HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.22.98 Special Planning Packet
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AGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION
Special
December 22, 1998
7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers
325 Oak Street
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2.
DISCUSSION
a)
Land Use Policies - Presentation by RLK
b)
Land Use Plan.,- Presentation by RLK./Staff
c) Historic PreservatioIl Element - Presentation by Bob Vogel, Historic Pres. Consultant
d) Parks and Recreation Element - Presentation by Staff
3. ADJOURN
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City of Farmin~ton
325 Oak Street, Farmington, MN 55024
(651) 463-7111 Fax (651) 463-2591
www.ci.farmineton.mn.us
TO:
City Planning Commission
Lee Smick, AICP ~
Planning Coordinator
FROM:
SUBJECT:
1998 Comprehensive Plan Update-
Historic Preservation Plan
DATE:
December 8, 1998
INTRODUCTIONIDISCUSSION
The Historic Preservation Plan is an element in the 1999 update ofthe Comprehensive Plan. The
Historic Preservation Plan recently was drafted by the City's preservation consultant, Mr. Robert
Vogel and reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission on November 19,
1998.
The Plan addresses all of the issues and vIsions identified by the Heritage Preservation
Commission and the Visioning workshop participants. The plan consists of an inventory of
existing historic properties, states the goals and policies of the City's preservation program and
presents an action plan for implementation.
As discussed in the plan, the goals and policies are organized around six basic program areas and
include the following:
1. Preservation Planning - Historic preservation planning is a dynamic process that organizes
preservation activities in a logical sequence and assures that decisions about historic
properties are based on the best possible information. Planning determines when an area
needs to be surveyed for historic resources, whether a particular property is historically
significant, and how an individual historic property should be treated.
2. Identification - In historic preservation pla,nning, historic resources are identified through the
process known as survey. Survey activities include planning and background research, field
survey (i.e., the physical search for and recording of historic properties on the ground),
organization and presentation of survey data and the development of historic resources
inventory (i.e., a compilation of information on individual historic properties).
3. Evaluation - Evaluation applies defined criteria of historical, architectural, archeological and
cultural significance to determine whether a property is eligible for designation as a
Farmington Heritage Landmark. Generally, to be considered significant (and therefore
worthy of preservation) a property must meet at least one of the following criteria: (a)
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association with an important historical event or pattern of events; (b) association with
important people; (c) be representative of a style or period of architecture, or the work of an
important architect or builder; (d) or contain information of value in answering questions
important to prehistory or history.
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4. Registration - For preservation purposes, the city council formally recognizes properties of
historical and architectural importance through the process called registration. Historic
districts, buildings, sites, and objects are all property types that can be designated
Farmington Heritage Landmarks.
5. Design Review - The HPC is charged with carrying out the design review provIsions
contained in Farmington's preservation ordinance, which requires mandatory review of
applications for certain types of city permits affecting significant historic properties.
Property owners are required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish or move
a historic building, and for new construction that affects historic properties. The HPC is
empowered only to advise property owners on exterior changes, alterations, and other
improvements to designated heritage landmarks. Working in conjunction with the Planning
Commission, the HPC also reviews development projects involving historic properties.
6. Public Education - Preservation planning, identification, evaluation, registration and design
review includes public participation to develop informed public involvement in the decision
making process. The city actively promotes historic preservation through education
programs, preservation plans, heritage tourism, and publications.
The preservation plan also outlines implementation strategies to achieve the goals of the City's
historic preservation program. Short and long-term action steps provide a valuable compass in
preserving Farmington's historic properties.
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ACTION REQUESTED
Accept the Historic Preservation Plan as an element of the 1998 Comprehensive Plan Update.
O?:~
Lee Smick, AICP
Planning Coordinator
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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FARMINGTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The City of Farmington faces a challenge that will become increasingly important in the
coming years: How will we preserve, protect, and use the historic buildings and sites that
give our community its essential historic character?
The primary goal of the city historic preservation program is conservation of significant,
scarce, non-renewable historic resources. To achieve this goal, we must accept stewardship
of historic properties as a shared responsibility between the public and the private sector.
Historic preservation is an important local government service, and the time, effort, and
financial resources we spend on historic preservation is one of the community's wisest
investments, returning multiple benefits from modest expenditures on research, planning,
protective measures, technical assistance, and education.
To preserve and protect Farmington's historic resources, the City Council has enacted Title
2, Chapter 11 of the City Code, which establishes the city historic preservation program. As
the City's principal historic preservation organization, the Heritage Preservation Commission
(HPC) has responsibility for oversight of historic preservation activities. The primary
. objectives of the city historic preservation program are:
· Preservation of significant historical, architectural, and archeological sites;
· Fostering the wise use of Farmington's historical and cultural resources through
comprehensive planning and education;
· Facilitating public participation in preservation planning; and
· Dissemination of information about Farmington's heritage.
The city historic preservation program also promotes the goals of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and is an active participant in the federal-state-Iocal
government preservation partnership known as the Certified Local Government (CLG)
program.
The preservation philosophy behind the city historic preservation program rests upon four
basic assumptions:
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Historic properties are scarce, non-renewable community resources, the preservation,
protection, and use of which are critical to the public welfare. When historical and
archeological resources are destroyed, they are gone forever.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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Historic preservation is an important public service and a legitimate responsibility
of city government. Historic buildings and sites give Farmington much of its special
character and community identity, yet some of the leading causes of historic property
loss are institutional actions, such as residential and commercial development, that
are governed by city laws, regulations, and procedures.
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3. Not everything that is old is worth preserving, nor is historic preservation concerned
primarily with the creation of museums or other public attractions. To be considered
for preservation, a property must be demonstrably significant in history, architecture
or archeology, and it must also be adaptable to modem needs and uses.
4. Historic preservation is entirely compatible with economic development and growth.
Preservation pays and everybody profits by recycling historically significant
buildings and adapting them to new, economically viable uses.
An important function of the city historic preservation program is education. Farmington has
a heritage that is as rich as that of any other city of comparable size and a strong community
preservation program offers an effective tool for fostering good citizenship and civic pride.
Historic buildings and sites offer a valuable supplement to the written record and provide a
unique three-dimensional learning experience. The preservation and interpretation of
Farmington's historic resources will unquestionably contribute to the overall education and
cultural development of our fellow citizens.
GOALS AND POLICIES
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City historic preservation goals and policies are organized around six basic program areas:
preservation planning, identification, evaluation, registration, design review, and public
education. Preservation goals are derived from the city's historic preservation ordinance and
reflect a conservative approach to historic resources management. The policies which follow
the program goals provide the pragmatic framework for implementing the goals.
Preservation Planning
Historic preservation planning is a dynamic process that organizes preservation activities in
a logical sequence and assures that decisions about historic properties are based on the best
possible information. Planning determines when an area needs to be surveyed for historic
resources, whether a particular property is historically significant, and how an individual
historic property should be treated.
Preservation Planning Goals:
. The city historic preservation program is managed in a manner consistent with the
goals, policies, and procedures established by the comprehensive plan.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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Comprehensive preservation planning uses the needs assessment process to develop
goals and objectives and to establish priorities for program activities.
. The city continues to participate in the Certified Local Government (CLG) program
pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.
Preservation Planning Policies:
· The historic preservation element of the comprehensive plan shall be the authoritative
guide for city historic preservation policy decisions.
· The HPC shall periodically review and update the historic preservation plan.
· Preservation planning shall be integrated with other city planning, such as zoning,
economic development, and public works.
· The city has adopted the Secretary of the Interior's standards for historic preservation
planning, identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment.
· Historic preservation planning data shall be made available to usable form to all City
departments, other public agencies, developers, property owners, and the citizens of
Farmington.
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The comprehensive historic preservation plan will be coordinated with the statewide
historic preservation plan developed by the Minnesota SHPO, and with the
preservation plans of other government agencies, such as the Metropolitan Council
and Dakota County.
Identification
In historic preservation planning, historic resources are identified through the process known
as survey. Survey activities include planning and background research, field survey (i.e., the
physical search for and recording of historic properties on the ground), organization and
presentation of survey data, and the development of an historic resources inventory (Le., a
compilation of information on individual historic properties).
Identification Goals:
. A comprehensive, city-wide survey identifies all historical, architectural,
archeological, and cultural resources in the City of Farmington.
. Survey data are integrated into the preservation planning process to insure that
decisions are based upon the best available information.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
. The results of surveys are made available to city officials and the general public.
Identification Policies:
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· Historic resource surveys will be planned so that the level of effort and the kinds of
information obtained are consistent with the historic preservation needs of the city.
· Whenever possible, identification of historic properties will be based upon data
obtained from primary, rather than secondary sources, or intensive field survey, or
both.
· The HPC will maintain an inventory of all significant properties using geographic
information system (GIS) technology.
Evaluation
Evaluation applies defined criteria of historical, architectural, archeological and cultural
significance to determine whether a property is eligible for designation as a Farmington
Heritage Landmark. Generally, to be considered significant (and therefore worthy of
preservation) a property must meet at least one of the following criteria: (a) association with
an important historical event or pattern of events; (b) association with important people; ( c)
be representative of a style or period of architecture, or the work of an important architect
or builder; (d) contain information of value in answering questions important to prehistory .
or history.
Evaluation Goals:
. All historic properties identified by survey are evaluated by the HPC and its staff to
determine their eligibility for registration as Farmington Heritage Landmarks.
Evaluation Policies:
· In evaluating the significance of any historic property, the HPC shall apply the
criteria for eligibility for designation as a Farmington Heritage Landmark or the
National Register of Historic Places.
· In determining whether or not a property is eligible for heritage landmark
designation, its age or date of construction shall not be the primary factor in assessing
its historic preservation value.
· The HPC shall issue a written finding of significance for each property that is
determined eligible for designation as a heritage landmark.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Registration
F or preservation purposes, the city council formally recognizes properties of historical and
architectural importance through the process called registration. Historic districts, buildings,
sites, and objects are all property types that can be designated Farmington Heritage
Landmarks.
Registration Goals:
. All historic properties which have been evaluated as significant are registered as
Farmington Heritage Landmarks, with the appropriate studies conducted and public
hearings held.
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Registration Policies:
· Information on all historic properties nominated for registration as Farmington
Heritage Landmarks shall be made available to the public in advance of any public
meeting at which the nomination is to be discussed.
· Prior to City Council action designating a Farmington Heritage Landmark, a
preservation planning report will be prepared which summarizes the registration
documentation and recommends a preservation concept plan.
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Information about Farmington Heritage Landmarks shall be made available to the
general public.
· The locations of Farmington Heritage Landmarks shall be noted on the official
zoning map of the City.
Design Review
The HPC is charged with carrying out the design review provIsIons contained in
Farmington's preservation ordinance, which requires mandatory review of applications for
certain types of city permits affecting significant historic properties. Property owners are
required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish or move a historic building,
and for new construction that affects historic properties. The HPC is empowered only to
advise property owners on exterior changes, alterations, and other improvements to
designated heritage landmarks. Working in conjunction with the Planning Commission, the
HPC also reviews development projects involving historic properties.
Design Review Goals:
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No significant historic property is destroyed, damaged, or defaced as a result of any
action permitted, licensed, funded, or assisted by the City of Farmington.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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Every reasonable effort is made to preserve and protect properties of historical,
architectural, archeological, and cultural significance, including those properties
which have been found eligible for registration but which may not have been
designated as heritage landmarks.
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Design Review Policies:
· Every application for a City permit to demolish a significant historic property shall
be reviewed by the HPC, and no demolition permit in relation to a Farmington
Heritage Landmark will be issued without a signed Certificate of Appropriateness
from the HPC.
· Every application for a City permit to move a significant historic property shall be
reviewed by the HPC, and no permit for moving a Farmington Heritage Landmark
will be issued without a signed Certificate of Appropriateness from the HPC.
· Every application for a City permit for new construction at a significant historic
property shall be reviewed by the HPC, and no permit for new construction at a
Farmington Heritage Landmark will be issued without a signed Certificate of
Appropriateness from the HPC.
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Every application for a preliminary plat, rezoning, tax increment financing district,
conditional use permit, or variance from the zoning ordinance will be reviewed by
the HPC, which shall advise the Planning Commission whether or not the project will
have an adverse affect on significant historic properties. The Planning Commission
may deny issuance of permits or approve applications with conditions based upon the
recommendations of the HPC.
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· All plans for acquiring, repairing, expanding, constructing, or reconstructing city
public works shall be reviewed by the HPC. No public works project in relation to
a significant historic property may proceed without a signed Certificate of
Appropriateness.
· In reviewing permits and development projects, the HPC will apply the Secretary of
the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
· The HPC will review permits for demolition, moving, and new construction within
30 days. If a project is simple or will have no adverse effect on a designated heritage
landmark, the Certificate of Appropriateness may be approved by city staff in
consultation with the HPC chairperson.
· All Certificate of Appropriateness decisions can be appealed to the city council.
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The City reserves its right to review and comment on projects licensed or assisted by
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
the Federal government under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
or other relevant environmental protection legislation.
Public Education
Preservation planning, identification, evaluation, registration and design review includes
public participation to develop informed public involvement in the decision making process.
The city actively promotes historic preservation through education programs, preservation
plans, heritage tourism, and publications.
Education Goals:
. City historic preservation program activities heighten awareness of heritage
landmarks and educate property owners on how to preserve, rehabilitate, restore, and
reconstruct their significant buildings and sites.
. Education leads to voluntary compliance with historic property treatment standards.
Education Policies:
· The HPC shall provide education, insight, and knowledge of preservation techniques
to city officials and historic property owners.
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Preservation programs will link heritage education and tourism to encourage
investment in historic properties downtown.
· Every effort will be made to encourage the general maintenance, repair and
enhancement of designated heritage landmarks.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
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The Farmington historic resources inventory is organized around the concept of historic
context, which provides a framework for identifying and evaluating historic properties on
the basis of historical theme, geographical area, and chronological period. Each historic
context describes one or more aspects of Farmington heritage. Some are not as well defined
as others because of information gaps in the historical record, while others overlap
geographically and chronologically. Taken together, they form a comprehensive summary
of the most important trends and patterns in local history and the relevant historic property
types.
In 1994-1995, the HPC conducted a study which identified twelve local historic contexts for
organizing information about Farmington's historic resources. One of the products of the
historic context study was establishment of historic resource identification goals and
priorities. While background knowledge of Farmington's historical development indicated
that important historic properties were most likely to be concentrated in particular areas (such
as the downtown and older residential neighborhoods), very little survey work had been
carried out in the city prior to 1995. In response to the need to acquire baseline data on the
city's historic resources, preservation planning assumed that a broad-scale reconnaissance
of the entire city would need to be undertaken. To facilitate the survey effort, the city was
subdivided into eighteen historic preservation planning areas (HPP As), half of which were
urban, half rural, in order to allow for a systematic, cost-effective effort to characterize the .
preservation potential of different parts of the community ( see Map). Beginning in 1996, the
HPC began a reconnaissance survey of the city, starting with the Downtown HPP A. A survey
of the Oak Street HPPA was completed in 1997 and work had started on an analysis of the
Main Street HPPA in 1998. Although considerable progress has been made, in 1998 more
than 80% of the city remains unsurveyed for historic resources.
As a consequence, the following inventory is not comprehensive and reflects the simple fact
that not much is known about several potentially important types of historic properties, such
as archeological sites, farm buildings, and transportation structures. It specifically references
only those individual historic properties which have been evaluated as significant and no
attempt has been made to rank individual properties within historic contexts according to
their relative historic preservation value.
Properties Associated with Prehistoric Native Americans
Prior to white settlement, Native Americans had lived in the Farmington area for thousands
of years. The plainest evidence that prehistoric people lived in and utilized the natural
resources from the Twin Cities area comes from archeological sites, which indicate that the
ancestral Native Americans first appeared in the region about 11,500 years ago. Undeveloped
lands in Farmington, particularly in the northern and western parts of the city, may contain
significant archeological sites associated with the Paleoindian, Archaic, Woodland, and
Oneota cultural traditions. However, to date very little archeological work has been done in
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
the Farmington area and no prehistoric Native American properties have been identified
. within the city limits.
Properties Associates with Historic Native Americans
The first European explorers and fur traders appeared in Minnesota about 1650 but more than
150 years passed before they came here to live in significant numbers. Until Native
American sovereignty was extinguished by the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux in 1851, Dakota
County was part of the tribal estate of the Mdewakanton Dakota or Santee Sioux. Historical
accounts suggest prolonged Mdewakanton occupation and utilization of the natural resources
of the Vermilion River Valley and there is no reason to believe they were not present within
the present-day city limits up until the Dakota War of 1862.
Properties Associated with Agriculture and Rural Lifeways
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For more than a century, farming was the most important enterprise in Dakota County. As
a consequence, the greatest single influence on the development of Farmington between the
1850s and the 1950s was agriculture. The first settlements were made along the Vermilion
River in 1854, but the Panic of 1857, the Dakota War of 1862, and the Civil War slowed
local development. It wasn't until the late 1860s that the area around Farmington began to
fill up with farms. Wheat was the chief crop but its importance diminished after about 1880
and by the turn of the century local agriculture had become diversified. Farmington was a
transportation nexus and trade center for a prosperous agricultural hinterland, and the
accessibility of Twin Cities markets favored the development of agricultural product
processing, shipping, and storage. The town also had important merchandising,
manufacturing, educational and recreational industries that were heavily dependent upon
agriculture. Potentially significant historic properties include farms and farmsteads; the D.
F. Akin House, 19188 Aiken Rd.; the Farmington Wool Growers Building, 5th and Pine St.;
the P. H. Feely & Son Elevator on 2nd St.; and the Twin City Milk Producers Plant, 4th and
Pine St.
Properties Associated with Town Planning and Development
No human activity has been more important in shaping the built environment of Farmington
than urbanization. The general plan of the village was based on a model that had evolved
over two centuries in the northeastern United States. Street patterns, lot lines, and the
differentiation between commercial and residential areas have their roots in the pre-1950 past
and essentially define the emerging suburban landscape of the late 20th century. This historic
context uses the concept of historic landscape as a means of identifying and interpreting
historic land use patterns and trends. Potentially significant resources associated with town
planning and development include the original Town Plat; the old CMStP&P Railroad right-
of-way; the abandoned Hastings & Dakota Railroad corridor; and Rambling River Park.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Properties Associated with Downtown Farmington
Farmington was founded in 1865 as a trade center and its central place functions developed
rapidly. This historic context focuses on the buildings, sites, and streetscapes that give
downtown Farmington its defining historic character and sense of place. The architecture of
the downtown area reflects regional and local patterns of economic development, changing
building styles and construction technologies, and social and cultural change. Individual
buildings document the histories of locally significant business, civic and social
organizations. Surveys of the downtown area began in 1996. Significant downtown
properties include the Exchange Bank Building, 344 3rd St.; the Farmington State Bank
Building, 320 3rd St.; the I.O.O.F. BuildinglMasonic Temple, 324-328 3rd St.; the Fletcher
Building, 344 3rd St.; and the Lyric Theater Building, 314 Oak St.
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Properties Associated with Residential Neighborhoods
This historic context is focused on social and architectural history themes represented by
historic properties found in Farmington's residential districts. Individual houses,
outbuildings, and streetscapes document the histories of families, neighborhoods and the
community as a whole and give each part of the city its unique sense of time and place. The
most important architecture history themes are those represented by well preserved examples
of Late Victorian, Eclectic and late 19th and 20th century vernacular houses. Significant
historic properties include the houses at 408 Oak St., 421 Oak St., 509 Oak St., 520 Oak St.,
521 Oak St., 612 Oak St., 621 Oak St., 409 Spruce St., and 500 Spruce St. .
Properties Associated with Commerce and Industry
Functionally, Farmington was the first link between the agricultural hinterland of Dakota
County and the world market. Agricultural product processing, storage and shipping were
the oldest industries in town, and for a number of years Farmington flourished as a grain
market and shipping point. Between 1866 and 1950, the village became a trading and
banking center, with commercial activity dominated by small-scale family-owned businesses
providing goods and services to rural customers and the villagers themselves. Farmington's
manufacturing sector was modest before 1900; 20th century industries were more diversified.
Intensive thematic surveys are planned to identify and evaluate individual stores, shops,
mills, and factories.
Properties Associated with Transportation
Farmington developed as a transportation nexus and prospered as a shipping point. When
settlers came to Dakota County, the most important overland routes were Native American
trails. The earliest government roadways were laid out in the 1850s and stimulated inland
settlement. Railroads came to Dakota County at a comparatively early date and Farmington
itself was originally platted as a railway village. The village was for many years the junction
of important north-south and east-west rail lines, served by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul
& Pacific system. Modern highways signalled the decline of the railroads and produced
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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significant changes in the built environment, especially after World War II. Other than the
site of the old CMStP&P Railroad Depot (formerly listed in the National Register of Historic
Places but razed in 1983), no other significant transportation properties had been identified
by 1998. Intensive thematic surveys are planned to identify and evaluate individual
transportation routes and structures.
Properties Associated with Churches and Cemeteries
Churches of several denominations played an important part in the social history of
Farmington. Individual church buildings, parsonages and related structures also represent an
important set of architectural landmarks worthy of preservation for their historical, aesthetic,
cultural and artistic values. Cemeteries were also an important aspect of historic landscape
architecture. This historic context deals with historic resources not normally eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places, but which may warrant designation as Farmington
Heritage Landmarks. Representative historic properties include: the Church of the Advent,
412 Oak St.; the Church of God, 104 Elm St.; and St. Michael's Catholic Church, 5th and
Spruce St.
Properties Associated with Education
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Schools were closely linked to the growth of Farmington and were both a product and a part
of the town's historical development. A rural schoolhouse was built near Farmington in 1862
and the village's public school system was established in 1868. Public and private schools
played an important part in the development of Farmington and dominated the civic
architecture of the town. Intensive thematic surveys are planned to identify and evaluate
individual school buildings.
Properties Associated with Tourism, Recreation and Leisure
While Minnesota had earned a reputation as a summer haven for tourists during the
Territorial period, it was not until the gaslight era of the late 19th century that tourism, sports
and recreation became significant in the lives of small inland towns like Farmington. As the
amount of leisure time available to the average person increased, community investment in
sports and recreational activities also increased. The automobile further expanded families'
recreational opportunities and between about 1900 and 1940 Farmington became something
of a minor tourist mecca for both rural and urban folk. Potentially significant historic
property types associated with tourism, recreation and leisure include tourist campgrounds,
cabins, public halls, theaters, athletic fields and skating rinks, as well as the homes of local
sports heros.
Properties Associated with Geographical Features of Historical Interest
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Geology, topography, climate and vegetation form the physical context within which
Farmington's historical development has taken place. Landforms, water resources,
weather, soil, plants and animals represent the resource base that forms the background
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
against which all aspects of Farmington history are viewed. This historic context
embraces the physical geography of Farmington, and as such is an integral part of all
other historic contexts. Potential historic resources include springs, red ocher (vermilion)
deposits, and preserved specimens of natural vegetation.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
One of the main purposes of the comprehensive preservation plan, if not its sole purpose, is
to chart a course for the future of the city historic preservation program. As part of the
visioning process, the HPC has worked with the city council and staff, federal and state
preservation agency officials, consultants, and members of the public to clarify preservation
issues and to identify long-term policy needs. This section reflects our vision of historic
preservation as a focal point of community development planning that preserves, protects
and enhances significant historic properties for the benefit of present and future generations.
The following paragraphs provide an outline of an action plan, summarizing and prioritizing
short-term and long-term objectives that will need to be in place by the years 2005 and 2020,
respectively, to achieve preservation program goals.
Short-term (1-5 years) Implementation Objectives
1. Adopt and implement a city historic preservation plan that identifies Farmington's
historic resources and establishes goals, policies and procedures for preserving,
protecting and enhancing them.
2. Amend the city's historic preservation ordinance to reflect the goals and policies
contained in the historic preservation plan.
3.
Adopt the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and
Historic Preservation as the conceptual framework for the City's historic preservation
program.
4. Adopt the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties as the authoritative guide for design review decisions.
5. Complete the historic resources reconnaissance survey of urban and rural historic
preservation planning areas.
6. Issue findings of significant (Le., determinations of eligibility) for all properties
surveyed which have been evaluated as meeting the criteria for designation as
Farmington Heritage Landmarks.
7. Designate between ten and fifteen historically significant properties as Farmington
Heritage Landmarks.
8. Develop stronger working relationships between the HPC and the Planning
Commission by reviewing all development plans, capital improvement plans, and
public works projects for their possible impacts on significant historic properties.
9.
Participate fully in the Certified Local Government preservation partnership.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
10.
Provide city officials and the general public with information, education and training
in historic preservation using the full range of available communications technology.
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11. Advise property owners, developers, and others about appropriate preservation
treatments and provide technical assistance in historic preservation to city officials
involved in preservation projects.
