City Tour Handout 2017
City of New Hope
Commissioner Bus Tour
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
1
Police Department & City Hall | 4401 Xylon Avenue North
The city of New Hope has been working with a consultant since 2013 to review the
space needs of the police department and city hall, to identify deficiencies of the
building, and to determine whether an updated and expanded or new police station
and city hall facility is needed. In September 2015, a Space Needs Citizens Task Force
recommended that a new police station and city hall be constructed to replace the
existing facility. The task force evaluated several potential sites for the building and
considered soil boring information. In September 2016, the task force recommended
that the new municipal building be constructed on the civic center site where the
existing swimming pool is located, due to the fact that the pool also needs to be
replaced. In January 2017, the city entered into a five-phase contract for design and
construction services with Wold Architects and Engineers for the new police station and
city hall. In August 2017, a majority of the City Council approved design development
phase plans and authorized Wold to proceed to the next phase of the design process –
the preparation of construction documents.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
2
New Hope Pool & Civic Center Park | 4401 Xylon Avenue North
As plans for a new municipal building will likely displace the current outdoor pool, the
City Council approved a proposal with Stantec Consulting Services to coordinate the
creation of concepts as part of a Master Park (pictured above) and Pool Plan. Resident
committees were formed, one for the pool and one for the park, to develop possible
master plan options that take into account the relocation of a pool complex and other
park amenities. Two pool concepts and two park concepts were shared with the public
at an open house in June. The committees are continuing to define the concepts. A
public listening session on the pool is scheduled for Monday, October 2, 2017, at 7:00
p.m. at City Hall.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
3
3
Xylon Avenue Streetscape | Xylon & 45th Avenues
This spring, the city installed hanging flower baskets on eight streetlights along Xylon
Avenue North. The 16” hanging flower baskets consist of light pink and purple
petunias, yellow bidens, and vinca vines. The streetlights have built-in irrigation
systems, which water the plants each morning. Hy-Vee agreed to share half of the cost
for the hanging flower baskets and was recognized on the city’s website, in the city’s
quarterly newsletter, and at a City Council meeting. This winter, the city installed LED
lights on 49 trees along Xylon and 45th avenues for the holiday season. The city plans to
continue to install the hanging flower baskets and holiday lights annually.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
4
Street Reconstruction | Northwood North
The 2017 Northwood North project continues the aggressive pavement management
plan in the Northwood Lake area. Approximately $3.2 million of the $4,132,548.51
project has been completed to date. The 1.4 miles of streets pictured in yellow on the
map above were fully reconstructed with new roadways and utilities. This includes
Cavell, Decatur, Ensign (between 40 ½ and 42nd), Flag, 40th, and 41st avenues and
Hopewood Lane. The one mile of streets pictured in red or turquoise on the map above
received a mill and overlay or full reclaim, depending on the condition of the pavement.
This includes the Jordan and 41st avenue loop, Jordan Circle, and 40th and Ensign
avenues, south of 40 1/2 Avenue North.
The contractor is on track to complete all necessary milestones to meet the incentive bid
item included in the contract. The incentive was added this year to motivate contractors
to complete work on schedule, and to mitigate the construction impact period on area
residents. If all milestone work is completed by September 29, a change order will be
presented to the City Council to award the incentive to the contractor.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
5
Northwood Park | 8816 Northwood Parkway
The playground and storm water improvement projects at Northwood Park started in
the spring of 2016. The playground project included a new container and equipment,
wood fiber surfacing, replacement of benches and concrete pads, replacement of an
existing trail, an additional section of trail to make a loop, grading of the entire park, the
planting of several new trees, plantings around the shelter building, signs, and a kiosk.
A ribbon cutting and celebration for the neighborhood was held in the spring. Some
final punch list items are still in process. The $350,000 project was funded through the
Park Infrastructure Fund.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
6
Northwood Lake Stormwater Project | 8816 Northwood Parkway
The Northwood Lake Stormwater project constructed in 2016 involved many public and
private stakeholders collaborating to protect Northwood Lake from contaminants. The
160,000-gallon tank and treatment system were constructed last year, as well as a series
of rain gardens for overflow. As of this spring, this system is fully operational. During
dry times, the tank runs every other night. At full capacity, the tank holds about 16’ of
water, and a full irrigation cycle drains down about 2’ of water. Since its inception, the
tank and irrigation system have operated exclusively with stormwater, not requiring
the use of any city water. The system has the potential to save the city up to $10,000 in
irrigation costs annually.
