Document Minden_doc_9b154515b3

January 2003 prepared by: Minden Plan for Prosperity Citizens Advisory Committee with assistance by: RACESTUDIO and the Sierra Business Council MINDEN PLAN FOR PROSPERITY A Strategic Framework Plan for Investing in Minden’s Future ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- FOREWORD Many of members of the community that participated in the Planning for Prosperity process are long term Minden residents. All those that have participated voiced a strong affection for Minden’s historic buildings and rural setting. As the State of Nevada and Douglas County grows, Minden is pre- sented an opportunity to shape new investment in the mold that H. F. Dangberg initiated nearly 100 years ago. This concept plan represents the Town’s and County’s commitment to stewardship of both Minden’s history and future. Minden was a planned community with a definable commercial dis- trict, town square, courthouse and traditional neighborhoods. The Minden Plan for Prosperity builds upon these traditional features as a framework that integrates new investment into the community. PAGE I M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE II ---PAGE BREAK--- CONTENTS SECTION ONE: Introduction page 1 1.1 Purpose 1.2 Process 1.3 Organization of Document 1.4 Relationship to Other Policies and Documents SECTION TWO: Framework Plan page 5 2.1 Building on Traditional Minden’s Character 2.2 Economic Opportunity and Land Use 2.3 Image and Identity 2.4 Community Circulation and Connections SECTION THREE: Action Plan page 27 3.1 Implementation Approach 3.2 Downtown 3.3 Regional Streets 3.4 Traditional Neighborhoods 3.5 New Neighborhoods ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS page 35 APPENDIX (under separate cover) Meeting Notices Workshop Summaries Newsletters Framework Plan M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE III ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE IV ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 1 INTRODUCTION The Minden Plan for Prosperity is the product of a plan- ning process that involved community workshops spon- sored by a citizens advisory committee, study sessions and public hearings. The Plan provides a framework of land use, image and circulation concepts with supporting imple- mentation activities. The Plan is intended to be incorporat- ed into the update process for the Douglas County Master Plan, zoning and related capital improvements program (CIP). 1.1 Purpose Minden is located in the pic- turesque Carson Valley which is experiencing unprecedented growth. Douglas County and the Town of Minden joined together to prepare this plan to consider strategies for accom- modating the economic and commu- nity design opportunities facing the community. The overall objectives for the planing effort was to: • Be incorporated into County land use and circulation policies; • Establish community image and design objectives; and • Identify public investment priorities. PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES WORKSHOP On April 25, 2000, over 60 people par- ticipated in a workshop that identified Minden’s assets, economic objectives, and top image objectives. RIGHT: The Minden Plan for Prosperity provides land use, design and circulation concepts for the devel- oping portions of the Town. SECTION 1 Minden Plan for Prosperity Planning Area ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 2 1.2 Process The preparation of the Minden Plan for Prosperity involved a community-based planning process. The process was sponsored by a citi- zens advisory committee (CAC) and included five community workshops. Citizens Advisory Committee The County Commissioners appointed 12 representatives to a citi- zens advisory committee (CAC) as the sponsor for the planning process. The CAC included property and busi- ness owners, residents, Town Board members, County planning commis- sioners, and Town and County Staff. The CAC was charged with communi- ty outreach; sponsoring workshops; acting as a “sounding board” for prin- ciples and concepts; and forwarding recommendations to the Town Board, County Planning Commission, and County Commissioners. Community Workshops The ideas and concepts used in the Plan have come from the CAC’s workshops with over 100 par- ticipants in five events. The results from these workshops have been summarized on a project web site and in a community newsletter. • Planning Opportunities Workshop, April 25, 2000 • Alternative Futures Workshop, June 6, 2000 • Community Image and Design Workshop, July 25, 2000 • Framework Plan Review Study Session, October 26, 2000 • North Minden Workshop, August 13, 2001 Preliminary Framework Plan Prior to drafting the Minden Plan for Prosperity Report, a prelimi- nary framework plan was prepared and reviewed in a study session with the CAC, Town Board, and County Planning Commission. The Framework Plan was organized into three sections. These include: Minden Plan for Prosperity Citizens Advisory Committee Douglas County Commissioners Community Partners Residents • Business Community • Property Owners • Town of Minden • Douglas County Sierra Business Council