12. Establish a local historical marker/plaques program.
13. Explore ways to provide better physical connections between Farmington residents
and local historic properties.
14. In establishing community development priorities, focus on preserved and
rehabilitated historic properties as opportunities for economic development.
15. Provide the HPC with paid professional staff equal to approximately one-quarter
(25%) of a full time position.
Long-Term (5-20 years) Implementation Objectives
16.
Preserve Farmington's downtown, older residential neighborhoods and rural areas as
distinctive and recognizable parts of the modem city.
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17. Complete the historic resources reconnaissance survey and compile a comprehensive
inventory of all historic properties more than 50 years old.
18. Undertake an archeological reconnaissance survey of all undeveloped lands within
the city limits.
19. Develop and implement voluntary guidelines for preserving, rehabilitating, restoring,
and reconstructing historic properties.
20. To stimulate education and edification, and to foster civic pride, place an historical
marker or other interpretive device in every city park and public building, along
every major public road and trailway, and in local schools.
21. Develop social studies curricula that can be used to teach students of all ages about
local history and historic preservation.
22. Seek a permanent, reliable source of funding (outside of the city's general fund) for
the city historic preservation program.
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City of Farmington
325 Oak Street, Farmington, MN 55024
(651) 463-7111 Fax (651) 463-2591
www.ct.farmineton.mn.us
TO: City Planning Commission
FROM: Lee Smick, AICP (} ()
Planning Coordinat~
SUBJECT: 1998 Comprehensive Plan Update-
Parks and Recreation Plan
DATE: December 22,1998
INTRODUCTIONIDISCUSSION
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The Parks and Recreation Plan is an element in the 1999 update of the Comprehensive
Plan. The Parks and Recreation Plan was recently drafted by City staff and reviewed and
approved at the December 2, 1998 meeting by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The plan is intended to serve as a guide for the preservation and expansion of the park
and recreation system in the City of Farmington. The plan consists of an inventory of the
existing parkland and recreation programs for the City and also states the goals generated
by the Parks and Recreation Commission for the next 20 years.
The goals for the Parks and Recreation Plan include the following:
1. Explore a centrally located community/regional park facility and/or recreational
public lake.
2. Evaluate existing parks on a yearly basis to ensure the parks are safe and well
maintained and accessible to all residents; identify upgrade needs to be included in
the 5-year CIP. Also evaluate current park and trail needs based on demographic
projections.
3. Preserve and restore the Vermillion River corridor and acquire properties abutting the
river when they become available.
4. Assess current park development trends; develop a variety of park facilities.
. 5. Assess current recreational trends; develop a variety of recreational activities.
6. Explore the construction of a recreational water park and/or community center.
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7. Evaluate future expansion or relocation of the Farmington Senior Center.
8. Work with Dakota County, Independent School District 192, surrounding
communities, the City's Boards and Commissions and private and/or non-profit
organizations on developing joint ventures for recreational, open spaces, facilities and
trail systems.
9. Expand the liquor store operation to generate additional park revenue.
10. Evaluate the future expansion of the Farmington Civic Arena.
The goals reflect the vision statements generated at the Visioning Workshops in the
summer of 1998. Specifically, the vision discussed a centrally located park to connect the
northern and southern portions of the City, preserve the natural area of the City while
utilizing their amenities and providing active and passive recreation areas for the growing
population.
ACTION REOUESTED
Accept the Parks and Recreation Plan as an element of the 1998 Comprehensive Plan .
Update.
Respectfully submitted,
vr //)~ ~
// I
,- ...~~. .'1i -.~.
Lee Smick, AICP
Planning Coordinator
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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FARMINGTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
PARKS & RECREATION ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
History
Although the City of Farmington has been in existence for over 125 years, the city parks
system has had a relatively short life span. However, the community has had an interest
in parks for more than 70 years. Emil Kuchera, a resident of the community, purchased a
10-acre site on the north side of town in 1924. The property that bordered both sides of
the Vermillion River was to be developed into a tourist park. The park included a cafe,
cantina, cook shacks, cabins and swimming hole, and was the main recreational attraction
for the citizens of Farmington for 35 years until the death of Mr. Kuchera in 1962.
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The community established a youth commission in the 1950's, which provided
recreational opportunities to the youth of the community. The facilities used for these
programs were provided by the school district. In 1970, the City established a Parks and
Recreation Commission to evaluate the parks and recreational needs of the city. The
commission determined the need for parks and proceeded to negotiate with the State of
Minnesota to lease a parcel of land adjacent to the Vermillion River on the west edge of
town. In 1972, the commission acquired the land through a long-term lease from the
state and funded development of the site with LA WCON funds. Another site was
developed in 1972 on the south edge of the city through the newly established park
dedication ordinance. Evergreen Knoll Park was located adjacent to the newly
constructed Municipal Swimming Pool. The pool originally was to be constructed by a
private non-profit organization, however, funding goals were not met and construction
was discontinued. The City finished the project at the time of the development of the
adjacent park.
The Parks and Recreation Commission continued to oversee the operations of the parks
and recreation programs until the passing of a referendum and construction of the ice
arena. At this time it was determined that there was a need for a full time staff person to
direct the facilities and programs. A Parks and Recreation Director was hired in 1975 to
oversee construction of the arena and to develop programming for the arena and City.
The Senior Center located in the downtown business district near two senior housing
projects was purchased in 1982. The building was purchased using pledges from the
local residents and remodeling funded through Federal Grants.
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At present, the Parks and Recreation Commission reviews and evaluates a variety of park
planning issues including the acquisition and development of parks and the need for
citizens to access the parks and recreational areas through the connection of trails. As a
result a comprehensive trail plan has been adopted to interconnect the various parks and
open spaces, with connections throughout the various populated areas of the community.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Since the first lease in 1972 of approximately 5 acres of property from the State of .
Minnesota, the City-owned parkland has grown to 381 acres in 1998.
VISION
The City of Farmington has adopted the vision of the Dakota County Parks and Open
Space Plan (1998) into the Farmington Parks and Recreation community goals. The
vision for the parks, open space and recreation in the City of Farmington is a system of
parks, park preserves and trails that protect and preserve important natural, historic,
and/or cultural areas and landscapes; and provides opportunities for the recreational
enjoyment and education of the citizens of the city.
Comprehensive Plan-Visioning Sessions 1998
In the Comprehensive Plan-Visioning Sessions held in the summer of 1998, the parks
system was specifically mentioned in the Comprehensive Planning issues stated under
Connections, Value Received for Taxes and Environmental needs.
The vision determined for providing connections throughout the City included the need to
implement a bike/trail plan, emphasizing the connection between the northern and
southern sections of the City.
The development of a geographically central attraction to assist in creating a sense of .
community connection through one large, multi-use recreational area was also
determined to be an important vision. This attraction may involve both active and
passive recreation, a golf course surrounded with low-density residential districts and/or a
regional recreational complex including ballfields, soccer fields and water recreation.
Parks were also emphasized in the category for value received for taxes. The vision
included the need to expand park development in the City to deliver benefits to the
community from the taxes that the residents provide. The expansion includes additional
athletic facilities, neighborhood parks, trails and a central park attraction.
The final issue discussed at the Visioning Sessions included the environment. The vision
pertaining to parks included the development of more accesses along the river to allow
for the utilization of the river as a passive recreational use. Additionally, the utilization
of wetlands and natural areas to connect areas throughout the City by trails waterways
and walkways, while being environmentally sensitive could provide additional passive
recreational parks throughout the park system.
PARK STANDARDS
The goals of the Parks and Recreation Commission are to preserve and protect
Farmington's wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas and provide for park
development. The City Council has enacted a wetland protection ordinance and parks .
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
dedication ordinance. These ordinances provide the City with the opportunity to protect
and obtain areas from development to be used for the good of the public.
The Parks and Recreation Commission has also identified the need to acquire and
develop areas within the City. These areas will be acquired through the wetland
protection ordinance, parks dedication ordinance, tax levies, liquor store profits and
future referendums.
The City of Farmington uses the nationally recognized park system classifications and
will provide a "benchmark" for establishing criteria for the City park system
classification. Since the recreational needs are unique to Farmington, these
classifications will need a certain amount of modification and expansion.
The park types under this classification system are as follows:
Mini Park
Use: Specialized facilities that serve a concentrated/limited population or specific
group such as small children or senior citizens. These parks should be limited to
only areas where distances or geographical barriers prevent use of a neighborhood
park. Mini parks should also be considered for commercial/industrial areas. The
mini parks may also be associated with historic sites particularly in the downtown
area.
Service Area: Less than 114-mile radius.
Desirable Size: 2,500 square feet to 1/2 acre.
Acres /1000 Population: 0.25 to 0.5
Neighborhood Park
Use: Area for intense recreational activities, such as field games, playground
structure, skating, etc. Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system
and typically function as the social focus of the neighborhood. The park should
be easily accessible to the neighborhood population and geographically centered
with safe walking and bike access. The park should also be suited for passive as
well as active recreational uses.
Service Area: 1/2-mile radius.
Desirable Size: 4 to 6 acres.
Acres / 1000 Population: 5
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Community Park
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Use: Area for large intense recreational activities, such as a ballfield complex,
soccer fields, hockey rinks, large playground structures, etc. Consolidation of
active recreational activities through the use of community parks will reduce the
stress on neighborhood parks and reduce the negative impacts to surrounding
neighborhoods. Additionally, amenities such as parking, lighted fields,
concessions, etc. are more appropriate in community parks as opposed to
neighborhood parks. These athletic complexes should be strategically located as
they draw individuals from outside the immediate service area and therefore site
location must be considered as it relates to site access and traffic issues.
Service Area: Community - wide, with specific park site located centrally within
the community. Generally serve populations up to 25,000.
Desirable Size: Minimum of 25 acres.
Acres / 1000 Population: As appropriate to meet needs. Generally 15.
Community Preserve
Use: An area suited for largely passive recreational activities such as walking,
viewing, sitting, biking, picnicking, etc. as well as providing wildlife habitat. .
Areas that afford a variety of natural features such as water bodies, wooded areas,
open prairie, slopes, etc. and merit preservation. Educationally focused activities
would be the most appropriate programmed activity for this type of park site.
Service Area: May vary depending on specific park sites and intended uses.
Desirable Size: Based on specific park site circumstances. Naturally, the overall
acreage totals must remain within the community's financial capabilities.
Acres / 1000 Population: Reviewed on individual park site basis.
Lineal Trails
Use: An area developed for one or more varying modes of recreational travel
such as walking, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, etc.
Location should be in natural corridors such as utility right-of-ways, bluff lines,
vegetation patterns and roads that link other facilities, such as schools, libraries,
commercial areas, historical sites and other park areas. The
sidewalk/bikeway/trails plan should be included under the lineal trails
classification thus allowing for effective linkage corridors to connect the entire
park system.
Service Area: Site specific and community wide.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Desirable Size: Sufficient width to provide maximum use.
Acres/Population: Variable.
PARK PLAN
The major areas the Parks and Recreation Commission have identified as essentials for
public use are the Vermillion River Corridor and the conservation area to the east of Akin
Road.
The first priority of the Parks and Recreation Commission is to protect the natural
boundaries of the Vermillion River floodway. It is zoned a floodway in the City Zoning
Ordinance and will be protected from development by the wetland ordinance. However,
the commission intends to acquire areas beyond the floodway to provide passive
recreation opportunities to the citizens of the community. It is assumed that a portion of
this property will be dedicated to the City by developers when the adjoining lands are
developed. A paved trail with wooden pedestrian bridges will be constructed along the
river as acquisition occurs.
It is important to note that an investigation for prehistoric and historic resources in the
Vermillion River valley and other areas in the City should be performed. This requires
that the City's Heritage Preservation Commission be involved in any project planning for
parks to determine if there will be any impacts on significant historical or archeological
resources.
A community preserve has been recommended on the conservation area in the eastern
portion of the City. The land is zoned conservation because of the very high water table
creating unbuildable land for construction of structures. The site is heavily wooded and
has very good wildlife habitat. Development of the site would be limited to mostly trails,
ponds, and observation platforms for nature observation. An adjoining area of suitable
size will be available for a future community park that may include an athletic complex
and a water feature.
The City is also interested in acquiring a trail corridor west of Pilot Knob Road to
connect the populated area on the northern end of the community to the populated area on
the southern edge. This is in addition to the north-south trails proposed in the
Charleswood development. Another trail is planned for construction on the east side of
Pilot Knob Road from north to South. These trails will connect many of the
neighborhood parks within the parks system as well as allow the residents access to
commercial and school facilities without the aid of an automobile.