The city was awarded the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) 2017 Sustainable City
Award for the Northwood Lake stormwater improvement project. The award was
presented at the LMC Annual Conference in Rochester. The Sustainable City Award is
presented yearly to a single city participating in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities
program. GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program that provides support and technical
assistance to local governments to help them reach their sustainability goals. New Hope
joined the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program in 2015, reached Step 3 of the program
in 2016, and is now considering pursuing Step 4 of the program. The Northwood Lake
project meets the goals of the program’s best practices related to stormwater
management, parks and trails, and surface water quality.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
League of MN Cities
2017
SUSTAINABLE CITY
AWARD
7
Crack Repaired Streets | 38th – 40th Avenue North
To maximize the life of the existing pavement on city streets, New Hope coordinates
crack repair, seal coating, and fog sealing annually for selected city streets. This activity
is critical to the city’s current pavement management strategy. This year staff has
recommended that the city return to the route and seal method of crack filling, which
involves the contractor sawing open the cracks in the roadway to allow for the crack fill
product to bond and fill the cracks. Approximately 11 miles of roadway were crack
filled in 2017. Following crack fill, 5.3 of the 11 miles were seal coated. This process
involves applying an oil product and adhering a chip rock product to the roadway. This
chip rock provides a layer between the roadway and traffic. Following seal coating, the
5.3 miles of roads are fog sealed. This locks in the chip rock and provides a solid driving
surface. It also prevents any moisture from entering the roadway, greatly extending its
life.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
Crack Repair
Fog Seal
8
Good Samaritan | 2765 & 2773 Virginia Avenue North
Good Samaritan will be expanding its campus with the construction of a three story, 32 -
unit assisted living facility. Residents of the new facility will live on-site full time;
however, the individual units will not include full kitchen facilities. There will be
separate areas in the building for dining, bathing, exercise, nursing care, activities, and
administrative services. The current operations of Good Samaritan are conducted in a
facility that has 77 beds and includes skilled care and rehabilitation services. The
addition of the proposed assisted living facility will provide housing and service
options for the customers of Good Samaritan that are not currently available at the
location. The facility will be connected to the Good Samaritan campus by an enclosed
walkway.
Good Samaritan acquired two parcels to the north of the property in 2012, where the
assisted living facility will be constructed. The building connection and site layout
created the need for special zoning considerations and the property was rezoned to
Planned Unit Development (PUD) in order to allow the flexibility necessary to
accommodate the proposal. The project is most closely aligned with the zoning
standards found in the R-5 Senior/Disabled Residential District, therefore its standards
served as the base zoning guidelines in creating the PUD standards for this project. A
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district was created to provide approximately $500,000
in assistance for the project.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
9
Extra Space Storage | 2701 Nevada Avenue North
A Conditional Use Permit was granted to allow for the conversion of an 83,600-square
foot warehouse at 2701 Nevada Avenue North into a self-storage facility. The building
also houses an adhesive labels company that continues to occupy the western third of
the building. The remainder of the building was divided into 630 climate-controlled
storage units. The units are available in a variety of sizes and occupy two floors within
the building. Customers enter the facility in their vehicles through a one-way drive aisle
that goes through the building. Several exterior modifications and improvements were
made to the building, including fresh paint, a new roof, additional windows, parking
area improvements, and the construction of an outdoor storage area.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
Before
After
10
Scattered Site House | 3751 Louisiana Avenue North
The city of New Hope Economic Development Authority (EDA) acquired the foreclosed
property located at 3751 Louisiana Avenue North in the summer of 2017. The single-family
home was razed to prepare the property for redevelopment. Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) funds were used to pay for demolition-related expenses. The city
received three proposals from builders to purchase the newly vacant lot. On August 14, the
City Council reviewed the proposals, and selected Regal Homes as the preferred builder for
the site. The city anticipates closing on the land sale sometime in early October. Construction
of the home (elevation above) will begin immediately following the closing. The home will
take approximately three months to construct with an anticipated sale price of $360,000.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
Before
Approved
11
Dakota Growers Pasta | 7300 36th Avenue North
Dakota Growers Pasta is a longstanding corporate resident of New Hope, and is
