic. Lots of
residents pride themselves living in
an area with a small-town feel so
close to the big city. I would like to
keep that feel as the area develops.
Retail/restaurant/office space would
maximize activity. Keep parking
away from the heart to allow for
pedestrian access and to keep traffic
lower.
Brew pubs; Family-owned
restaurants; Small business and
retail; Similar to existing but
expanding on what's already here.
Absolutely. The mix of traffic and
pedestrians will play a key role in
the functionality of the area.
Parking shouold be kept out of the
heart of the development. Possibly
located on the Saint Anne's
auxilliary church parking site.
N/A
16 Been resident of Argent Parc (?) for 12
years
Limited growth; Retain small town
historic feel
Historic; Mixed use; Quiet; More
diverse than cohesive; preserve green
space; Limit housing
Casual restaurant; Coffee shop Casual restaurants; Small capacity;
Oak eatery size max
Limit development so additional
parking is not required; No parking
ramp
Event well thought out/laid out; Many
opportunities to express opinions;
Limit/restrict truck traffic on Hamel
Road/Main Street
17 Always; Live immediately adjacent Nothing - keep small, accessible, not
over-crowded Historic, quaint No No more Yes - already not sufficient parking
when ballfields in use N/A
18 Twice per week Keep small town feel Small town; Nature; Walking;
Community; Park land No N/A Of course N/A
19
Not very often as I do not live very close
but have family in the area, so
occasionally pass by the area. The
microbrewery idea would have been
nice to bring people here.
Some old buildings need refurbishing;
Mixed use (shop/office lower with
apartment on top) buildings would
bring more people into the area; Keep
character of small town
Historic is where Hamel's roots are,
so need to keep that feel. Unless
there is a plan to tear it all down and
start over, which is unlikely, it makes
sense that a diverse building scheme
is the future. More interesting too!
Some more activity is desireable,
especially as more people move into
the area (and if there are mixed use
buildings located right in Hamel)
these people will have need and
desire to do business and recreate in
their local neighborhood.
Would love to see a microbrewery!
At minimum sidewalk cafes/coffee
shops
Parking isn't an issue now, but it
could become an issue if the area
had more people living here and
visitng shops, etc... obviously.
Would like to see more special signage
or cool lighting to attract attention to
Uptown from Highway 55. Since there
is this interest in developing Uptown
Hamel into something special - I hope
that the city supports the individual
landowners and business to continue
this growth.
20 N/A More store fronts with housing above;
Coffee shop; Restaurants Historic; Small town N/A
Small restaurants; Unique
restaurants; Not big chain
restaurant
Yes - parking concern; More of a
concern
Town hall meetings; Involve
community; This was a great event to
get everyone thinking
Individual
How often do you come to Uptown
Hamel? What might bring you to the
area more?
What would you like to see happen in
Uptown Hamel in the future?
What characteristics of Uptown
Hamel are important to you?
Do you want to see more activity in
the area? What type?
What kinds of
businesses/restaurants would you
like to see in Uptown Hamel?
Is parking and area of concern?
Would it be an area of concern if the
area was more active?
Is there anything else you want to
share? How can we improve this event
in the future?
1
Drive thru; Go to Post Office; Used to
have business there; Possibly have on
there again
Be more like downtown Excelsior; How
they rejuvinated ExcelsiorAccessible; Better known; Cleaned up
Yes; stores (small business),
boutiques, restaurants, coffee
shops; preferrably not all chains
Things that attract locals to stay
here for food, drink, shopping,
beauty, hanging out
It's fine now, but will need to
improve with more businesses.More communication on it
2Every day, I work here.Multi-story; residential/commercialBoth cohesive and diverse; historic
facades; modern interiors
Yes, more businesses and
community events Coffee shops; Craft/quilt shop
Not right now, but during events like
Hamel Holiday and the Rodeo
Parade it is definitely busier
Make a way to connect all the parking
lots on the south side of Hamel with
connections to Hamel Road both more
east and west
3Every day! I own a small business here.
I would like to see the historic
buildings remaining and in working
order with the addition of attractions
to bring people into our hub.
I love the historic feel to it but
without anything modern added, it
seems to lack that "pop" that many
small towns have. We have to move
a bit with the times to stay relevant.
Non-noisy daytime activities - art
fairs, crafts, FARMER'S MARKETS,
kids activities, fitness events, small
food businesses such as ice cream,
coffee, and pastries!
People like food and beverages!
Coffee shop; Soups and salads;
Donut shop/bakery; Ice cream;
Burger specialty;
Brewery/microbrewery; Wine
bar/bistro; Pizza
I don't see it as a current issue, but
could be. There is vacant space that
could easily be parking lots.
Because our business relies on a quiet
neighborhood, too much commotion
directly near our business could hurt
us. While I do not see that as an issue
due to location, it is something I think
about for our clients.
4Five days per week, if I lived here.Sustainable development. Designed
low impact to Elm Creek.
Preserve small town heritage, but in a
way that allows more modern use of
the space (Hamel, not Medina).
Shops; Restaurants; Housing above
or mixed in; Businesses; No more
antiques - something that appeals to
more people
Small business; Restaurants; Shops;
Locally owned and operated. No
target, McDonalds, Menards, etc.
Parking ok today. Should have more
in future. Think multi-level parking,
not sprawl.
Green space integrated into
development; Storm water
management to protect Elm Creek.
Keep "Hamel" identification, not
"Medina" identification.