STATEMENT OF GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND ACTION STEPS
The Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Actions element sets out the broad goals of the City
of Farmington for parks and open space issues, as well as specific action steps that will
be taken to realize those goals. The action steps identified for each policy represent the
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first tasks that will be taken in implementing the goals, objectives and policies for the
City of Farmington Parks System.
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Many of these policies and action steps represent current management approaches used
by the Parks Department.
GOAL 1 - EXPLORE A CENTRALLY LOCATED COMMUNITYIREGIONAL
PARK FACILITY AND/OR RECREATIONAL PUBLIC LAKE.
Rationale:
The Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission is interested in continuing to explore
the possibility of creating a centrally located community/regional park facility and/or
recreational public lake that would include a large complex of softball and soccer fields
and a man-made lake. The Commission feels that the City currently lacks the required
demand of softball and soccer facilities and coupled with the projected growth of the
City, these types of facilities are in short supply. Throughout the public participation
process, residents voiced the need to connect the northern section of Farmington, which
includes most of the newer subdivisions in the City, with the southern section
encompassing the original downtown area. A centrally located community/regional park
facility and/or recreational public lake between the two sections could assist in
connecting the City through the use of parkland, thereby, guiding residents to a central
location in the City and creating a sense of community connection.
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Objective: Provide an athletic complex for soccer and softball and additional passive
and active recreational space that are accessible to all residents and meets
the demands of the projected population.
Policy: The City will assess the feasibility and location of a community/regional
park facility and/or recreational public lake.
Action: Determine the location of the community/regional park facility/regional
park facility and/or recreational public lake and acquire lands when they
become available.
Action: Develop an acquisition plan to anticipate and the use of sunset dates to
assist in determining priorities for acquisition and when acquisition will
take place.
Action: Develop a site plan for the community/regional park facility and/or
recreational public lake including a cost analysis of the proposed project.
Action: Determine the location of passive recreational spaces within the
community/recreational facility and explore the opportunities to connect
existing City trails with these areas.
Action: Determine types of recreational equipment and activities to be located in
the community/regional park facility and/or recreational public park.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
GOAL 2 - EVALUATE EXISTING PARKS ON A YEARLY BASIS TO ENSURE
THE PARKS ARE SAFE, WELL-MAINTAINED AND ACCESSIBLE TO ALL
RESIDENTS; IDENTIFY UPGRADE NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE 5-
YEAR CIP. ALSO TO EVALUATE CURRENT PARK AND TRAIL NEEDS
BASED ON DEMOGRAPHIC PROJECTIONS.
Rationale:
The Parks and Recreation Commission understands the need to evaluate existing
parklands and ensure that they are safe, well-maintained and accessible for the citizens
who use them. It is also important to evaluate the demographic projections in the City to
determine if there is a need to upgrade existing parks and trails in the community. The
needs and upgrades assessment must be identified in the 5-year CIP to ensure that the
parks and trails are meeting the needs of the community.
Objective: Determine the current conditions of parks and trails in the City and
perform a needs assessment for upgrading or constructing new parks or
trails.
Policy: The City will perform a survey of the current parks and trails along with a
demographic projections study to determine needs or upgrades to the parks
system and acknowledge the needs or upgrades in the 5-year CIP.
Action: The City will perform a survey of the existing conditions of the parks and
trails within the City.
Action: The City will perform a demographic projections study to determine future
needs of parks and trails to ensure the growing populations' recreational
needs are met.
Action: Prepare a cost/benefit analysis to determine which proposed parks or trails
will be placed in the 5-year CIP.
Action: Identify the approved parks or trails within the 5-year CIP.
GOAL 3 - PRESERVE AND RESTORE THE VERMILLION RIVER CORRIDOR
AND ACQUIRE PROPERTIES ABUTTING THE RIVER WHEN THEY
BECOME AVAILABLE.
Rationale:
The Farmington Parks & Recreation Commission is interested in preserving and restoring
the Vermillion River Corridor. Since the Vermillion River and its adjacent wetlands are
the primary greenway corridor through the City, the Commission determined that
preservation, restoration and acquisition of property abutting the river when it becomes
available is essential in maintaining this valuable ecosystem. By acquiring properties that
abut the Vermillion River, inappropriate land uses such as industrial or commercial
properties that cause water quality problems and flooding on the river would be
prevented from establishing along the corridor. In continuing to preserve the natural
character of the adjacent land use along the river as a greenway corridor, possibilities of
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
flooding and contamination of the water quality through storm surface runoff could be .
deterred. Aesthetics along this greenway system could also be utilized as parks, nature
preserves and wildlife habitats.
Objective: Preserve, restore, investigate prehistoric or historic sites and acquire land
adjacent to the Vermillion River Corridor to protect this primary greenway
running through the City.
Policy: The City will research the natural resources of the Vermillion River
Corridor and determine the feasibility of preserving, restoring
investigating prehistoric or historic sites and acquiring land adjacent to the
corridor to insure the need to maintain and protect this valuable resource.
Action: Comply with the Surface Water Management Plan to insure that effective
storm water and water quality management practices and frequent
monitoring of the Vermillion River Corridor is performed.
Action: Develop and maintain an inventory of the Vermillion River Corridor
including its wildlife habitats, wetlands, prairies and forested areas, and
prehistoric or historic sites and classify them by type and function.
Action: Develop a public acquisition plan to anticipate and provide the use of
sunset dates to assist in determining priorities for acquisition and when
acquisition will take place.
Action: Develop a preservation and restoration plan of acquired lands adjacent to
the corridor.
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GOAL 4 - ASSESS CURRENT PARK DEVELOPMENT TRENDS; DEVELOP A
VARIETY OF PARK FACILITIES.
Rationale:
The Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission wants to be responsive to the interests
and needs of its residents for park facilities. In meeting this response, the Commission
must continually research current park trends and strive to develop a variety of park
facilities throughout the current and future park system. The level of service that the
public expects is also important to track in order for the Commission to have knowledge
of whether certain park development trends are met within the community. It is
important that the park facilities are accessible to all residents and the park trends should
also be evaluated for the disabled population in the community. Park trends will be
observed on a regional and national scale and through park visitor surveys, public surveys
and from other park agencies and surrounding communities in the metropolitan area.
Objective:
Evaluation of current park trends through research and surveys in order to
identify new trends and provide a variety of facilities in existing and future
parks.
The City will continually research current park trends and assess the
demand for types of facilities to be located in parklands in order to meet
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Policy:
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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the level of service expectations from the community and ensure that the
facilities are barrier-free and accessible to all residents.
Action: The City will research current park trends by monitoring regional and
national studies.
Action: The City will assess the demand for types of facilities desired by the
community by utilizing park visitor surveys, public surveys and narratives
from the residents at Commission meetings.
Action: The City will utilize information from surrounding communities
concerning park use demand and types of facilities provided in area parks.
Action: The City will monitor population and demographic trends in relation to the
existing and future needs of parkland in the City.
Action: The City will evaluate recreational facilities that are barrier-free for people
with disabilities and determine the demand and location of these types of
facilities in the community.
GOAL 5 - ASSESS CURRENT RECREATIONAL TRENDS; DEVELOP A
VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
Rationale:
.
The Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission wants to be responsive to the interests
and needs of its residents for recreational opportunities. In meeting this response, the
Commission must continually research current recreational trends and strive to develop a
variety of recreational activities throughout the current and future department. The level
of service that the public expects is also important to track in order for the Commission to
have knowledge of whether certain recreational trends are met within the community. It
is important that the recreational activities are accessible to all residents so that people
with disabilities can actively and socially participate in the activities. Recreational trends
will be observed on a regional and national scale and through public surveys and from
other recreational agencies and surrounding communities in the metropolitan area.
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Objective: Evaluation of current recreational trends through research and surveys in
order to identify new trends and provide a variety of activities.
Policy: The City will continually research current recreational trends and assess
the demand for types of activities in order to meet the level of service
expectations from the community including the design of programs and
activities for people with disabilities.
Action: The City will research current recreational trends by monitoring regional
and national studies.
Action: The City will asses the demand for types of activities desired by the
community by utilizing public surveys and narratives from the residents at
Commission meetings.
Action: The City will utilize information from surrounding communities
concerning types of recreational activities in the community.
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Action: The City will monitor population and demographic trends in relation to the .
existing and future recreational needs in the City.
Action: The City will continually research current recreational trends including the
design of programs and activities for people with disabilities.
GOAL 6 - EXPLORE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RECREATIONAL WATER
PARK AND/OR COMMUNITY CENTER.
Rationale:
The Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission enVlSlons a water park and/or
community center within the City because of the projected growth of the community to
the year 2020. The water park would provide an additional park activity that may
accommodate the projected population while meeting current recreational trends in
surrounding communities. The existing swimming pool may be utilized and/or expanded
to provide additional water facilities and equipment or a new location may be determined.
The community center is envisioned to provide a facility for family activities as well as
youth-oriented activities. The center may provide recreational programs such as indoor
basketball, volleyball, game rooms or community rooms to meet the needs of families
and the youth in the community.
Objective: Provide a water park to meet the needs of a growing community, increase .
park activities and meet current recreational trends both regionally and
nationally.
Policy: Research population and demographic trends to determine the need for a
water park and/or a community center through a needs survey and
determine the location and costs associated with this type of project.
Action: Monitor population and demographic trends and assess the need for an
additional swimming pool/water park and/or community center.
Action: Determine the costs of constructing a water park facility and/or
community center and any associated fees such as acquisition of property
or the purchase of equipment.
Action: Perform a feasibility study determining the costslbenefits of locating a
water park adjacent to the existing swimming pool or in another location
in the City.
Action: Perform a feasibility study determining the costslbenefits of locating a
community center in the City.
GOAL 7 - EVALUATE FUTURE EXPANSION OR RELOCATION OF THE
FARMINGTON SENIOR CENTER.
Rationale:
The Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission is interested in evaluating the future
expansion or relocation of the Farmington Senior Center. The Senior Center reverted to a .
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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City-owned facility in 1982 after the initial senior's group was in need of financial
assistance. The center caters to the seniors of the community and with the trend of aging
"baby boomers", the need for an expanded facility will become a priority. Senior
housing is within close proximity to the senior center and should be a determining factor
on whether the existing facility should be expanded or a new facility should be
constructed elsewhere that provides a larger center for events and activities.
Objective: Expand or relocate the Farmington Senior Center to prepare for the aging
population in the future.
Policy: The Farmington Parks & Recreation Commission will assess the
feasibility of the expansion of the existing Senior Center or the
construction of a new facility.
Action: Perform a population and demographic trend study to determine the need
for additional Senior Center space.
Action: Perform a feasibility study for providing additional space needs for the
Senior Center.
Action: Review existing events and activities at the center to determine if the
needs of the community are being met and if space is adequate for those
activities.
Action: Determine if staff is adequate for the population served in the center.
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GOAL 8- WORK WITH DAKOTA COUNTY, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
DISTRICT 192, SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES, THE CITY'S BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS AND PRIVATE AND/OR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ON
DEVELOPING JOINT VENTURES FOR RECREATIONAL PARKS, OPEN
SPACES, FACILITIES AND TRAIL SYSTEMS.
Rationale:
The Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission understands the importance of
working with the county, school district, surrounding communities, the City's boards and
commissions and others on developing parks and trails systems that interconnect
throughout jurisdictions, developing joint programs for events and activities and sharing
expenses on park equipment and other facilities.
Objective: Develop a working relationship with Dakota County, Independent School
192, surrounding communities, the City's boards and commissions and
private and/or non-profit organizations on developing joint ventures for
recreational parks, open spaces, facilities and trail systems.
Policy: Coordinate annual meetings with the above-mentioned organizations to
encourage the development of interconnecting trails, open spaces,
recreational activities, linkages to historical sites and cost effective joint
ventures.
Action: Determine contacts from various groups who are interested in creating a
. regional/recreational planning workshop.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Action:
Action:
Action:
Determine meeting dates for the regional/recreational planning workshop.
Determine the need to create a regional/recreational planning board to
oversee the coordination of regional and local parks planning.
Monitor the above-mentioned groups for proposed parks plans and
communicate any needs to coordinate connections or provide assistance in
preparing a joint venture with the proposed development.
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GOAL 9 - EXPAND THE CITY LIQUOR STORE OPERATION TO GENERATE
ADDITIONAL PARK REVENUE.