currently the third largest pasta manufacturer in North America. A Conditional Use
Permit for Planned Unit Development was approved in March 2017, which will allow
for various site improvements. Flour is a key ingredient in the pasta making process,
and Dakota Growers receives nearly all of their flour by rail. The improvements include
the realignment of a railway spur, which will allow Dakota Growers Pasta to bring
more rail cars into their site with each delivery, in order to maximize the amount of
flour that can be delivered each time the plant receives rail cars. Two outbuildings will
also be constructed to help streamline operations. Constructed is scheduled to begin in
the fall of 2017. Dakota Growers Pasta is the city’s ninth largest employer, with
approximately 150 employees.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
12
Bassett Creek Regional Trail | 36th Avenue North
Three Rivers Park District
held a ribbon cutting on
August 24, 2017, to mark the
completion of an extension of
Bassett Creek Regional Trail
through New Hope and
Crystal. Most of the work to
extend the trail from 36th
and Boone avenues in New
Hope, through Northwood
Park, was completed in the
fall of 2016. Work along 32nd
Avenue North in Crystal, to
the west of Highway 100,
was completed this year.
Eventually, the regional trail
will be about seven miles
long, extending from French
Regional Park in Plymouth
to Theodore Wirth Regional
Park in Minneapolis, where it will connect to the Grand Rounds trail system. The new,
multi-use bituminous trail is 8 to 10 feet wide and is intended for both pedestrians and
bicyclists. Funding for this project was provided through the Three Rivers Park District.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
13
Dunkin’ Donuts | 7820 42nd Avenue North
Dunkin’ Donuts, located at 7820 42nd Avenue North, opened on December 7, 2016. It
was the third largest opening in Dunkin’ Donuts’ history, with more than 13,200 donuts
sold. A vacant gas station/car wash was demolished to make way for the 2,000-square
foot donut and coffee shop. The $1.07 million project features a drive-thru lane. The
New Hope location was the first to open in the Twin Cities as the chain re-enters the
market.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
14
Pub 42 | 7600 42nd Avenue North
New Hope’s newest restaurant, bar, and social club, Pub 42, opened in 2013. The
restaurant replaced the Sunshine Factory, which operated at this location for 37 years.
Before opening, owners completed several cosmetic improvements and expanded the
existing bar. In the summer of 2017, Pub 42 expanded its outdoor deck to include an
outdoor bar and additional seating. The business employs approximately 80 people.
Pub 42 received the Spring 2017 New Hope Outstanding Business Award for its
contributions to the city and interior improvements.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
Before
After
15
Riff City Guitar | 7508 42nd Avenue North
Riff City Guitar opened in August 2017 at 7508 42nd Avenue North. The retail space,
which is located in the easterly Village on Quebec building, has been vacant since it was
constructed. The store sells guitars, drums, keyboards, and ukuleles. The store intends
to feature performances, clinics, and meet and greet events. Riff City Guitar also plans
to offer private music lessons in the future. It is considering opening a second store in
the westerly Village on Quebec building, where it would sell high school band
instruments.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
16
Fred Sims Park | 4424 Nevada Avenue North
The playground improvement project at Fred Sims Park started late winter with the
installation taking place in May of 2017. The previous equipment was replaced in 1992
and was the oldest in the system. The project included new equipment, wood fiber
surfacing, new park signage, benches, and concrete pads. The playground container
was not replaced. A Hennepin Youth Sports Program Playground grant of $25,000 was
received for the improvements and the remaining funding for the $81,300 project was
available in the Park Infrastructure Fund.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
17
Scattered Site House | 4415 Nevada Avenue North
The city acquired the foreclosed property located at 4415 Nevada Avenue North in
2015. The home and all other site improvements were cleared to prepare the property
for redevelopment. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were used to
pay for demolition-related expenses. Both lots were offered for sale to scattered site
builders through a competitive request for proposal process. Regal Homes was the
selected builder for the project. When construction of the first home began, poor soils
and a buried foundation were discovered during the excavation work for the basement
of the new home. The city assisted the builder with CDBG grant funds to cover the cost
of removing the old foundation and correcting the poor soil conditions. The home at
4417 Nevada Avenue North sold in May 2017, for $363,869.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
Before
After
18
New Hope Ice Arena | 4949 Louisiana Avenue North
The parking lot at the New Hope Ice Arena required a variety of pavement
improvements in 2017. City staff milled out the significantly damaged areas so that the
patches could later be paved. Because of the extent of the cracking in the parking lot,
staff determined that the crack fill should be performed in-house to reduce costs. Staff
used a cold pour crack fill product that was first introduced to the city in 2016.