5DailyHub of suburban/rural activityDiverse; Historic Yes - food, services, businesses No fast food; No big box Currently no; Yes when businesses
grow, expand N/A
6
Restaurants; Art fairs; Baseball
tourneys; gathering spaces; store
fronts/clothes; Gifts
Restaurants; Art fairs; Baseball
tourneys; gathering spaces; store
fronts/clothes; Gifts
Need to be a good mix of cohesive
and diverse, modern and historic
Yes - Restaurants; Art fairs; Baseball
tourneys; gathering spaces; store
fronts/clothes; Gifts
Restaurants; Stores; Salons;
Clothing; Gifts
Not now - could be if we get more
traffic
Need more communication via social
media on these types of meetings
7I walk to Uptown for exercise; Bank;
Post office; Church; Ball gamesDevelop the church property!!Keep and preserve old buildings More ball tournaments; Park socials No chain restaurants No - Parking ramps bottom of Sioux;
Ball park parking Improve street lighting; Too low
8One per month. Events; Street fairs;
Concert venue
To become a destination spot for
shopping, entertainment, dining and
gathering
Cohesive and historic Concert venues and street fairs Barbershop; Dining; Boutique; Mens
and womens diversity in business Parking garage
Bring the owners of the properties
together and collaborate with a vision
plan, goals, initiatives
9Every dayRestaurants; Keep the park; Better
lights; Keep small townHistoric, small town Community events on Hamel Road;
Involve business and history Coffee; Lunch; Sandwich shop Yes - more parking in the back
Better street lights; Banner on light
polls; Sidewalk improve in walking; Get
rid of box in front of the historic library
10OftenSenior housing; Multi-family housing
linked to park/trail system
Historic with unique
shops/restaurants
Should be draws to the city/Hamel
with restaurants, shops, unique
shops
Coffee shop; Restaurant that is
family-oriented; Flower shops;
Occasional stops
No
The city needs to work with existing
property owners; Businesses to
plan/discuss future. Work with - not
tell or dictate
11Once per week; RestaurantsFamily-friendly establishmentsSmall town, historic feel N/A
Unique bars/restaurants; Activity
center - indoor playground, curling
center
Yes and yes N/A
12
Visit Hamel Park on weekends with kids
(age 8 and 6); Live very close by so drive
through daily
Revitalize with more gathering spots
for families; Walk to breakfast; Coffee
shop; Lunch/drinks with friends;
Similar to Wayzata and Excelsior
N/A
More activity - few commercially-
zoned areas; Should be a destination
for neighborhood first
Breakfast; Coffee shops; Ice
cream/treat; Lunch/Diner; Brewery -
ok for kids
No concern for me - we would ride
bikes or walk N/A
133-4 times per week; RestaurantsSmall shops; RestaurantsDiverse; Historic Slightly more Restaurants N/A N/A
14Few times a year; seeking family-
friendly activities/events/shops
Become a destination for daytime and
evening entertainment
Very little other than convenience of
the post office and enjoyment of Inn
Kahoots
Yes - Casual; family-friendly places
(i.e. parks, shops)
Coffee and donut shop; Ice cream
shop; Wine bar; Casual dining;
Fitness studio
Yes - I wouldn't be able to walk from
my home, I'd need to find parking
I had only heard about it third-hand.
Try to get the word out better. Could
have posted an article in Local Ties? I'll
post on our neighborhood's Facebook
page for the next one.
15
Frequently. I drive through the area
every day, shop at the antique stores,
and go to Inn Kahoots every once in a
while. We need more dining options.
Developed into an
office/retail/restaurant area with a
rustic feel. Farmers State Bank is a
great example of theme.
Cohesive and historic. Lots of
residents pride themselves living in
an area with a small-town feel so
close to the big city. I would like to
keep that feel as the area develops.
Retail/restaurant/office space would
maximize activity. Keep parking
away from the heart to allow for
pedestrian access and to keep traffic
lower.
Brew pubs; Family-owned
restaurants; Small business and
retail; Similar to existing but
expanding on what's already here.
Absolutely. The mix of traffic and
pedestrians will play a key role in
the functionality of the area.
Parking shouold be kept out of the
heart of the development. Possibly
located on the Saint Anne's
auxilliary church parking site.
N/A
16Been resident of Argent Parc (?) for 12
years
Limited growth; Retain small town
historic feel
Historic; Mixed use; Quiet; More
diverse than cohesive; preserve green
space; Limit housing
Casual restaurant; Coffee shop Casual restaurants; Small capacity;
Oak eatery size max
Limit development so additional
parking is not required; No parking
ramp
Event well thought out/laid out; Many
opportunities to express opinions;
Limit/restrict truck traffic on Hamel
Road/Main Street
17Always; Live immediately adjacent Nothing - keep small, accessible, not
over-crowdedHistoric, quaint No No more Yes - already not sufficient parking
when ballfields in use N/A
18Twice per weekKeep small town feelSmall town; Nature; Walking;
Community; Park land No N/A Of course N/A
19
Not very often as I do not live very close
but have family in the area, so
occasionally pass by the area. The
microbrewery idea would have been
nice to bring people here.
Some old buildings need refurbishing;
Mixed use (shop/office lower with
apartment on top) buildings would
bring more people into the area; Keep
character of small town
Historic is where Hamel's roots are,
so need to keep that feel. Unless
there is a plan to tear it all down and
start over, which is unlikely, it makes
sense that a diverse building scheme
is the future. More interesting too!
