Northwest Growth Area Plan Scoping Document – Alternate Urban-wide Area Review
As part of the NWGAP, the City is proactively completing an environmental review as a committment to preserve our natural resources. The environmental review process we are completing is called an Alternate Urban-wide Area Review (AUAR). The first step in completion of the AUAR is approval of the scoping document which requires a 30-day comment period. Upon completion of the comment period, staff will address the comments and make amendments that will then be approved by City Council for adoption. This final document will be sent to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) for approval. The second step is the completion of the environmental study, producing the AUAR document. This step also requires a 30-day comment period, after which comments are also addressed. The final AUAR document is then brought to City Council for adoption, after which it is sent to the EQB for final approvals. Once the AUAR is adopted by City Council actions may be taken to approve amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Text, and Zoning Map.
Current State Report – BioTech Innovation District
Northwest Growth Area Plan Land Use
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Project overview
The City of Brooklyn Park is developing a plan for the development of its 700-acre Northwest Growth Area. As the last large-scale undeveloped area in the city, this is a rare opportunity to envision great new places that add value to the community.
The plan will include consideration of a new biotechnology district and other industry, a variety of housing and commercial options, public parks and trails, and integration with Blue Line Light Rail Transit station area planning, among other features.
Through vision plan development, public engagement, and supporting technical analysis, this process will lay the groundwork for future public and private investment that centers the needs and priorities of the people of Brooklyn Park.
Vision and Goals
The Northwest Growth Area Plan aims to attract investment from employers and retailers, effectively engage the community, and bridge economic gaps by creating employment and ownership opportunities for residents.
It prioritizes sustainable infrastructure, enhances multimodal connections for pedestrians, bikes, and transit, and strengthens the City’s financial health by expanding the tax base.
Other community-driven goals will be developed and refined through the community engagement process.
Project process
The project began in Fall 2024. It is expected to be complete and approved at all levels by the end of 2025. Initial work to prepare for early-stage implementation will begin by mid-2025, to ensure that the City can leverage any opportunities identified through the planning process.
Discover | December 2024 -January 2025
The City analyzes what is in the plan area, and learning what is possible in the future.
Where should the streets be built? What kinds of businesses would be interested in locating here? What types of housing and ownership opportunities would be sustainable?
Discuss | February-May 2025
City staff develop three options for the future of the Northwest Area, and will ask the community for feedback and if it meets the goals of this plan.
Which option will best attract employers? Which option will provide ownership opportunities for existing residents? Do these options provide adequate greenspace and pedestrian opportunities?
Decide | June-August 2025
City Council members review feedback provided by the discussion and will determine what fits their vision. This action will adopt a small area plan to guide development
Develop | 2026 and beyond
After the adoption of the plan, the City will work with developers to achieve the vision over the course of several years.