Following the in-house repairs, the contractor seal coated and fog sealed the parking lot.
Coordination between the contractor, city staff, and ice arena personnel was critical to
the success of the project.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
19
Holiday Train Stop | 49th Avenue North & Nevada Avenue North
The Canadian Pacific (CP)
Holiday Train made a stop at
the New Hope Ice Arena in
December 2016. The CP Holiday
Train is decorated with holiday
lights and stops at various cities
to put on musical performances
as it travels throughout the
country. Its objectives include
entertaining the community and
raising money and food for local
food banks. It is estimated that
1,500 people were in attendance. Approximately 3,700 pounds of food was donated and
$5,968 was raised for The Food Group. Several local businesses helped make the event a
success by donating food, sponsoring shuttles, and providing warm beverages and
snacks. The CP Holiday Train plans to make a stop in New Hope again in 2017, with the
date to be announced in October.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
20
Horwitz Mechanical | 7400 49th Avenue North
Horwitz Mechanical purchased the easterly of the two “Navarre” buildings located at
7400 49th Avenue North in 2017. Interior renovations were completed in the spring
before the business moved its operations into the building in July 2017. Horwitz
Mechanical employs 93 on-site employees, with an additional 300 employees in the
field. The business has been located in New Hope since 2008, and continues to grow
rapidly.
Horwitz designs, installs, and maintains mechanical systems. The company specializes
in new construction, renovation, and retrofit of commercial, industrial, and institutional
facilities. Horwitz provides engineering, design, installation, and ongoing service
support for the heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, sheet metal, and plumbing
markets in the Twin Cities.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
21
Pioneer Metal | 4800 Quebec Avenue North
Pioneer Metal Finishing moved its operations to a previously vacant industrial building
at 4800 Quebec Avenue North in 2017. The business invested approximately $10 million
into the building, and relocated approximately 100 employees from its previous
location in Minneapolis. Founded in 1945, Pioneer Metal Finishing offers a wide array
of metal finishing services, including anodizing and electroless nickel; paint and
powder coating; and chromate, tin, zinc, and precious metal platings.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
22
Alatus Luxury Apartments | 8400 Bass Lake Road
Alatus, LLC is constructing a four-story, 182-unit luxury apartment building on the site
adjacent to New Hope’s golf course. The driving of approximately 700 pilings is
underway and will continue through the end of September. Building foundation work
will begin shortly thereafter. Sewer and water infrastructure improvements will be
completed by January 2018. Framing, core components, and mechanical work will take
place between December 2017 and November 2018. It is anticipated that construction
will be completed by December 2018. The city completed a market feasibility study in
2015, to determine what type of redevelopment was best suited for the site and
concluded that luxury apartments were the most viable option. Results from the study
supported high-density use of the property and highlighted the demand for luxury
multifamily housing within the city. The final plat and vacation of easements for the
project were approved in February 2017. The building will feature a high-efficiency
HVAC system that will help it achieve LEED Certification and result in no carbon
footprint for the entire building.