Some more activity is desireable,
especially as more people move into
the area (and if there are mixed use
buildings located right in Hamel)
these people will have need and
desire to do business and recreate in
their local neighborhood.
Would love to see a microbrewery!
At minimum sidewalk cafes/coffee
shops
Parking isn't an issue now, but it
could become an issue if the area
had more people living here and
visitng shops, etc... obviously.
Would like to see more special signage
or cool lighting to attract attention to
Uptown from Highway 55. Since there
is this interest in developing Uptown
Hamel into something special - I hope
that the city supports the individual
landowners and business to continue
this growth.
20N/AMore store fronts with housing above;
Coffee shop; RestaurantsHistoric; Small town N/A
Small restaurants; Unique
restaurants; Not big chain
restaurant
Yes - parking concern; More of a
concern
Town hall meetings; Involve
community; This was a great event to
get everyone thinking
Online Survey Response Results
Individual
Currently, how
satisfied are
you with Uptown
Hamel?
Why are you dis/satisfied with Uptown
Hamel? What draws you to Uptown Hamel
or what keeps you from coming?
How active
is Uptown
Hamel?
How active would
you
like Uptown
Hamel to be?
Please comment on the current level of
activity and desired level of activity in
Uptown Hamel.
How would you
like Uptown
Hamel to look?
Describe how you would
like Uptown Hamel to look.
Is there
enough
parking
in Uptown
Hamel?
Where is there too
much/little parking?
What are your preferred
methods of contact to provide
input in the future? (ie. survey,
events, email, etc)
What neighborhood in
Medina or surrounding
city do you live in?
Any overall feedback for the event? How can we improve these
events to best capture your input?
What would you like to see more of in Uptown Hamel?
(ie. more restaurants, sidewalks, etc)
1 5
I rarely go to the retail businesses in Uptown
Hamel, primarily because I am retired and
don't need to purchase any antiques or
household decorations. I am a customer of
Buzzella Massage and the State Farm office.
2 5
I would like it if there was a gathering place
like a coffee shop or meeting place. There
are no community education programs in
Medina. I currently participate in Plymouth.
2 I like the vintage atmosphere.
It is cute and quaint.6 If the proposed use for 500 Hamel Road is multi family
housing there is no room for parking. Survey is fine, or email Lutz second edition
I am not attending an event but am submitting feedback as noted in the previous
question re the proposed use of 500 Hamel Road. What I would NOT like to see is
multi family residential at 500 Hamel Road. Given the proximity to the rail road
tracks the only type of residential to succeed would be low income (people will not
pay high rents to live along the tracks and occupancy will only be maintained at
low rents for people who can't afford any better). Any rental property there would
affect the property values of the surrounding houses on Elm Creek and Ridgeview.
500 Hamel Road is best suited for commercial use.
What I would NOT like to see is multi family residential
at 500 Hamel Road. Given the proximity to the rail
road tracks the only type of residential to succeed
would be low income (people will not pay high rents to
live along the tracks and occupancy will only be
maintained at low rents for people who can't afford
any better). Any rental property there would affect the
property values of the surrounding houses on Elm
Creek and Ridgeview. 500 Hamel Road is best suited
for commercial use.
2 3
Are you talking about the post office that is
poorly run? The shops selling old items
freshly painted? I would like a coffee shop.
3 6 Not a lot going on.6 Like Excelsior.7 There’s parking on the street, by bank and community
center.Email.Elm Creek Drive Tell people about them.Coffee shop. Something to walk to. A destination.
3 7 I like the cute local little shops 5 5 I like the quiet little small town feel 2 Like a cute quaint country
town 5 A little bit not enough but it’s ok. Most of us have the
choice to walk to summer events Email and surveys Elm creek drive. We
don’t have a fancy name What event?Restaurants a bakery would be awesome
4 5
Uptown Hamel is quaint and cute. I think it
could have a café/restaurant that would
provide an alternative to Inn Kahoots (a total
dive bar) as well as shops that are not
reclaimed antiques. Uptown Hamel is very
walkable for my family and we enjoy it's
current size and density.
4 4
Uptown Hamel gets a lot of vehicle traffic
because of the many new neighborhoods
surrounding Uptown Hamel. I think the
park also draws a lot of traffic. (The main
intersection in front of the bank is always
busy!) It would be nice if there was more
pedestrian traffic but I think there would
need to be grater variety of shops or a
café/coffee shop or something to bring
more pedestrian traffic. If multi-unit
housing was built at 500 Hamel Road this
would DRAMATICALLY increase the vehicle
traffic on Hamel Road and would be
detrimental to the overall vibe of Uptown
Hamel.
4
I think some of the building
facades could be updated
and freshened up. I think
part of Uptown Hamel's
charm is that it looks like a
very quaint country Main
Street.
4
I think for the current businesses, etc. there is enough
parking in Uptown Hamel. The catholic church has their
own lot to help them with their parking. I think Uptown
Hamel should look to increase pedestrian traffic from the
surrounding neighborhoods. The park also has enough
parking (I have been there at very busy times and never
struggled to park.)
Survey or email Elm Creek
I am very concerned about the proposed development at 500 Hamel Road. It is
pretty removed from Uptown Hamel proper (despite being zoned as part of
Uptown Hamel) and the proposed land use of multi unit residential housing up to
potentially 4 stories high would be visually jarring and out of alignment with the
surrounding development (industrial, single family homes, and lower density town
homes.) Part of the appeal of Medina/Uptown Hamel is that it still retains that
rural/country feel and adding higher density housing would be damaging to that
appeal. I am also concerned about the proximity of this proposed housing to a
very active railroad (safety for residents, especially children, comes to mind.) The
increase in traffic on an already busy road and the increase of traffic through my
own neighborhood of people trying to "cut through" would not be ideal. Since this
property is pretty removed from Uptown Hamel proper, access to public green
space for residents of this property would be pretty limited. Finally, as I
mentioned above, this property is on top of an active railroad - - what type of
residences would be built here? Who would want to live that close to a railroad
track? Would this ultimately lower values of surrounding properties if a property
is developed that fails to attract residents or falls into disrepair? I think
commercial like the UrbanEve/Oak Eatery center would be better suited to this
property or a couple single family homes.
More restaurants! A coffee shop that also serves ice
cream would benefit from the park traffic and
surrounding neighborhoods. A brewpub would do well
also.
5 2
The proposed multi unit property on 500
Hamel road. It was my belief the the Uptown
Hamel redevelopment was going to focus on
small business, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
More high density residential property is
NOT what is needed
3 5 It would be nice to have another restaurant
in uptown Hamel, or a brewy. 6
It would be nice to have
another restaurant in uptown
Hamel, or a brewy.
5 n/a email Elm Creek/Hamel n/a Restaurant and/or brewy
6 3 Extending sidewalks to cover uptown hamel
as per your diagram 5 5 More businesses catered to retail/dining 5 Don't care 5 Don't Care Don't care Elm Creek …..Restaurants/Sidewalks
7 4
Not any reason to go to uptown Hamel. How
often do you need to shop a 2nd hand store?
That is probably a twice-a-year visit.
Food/bar would be a draw - but probably not
realistic given no visibility from hwy 55.
4 5 It is sleepy, but that is fine. It is very
walkable, which is good.2
Inn Kahoots could step it up a
bit. But the other
store/building fronts look
good.
5
Plenty of parking for what everyday needs; but very
limited when the sport fields are in use. Need to re-think
the parking lot by the ball fields; would have been smart
to make that a drive-thru that connects between
Brockton & Hamel Road. The parking behind the post
office for the large baseball field is totally underutilized.
Need to better connect that via a drive or walk-way.
email; survey; Not - you should
have asked how long people
have lived in Medina. My
guess is that responses will be
very different based on length
of time in the community.
Elm Creek na - don't participate dining would be good; but we have been saying that
for 20+ years, so how realistic is that.
8 5 Not a lot of dining options, and a lot of
antique stores 4 5 Again, with more dining options, there
would be a slight increase in activity 2 Very historical, but with more
commercial development 5 With more commercial development, there will start to
be less parking everywhere Survey Elm Creek Lutz Addition Multiple ways for residents to submit feedback (i.e. electronic, mailers, etc.)
Restaurants, concrete sidewalks instead of pavers, City
banners and/or plants on light poles, more seating
near green space, historical monument sign with town
information
9 5
I love the feel of up Town would like to see
more commercial little shops like at Excelsior
maybe little restaurant or coffee shop or arts
and craft
4 6
I like the feel of uptown just hoping it will
expand with more little shops or coffee
house or little restaurant
3 I like the artsy look that it has 6 I think it is fine for know Email, survey Eden Prairie Not shire what you mean Restaurant boutique shops
10 2 There is not a sidewalk connecting my
neighborhood to Uptown Hamel.3 5 The traffic level is high due to all the new
housing. 7
More retail and more food
and beverage options. Coffee
shop or foodie restaurant.
7 Keep it pedestrian friendly to service all the new housing
developments Survey Elm Creek Na Restaurant, boutique
11 1 No retail, restaurants, art etc 1 6 Medium 7 More downtown Main Street
USA feel 5 Na Email Enclave Medina Na Restaurants. Art gallery. Resi condos and townhouses
12 2
No compelling reason to visit - want to tie
the park to the city with options to eat,
reasons to walk, etc
2 6
Wish was a gathering place for the
community - place to walk to and connect
with neighbors and eat/drink
6 More connected and reason
to walk the area 5 Parking fine but would require more if activity increased?Event and email Enclave Love this project - let’s make this happen!!!
Breakfast lunch Restaurants, nail salon, ice cream
stand, coffee, brewery/bar that is kid friendly ..- order
at counter burger/pizza place .. could come over after
baseball games
Library for kids
Green space with benches to sit
Beautiful flowers up and down the street!
13 2
I would like to see a comprehensive approach
to building a main street that is the heart of
old world heritage meets modern day life. Its
a destination for families to come and enjoy
old community favorites (Ice cream, coffee
dining options and multi family homes that
can walk down the streets to meet the
neighbors.
3 7
Create a destination that is inviting and
family oriented. Ice cream, coffee, hardware,
food
6 Old world mainstreet meets
modern attractions 6 Just right with the community center behind Email, events Plymouth NA Restaurants and shops
14 2
There isn’t anything that draws me to the
area for entertainment. I’ve only occasionally
gone to Inn Kahoos.
1 6 I’d like it to feel like a cute, bustling Main
Street. 6
I’m envisioning people
strolling the wide sidewalks
with their families along side
people sitting on patios
sipping coffee and eating
pastries.
3
I’ve not had a problem with parking, however if the area
becomes more active the parking will need to
substantially increase.