County and Town Staff ALTERNATIVE FUTURES WORKSHOP On June 6, 2000, over 35 people partici- pated in a community workshop to explore alternative futures for Minden. Participants identified: • Desirable economic activities and land use uses; • Special existing places; • Special futures places; • Important connections; and • Most challenging decisions to make. LEFT: The planning was sponsored by a citi- zens advisory committee (CAC) that was appointed by the County Commission. Supported by County and Town staff, the Sierra Business Council and consultants, the CAC worked with community partners to prepare the plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 3 • Land Use and Economic Opportunity • Community Design and Image • Community Circulation and Linkages Each section conveys basic assumptions, principles, concepts and policy implications. North Minden As the plan was being pre- pared, a development proposal for a new casino, hotel, commercial and residential development was intro- duced to the community. The CAC used the Minden Plan for Prosperity process to evaluate and discuss the project. Called the Nevada Northwest Specific Plan, the project sponsors modified their proposal to more close- ly reflect the Preliminary Framework Plan. The County Commissioners adopted the specific plan in July of 2002. Public Hearings In addition to the community workshops and study session, the plan has been presented in a public hearing before for the Minden Town Board, County Planning Commission and the County Commissioners. 1.3 Organization of Document The Minden Plan for Prosperity is organized in three sec- tions. These include: Introduction This section provides back- ground on the purpose, process, organization of the report and rela- tionship to other documents. Framework Plan This section describes Minden’s assets and opportunities, and land use, community design and circulation concepts. Action Plan This section identifies phasing financial, management and adminis- trative activities required to implement the Plan. Phase 1. Strategic Opportunities a. Data Collection b. Community Outreach Plan c. Opportunities Summary Phase 2. Framework for Prosperity a. Land Use and Circulation Strategies b. Image Enhancement Strategies c. Strategies Summary Phase 3. Strategy and Action Plan a. Capital Improvements b. District Management c. Final Report Meetings/Workshops/Hearings 1. CAC #1 Kick-off 2. CAC #2/Opportunities Workshop 3. CAC#3/Land Use and Circulation Workshop 4. CAC#4/Image Enhancement Workshop S. Town and County Study Session 5. CAC#5/Strategy Review Workshop 6. Minden Town Board 7. County Planning Commission 8. County Board of Supervisors Minden Plan for Prosperity month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Strategic Opportunities Framework for Prosperity Strategy and Action Plan 1 2 3 4 S 5 8 7 6 RIGHT: The planing process progressed in three phases and was punctuated by four community workshops. COMMUNITY IMAGE AND DESIGN WORKSHOP On July 25, 2000, over 25 people attended a community workshop to dis- cuss what Minden should look like in the future. Participants identified: • The best existing design features in Minden; • Desirable street patterns, scale and landscape features; and • The desirable characteristics for the design of new buildings in Minden. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 4 1.4 Relationship to Other Policies and Documents The Minden Plan for Prosperity is to provide a guided pop- ular strategy for the Town’s and County’s efforts, decisions and expen- ditures. It can result in County land use designations and related zoning being changed; modification to the County’s and Town’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP); and increased collaboration regarding community facilities, open space preservation, and economic develop- ment. Douglas County Master Plan Update The planning built upon exist- ing Master Plan policies. The Framework Planning process used the Douglas County Master Plan and related economic studies as a source of information. In return, the planning for Minden has identified new priori- ties for commercial services, housing, employment and community facilities to be addressed in the County Master Plan update. In particular, there is a clear preference expressed by the community in regards to protecting Minden’s open space context and development character. Town of Minden CIP In addition, the planning has informed Town of Minden’s priorities in terms of investing public environ- ments in its capital improvements pro- gram. This includes: • Streetscaping projects; • Roadway improvements; • Extension of sidewalks; and • Parks. Town of Minden Design Guidelines Prior to the preparation of the Minden Plan for Prosperity, the Town developed a draft set of design guide- lines for new investment in the tradi- tional parts of the community. The Plan confirmed much of the effort and demonstrated how the guidelines can support the Framework Plan con- cepts. LEFT: Planning Area The Minden Plan for Prosperity includes much of the land within the Urban Service Boundary around the traditional Town of Minden with a spe- cial focus on downtown. On October 26, 2000, over 50 people attended a study session to review the preliminary framework of assumptions, principles, concepts and policy implica- tions for the Minden Plan for Prosperity. Minden Planning Area Historic Downtown ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 5 FRAMEWORK PLAN The Minden Plan for Prosperity shapes economic opportunities presented by regional growth. The Framework Plan provides policies and concepts for land use, community design and circulation. These concepts build on what the community values in the traditional and natural features found in Minden’s rural setting and historic town center. 