Lift Station No. 2, which is located to the northeast of the parcel, will be replaced in
conjunction with the Alatus project. Alatus’ utility contractor will construct the lift station
to the south of the existing lift station, which will be converted to a storm sump structure
to capture and treat street runoff before entering the golf course pond. The 260’ water
main on Yukon Avenue North will also be replaced to accommodate the new building’s
fire protection service.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
26
23
CenterPoint Energy | Winnetka Avenue North
In 2013, CenterPoint Energy began a multi-year project that will replace approximately 61
miles of 20-24” diameter steel supply pipeline to enhance the long-term safety, reliability,
and facilitation of ongoing pipeline inspection. In 2017, CenterPoint Energy is replacing
pipeline in Brooklyn Park, New Hope, Crystal, St. Louis Park, and Hopkins. Construction
in New Hope began on August 21 and will continue through October 2017. The
construction is taking place in the northbound lane of Winnetka Avenue North, from 68th
Avenue North in Brooklyn Park to 55th Avenue North in New Hope. While the project is
being funded and constructed by CenterPoint Energy, city staff has been involved with the
planning and subsequent inspections as the majority of work takes place in the city street.
CenterPoint Energy has been responsible for all communication and coordination with
residents and businesses impacted by the project.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
24
Filtration System | 55th & Sumter Avenues
The city owned lot at 55th and Sumter
avenues was previously used as a water
treatment basin. After complaints from
residents and a re-evaluation of the
function of the basin, city staff proposed
an underground storage and filtration
system to replace the open ponding area.
The project was bid as an alternate to the
Northwood North project to ensure the
city could receive competitive bidding on
the small project. Approximately $120,000
of the $125,665 project has been completed
to date. Restoration was attempted in July,
but with hot temperatures and insufficient
watering, the grass seed was not
successful. The contractor has returned
and removed all the weeds and re-seeded
the area now that temperatures are more
favorable for grass growth.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
25
Parkview | 55th Avenue North & Winnetka Avenue North
Construction continues on Parkview, a 60-unit housing development at 55th Avenue North
and Winnetka Avenue North by Centra Homes. The residential subdivision consists of 29
single-family homes and 31 detached townhomes. As of March 2017, permits have been
pulled for 47 homes, 43 of which have sold. The two-story, single-family homes have sold
for an average price of $395,476, ranging between $361,336 and $438,676. The single-family
homes range from 2,585 to 3,990-square feet, and include a variety of models and floor
plans. Each model includes a two-car garage, with a number of models offering an option
for a three-car garage. The detached townhomes have sold for an average price of $302,639,
ranging between $273,995 and $334,777. The detached townhomes range from 1,974 to
2,128-square feet, and are association-maintained. There are four models to select from, all
of which include a full basement and space for a 12-foot deep deck or patio.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
26
Scattered Site House | 5400 Yukon Avenue North
The city of New Hope Economic Development Authority (EDA) acquired the property
located at 5400 Yukon Avenue North in the summer of 2016. The single-family home was
razed to prepare the property for redevelopment. Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds were used to pay for demolition-related expenses. The city received four
proposals from builders to purchase the newly vacant lot and selected Great Buy Homes
as the preferred builder for the site. The city anticipates construction on the home to be
completed in the fall of 2017 with a estimated sale price of $295,000.
Before
Progress
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
27
Avtec | 9101 Science Center Drive
A 20,763-square foot, $5 million expansion project was completed at Avetc Metal
Finishing, 9101 Science Center Drive. The expansion enlarged the company’s shipping
and receiving operations area to provide better truck access, more docks, and a
dedicated area for deliveries and pickups being transported by smaller vehicles. The
expansion includes an investment in an on-site power source, minimizing the impact
that power outages will have on production and delivery dates. It also improved safety,
will allow for future process expansion, and includes conference and training rooms.
Enhanced employee facilities have created a better workplace environment for staff.
Avtec Metal Finishing provides chemical finishing, electroplating, and mechanical
finishing services.
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour
28
Street Reconstruction | 49th Avenue North
The 2016 Minnesota State Aid street improvement project along 49th Avenue was
funded by with Minnesota State Aid and city utility funds. Approximately $2.5 million
of the $2.8 million project has been completed to date. In 2016, half a mile of the street
was reconstructed, between Boone and Winnetka avenues. This included water main,
sanitary sewer, and storm sewer replacement. In addition, the 1.6 miles of roadway east
of Winnetka Avenue North, received a mill and overlay. In 2017, a retaining wall, 10’
paved bike trail, and stormwater filtration system was installed north of Cooper High
School. Outstanding items related to the project include restoration touch-ups and
punch list items such as curb replacement and cleaning structures.
Mill & Overlay
Full Reconstruction
City of New Hope 2017 Bus Tour