Although email is most
convinent, I prefer phone calls
to discuss opinions.
Fields of Medina
Make it convinient for the community. As a working parent my only option to
attend the open house was a weekday evening so I had to leave my husband at
home with our kids. An ideal scenario is to schedule time to be at a neighborhood
park. That way families can have their kids inning around while talking with you.
Overall, I’m envisioning a reimagined Hamel Main
Street. Specifically, wide sidewalks, parks, restaurants,
BREWERY!, coffee shop.
Also consider ‘going green’. It would be great to see
solar panels, and other energy sustainability features.
Lastly, consider how to change people’s perception of
Hamel. Maybe change the name of the street to ‘Main
Street’?
Individual
Currently, how
satisfied are
you with Uptown
Hamel?
Why are you dis/satisfied with Uptown
Hamel? What draws you to Uptown Hamel
or what keeps you from coming?
How active
is Uptown
Hamel?
How active would
you
like Uptown
Hamel to be?
Please comment on the current level of
activity and desired level of activity in
Uptown Hamel.
How would you
like Uptown
Hamel to look?
Describe how you would
like Uptown Hamel to look.
Is there
enough
parking
in Uptown
Hamel?
Where is there too
much/little parking?
What are your preferred
methods of contact to provide
input in the future? (ie. survey,
events, email, etc)
What neighborhood in
Medina or surrounding
city do you live in?
Any overall feedback for the event? How can we improve these
events to best capture your input?
What would you like to see more of in Uptown Hamel?
(ie. more restaurants, sidewalks, etc)
15
I rarely go to the retail businesses in Uptown
Hamel, primarily because I am retired and
don't need to purchase any antiques or
household decorations. I am a customer of
Buzzella Massage and the State Farm office.
25
I would like it if there was a gathering place
like a coffee shop or meeting place. There
are no community education programs in
Medina. I currently participate in Plymouth.
2I like the vintage atmosphere.
It is cute and quaint.6If the proposed use for 500 Hamel Road is multi family
housing there is no room for parking. Survey is fine, or email Lutz second edition
I am not attending an event but am submitting feedback as noted in the previous
question re the proposed use of 500 Hamel Road. What I would NOT like to see is
multi family residential at 500 Hamel Road. Given the proximity to the rail road
tracks the only type of residential to succeed would be low income (people will not
pay high rents to live along the tracks and occupancy will only be maintained at
low rents for people who can't afford any better). Any rental property there would
affect the property values of the surrounding houses on Elm Creek and Ridgeview.
500 Hamel Road is best suited for commercial use.
What I would NOT like to see is multi family residential
at 500 Hamel Road. Given the proximity to the rail
road tracks the only type of residential to succeed
would be low income (people will not pay high rents to
live along the tracks and occupancy will only be
maintained at low rents for people who can't afford
any better). Any rental property there would affect the
property values of the surrounding houses on Elm
Creek and Ridgeview. 500 Hamel Road is best suited
for commercial use.
23
Are you talking about the post office that is
poorly run? The shops selling old items
freshly painted? I would like a coffee shop.
36Not a lot going on.6Like Excelsior.7There’s parking on the street, by bank and community
center.Email.Elm Creek Drive Tell people about them.Coffee shop. Something to walk to. A destination.
37I like the cute local little shops55I like the quiet little small town feel2Like a cute quaint country
town5A little bit not enough but it’s ok. Most of us have the
choice to walk to summer events Email and surveys Elm creek drive. We
don’t have a fancy name What event?Restaurants a bakery would be awesome
45
Uptown Hamel is quaint and cute. I think it
could have a café/restaurant that would
provide an alternative to Inn Kahoots (a total
dive bar) as well as shops that are not
reclaimed antiques. Uptown Hamel is very
walkable for my family and we enjoy it's
current size and density.
44
Uptown Hamel gets a lot of vehicle traffic
because of the many new neighborhoods
surrounding Uptown Hamel. I think the
park also draws a lot of traffic. (The main
intersection in front of the bank is always
busy!) It would be nice if there was more
pedestrian traffic but I think there would
need to be grater variety of shops or a
café/coffee shop or something to bring
more pedestrian traffic. If multi-unit
housing was built at 500 Hamel Road this
would DRAMATICALLY increase the vehicle
traffic on Hamel Road and would be
detrimental to the overall vibe of Uptown
Hamel.
4
I think some of the building
facades could be updated
and freshened up. I think
part of Uptown Hamel's
charm is that it looks like a
very quaint country Main
Street.
4
I think for the current businesses, etc. there is enough
parking in Uptown Hamel. The catholic church has their
own lot to help them with their parking. I think Uptown
Hamel should look to increase pedestrian traffic from the
surrounding neighborhoods. The park also has enough
parking (I have been there at very busy times and never
struggled to park.)
Survey or email Elm Creek
I am very concerned about the proposed development at 500 Hamel Road. It is
pretty removed from Uptown Hamel proper (despite being zoned as part of
Uptown Hamel) and the proposed land use of multi unit residential housing up to
potentially 4 stories high would be visually jarring and out of alignment with the
surrounding development (industrial, single family homes, and lower density town
homes.) Part of the appeal of Medina/Uptown Hamel is that it still retains that
rural/country feel and adding higher density housing would be damaging to that
appeal. I am also concerned about the proximity of this proposed housing to a
very active railroad (safety for residents, especially children, comes to mind.) The
increase in traffic on an already busy road and the increase of traffic through my
own neighborhood of people trying to "cut through" would not be ideal. Since this
property is pretty removed from Uptown Hamel proper, access to public green
space for residents of this property would be pretty limited. Finally, as I
mentioned above, this property is on top of an active railroad - - what type of
residences would be built here? Who would want to live that close to a railroad
track? Would this ultimately lower values of surrounding properties if a property
is developed that fails to attract residents or falls into disrepair? I think
commercial like the UrbanEve/Oak Eatery center would be better suited to this
property or a couple single family homes.