2.1 Building on Traditional Minden’s Character One of the fundamental mes- sages from the community process is how important it will be to build on Minden’s traditional and natural fea- tures. The community identified the natural setting as the most important visual and lifestyle asset. The second most important asset was the historic downtown and adjacent traditional neighborhood. These two features bracket Minden’s development oppor- tunity sites and provide an urban and rural context for future investment. Therefore, understanding Minden’s existing character and context is important to planning for the future. Community Culture and Traditions Founded by H. F. Dangberg in 1905, Minden is said to be designed to reflect the city plan of Minden, Germany. Minden is not a “copy” of its German namesake, but does emulate its basic spirit of a small scale and walkable village. More importantly, the work ethic and sense of community is still reflected in the people of the Minden, Nevada. Historic Patterns and Image Minden’s town plan original plat maps indicated a small “main street” community with areas for com- mercial, residential and public uses. The original plat maps subdivided the town into 250’x225’ blocks with 15’ wide alleys and 25’x105’ lots. The plat maps identified the Town Square and the locations of public buildings. Heritage Resources Minden has a high quality col- lection of historic architectural resources. Largely intact, these build- ings reflect the history of Minden as a commercial service center for the Valley. Banks, hotels, stores and gov- ernment buildings developed from the late 1900’s to the 1930’s define the center of Minden. These buildings are the nucleus of an Esmeralda Avenue Historic District. The surrounding resi- dential blocks have houses dating as far back as the 1900’s. These houses, based on their architectural and his- toric merit, offer another opportunity for a Minden Residential Historic District. The prominent Nevada archi- tect, Fredrick J. de Longchamps, designed most of the significant build- ings in Minden including the Minden Flour Company, Carson Valley Improvement Club Hall, Douglas County Courthouse, Minden Inn, Farmer’s Bank of Carson Valley, Minden Wool Warehouse, and Minden Butter Manufacturing Company. SECTION 2 ABOVE: Minden, Germany The Town of Minden’s namesake in Germany has a small-scaled walkable community center. It is a community that values its history and traditions. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 6 Natural Setting Minden’s location in the Carson Valley provides a heroic back- drop and the Valley floor wetlands and agricultural uses frame the town in a rural setting. Minden is perched on a small rise on the valley floor that is surrounded by wetlands (Martin and Cottonwood Sloughs). This natur- al feature provides a flood plain “no build zone” around the edges of the traditional center of Minden. 2.2 Economic Opportunity and Land Use The Minden Plan for Prosperity is motivated by the com- munity’s desire to find ways to make room for new investment that is com- patible with their quality of life objec- tives. To do this, the Plan identifies market opportunities, economic objec- tives, locations for potential develop- ment, and desirable land uses. Growth in Douglas County According to the Douglas County Master Plan 2002 review , the County is projected to grow in popula- tion from 27,673 in 1990 to 44,010 by 2005. Minden Town Water served 2,200 in 1990 and is projecting to serve 6,175 in 2020. Gardenerville Town Water Company served 2,950 in 1990 and is planning to serve 8,300 in 2020. The 2002 Master Plan review provided updated development activi- ty information. The data numerates the steady growth in the State and County. Douglas County grew 49% from 1990 to 2000 compared to 66% for the State. Since 1990, over 6,630 units of housing have been developed in Douglas County. Of this, only about 2.5% have been multifamily homes. Between 1996 and 2001, about a quarter of the County’s new housing has been built in Minden and Gardenerville. In 1998-1999, Minden and Gardenerville provided about 29% of the County’s square footage of nonresidential development. In 2001 this percentage dropped as new projects were implemented in north- LEFT: Original Town Plan The original plat map for Minden was prepared by H. L. Dangberg in 1905. Dangberg was instrumental in bring- ing the Virginia and Truckee Railroad to Minden.The plan featured 10-1/2 blocks of residential, 3 blocks of com- mercial and 1-1/2 blocks of public uses. The Town was later expanded to the west in 1915. The 10-block expansion included the Douglas County Courthouse. ABOVE: Historic Commercial and Government Buildings The Minden Inn (1912) and Douglas County Courthouse (1915) are two of the many prominent local buildings designed by the architect Fredrick J. De Longchamps. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 7 ern portions of the County. From 1992 to 2000, there has been 3,676 new jobs in the County. Important to notice, however, is that the largest growth area has been wholesale and retail trade (up 40%). Hotels and gaming made modest gains but still represents 57% of the Douglas County employment. Retail and gaming economic sectors add to the tax base but do not provide many high-paying jobs. With only about 2.5% of the new housing stock being rental apartments, there continues to be a mis-match in housing affordabili- ty and income. Increasing industrial employ- ment has been a longtime goal. The County has added nearly 1,000 acres of industrial land since 1997. Between 1992 and 2000 there were 505 new industrial jobs in the County a gain of 30% (source: 2002 Master Plan review). The location of a new Starbucks Coffee roasting plant will bring up to 200 new manufacturing jobs. Market Opportunities Minden distinguishes itself from the rest of the County in several ways–it is wealthier, older, and skilled (source: 1998 Master Plan Retail Market Study). • Nearly 30% of Mindenites are over 55 years old versus 23% for the County. • The median household income is $55,487 for Minden and $49,182 for the County. • About 20% of Minden’s workforce is in industrial occupations while only 8% are in the County. • And, only 6% of Minden’s workforce is in retail sales compared to 15% of the County’s. When examining the 1998 retail study done to support the County Master Plan, there are several areas of noticeable demand and advantages in Douglas County. RIGHT: Proposed Historic Districts In 1980, the Town did a study of his- toric resources in Minden. The study recommended the formation of two his- toric districts - - a commercial district focused along Esmeralda Avenue and residential district around the Town Park and Mono Avenue ABOVE: Historic Industrial Buildings Besides fine commercial and govern- ment buildings, Dangberg constructed landmark industrial buildings on what was Railroad Avenue. Above is the Dangberg Land and Livestock Company building (1915) and Minden Flour Company building (1906). ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 8 The County has three eco- nomic where they attract sales from other areas in the Region. These include: • Entertainment uses such as the- aters, dining, drinking and casinos; • Commercial services including gro- cery stores, hardware, and service garages; and • Professional services including banking, medical and dental offices, insurance, accounting, and legal ser- vices. There are also new economic opportunities demonstrated by the unmet demand (retail leakage esti- mated as part of the Master Plan Implementation). This includes: • General merchandise stores; • Clothing and shoe stores including both value retail and specialty stores; • Sporting goods; and • Media stores including books, elec- tronics, music, computers, and soft- ware. Susceptible Development Sites Minden has several large vacant sites that are zoned for devel- opment. • At the north end of Minden along US 395 are several large vacant parcels that are zoned for commercial and higher density residential uses. The Nevada Northwest Specific Plan site has entitled 116.33 acres for about 816,150 SF of tourist and neighbor- hood commercial and 478 units of housing. • Adjacent to the Northwest Nevada Specific Plan area is a ranch that con- LEFT: Potential Future Development Sites There are several large vacant and underutilized development sites in Minden. OPPORTUNITY SITES 1. Nevada NW Specific Plan 116 acres 2. Ironwood Gateway 10 acres 3. US 395/88 Gateway 17.4 acres 4. Lucerne North Comm. 19 acres 5. Lucerne South Comm. 4.4 acres 6. Lucerne South Resid. 8 acres 7. South Residential 115 acres R Receiving Areas 477 acres R R R R KEY Nevada Northwest Specific Plan Commercial Opportunity Site Residential Opportunity Site Receiving Area 2 3 4 7 6 5 1 1 US 395 US 395 Hwy 88 ABOVE: Martin Slough The participants in community work- shops identified special places they would like to see integrated into the plan. These included specialty shopping in the Downtown, access to Minden’s green belt, a new school and park, a community shopping center, and com- munity center. Downtown Minden (see page 12) ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 9 tains roughly another 7.5 acres of commercial and 9.5 acres of receiving area for residential uses. • North of US 395 and west of Lucerne Street is approximately 15 acres of vacant commercial land. • At the intersection of US 395 and Highway 88 is a large site of about 19 acres with good visibility. • The old grainery/Bently Nevada site is a potential redevelopment site that could accommodate new construction and