Rationale:
The park improvement fund is generated from three sources including the park dedication
fees, a share of the City-owned liquor store sales and any grants that are received for park
improvements. The park dedication fees are generated from new developments within
the City. Developments in residential zones are required to provide land for the
development of a neighborhood park through a percentage of the total acreage or provide
cash-in-lieu of land at a set rate. CommerciallIndustrial zones are handled similarly but,
at a reduced percentage of the total acreage or at the fair market value for land
contribution. Grants also provide revenue to the parks improvement fund and are
typically researched and applied for on an annual basis.
The park improvement fund also receives a share of the City-owned liquor stores. At .
present in 1998, the liquor store profits up to $10,000 are transferred to the general fund
and the remaining balance is split into equal parts transferring 50% of the balance to the
park improvement fund and 50% to the liquor store for operating purposes. The
Farmington Parks & Recreation Commission wants the City to expand the liquor stores in
the City to continually increase the revenue generated thereby, providing additional
revenue to the parks improvement fund. Therefore, the Commission wants the City to
perform a cost/benefit analysis of expanding the existing liquor stores or constructing a
new facility to meet the needs of the growing population, while providing funding to the
community's parks.
Objective:
Policy:
Action:
Action:
Action:
Action:
Expand the existing liquor stores or construct a new facility to provide for
an increase in revenue creating additional funding for the parks
improvement fund.
The City will assess the need for expanding the existing liquor stores or
constructing an additional facility to meet the needs of a growing
population, while providing funding for community parks.
Perform a population/sales analysis to determine the need for an additional
liquor store facility.
Perform a feasibility study for the expansion or construction of liquor
store facility.
Determine other funding sources for the parks improvement fund.
Assist in determining a site for a new liquor store facility.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
GOAL IO-EVALUATE FUTURE EXPANSION OF THE FARMINGTON CIVIC
ARENA.
Rationale:
The Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission is interested in evaluating the
expansion of the Farmington Civic Arena. The Civic Arena was constructed in 1976
with general obligation bonds. As the City population increases, demand for more ice
time will become apriority. In 1997, the City purchased additional land adjacent to the
Civic Arena for future expansion. This property became available when the local
telephone company made plans to abandon the communications tower on the site.
Objective: Expand the Farmington Civic Arena to prepare for the increases In
population within the City.
Policy: The Farmington Parks and Recreation Commission will assess the
feasibility of the expansion of the existing Civic Arena.
Action: Perform a population trend study to determine the need for additional ice
time.
Action: Perform a feasibility study to determine the need for additional space
needs for the Civic Arena.
Action: Review existing events and programs at the arena to determine if the needs
of the community are being met and if space is adequate for those
activities.
Action: Determine if the Civic Arena staff is adequate for the population served.
RECREATION PROGRAMS INVENTORY
In order to plan for the future needs of the residents of the community, the Parks and
Recreation Department inventoried the existing recreational offerings. Each recreation
program is reviewed and evaluated before each quarterly brochure is distributed to
residents. This list is not all-inclusive as new programs and activities are being offered
on a continual basis each season.
EXCURSIONS
Field trips vary with each season. Each trip is listed by date in the quarterly recreation brochure.
Safety Camp
Sports and Games Camp
Nature Art Camp
CAMPS
Nature Camp
Football Camp
Creative Kids Camp
Basketball Camp
Hip Hops Dance and Cheer Team
Golf
Volleyball
Fishing Classes
YOUTH ATHLETICS
Basketball
Tennis
T -ball
Gymnastics
Swimming Lessons
Figure Skating Lessons
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Touch Football
Basketball
Men's Slow Pitch Softball
Tennis
SORR Soccer League
ADULT LEAGUES AND ATHLETICS
Volleyball
Aerobics
Co-Rec Slow Pitch Softball
Swimming
SORR Broomball League
Summer Playground
Kids in the Kitchen
Wet 'N Wild in the Park
Stars, Planets & Constellations program
Halloween Imagination Station
Tap into Spring Program
Fitness Fun (adaptive program)
Awaken to the Arts Series
Halloween Walk
Secret Holiday Shop
Winter Fun Fest (adaptive program)
Summer in the Park (adaptive program)
Pollution Prevention Day
ACTIVITIES
Preschool Program
Little Feet on the Beat
Father's Day Prep Party
Pioneer Day
Ooey, Gooey Fun
Bird House Building Class
Adventure Seekers
SPECIAL EVENTS
Rambling River Arts Festival
Winter Skate Celebration
Youth Basketball Night
Ice Skating Show
CTIC picnic (adaptive program)
Arbor Day
Sand Volleyball
Weightlifting
Golf
Figure Skating Lessons
.
Puppet Wagon
Fun in the Sun
Who Done It Hike
S1. Patrick's Day Party
Teddy Bear Tea Party
Creepy Crawlers class
Groundpounders Series
Mountain Dew Days
Santa Calls
Youth Hockey Night
Family Skate Night
Easter Egg Hunt
Earth Day
SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM INVENTORY
.
In order to plan for the future needs of the residents of the community, the Parks and Recreation
Department inventoried the existing recreational offerings. Each senior recreation program is reviewed and
evaluated before each quarterly brochure is distributed to residents. This list is not all-inclusive as new
programs and activities are being offered on a continual basis each season.
EXCURSIONS
Field trips vary with each season. Each trip is listed by date in the monthly senior newsletter.
ARES Senior Social
Craft Projects
Potlucks
INTERGENERALTIONAL PROGRAMS
Scrabble Tournament
Youth Service
20 minute walk
Bowling
Seated Volleyball
Billiards
Cribbage
Reminisce
Discussion Groups
Medical Seminars
Living Will & Power of Attorney
FITNESS PROGRAMS
Exercise class
Golf
LEISURE PROGRAMS
Euchre
Crafts
Bingo
Creative Writing
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Financial Seminars
Nutrition Classes
High School Plays
Holiday Shop
Senior Swim
Indoor Walking
500
Movies
Potlucks
Book Club
Pre-planned funerals
Computer classes
.
-1.4
.
.
.
Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Self protection
Health care
Fraud Awareness
Meals on Wheels
Insurance Counseling
Support Groups
SERVICE PROGRAMS
CAP Dining
Grocery Shopping
AARP Tax Counselors
Bread and baked goods
Annual 8-ball tournament
Annual 500 tournament
Secret Holiday Shop
Blood Pressure
Hearing Aid Checks
SPECIAL EVENTS
Health Fair
Winter Luau
Santa Calls
Eye Glass Adjustments
Flu Shots
Mountain Dew Days
Holiday Parties
Anniversary Dinner
Happy Feet
PARK INVENTORY
In order to plan for the future needs of the residents of the community, the Park &
Recreation Department and Planning Division inventoried the current parks and open
space system and existing facilities. In October of 1998 an on-site inventory and
inspection was conducted in order to accurately determine the existing play structures,
ball fields; tennis, volleyball and basketball courts; shelters and other major facilities and
equipment. Once the inventory was completed a historical background of the park was
researched determining the points of interest and acquisition of the property. Also
examined were the future development plans, as stated in the City's Capital
Improvements Program showing developed and undeveloped parkland. Then using the
Geographical Information System, a map of each park was produced diagramming the
location of existing structures and facilities.
It is recommended that the Parks & Recreation Commission complete a more
comprehensive and diagnostic examination of the existing park system for the future
development and preservation of parks and open spaces. This may include but not be
limited to aerial photographs, development parameters, development issues, estimated
costs of development and development of functional classifications.
-15-
~Existing Bituminous
~ "/ Future Bituminous Biketrail
~ /Future Aggregate
N Concrete Sidewalk
'I' 'I Future Concrete Sidewalk
1\ / Structures
,,<" City Boundary
I:=:J City Park Land
Farmington Existing Parks,
Trails & Open Space Map
Figure PM-1
October 1998
N
W.E
s
Parks and Trails represented on this map are subject to change.
For detailed information of this property contact the City of Farmington
at (651) 463-7111.
Scale
o
2 Miles
.
.
.
Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Park Name: Daisy Knoll Park
Size: 19.63 acres
Park Type: Protected open spacelN eighborhood Park
Trails: None currently, trails planned that will lead through park and connect adjacent
neighborhoods.
Location/Neighborhood: Located between Upper 182nd Street and Esquire Way within
the neighborhoods of Hill View, Pine Ridge Forest and Nelsen Hills Farm. (Area
surrounding City Water Tower # 1 )
Acquired When/How: Park dedication of Hill View (1977), Pine Ridge Forest (1997)
and Nelsen Hills Farm (1995) developments.
Points of Interest: A majority of the park is protected hillside that surrounds City Water
Tower #1. Approximately 3 to 4 acres of the park is heavily wooded with deciduous and
conifer growths. It is anticipated that the hillside directly north of the water tower, which
is heavily wooded, will be dedicated to the City during the development of the Cameron
Woods property; it has not been determined if the woods will be a continuation of Daisy
Knoll Park.
Future Development Plans: The park at this time is undeveloped. The Park &
Recreation Department plans on developing the park into a neighborhood type use in
1999 with playground facilities and a Little League ballfield. Trails are planned to lead
up to and through the park area. Park will be accessible from multiple locations. Trail
accesses currently exist off of Euclid Street, Upper 183rd St. W. and Everton Court.
Existing Equipment/Facilities: No Equipment or Facilities exist at this time, part of the
1999 C.I.P.
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
- 16
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.
Park Name: Dakota County Estates
Size: 4.4 acres
Park Type: Neighborhood park
Trails: None at this time
LocationlNeighborhood: Dakota County Estates, between Upper 182nd St and Emerald
Trail
Acquired WhenIHow: Park Dedication requirements for Dakota County Estates
development in 1986.
. Points of Interest: None
Future Development Plans: Park Equipment replacement scheduled for 1999.
Existing Equipment/Facilities:
. Playground structure (ages 5-12)
. Ballfield
. V olleyball court
. Y2 basketball court
. Spring animals
. 2 benches
. 1 grill
.
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
- 17
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Park Name: Fair Hills Park
Size: 2.42 acres
Park Type: Neighborhood Park
Trails: Trails meander through the arboretum area
LocationlNeighborhood: Fair Hills neighborhood, comer of 193rd St. and Estate Ave,
boarding along Pilot Knob Rd.
Acquired When/How: Park dedication requirements for Fair Hills development in 1979.
Points of Interest: A one-hundred foot wide gas line easement cuts through the park
running SE and NW. Pilot Knob Road (under construction) abuts the east side of park.
A City Arboretum is located within the park, it features all the species of trees that are
permitted within City boulevards.
Future Development Plans: Add to the play structure equipment.
Existing EquipmentlFacilities:
. Play structure (ages 5-12) (1990)
. Spring animals
. Volleyball court
. Swing set
. 1 bench
. 1 grill
. Arboretum (amount of trees/tree types?)
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
- 18
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Park Name: Farmington Preserve (name is subject to change)
Size: 104.89 acres
Park Description: Open Space
Trails: None at this time
Location/Neighborhood: Located in SE ~ of Section 13 and NW ~ of Section 24,
Range 20, Township 114 of the City of Farmington.
Acquired When/How: The Malinski Property was dedicated and gifted to the City as
part of park dedication when the remaining property was to be developed into residential
lots. The Resinger Property was purchased from the Resinger family in 19??
Points of Interest: The properties contain a dense cluster of deciduous trees, including
1 00 year-old oak trees. Many native wildlife animals have been observed in the area
including deer, raccoon and coyotes.
Future Development Plans: Both properties are planned to be passive recreation open
spaces with some trails that loop through and connect with other proposed trail systems.
The Park & Recreation Commission has interest in purchasing the remainder of the
Resinger property located to the east of the former Resinger property. It has been
recognized as a possible "central park" facility that would consist of softball and soccer
fields, ice rinks, basketball and volleyball courts and other recreational facilities and
structures.
EquipmentlFacilities: The properties are in a natural state at this time, though aggregate
and/or bituminous trails are planned through both properties.
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
- 19
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Park Name: Hill Dee Park
Size: 2.93 acres
Park Description: Neighborhood park
Trails: The Pilot Knob Rd trail will be adjacent to the park.
Location/Neighborhood: Between Lower 182nd St and Upper 182nd St and adjacent to
Pilot Knob Rd within the Hill Dee neighborhood.
Acquired When/How: Park dedication of the Hill Dee Addition in 1973 and land gifted
to the City by Hilda Harris.
Points of Interest: None
Future Development Plans: Park Equipment replacement took place in 1998.