More restaurants! A coffee shop that also serves ice
cream would benefit from the park traffic and
surrounding neighborhoods. A brewpub would do well
also.
52
The proposed multi unit property on 500
Hamel road. It was my belief the the Uptown
Hamel redevelopment was going to focus on
small business, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
More high density residential property is
NOT what is needed
35It would be nice to have another restaurant
in uptown Hamel, or a brewy. 6
It would be nice to have
another restaurant in uptown
Hamel, or a brewy.
5n/a email Elm Creek/Hamel n/a Restaurant and/or brewy
63Extending sidewalks to cover uptown hamel
as per your diagram55More businesses catered to retail/dining5Don't care5Don't Care Don't care Elm Creek …..Restaurants/Sidewalks
74
Not any reason to go to uptown Hamel. How
often do you need to shop a 2nd hand store?
That is probably a twice-a-year visit.
Food/bar would be a draw - but probably not
realistic given no visibility from hwy 55.
45It is sleepy, but that is fine. It is very
walkable, which is good.2
Inn Kahoots could step it up a
bit. But the other
store/building fronts look
good.
5
Plenty of parking for what everyday needs; but very
limited when the sport fields are in use. Need to re-think
the parking lot by the ball fields; would have been smart
to make that a drive-thru that connects between
Brockton & Hamel Road. The parking behind the post
office for the large baseball field is totally underutilized.
Need to better connect that via a drive or walk-way.
email; survey; Not - you should
have asked how long people
have lived in Medina. My
guess is that responses will be
very different based on length
of time in the community.
Elm Creek na - don't participate dining would be good; but we have been saying that
for 20+ years, so how realistic is that.
85Not a lot of dining options, and a lot of
antique stores45Again, with more dining options, there
would be a slight increase in activity2Very historical, but with more
commercial development5With more commercial development, there will start to
be less parking everywhere Survey Elm Creek Lutz Addition Multiple ways for residents to submit feedback (i.e. electronic, mailers, etc.)
Restaurants, concrete sidewalks instead of pavers, City
banners and/or plants on light poles, more seating
near green space, historical monument sign with town
information
95
I love the feel of up Town would like to see
more commercial little shops like at Excelsior
maybe little restaurant or coffee shop or arts
and craft
46
I like the feel of uptown just hoping it will
expand with more little shops or coffee
house or little restaurant
3I like the artsy look that it has 6I think it is fine for know Email, survey Eden Prairie Not shire what you mean Restaurant boutique shops
102There is not a sidewalk connecting my
neighborhood to Uptown Hamel.35The traffic level is high due to all the new
housing. 7
More retail and more food
and beverage options. Coffee
shop or foodie restaurant.
7Keep it pedestrian friendly to service all the new housing
developments Survey Elm Creek Na Restaurant, boutique
111No retail, restaurants, art etc 16Medium 7More downtown Main Street
USA feel5Na Email Enclave Medina Na Restaurants. Art gallery. Resi condos and townhouses
122
No compelling reason to visit - want to tie
the park to the city with options to eat,
reasons to walk, etc
26
Wish was a gathering place for the
community - place to walk to and connect
with neighbors and eat/drink
6More connected and reason
to walk the area5Parking fine but would require more if activity increased?Event and email Enclave Love this project - let’s make this happen!!!
Breakfast lunch Restaurants, nail salon, ice cream
stand, coffee, brewery/bar that is kid friendly ..- order
at counter burger/pizza place .. could come over after
baseball games
Library for kids
Green space with benches to sit
Beautiful flowers up and down the street!
132
I would like to see a comprehensive approach
to building a main street that is the heart of
old world heritage meets modern day life. Its
a destination for families to come and enjoy
old community favorites (Ice cream, coffee
dining options and multi family homes that
can walk down the streets to meet the
neighbors.
37
Create a destination that is inviting and
family oriented. Ice cream, coffee, hardware,
food
6Old world mainstreet meets
modern attractions6Just right with the community center behind Email, events Plymouth NA Restaurants and shops
142
There isn’t anything that draws me to the
area for entertainment. I’ve only occasionally
gone to Inn Kahoos.
16I’d like it to feel like a cute, bustling Main
Street. 6
I’m envisioning people
strolling the wide sidewalks
with their families along side
people sitting on patios
sipping coffee and eating
pastries.
3
I’ve not had a problem with parking, however if the area
becomes more active the parking will need to
substantially increase.
Although email is most
convinent, I prefer phone calls
to discuss opinions.
Fields of Medina
Make it convinient for the community. As a working parent my only option to
attend the open house was a weekday evening so I had to leave my husband at
home with our kids. An ideal scenario is to schedule time to be at a neighborhood
park. That way families can have their kids inning around while talking with you.
Overall, I’m envisioning a reimagined Hamel Main
Street. Specifically, wide sidewalks, parks, restaurants,
BREWERY!, coffee shop.