renovation of the existing historic structures. • South of County Road is a large sin- gle family ownership property which is zoned low density residential. Currently, it is used for ranch land. The family has gradually allowed small portions of the property contigu- ous to the historic residential neigh- borhood to develop as single family housing. • The Douglas County master Plan has identified about 477 acres of land in the Minden community as receiving sites for the transfer of development rights (TRD) lands. In addition to these larger sites, there are a number of smaller sites along US 395 and in the down- town. Economic Objectives The community identified overall economic objectives in the planning workshops. These included: • A successful downtown; • A full-service grocery store; • Clean, light industrial employment; • Added community amenities; and • An overarching economic objective to pursue growth that is planned. R KEY Nevada Northwest Specific Plan Commercial Opportunity Site Residential Opportunity Site Receiving Area US 395 US 395 Hwy 88 RIGHT: Minden’s Traditional Town Blocks and Patterns The image and identity concepts for Minden stress extending the patterns and scale of the traditional neighbor- hoods into new investment areas. R R R R ABOVE: Esmeralda Buildings The community places a high value on Minden’s historic Downtown. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 10 Over the course of the plan- ning process these initial objectives were discussed and refined with the downtown revitalization, a grocery store, and community center surfac- ing as priority objectives. A build-out development pro- gram was prepared using the commu- nity’s objectives and the economic studies and retail leakage studies pre- pared as part of the County’s Implementation Master Plan. Nonresidential uses in the development program included a downtown specialty retail district, gro- cery-store anchored community shop- ping center, and light industry (at Bently north of US 395 or at the Airport). These uses would result in the creation of nearly 900 jobs. To balance this, the development pro- gram also identified residential and community facilities. This included single and multi-family housing, a new or expanded school site, and community center. Land Use Goals and Policies The Douglas County Master Plan has land use planning goals and policies that are consistent with the Minden Plan for Prosperity. “GOAL 7.03: Recognize the distinct character of individual communities and encourage land uses consistent with its character.” The Minden Plan for Prosperity expands this County land use goal. The Plan includes an over- all goal and five planning policies 3 6 2 4 5 7 1 8 10 12 12 11 9 13 LEFT: Community Framework The overall image concept identifies gateways, a hierarchy of streets, and community facilities. COMMUNITY FACILITIES 1. Future Community Center 2. Town Park and Offices 3. Future Community Facility or School 4. Minden Hotel County Offices 5. School District 6. County Administration Building 7. Judicial and Law Enforcement Center 8. Elementary School 9. DHS 10. Swim Center 11. Library 12. Fire Station 13. MGSD Regional Street Civic Street Neighborhood Connector Street Major Gateway Minor Gateway ABOVE: Integrating Parks The Plan integrates new community facilities into Minden’s travel and lifestyle experience. H. F. Dangberg’s Town Park fits is used as a model for integrating new parks into the town’s grid pattern. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 11 which refine the County Master Plan’s policies. LAND USE GOAL 1: To pursue land uses that support the character of traditional Minden and the community’s quality of life objec- tives. Land Use Policy 1. Downtown Minden should become the principal specialty-shopping desti- nation in Carson Valley. Land Use Policy 2. A new grocery-anchored community shopping center should be developed at the intersection of US 395 and Highway 88. Land Use Policy 3. Minden and the County shall incubate and attract light industrial/tech employers. KEY New Commercial Districts 1. Gateway District 2. Nevada NW Visitors 3. Nevada NW Commercial 4. North Commercial District New Residential Neighborhoods 5. South Mountainview Neighborhood 6. North Buckeye Neighborhood 7. North Mountainview Neighborhood 8. Nevada NW Residential 4 1 2 3 8 5 6 7 Westwood Neighborhood Winhaven Neighborhood ABOVE: Overall Concept Plan The land use concept diagram to the right indicates Minden’s new and exist- ing districts and neighborhoods. The concept plan reflects the market oppor- tunities, community objectives and available land. Historic Minden ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 12 Land Use Policy 4. Minden shall provide additional resi- dential development at comparable densities to the traditional historic neighborhoods and some modest amounts of higher density housing. Land Use Policy 5. Minden, the School District and the County shall develop community facil- ities that enhance the quality of life and support existing and future resi- dents. Land Use Planning Concepts The Minden Plan for Prosperity incorporates four land use