Equipment/Facilities:
. Play structure (ages 5-12) (installed 1998)
. 1 Volleyball court
. ~ Basketball court
. 1 Ballfield
. Climb structure
. Swing set (large)
. Spring animals
. See-saw
. 3 Benches
. 1 Grill
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
- 20
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Park Name: Lake Julia Park (park name subject to change)
Size: 17.43 acres (park area may expand subject to adjacent new development)
Park Type: Neighborhood Park
Trails: None at this time
LocationlNeighborhood: Located between 187th St. W. and Egret Way within the
Prairie Creek neighborhood.
Acquired When/How: Park dedication during platting of Prairie Creek in 1993.
Points of Interest: Lake Julia serves as a storm water retention pond for the area; the
pond eventually drains through a man made drainage ditch and into the North Creek
tributary. The park is larger than the standard neighborhood park due to the area of the
pond, which is approximately 8.4 acres in size.
Future Development Plans: The park is scheduled to be developed during the 1999
C.I.P. as a neighborhood park facility. See current C.I.P. for details.
Existing Equipment/Facilities: The park does not contain any equipment or facilities at
this time.
Park Inventory conducted 10/ I 6/98
- 21
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Park Name: Pine Knoll Park
Size: 9.71 acres total (Park == 4.02 acres / Open Space == 5.69 acres)
Park Description: Neighborhood Park/Open Space
Trails: A trail runs through the park connecting the bordering north and south streets.
Trails are also planned in the City-owned open space/wetlands area, located across from
203rd Street for passive recreation.
Location/Neighborhood: Pine Knoll neighborhood, located between 203rd and 204th
Streets.
Acquired WhenlHow: Parkland was acquired in 1990 through tax forfeiture.
Points of Interest: The park was originally planned for a cul-de-sac. The property
eventually fell into tax forfeiture when the city purchased it. The park may see increased
use when future development occurs to the west of the Pine Knoll neighborhood.
Future Development Plans: There are no future plans for the Pine Knoll park. Trails
are proposed for the open space to the north.
Existing Equipment/Facilities:
. Ballfield (unlighted)
. Play structure (1990)
. Spring Animals
. 2 benches
. Y2 basketball court
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
-22
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Park Name: Prairie Waterway
. Size: 102 acres
Park Description: Open Space/W etland Waterway
Trails: A bituminous trail has been constructed in the middle of the waterway and will eventually
connect to a future park area. The trail is meant to encourage passive recreation.
Location/Neighborhood: The waterway begins at Highway 50 and stretches past the East
Farmington development to just north of County Road 66 to the Vermillion River.
Acquired When/How: The City acquired the properties through park dedication from the East
Farmington development in 1994 and through land condemnation acts during the same year.
Points of Interest: The University of Minnesota Design Team assisted the City of Farmington
and the Sienna Corporation in incorporating a unique neo-traditional subdivision design into the
Prairie Waterway concept. The idea was to create a riparian waterway and civic lawn as part of
an axis with the downtown area. The wetland will assist in the storage and removal of
stormwater while creating a recreational area for residents of the city.
The grid formation of the housing area has been extended into the park design by the use of tree
rows which establish a series of "rooms" the same size as the city blocks, about 400 feet square.
. The inside of these rooms will provide native and naturalized plants that have been determined in
their distribution and type by the specific conditions in which they grow. Between each pair of
tree rows, separating the planted rooms the way the roads separate the blocks of a housing area, is
a "roadway" of tall grasses, allowing shelter to small animals.
Certain areas of the park have been kept isolated to encourage wildlife habitat, but pathways and
boardwalks allow access to many parts of the site, including one of the wetlands.
An eight-foot trail will surround the site and at certain intervals approach and cross the waterway
so that one can get a sense of the landscape and observe the changes in the waterway throughout
the year. It is intended that most parts of the trail will be elevated enough so that they will be
accessible no matter what the level of water in the system.
Future Development Plans: Continue construction of the bituminous pathway. Continue
landscape planting throughout the waterway, and placement of benches and other passive
facilities.
Equipment/Facilities: None at this time.
.
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
- 23
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
.
Park Name: Rambling River Park
Size: 77.69 acres (includes Ice Arena property)
Park Description: Community Park
Trails: An extensive trail system throughout the park tying in with downtown sidewalks and
Farmington Middle and Elementary Schools.
LocationlNeighborhood: Located both north and south of C.S.A.H. 50 along the Vermillion
River and extending east to Third Street.
Acquired When/How: The City used a LA WCON grant in 1972 and two LCMR grants in 1976
and 1985. A portion of the property was purchased by the State for a roadside rest area; the City
began leasing from the state for $1 per year until the City purchased the property when the idea
for the rest area was abandoned.
Points of Interest: The park is sometimes known as East and West Rambling River (with the
dividing line being C.S.A.H. 50). The nature area holds several varieties of plant species
allowing the schools to use it as outdoor classrooms. Most of the park area is located within a
flood plain district as recognized by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). A
portion of the park was also privately owned as a "tourist" park from the 1920's to sometime in
the 1960's. The Vermillion River is a recognized trout stream by the Minnesota DNR.
Future Development Plans: The PARAC plans to add a restroom facility, play structure and
replace the concession stand within the ballfield complex portion sometime in the future; no
timetable has been finalized.
.
Existing Equipment/Facilities:
Park Area . 3 pedestrian bridges
. 2 Play Structures (ages 5-14) (1997, 1998) Ballfield Area
. Swing Set (large) . 3 softball fields (2 lighted,
. Climb Structure (metal) 1 unlighted)
. Spring Animals (wi digger) . Bleachers
. Shelter Area . 2 grills
. Restrooms . Concession Stand
. 6 grills . 1 paved parking lots
. 2 tennis courts (lighted) Kuchera Entrance
. 4 horseshoe pits . Information Kiosk/Shelter
. 2 sand volleyball courts . 2 grills
. . 2 paved parking lots . 2 benches
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
- 24
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
.
.
Park Name: City Swimming PoollEvergreen Knoll Park
Size: 4.48 acres (total)
Park Description: Community Swimming PoollNeighborhood Park
Trails: None at this time
LocationlNeighborhood: Heritage Way and 6th St./Sunnyside neighborhood.
Acquired When/How: Park dedication in 1970 and LCMR grants in 1972
Points of Interest: Community Swimming Pool serves all the residents of the City and
surrounding townships. The pool and building were constructed in 1970. The
Swimming Pool offers a full range of swimming opportunities from beginners to
experienced swimmers.
Future Development Plans: Proposed reconstruction of wadding pool to "0" entry and
to add water structures.
Existing EquipmentlFacilities:
Swimming Pool:
. 5,770 square foot adult swimming pool
. 1,020 square foot wadding pool
. 1,900 square foot building that includes:
. Men's and Women's locker rooms
. Office space
. Equipment storage
.
Evergreen Knoll Park:
. 1 Play structure (ages 5-12) (1998)
. 1 Twirl Structure
. 2 Swing sets (infant and large)
. 1 Slide
. Spring animals
. 2 grills
. 2 bike racks
. ~ basketball court
. Volleyball court (grass)
. Picnic shelter
. Ice rink (lighted)
. Warming house
. Parking lot
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
-25
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
.
Park Name: Westview Park
Size: 1.76 acres
Park Description: Neighborhood Park
Trails: A trail connects the neighborhood with Farmington Senior High School.
LocationlNeighborhood: At the intersection of Hickory St. and Westview Dr within the
Westview neighborhood.
Acquired When/How: Park Dedication of the Westview plat in 1979
Future Development Plans: There are no future development plans for the park, park
. equipment was replaced in 1998.
Existing Equipment/Facilities:
. Play Structure (ages 5-12) (1998)
. Swing Set (large)
. See-saw
. Spring animals
. Large slide
. Y2 court basketball court
. 1 horseshoe pit
. Sand volleyball court
. Boche ball court
. 1 grill
. 3 benches
.
Park Inventory conducted 10/16/98
- 26
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
P ARK SPACE NEEDS
In determining the need for park space in the future, an analysis of the nationally
recognized park system classifications for mini park, neighborhood park and community
park requirements was reviewed. The following table shows the park needs for each park
when compared with the projected population every five years until 2020. A comparison
of the increase in population to the year 2020 and the acres for the mini, neighborhood
and community parks to meet the needs of the populace was analyzed to determine park
space needs.
As noted in the table, in the year 2010 the acres required to meet the needs of the
projected population of 19,740 is 41.63 for neighborhood parks and 218.41 acres for
community parks. In the year 2020, the acres required for a neighborhood park will be
79.99 and the community park acreage will require 333.49. The mini park needs are
much smaller and will be met as appropriate on a case by case basis. Therefore, with the
needs projected for neighborhood and community parks in the table, and the deletion of
existing park acres, the total park acreage needs by 2020 is 288 acres. It should be noted
that this table does not represent all of the park characteristics in the City of Farmington
such as community preserves and lineal trails.
Park Space Needs
2000-2020
Year
Projected
Population
Park Type
Neighborhood Park Community Park
Mini Park
Park
Standard
Existing
Acres
.25 to .5 acres/IOOO or as
appropriate to meet needs
5 acres/IOOO 15 acres/IOOO or as
appropriate to meet
needs
57.07 77.69
o
Current
9996
149.94
49.98
It is the policy of the City of Farmington to provide park space at 10.5 acres per 1000
population in order to provide neighborhood and community parks and community
preserves. Therefore, based on the population of 27, 412 persons by the year 2020, the
City of Farmington will need to accommodate a total of 288 acres of parkland and an
~7-
Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
additional 1,900 acres of environmentally sensitive-natural open spaces areas and natural .
areas restricted in terms of development. These two areas will form a community
preserve used for passive recreation and for lineal trails for biking, skiing and walking.
PROPOSED PARK PLAN
The City of Farmington Parks & Bike Trails/Sidewalk Plan illustrates the location of
existing trails, neighborhood and community parks in the City as well as future trails,
neighborhood and community parks. The future parks are generally located in the north-
central part of the City where most of the development is occurring at this time. The
parks and recreation fee will finance the future parks and is paid for by the developer at
the time of development. This map will assist the Parks & Recreation Commission in
determining the future locations of the parks and trails within the City and assist in
determining if the City is covered adequately by trails, neighborhood and community
parks.
Future trails are shown primarily in the west-central portion of the City as well as along
the newly constructed Pilot Knob Road. Additional trails running east and west through
the City will be along the proposed 19Sth Street and 208th Street extensions.
It is important to note that the 758 acres proposed for annexation into the City by the
Seed Family Trust and Genstar Land Company have not been reviewed for potential
locations of park areas or connections of trails. This will be reviewed in the future upon .
annexation of the property and will provide even more parkland and trail connections
within the City.
IMPLEMENTATION
In implementing the statement of goals, objectives, policies and action steps, it is
important to understand that not only the local governmental body approves the
statements, but the citizens as well. Additional research and studies must be done for
each action step to determine which goal is feasible for the capital improvements
program. The capital improvements program will identify proposed local parks, open
spaces and trail projects, and funding sources to meet the needs identified in the research
and studies prepared at the action step level.
The attached 5-year capital improvements program shows a variety of park and
playground upgrades as well as facility upgrades. These projects are projected to the year
2003. The goals, objectives, policies and action steps provided in this document will
need to be reviewed and determined to be feasible for upcoming capital improvement
programs, and management of the CIP will be crucial for the Parks and Recreation
Commission to meet the visions proposed for the City.
.
~g.
City of Farmington
Parks & Biketrails/Sidewalk Plan
Park Map #1
10-6-98
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Future Concrete Sidewalk
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City Boundary
D City Park Land
Farmington Existing Parks,
Trails & Open Space Map
Figure PM-1
October 1998
N
W+E
s
Parks and Trails represented on this map are subject to change.
For detailed information of this property contact the City of Farmington
at (651) 463-7111.
Scale
o
2 Miles
City of Farmington
Parks & Biketrails/Sidewalk Plan
Park Map #1
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City of Farmington
325 Oak Street, Farmington, MN 55024
(651) 463-7111 Fax (651) 463-2591
www.ci.farmington.mn.us
TO:
City Planning Commission
Lee Smick,AICP ~
Planning Coordinator
FROM:
SUBJECT:
1998 Comprehensive Plan Update-
Historic Preservation Plan
DATE:
December 8, 1998
INTRODUCTIONIDISCUSSION
The Historic Preservation Plan is an element in the 1999 update of the Comprehensive Plan. The
Historic Preservation Plan recently was drafted by the City's preservation consultant, Mr. Robert
Vogel and reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission on November 19,
1998.
The Plan addresses all of the issues and VISIOns identified by the Heritage Preservation
Commission and the Visioning workshop participants. The plan consists of an inventory of
existing historic properties, states the goals and policies of the City's preservation program and
presents an action plan for implementation.