Also consider ‘going green’. It would be great to see
solar panels, and other energy sustainability features.
Lastly, consider how to change people’s perception of
Hamel. Maybe change the name of the street to ‘Main
Street’?
Individual
Currently, how
satisfied are
you with Uptown
Hamel?
Why are you dis/satisfied with Uptown
Hamel? What draws you to Uptown Hamel
or what keeps you from coming?
How active
is Uptown
Hamel?
How active would
you
like Uptown
Hamel to be?
Please comment on the current level of
activity and desired level of activity in
Uptown Hamel.
How would you
like Uptown
Hamel to look?
Describe how you would
like Uptown Hamel to look.
Is there
enough
parking
in Uptown
Hamel?
Where is there too
much/little parking?
What are your preferred
methods of contact to provide
input in the future? (ie. survey,
events, email, etc)
What neighborhood in
Medina or surrounding
city do you live in?
Any overall feedback for the event? How can we improve these
events to best capture your input?
What would you like to see more of in Uptown Hamel?
(ie. more restaurants, sidewalks, etc)
15
I rarely go to the retail businesses in Uptown
Hamel, primarily because I am retired and
don't need to purchase any antiques or
household decorations. I am a customer of
Buzzella Massage and the State Farm office.
25
I would like it if there was a gathering place
like a coffee shop or meeting place. There
are no community education programs in
Medina. I currently participate in Plymouth.
2I like the vintage atmosphere.
It is cute and quaint.6If the proposed use for 500 Hamel Road is multi family
housing there is no room for parking. Survey is fine, or email Lutz second edition
I am not attending an event but am submitting feedback as noted in the previous
question re the proposed use of 500 Hamel Road. What I would NOT like to see is
multi family residential at 500 Hamel Road. Given the proximity to the rail road
tracks the only type of residential to succeed would be low income (people will not
pay high rents to live along the tracks and occupancy will only be maintained at
low rents for people who can't afford any better). Any rental property there would
affect the property values of the surrounding houses on Elm Creek and Ridgeview.
500 Hamel Road is best suited for commercial use.
What I would NOT like to see is multi family residential
at 500 Hamel Road. Given the proximity to the rail
road tracks the only type of residential to succeed
would be low income (people will not pay high rents to
live along the tracks and occupancy will only be
maintained at low rents for people who can't afford
any better). Any rental property there would affect the
property values of the surrounding houses on Elm
Creek and Ridgeview. 500 Hamel Road is best suited
for commercial use.
23
Are you talking about the post office that is
poorly run? The shops selling old items
freshly painted? I would like a coffee shop.
36Not a lot going on.6Like Excelsior.7There’s parking on the street, by bank and community
center.Email.Elm Creek Drive Tell people about them.Coffee shop. Something to walk to. A destination.
37I like the cute local little shops55I like the quiet little small town feel2Like a cute quaint country
town5A little bit not enough but it’s ok. Most of us have the
choice to walk to summer events Email and surveys Elm creek drive. We
don’t have a fancy name What event?Restaurants a bakery would be awesome
45
Uptown Hamel is quaint and cute. I think it
could have a café/restaurant that would
provide an alternative to Inn Kahoots (a total
dive bar) as well as shops that are not
reclaimed antiques. Uptown Hamel is very
walkable for my family and we enjoy it's
current size and density.
44
Uptown Hamel gets a lot of vehicle traffic
because of the many new neighborhoods
surrounding Uptown Hamel. I think the
park also draws a lot of traffic. (The main
intersection in front of the bank is always
busy!) It would be nice if there was more
pedestrian traffic but I think there would
need to be grater variety of shops or a
café/coffee shop or something to bring
more pedestrian traffic. If multi-unit
housing was built at 500 Hamel Road this
would DRAMATICALLY increase the vehicle
traffic on Hamel Road and would be
detrimental to the overall vibe of Uptown
Hamel.
4
I think some of the building
facades could be updated
and freshened up. I think
part of Uptown Hamel's
charm is that it looks like a
very quaint country Main
Street.
4
I think for the current businesses, etc. there is enough
parking in Uptown Hamel. The catholic church has their
own lot to help them with their parking. I think Uptown
Hamel should look to increase pedestrian traffic from the
surrounding neighborhoods. The park also has enough
parking (I have been there at very busy times and never
struggled to park.)
Survey or email Elm Creek
I am very concerned about the proposed development at 500 Hamel Road. It is
pretty removed from Uptown Hamel proper (despite being zoned as part of
Uptown Hamel) and the proposed land use of multi unit residential housing up to
potentially 4 stories high would be visually jarring and out of alignment with the
surrounding development (industrial, single family homes, and lower density town
homes.) Part of the appeal of Medina/Uptown Hamel is that it still retains that
rural/country feel and adding higher density housing would be damaging to that
appeal. I am also concerned about the proximity of this proposed housing to a
very active railroad (safety for residents, especially children, comes to mind.) The
increase in traffic on an already busy road and the increase of traffic through my
own neighborhood of people trying to "cut through" would not be ideal. Since this
property is pretty removed from Uptown Hamel proper, access to public green
space for residents of this property would be pretty limited. Finally, as I
mentioned above, this property is on top of an active railroad - - what type of
residences would be built here? Who would want to live that close to a railroad
track? Would this ultimately lower values of surrounding properties if a property
is developed that fails to attract residents or falls into disrepair? I think
commercial like the UrbanEve/Oak Eatery center would be better suited to this
property or a couple single family homes.
