Brooklyn Center DRAFT 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Plan (MRCCA) Survey

The state of Minnesota, pursuant to the Critical Areas Act of 1973 and Executive Orders in the 1970s, established the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Plan to protect and preserve the natural, scenic, recreational, and transportation resources of the Mississippi River as it travels through the Twin Cities. The MRCCA covers a 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, comprising 54,000 acres of land in 30 local jurisdictions from Dayton in the north to Hastings in the south. Each city along the Mississippi River is required to prepare and adopt plans, capital improvement programs and special land planning regulations consistent with state standards and guidelines for the MRCCA.

The purpose of the MRCCA is to:

Protect and preserve a unique and valuable state and regional resource
Prevent and mitigate irreversible damage to the resource
Preserve and protect the river as an element in the national, state and regional transportation, sewer, water and recreational systems
Protect and preserve biological and ecological functions of the corridor

Brooklyn Center’s MRCCA boundary generally extends approximately less than ¼ mile from the City’s land bordering the Mississippi River. A majority of this land is currently used for single-family residential purposes or for public park land.

There are two MRCCA districts present in Brooklyn Center:

1.) CA-RN (River Neighborhood):
Primarily residential neighborhoods, and also includes parks and open space, limited commercial development, marinas, and related land uses. It is intended to minimize erosion and the flow of untreated storm water into the river. And, a 35-foot height limit is proposed to allow two-story single-family dwelling without breaking the top of the tree line (height restriction is consistent with existing structure heights.)

2.) CA-SR (Separated from River):
Characterized by its physical and visual distance from the Mississippi River. The district includes land separated from the river by distance, topography, development, or a transportation corridor. The land in this district is not readily visible from the Mississippi River. It is intended to minimize negative impacts to primary conservation areas.

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Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Boundary in Brooklyn Center

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* 1. On the Mississippi River Trail, what would increase your level of enjoyment and frequency of visits? Select up to two:

More areas to stop to observe the Mississippi River

Multipurpose trails (not just for biking)

More access points to get on and off of the trail

Lighting and better visibility between the trail and the road

Better signage and wayfinding

Full connection/extension through Brooklyn Center (from Minneapolis to Brooklyn Park)

I am not familiar with this trail

I do not, nor will not visit this trail

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* 2. What are the obstacles to accessing the Mississippi River from Brooklyn Center?

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* 3. What would increase how frequently you visit the MRCCA area surrounding the fishing pier (image below)? Select up to two:

Better trail connections from my home, school or workplace

More/better parking (auto or bike parking)

A secondary attraction, such as a food truck or programming, to add to the number of people in this area

Better lighting, tree trimming so the area feels safer

Better signage/wayfinding

I am not familiar with this area

I do not visit this area

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Fishing Pier

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* 4. Are you concerned about stormwater runoff into the Mississippi River?

Yes

No opinion

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* 5. What do you think is the best way to reduce the flow of untreated stormwater into the Mississippi River? Select up to two:

Requirements for building setbacks

Requiring onsite management of stormwater for new development, such as minimum greenspace, pervious pavement, rain gardens, etc.

Educational events about how to prevent stormwater contamination (fertilizer, dog waste, leaves, etc.)

Incentives to encourage existing development to incorporate better onsite management of stormwater

The City acquiring right-of-way for rain gardens

Acquiring more properties adjacent to the river for public/park use

No opinion

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* 6. How do you think residents want to enjoy the river? Select up to two:

Passive, quiet place to relax and enjoy views

View wildlife

Recreationally adjacent to the river – walking, running, biking, picnicking

Recreationally on the river – boating, fishing, etc.

Through private yards/docks

Visiting Durnham Island, north of 57th Avenue (accessible only by boat)

No opinion

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* 7. On the figure below the City has identified three locations with significant public views of the river, all located along the Mississippi River's edge between 53rd and the I-694 bridge. As part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, Brooklyn Center is interested in identifying additional public river corridor views (PRCVs). In addition to these three views, please comment upon areas where you would like to have added views (describe areas using road names):

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Public views

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* 8. Is a public access/public dock needed/or desired for residents?

Yes

No opinion

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* 9. Should the City prioritize access and improvement to the publicly accessible areas along the Mississippi River?

Yes

No opinion

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* 10. Rank the importance of the following improvements/activities:

Infrastructure access improvements (better parking, road and trail connections, etc.)

N/A

Entry improvements (boat/canoe launches, docks, etc.)

N/A

Partnerships with Three Rivers and the DNR for more/better programming

N/A

Partnerships with adjacent cities

N/A

Brooklyn Center DRAFT 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Plan (MRCCA) Survey

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Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Boundary in Brooklyn Center

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* 1. On the Mississippi River Trail, what would increase your level of enjoyment and frequency of visits? Select up to two:

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* 2. What are the obstacles to accessing the Mississippi River from Brooklyn Center?

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* 3. What would increase how frequently you visit the MRCCA area surrounding the fishing pier (image below)? Select up to two:

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Fishing Pier

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* 4. Are you concerned about stormwater runoff into the Mississippi River?

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* 5. What do you think is the best way to reduce the flow of untreated stormwater into the Mississippi River? Select up to two:

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* 6. How do you think residents want to enjoy the river? Select up to two:

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Public views

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* 8. Is a public access/public dock needed/or desired for residents?

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* 9. Should the City prioritize access and improvement to the publicly accessible areas along the Mississippi River?

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* 10. Rank the importance of the following improvements/activities:

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* 11. How should the City continue to promote and develop relationships to encourage river access, increase use and steward the natural environment?

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* 12. Please add any additional comments: