§ 575.20. Findings and purpose.

In March, 2000, the City of Minneapolis approved the Bassett Creek Valley Master Plan which outlines a vision for the future of the Bassett Creek Valley (BCV) Area. This vision includes the construction of a new boulevard-style road through the BCV Area linking the Parade Area on the south with the Near Northside development on the north, the expansion of Bryn Mawr Meadows Park and enhancement of Bassett Creek, support for neighborhood commercial development in the vicinity of Glenwood and Fremont Avenues North, the redevelopment of property currently utilized for Minneapolis Public Works operations, and residential redevelopment of an area currently in industrial use. The defining of future land uses took into consideration the current use of the land, as well as the following goals: 1) to minimize land use conflicts between commercial, industrial and residential uses; 2) to promote investment and maintenance in residential, commercial and industrial properties; 3) and to enhance community access to natural, recreational and cultural amenities.

Implementation of the BCV Master Plan will require both private and public actions, including modifications to the city's comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance.

The city council is concerned about development not in conformance with the BCV Master Plan. New or expanded commercial or industrial uses in areas planned for eventual redevelopment may contribute to neighborhood instability through negative environmental impacts such as increased traffic, noise and visual blight. This could exacerbate existing tensions between land uses in the area, and associated disinvestment in nearby residential properties. Further, it could make it more difficult to foster future redevelopment in conformance with the plan. Revision of the city's official controls can ensure that activity in the area will not undermine the future development of the area.

Because of these concerns and the need for modification to the city's official controls, the city, through its planning department, will conduct a land use study to consider possible amendments to the zoning ordinances and comprehensive plan. The study will address the issues of development in the industrially-zoned portion of the BCV Area, realignment of commercial zoning to promote the commercial development envisioned by the BCV plan, and the resultant effects on current and future residential uses in the area. The city finds that this interim ordinance should be adopted to protect the planning process and the health, safety and welfare of the citizens. (2000-Or-091, § 1, 9-29-00)