More restaurants! A coffee shop that also serves ice
cream would benefit from the park traffic and
surrounding neighborhoods. A brewpub would do well
also.
52
The proposed multi unit property on 500
Hamel road. It was my belief the the Uptown
Hamel redevelopment was going to focus on
small business, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
More high density residential property is
NOT what is needed
35It would be nice to have another restaurant
in uptown Hamel, or a brewy. 6
It would be nice to have
another restaurant in uptown
Hamel, or a brewy.
5n/a email Elm Creek/Hamel n/a Restaurant and/or brewy
63Extending sidewalks to cover uptown hamel
as per your diagram55More businesses catered to retail/dining5Don't care5Don't Care Don't care Elm Creek …..Restaurants/Sidewalks
74
Not any reason to go to uptown Hamel. How
often do you need to shop a 2nd hand store?
That is probably a twice-a-year visit.
Food/bar would be a draw - but probably not
realistic given no visibility from hwy 55.
45It is sleepy, but that is fine. It is very
walkable, which is good.2
Inn Kahoots could step it up a
bit. But the other
store/building fronts look
good.
5
Plenty of parking for what everyday needs; but very
limited when the sport fields are in use. Need to re-think
the parking lot by the ball fields; would have been smart
to make that a drive-thru that connects between
Brockton & Hamel Road. The parking behind the post
office for the large baseball field is totally underutilized.
Need to better connect that via a drive or walk-way.
email; survey; Not - you should
have asked how long people
have lived in Medina. My
guess is that responses will be
very different based on length
of time in the community.
Elm Creek na - don't participate dining would be good; but we have been saying that
for 20+ years, so how realistic is that.
85Not a lot of dining options, and a lot of
antique stores45Again, with more dining options, there
would be a slight increase in activity2Very historical, but with more
commercial development5With more commercial development, there will start to
be less parking everywhere Survey Elm Creek Lutz Addition Multiple ways for residents to submit feedback (i.e. electronic, mailers, etc.)
Restaurants, concrete sidewalks instead of pavers, City
banners and/or plants on light poles, more seating
near green space, historical monument sign with town
information
95
I love the feel of up Town would like to see
more commercial little shops like at Excelsior
maybe little restaurant or coffee shop or arts
and craft
46
I like the feel of uptown just hoping it will
expand with more little shops or coffee
house or little restaurant
3I like the artsy look that it has 6I think it is fine for know Email, survey Eden Prairie Not shire what you mean Restaurant boutique shops
102There is not a sidewalk connecting my
neighborhood to Uptown Hamel.35The traffic level is high due to all the new
housing. 7
More retail and more food
and beverage options. Coffee
shop or foodie restaurant.
7Keep it pedestrian friendly to service all the new housing
developments Survey Elm Creek Na Restaurant, boutique
111No retail, restaurants, art etc 16Medium 7More downtown Main Street
USA feel5Na Email Enclave Medina Na Restaurants. Art gallery. Resi condos and townhouses
122
No compelling reason to visit - want to tie
the park to the city with options to eat,
reasons to walk, etc
26
Wish was a gathering place for the
community - place to walk to and connect
with neighbors and eat/drink
6More connected and reason
to walk the area5Parking fine but would require more if activity increased?Event and email Enclave Love this project - let’s make this happen!!!
Breakfast lunch Restaurants, nail salon, ice cream
stand, coffee, brewery/bar that is kid friendly ..- order
at counter burger/pizza place .. could come over after
baseball games
Library for kids
Green space with benches to sit
Beautiful flowers up and down the street!
132
I would like to see a comprehensive approach
to building a main street that is the heart of
old world heritage meets modern day life. Its
a destination for families to come and enjoy
old community favorites (Ice cream, coffee
dining options and multi family homes that
can walk down the streets to meet the
neighbors.
37
Create a destination that is inviting and
family oriented. Ice cream, coffee, hardware,
food
6Old world mainstreet meets
modern attractions6Just right with the community center behind Email, events Plymouth NA Restaurants and shops
142
There isn’t anything that draws me to the
area for entertainment. I’ve only occasionally
gone to Inn Kahoos.
16I’d like it to feel like a cute, bustling Main
Street. 6
I’m envisioning people
strolling the wide sidewalks
with their families along side
people sitting on patios
sipping coffee and eating
pastries.
3
I’ve not had a problem with parking, however if the area
becomes more active the parking will need to
substantially increase.
Although email is most
convinent, I prefer phone calls
to discuss opinions.
Fields of Medina
Make it convinient for the community. As a working parent my only option to
attend the open house was a weekday evening so I had to leave my husband at
home with our kids. An ideal scenario is to schedule time to be at a neighborhood
park. That way families can have their kids inning around while talking with you.
Overall, I’m envisioning a reimagined Hamel Main
Street. Specifically, wide sidewalks, parks, restaurants,
BREWERY!, coffee shop.
Also consider ‘going green’. It would be great to see
solar panels, and other energy sustainability features.
Lastly, consider how to change people’s perception of
Hamel. Maybe change the name of the street to ‘Main
Street’?
Which building height do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
Which look do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
Which facade do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
Which parking option do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
What setback from the street do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
Which landscaping do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
Which awning do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
Which lighting do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
Which wayfinding signage do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
Which material do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Which color palette do you prefer?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Which of these influenced your preference? (Choose all that apply)
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