As discussed in the plan, the goals and policies are organized around six basic program areas and
include the following:
1. Preservation Planning - Historic preservation planning is a dynamic process that organizes
preservation activities in a logical sequence and assures that decisions about historic
properties are based on the best possible information. Planning determines when an area
needs to be surveyed for historic resources, whether a particular property is historically
significant, and how an individual historic property should be treated.
2. Identification - In historic preservation pla,nning, historic resources are identified through the
process known as survey. Survey activities include planning and background research, field
survey (i.e., the physical search for and recording of historic properties on the ground),
organization and presentation of survey data and the development of historic resources
inventory (Le., a compilation of information on individual historic properties).
3. Evaluation - Evaluation applies defined criteria of historical, architectural, archeological and
cultural significance to determine whether a property is eligible for designation as a
Farmington Heritage Landmark. Generally, to be considered significant (and therefore
worthy of preservation) a property must meet at least one of the following criteria: (a)
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association with an important historical event or pattern of events; (b) association with
important people; (c) be representative of a style or period of architecture, or the work of an
important architect or builder; (d) or contain information of value in answering questions
important to prehistory or history.
4. Registration - For preservation purposes, the city council formally recognizes properties of
historical and architectural importance through the process called registration. Historic
districts, buildings, sites, and objects are all property types that can be designated
Farmington Heritage Landmarks.
5. Design Review - The HPC is charged with carrying out the design review provisions
contained in Farmington's preservation ordinance, which requires mandatory review of
applications for certain types of city permits affecting significant historic properties.
Property owners are required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish or move
a historic building, and for new construction that affects historic properties. The HPC is
empowered only to advise property owners on exterior changes, alterations, and other
improvements to designated heritage landmarks. Working in conjunction with the Planning
Commission, the HPC also reviews development projects involving historic properties.
6. Public Education - Preservation planning, identification, evaluation, registration and design
review includes public participation to develop informed public involvement in the decision
making process. The city actively promotes historic preservation through education
programs, preservation plans, heritage tourism, and publications.
The preservation plan also outlines implementation strategies to achieve the goals of the City's
historic preservation program. Short and long-term action steps provide a valuable compass in
preserving Farmington's historic properties.
ACTION REOUESTED
Accept the Historic Preservation Plan as an element of the 1998 Comprehensive Plan Update.
~~
Lee Smick, AICP
Planning Coordinator
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
FARMINGTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The City of Farmington faces a challenge that will become increasingly important in the
coming years: How will we preserve, protect, and use the historic buildings and sites that
give our community its essential historic character?
The primary goal of the city historic preservation program is conservation of significant,
scarce, non-renewable historic resources. To achieve this goal, we must accept stewardship
of historic properties as a shared responsibility between the public and the private sector.
Historic preservation is an important local government service, and the time, effort, and
financial resources we spend on historic preservation is one of the community's wisest
investments, returning multiple benefits from modest expenditures on research, planning,
protective measures, technical assistance, and education.
To preserve and protect Farmington's historic resources, the City Council has enacted Title
2, Chapter 11 of the City Code, which establishes the city historic preservation program. As
the City's principal historic preservation organization, the Heritage Preservation Commission
(HPC) has responsibility for oversight of historic preservation activities. The primary
objectives of the city historic preservation program are:
. Preservation of significant historical, architectural, and archeological sites;
. Fostering the wise use of Farmington's historical and cultural resources through
comprehensive planning and education;
. Facilitating public participation in preservation planning; and
. Dissemination of information about Farmington's heritage.
The city historic preservation program also promotes the goals of the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, and is an active participant in the federal-state-local
government preservation partnership known as the Certified Local Government (CLG)
program.
The preservation philosophy behind the city historic preservation program rests upon four
basic assumptions:
1.
Historic properties are scarce, non-renewable community resources, the preservation,
protection, and use of which are critical to the public welfare. When historical and
archeological resources are destroyed, they are gone forever.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
2.
Historic preservation is an important public service and a legitimate responsibility
of city government. Historic buildings and sites give Farmington much of its special
character and community identity, yet some of the leading causes of historic property
loss are institutional actions, such as residential and commercial development, that
are governed by city laws, regulations, and procedures.
3. Not everything that is old is worth preserving, nor is historic preservation concerned
primarily with the creation of museums or other public attractions. To be considered
for preservation, a property must be demonstrably significant in history, architecture
or archeology, and it must also be adaptable to modern needs and uses.
4. Historic preservation is entirely compatible with economic development and growth.
Preservation pays and everybody profits by recycling historically significant
buildings and adapting them to new, economically viable uses.
An important function of the city historic preservation program is education. Farmington has
a heritage that is as rich as that of any other city of comparable size and a strong community
preservation program offers an effective tool for fostering good citizenship and civic pride.
Historic buildings and sites offer a valuable supplement to the written record and provide a
unique three-dimensional learning experience. The preservation and interpretation of
Farmington's historic resources will unquestionably contribute to the overall education and
cultural development of our fellow citizens.
GOALS AND POLICIES
City historic preservation goals and policies are organized around six basic program areas:
preservation planning, identification, evaluation, registration, design review, and public
education. Preservation goals are derived from the city's historic preservation ordinance and
reflect a conservative approach to historic resources management. The policies which follow
the program goals provide the pragmatic framework for implementing the goals.
Preservation Planning
Historic preservation planning is a dynamic process that organizes preservation activities in
a logical sequence and assures that decisions about historic properties are based on the best
possible information. Planning determines when an area needs to be surveyed for historic
resources, whether a particular property is historically significant, and how an individual
historic property should be treated.
Preservation Planning Goals:
. The city historic preservation program is managed in a manner consistent with the
goals, policies, and procedures established by the comprehensive plan.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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Comprehensive preservation planning uses the needs assessment process to develop
goals and objectives and to establish priorities for program activities.
. The city continues to participate in the Certified Local Government (CLG) program
pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.
Preservation Planning Policies:
· The historic preservation element of the comprehensive plan shall be the authoritative
guide for city historic preservation policy decisions.
· The HPC shall periodically review and update the historic preservation plan.
· Preservation planning shall be integrated with other city planning, such as zoning,
economic development, and public works.
· The city has adopted the Secretary of the Interior's standards for historic preservation
planning, identification, evaluation, registration, and treatment.
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Historic preservation planning data shall be made available to usable form to all City
departments, other public agencies, developers, property owners, and the citizens of
Farmington.
· The comprehensive historic preservation plan will be coordinated with the statewide
historic preservation plan developed by the Minnesota SHPO, and with the
preservation plans of other government agencies, such as the Metropolitan Council
and Dakota County.
Identification
In historic preservation planning, historic resources are identified through the process known
as survey. Survey activities include planning and background research, field survey (i.e., the
physical search for and recording of historic properties on the ground), organization and
presentation of survey data, and the development of an historic resources inventory (i.e., a
compilation of information on individual historic properties).
Identification Goals:
. A comprehensive, city-wide survey identifies all historical, architectural,
archeological, and cultural resources in the City of Farmington.
.
Survey data are integrated into the preservation planning process to insure that
decisions are based upon the best available information.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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The results of surveys are made available to city officials and the general public.
Identification Policies:
· Historic resource surveys will be planned so that the level of effort and the kinds of
information obtained are consistent with the historic preservation needs of the city.
· Whenever possible, identification of historic properties will be based upon data
obtained from primary, rather than secondary sources, or intensive field survey, or
both.
· The HPC will maintain an inventory of all significant properties using geographic
information system (GIS) technology.
Evaluation
Evaluation applies defined criteria of historical, architectural, archeological and cultural
significance to determine whether a property is eligible for designation as a Farmington
Heritage Landmark. Generally, to be considered significant (and therefore worthy of
preservation) a property must meet at least one ofthe following criteria: (a) association with
an important historical event or pattern of events; (b) association with important people; (c)
be representative of a style or period of architecture, or the work of an important architect
or builder; (d) contain information of value in answering questions important to prehistory
or history.
Evaluation Goals:
. All historic properties identified by survey are evaluated by the HPC and its staff to
determine their eligibility for registration as Farmington Heritage Landmarks.
Evaluation Policies:
· In evaluating the significance of any historic property, the HPC shall apply the
criteria for eligibility for designation as a Farmington Heritage Landmark or the
National Register of Historic Places.
· In determining whether or not a property is eligible for heritage landmark
designation, its age or date of construction shall not be the primary factor in assessing
its historic preservation value.
· The HPC shall issue a written finding of significance for each property that is
determined eligible for designation as a heritage landmark.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Registration
For preservation purposes, the city council formally recognizes properties of historical and
architectural importance through the process called registration. Historic districts, buildings,
sites, and objects are all property types that can be designated Farmington Heritage
Landmarks.
Registration Goals:
. All historic properties which have been evaluated as significant are registered as
Farmington Heritage Landmarks, with the appropriate studies conducted and public
hearings held.
Registration Policies:
· Information on all historic properties nominated for registration as Farmington
Heritage Landmarks shall be made available to the public in advance of any public
meeting at which the nomination is to be discussed.
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Prior to City Council action designating a Farmington Heritage Landmark, a
preservation planning report will be prepared which summarizes the registration
documentation and recommends a preservation concept plan.
.
Information about Farmington Heritage Landmarks shall be made available to the
general public.
· The locations of Farmington Heritage Landmarks shall be noted on the official
zoning map of the City.
Design Review
The HPC is charged with carrying out the design review prOVISIOns contained in
Farmington's preservation ordinance, which requires mandatory review of applications for
certain types of city permits affecting significant historic properties. Property owners are
required to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish or move a historic building,
and for new construction that affects historic properties. The HPC is empowered only to
advise property owners on exterior changes, alterations, and other improvements to
designated heritage landmarks. Working in conjunction with the Planning Commission, the
HPC also reviews development projects involving historic properties.
Design Review Goals:
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No significant historic property is destroyed, damaged, or defaced as a result of any
action permitted, licensed, funded, or assisted by the City of Farmington.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
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Every reasonable effort is made to preserve and protect properties of historical,
architectural, archeological, and cultural significance, including those properties
which have been found eligible for registration but which may not have been
designated as heritage landmarks.
Design Review Policies:
· Every application for a City permit to demolish a significant historic property shall
be reviewed by the HPC, and no demolition permit in relation to a Farmington
Heritage Landmark will be issued without a signed Certificate of Appropriateness
from the HPC.
· Every application for a City permit to move a significant historic property shall be
reviewed by the HPC, and no permit for moving a Farmington Heritage Landmark
will be issued without a signed Certificate of Appropriateness from the HPC.
· Every application for a City permit for new construction at a significant historic
property shall be reviewed by the HPC, and no permit for new construction at a
Farmington Heritage Landmark will be issued without a signed Certificate of
Appropriateness from the HPC.
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Every application for a preliminary plat, rezoning, tax increment financing district,
conditional use permit, or variance from the zoning ordinance will be reviewed by
the HPC, which shall advise the Planning Commission whether or not the project will
have an adverse affect on significant historic properties. The Planning Commission
may deny issuance of permits or approve applications with conditions based upon the
recommendations of the HPC.
· All plans for acquiring, repairing, expanding, constructing, or reconstructing city
public works shall be reviewed by the HPC. No public works project in relation to
a significant historic property may proceed without a signed Certificate of
Appropriateness.
· In reviewing permits and development projects, the HPC will apply the Secretary of
the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
· The HPC will review permits for demolition, moving, and new construction within
30 days. If a project is simple or will have no adverse effect on a designated heritage
landmark, the Certificate of Appropriateness may be approved by city staff in
consultation with the HPC chairperson.
· All Certificate of Appropriateness decisions can be appealed to the city council.
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The City reserves its right to review and comment on projects licensed or assisted by
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
the Federal government under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
or other relevant environmental protection legislation.
Public Education
Preservation planning, identification, evaluation, registration and design review includes
public participation to develop informed public involvement in the decision making process.
The city actively promotes historic preservation through education programs, preservation
plans, heritage tourism, and publications.
Education Goals:
. City historic preservation program activities heighten awareness of heritage
landmarks and educate property owners on how to preserve, rehabilitate, restore, and
reconstruct their significant buildings and sites.
. Education leads to voluntary compliance with historic property treatment standards.
Education Policies:
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The HPC shall provide education, insight, and knowledge of preservation techniques
to city officials and historic property owners.
· Preservation programs will link heritage education and tourism to encourage
investment in historic properties downtown.
· Every effort will be made to encourage the general maintenance, repair and
enhancement of designated heritage landmarks.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
. HISTORIC RESOURCES INVENTORY
The Farmington historic resources inventory is organized around the concept of historic
context, which provides a framework for identifying and evaluating historic properties on
the basis of historical theme, geographical area, and chronological period. Each historic
context describes one or more aspects of Farmington heritage. Some are not as well defined
as others because of information gaps in the historical record, while others overlap
geographically and chronologically. Taken together, they form a comprehensive summary
of the most important trends and patterns in local history and the relevant historic property
types.
.
In 1994-1995, the HPC conducted a study which identified twelve local historic contexts for
organizing information about Farmington's historic resources. One of the products of the
historic context study was establishment of historic resource identification goals and
priorities. While background knowledge of Farmington's historical development indicated
that important historic properties were most likely to be concentrated in particular areas (such
as the downtown and older residential neighborhoods), very little survey work had been
carried out in the city prior to 1995. In response to the need to acquire baseline data on the
city's historic resources, preservation planning assumed that a broad-scale reconnaissance
ofthe entire city would need to be undertaken. To facilitate the survey effort, the city was
subdivided into eighteen historic preservation planning areas (HPP As), half of which were
urban, half rural, in order to allow for a systematic, cost-effective effort to characterize the
preservation potential of different parts of the community (see Map). Beginning in 1996, the
HPC began a reconnaissance survey of the city, starting with the Downtown HPPA. A survey
of the Oak Street HPP A was completed in 1997 and work had started on an analysis of the
Main Street HPP A in 1998. Although considerable progress has been made, in 1998 more
than 80% ofthe city remains unsurveyed for historic resources.
As a consequence, the following inventory is not comprehensive and reflects the simple fact
that not much is known about several potentially important types of historic properties, such
as archeological sites, farm buildings, and transportation structures. It specifically references
only those individual historic properties which have been evaluated as significant and no
attempt has been made to rank individual properties within historic contexts according to
their relative historic preservation value.
Properties Associated with Prehistoric Native Americans
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Prior to white settlement, Native Americans had lived in the Farmington area for thousands
of years. The plainest evidence that prehistoric people lived in and utilized the natural
resources from the Twin Cities area comes from archeological sites, which indicate that the
ancestral Native Americans first appeared in the region about 11,500 years ago. Undeveloped
lands in Farmington, particularly in the northern and western parts of the city, may contain
significant archeological sites associated with the Paleo indian, Archaic, Woodland, and
Oneota cultural traditions. However, to date very little archeological work has been done in
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
the Farmington area and no prehistoric Native American properties have been identified
within the city limits.
Properties Associates with Historic Native Americans
The first European explorers and fur traders appeared in Minnesota about 1650 but more than
150 years passed before they came here to live in significant numbers. Until Native
American sovereignty was extinguished by the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux in 1851, Dakota
County was part of the tribal estate of the Mdewakanton Dakota or Santee Sioux. Historical
accounts suggest prolonged Mdewakanton occupation and utilization of the natural resources
of the Vermilion River Valley and there is no reason to believe they were not present within
the present-day city limits up until the Dakota War of 1862.
Properties Associated with Agriculture and Rural Lifeways
For more than a century, farming was the most important enterprise in Dakota County. As
a consequence, the greatest single influence on the development of Farmington between the
1850s and the 1950s was agriculture. The first settlements were made along the Vermilion
River in 1854, but the Panic of 1857, the Dakota War of 1862, and the Civil War slowed
local development. It wasn't until the late 1860s that the area around Farmington began to
fill up with farms. Wheat was the chief crop but its importance diminished after about 1880
and by the turn of the century local agriculture had become diversified. Farmington was a
transportation nexus and trade center for a prosperous agricultural hinterland, and the
accessibility of Twin Cities markets favored the development of agricultural product
processing, shipping, and storage. The town also had important merchandising,
manufacturing, educational and recreational industries that were heavily dependent upon
agriculture. Potentially significant historic properties include farms and farmsteads; the D.
F. Akin House, 19188 Aiken Rd.; the Farmington Wool Growers Building, 5th and Pine St.;
the P. H. Feely & Son Elevator on 2nd St.; and the Twin City Milk Producers Plant, 4th and
Pine St.
Properties Associated with Town Planning and Development
No human activity has been more important in shaping the built environment of Farmington
than urbanization. The general plan of the village was based on a model that had evolved
over two centuries in the northeastern United States. Street patterns, lot lines, and the
differentiation between commercial and residential areas have their roots in the pre-1950 past
and essentially define the emerging suburban landscape of the late 20th century. This historic
context uses the concept of historic landscape as a means of identifying and interpreting
historic land use patterns and trends. Potentially significant resources associated with town
planning and development include the original Town Plat; the old CMStP&P Railroad right-
of-way; the abandoned Hastings & Dakota Railroad corridor; and Rambling River Park.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
Properties Associated with Downtown Farmington
Farmington was founded in 1865 as a trade center and its central place functions developed
rapidly. This historic context focuses on the buildings, sites, and streetscapes that give
downtown Farmington its defining historic character and sense of place. The architecture of
the downtown area reflects regional and local patterns of economic development, changing
building styles and construction technologies, and social and cultural change. Individual
buildings document the histories of locally significant business, civic and social
organizations. Surveys of the downtown area began in 1996. Significant downtown
properties include the Exchange Bank Building, 344 3rd St.; the Farmington State Bank
Building, 320 3rd St.; the 1.0.0.F. BuildinglMasonic Temple, 324-328 3rd St.; the Fletcher
Building, 344 3rd St.; and the Lyric Theater Building, 314 Oak St.
Properties Associated with Residential Neighborhoods
This historic context is focused on social and architectural history themes represented by
historic properties found in Farmington's residential districts. Individual houses,
outbuildings, and streetscapes document the histories of families, neighborhoods and the
community as a whole and give each part of the city its unique sense of time and place. The
most important architecture history themes are those represented by well preserved examples
of Late Victorian, Eclectic and late 19th and 20th century vernacular houses. Significant
historic properties include the houses at 408 Oak St., 421 Oak St., 509 Oak St., 520 Oak St.,
521 Oak St., 612 Oak St., 621 Oak St., 409 Spruce St., and 500 Spruce St.
Properties Associated with Commerce and Industry
Functionally, Farmington was the first link between the agricultural hinterland of Dakota
County and the world market. Agricultural product processing, storage and shipping were
the oldest industries in town, and for a number of years Farmington flourished as a grain
market and shipping point. Between 1866 and 1950, the village became a trading and
banking center, with commercial activity dominated by small-scale family-owned businesses
providing goods and services to rural customers and the villagers themselves. Farmington's
manufacturing sector was modest before 1900; 20th century industries were more diversified.
Intensive thematic surveys are planned to identify and evaluate individual stores, shops,
mills, and factories.
Properties Associated with Transportation
Farmington developed as a transportation nexus and prospered as a shipping point. When
settlers came to Dakota County, the most important overland routes were Native American
trails. The earliest government roadways were laid out in the 1850s and stimulated inland
settlement. Railroads came to Dakota County at a comparatively early date and Farmington
itself was originally platted as a railway village. The village was for many years the junction
of important north-south and east-west rail lines, served by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul
& Pacific system. Modern highways signalled the decline of the railroads and produced
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
significant changes in the built environment, especially after World War II. Other than the
site of the old CMStP&P Railroad Depot (formerly listed in the National Register of Historic
Places but razed in 1983), no other significant transportation properties had been identified
by 1998. Intensive thematic surveys are planned to identify and evaluate individual
transportation routes and structures.
Properties Associated with Churches and Cemeteries
Churches of several denominations played an important part in the social history of
Farmington. Individual church buildings, parsonages and related structures also represent an
important set of architectural landmarks worthy of preservation for their historical, aesthetic,
cultural and artistic values. Cemeteries were also an important aspect of historic landscape
architecture. This historic context deals with historic resources not normally eligible for the
National Register of Historic Places, but which may warrant designation as Farmington
Heritage Landmarks. Representative historic properties include: the Church of the Advent,
412 Oak St.; the Church of God, 104 Elm St.; and St. Michael's Catholic Church, 5th and
Spruce St.
Properties Associated with Education
Schools were closely linked to the growth of Farmington and were both a product and a part
of the town's historical development. A rural schoolhouse was built near Farmington in 1862
and the village's public school system was established in 1868. Public and private schools
played an important part in the development of Farmington and dominated the civic
architecture of the town. Intensive thematic surveys are planned to identify and evaluate
individual school buildings.
Properties Associated with Tourism, Recreation and Leisure
While Minnesota had earned a reputation as a summer haven for tourists during the
Territorial period, it was not until the gaslight era of the late 19th century that tourism, sports
and recreation became significant in the lives of small inland towns like Farmington. As the
amount of leisure time available to the average person increased, community investment in
sports and recreational activities also increased. The automobile further expanded families'
recreational opportunities and between about 1900 and 1940 Farmington became something
of a minor tourist mecca for both rural and urban folk. Potentially significant historic
property types associated with tourism, recreation and leisure include tourist campgrounds,
cabins, public halls, theaters, athletic fields and skating rinks, as well as the homes of local
sports heros.
Properties Associated with Geographical Features of Historical Interest
Geology, topography, climate and vegetation form the physical context within which
Farmington's historical development has taken place. Landforms, water resources,
weather, soil, plants and animals represent the resource base that forms the background
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
against which all aspects of Farmington history are viewed. This historic context
embraces the physical geography of Farmington, and as such is an integral part of all
other historic contexts. Potential historic resources include springs, red ocher (vermilion)
deposits, and preserved specimens of natural vegetation.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
One of the main purposes of the comprehensive preservation plan, ifnot its sole purpose, is
to chart a course for the future of the city historic preservation program. As part of the
visioning process, the HPC has worked with the city council and staff, federal and state
preservation agency officials, consultants, and members of the public to clarify preservation
issues and to identify long-term policy needs. This section reflects our vision of historic
preservation as a focal point of community development planning that preserves, protects
and enhances significant historic properties for the benefit of present and future generations.
The following paragraphs provide an outline of an action plan, summarizing and prioritizing
short-term and long-term objectives that will need to be in place by the years 2005 and 2020,
respectively, to achieve preservation program goals.
Short-term (1-5 years) Implementation Objectives
1. Adopt and implement a city historic preservation plan that identifies Farmington's
historic resources and establishes goals, policies and procedures for preserving,
protecting and enhancing them.
2.
Amend the city's historic preservation ordinance to reflect the goals and policies
contained in the historic preservation plan.
3.
Adopt the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and
Historic Preservation as the conceptual framework for the City's historic preservation
program.
4. Adopt the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties as the authoritative guide for design review decisions.
5. Complete the historic resources reconnaissance survey of urban and rural historic
preservation planning areas.
6. Issue findings of significant (i.e., determinations of eligibility) for all properties
surveyed which have been evaluated as meeting the criteria for designation as
Farmington Heritage Landmarks.
7. Designate between ten and fifteen historically significant properties as Farmington
Heritage Landmarks.
8. Develop stronger working relationships between the HPC and the Planning
Commission by reviewing all development plans, capital improvement plans, and
public works projects for their possible impacts on significant historic properties.
9.
Participate fully in the Certified Local Government preservation partnership.
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Farmington Comprehensive Plan 1999
10.
Provide city officials and the general public with information, education and training
in historic preservation using the full range of available communications technology.
11. Advise property owners, developers, and others about appropriate preservation
treatments and provide technical assistance in historic preservation to city officials
involved in preservation projects.
12. Establish a local historical marker/plaques program.
13. Explore ways to provide better physical connections between Farmington residents
and local historic properties.
14. In establishing community development pnontles, focus on preserved and
rehabilitated historic properties as opportunities for economic development.
15. Provide the HPC with paid professional staff equal to approximately one-quarter
(25%) of a full time position.
Long-Term (5-20 years) Implementation Objectives
16.
Preserve Farmington's downtown, older residential neighborhoods and rural areas as
distinctive and recognizable parts of the modern city.
17. Complete the historic resources reconnaissance survey and compile a comprehensive
inventory of all historic properties more than 50 years old.
18. Undertake an archeological reconnaissance survey of all undeveloped lands within
the city limits.
19. Develop and implement voluntary guidelines for preserving, rehabilitating, restoring,
and reconstructing historic properties.
20. To stimulate education and edification, and to foster civic pride, place an historical
marker or other interpretive device in every city park and public building, along
every major public road and trailway, and in local schools.
21. Develop social studies curricula that can be used to teach students of all ages about
local history and historic preservation.
22. Seek a permanent, reliable source of funding (outside of the city's general fund) for
the city historic preservation program.
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