concepts. These focus on the down- town, employment, commercial ser- vices and public facilities. Land Use Concept 1: Revitalize Downtown as a regional specialty-shopping destination and focal point for civic activities. • Develop infill commercial projects in combination with renovation of exist- ing buildings to create a critical mass of commercial uses in the downtown. • Implement a parking district to sup- port downtown revitalization. • Locate community facilities and resi- dential development adjacent to Downtown to promote revitalization and maintain a compact traditional town center. • Develop the former Bently property as a community center facility. • If one is required, locate a new ele- mentary school adjacent to Downtown and with a neighborhood open space for existing and future housing. Land Use Concept 2: Increase local employment opportuni- ties. • Develop portions of the land north of US 395 and/or by the airport for light industrial/tech uses. • Develop regional-serving profes- sional office uses in the 395 corridor and near downtown. • Nurture business connections and new business expansion opportunities between Minden’s existing and future manufacturing, commercial, visitor and entertainment business. 1 3b 3a 2 5 6 7a 7c 7b 4 4 Town Park Judicial and Law Enforcement Center US 395 Esmeralda County Admin. School Dist. Potential: public use commercial use adaptive reuse LEFT: Downtown Opportunity Sites DOWNTOWN OPPORTUNITY SITES 1. Historic Industrial District Site Area: 12.7 acres Current Use: Bently Nevada Corp., electrical sub station, Town corp. yard, auto storage yard Potential Use: Community facility, com- mercial office, light industrial 2. Minden Stables Site Area: 23,400 SF Current Use: Vacant Potential Use: Commercial office, resi- dential 3. Misc. Uses Site Area 3a: 26,200 SF Site Area 3b: 12,500 SF Current Use: Residential, commercial, shop, storage yard Potential Use: Commercial retail, resi- dential 4. 1950-1952 Esmeralda Site Area:15,000 SF Current Use: Vacant Potential Use: Commercial retail, County office 5. C.O.D. Garage Estimated Building Area: 20,000 SF Current Use: Auto repair and parts Potential Use: Commercial retail 6. Fire Station Estimated Building Area: 20,000 SF Current Use: Fire station Potential Use: Commercial retail 7. Residential Conversion and Infill Site Area: 1.37 acres Current Use: Residential and profes- sional office Potential Use: Professional office 8. Misc. Strip Commercial Site Area: 5.57 acres Current Use: Commercial, motel, restaurant Potential Use: Commercial retail, pro- fessional office ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 13 Land Use Concept 3: Increase and improve commercial services. • Locate a new grocery-anchored community shopping center at the US 395/88 intersection. Land Use Concept 4: Develop additional community facili- ties. • Develop a new community center with recreation, cultural and civic uses in, or adjacent to, the downtown. • Continue to utilize the CVIC Hall, Minden Town Park, and the Town Hall as the principal central civic place for community events and celebrations. Downtown Minden Minden’s historic town center character, building stock, available land and accessibility make it a good location for a specialty shopping des- tination and community cultural cen- ter. The Downtown has about 20 traditional commercial and govern- ment buildings. About 95,000 SF of ground floor space is in historic com- mercial buildings along Esmeralda. However, only only a few of these “main street” buildings were originally designed as storefront shops–maybe only 20,000 SF. Therefore, additional ground floor commercial space would have to come from infill development and adaptive reuse of other types of commercial structures, such as old banks, garages and restaurants. The Downtown has several vacant and underutilized sites that can contribute to the storefront shop- 2 4 5 6 7 7 3 1 Historic Railroad Ave. Industrial Historic Downtown KEY Existing Community Facilities A. Town Hall Offices B. Minden Inn County Offices C. County Administration Building D. 911 Call center E. Sheriff F. Fire Station A B E F D C Town Park ABOVE: Downtown Development The land use concept for Downtown Minden capitalizes on vacant and underutilized land and the existing pat- terns and scale. DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Adaptive Reuse Projects 1. Fire Station reuse 7,000 SF retail 2. COD Garage and Pioneer Auto parts 20,000 SF retail and commercial Public Facilities 3. Community Center 40-60,000 SF 4. County public parking deck 5. County office expansion 30,000 office and commercial New Development 6. Minden Stables redevelopment 30,000 commercial office and retail and 24 DU’s 7. Street-oriented commercial 8,100 SF office and commercial ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 14 ping environment. These include: • Former Minden garage site at the corner of US 395 and Esmeralda Avenue; • Existing fire station building on US 395; • Former Bently Nevada Site at Buckeye and US 395; • Vacant storefront buildings next to the Minden Hotel/County Administrative Building; and • Several small parking lots. 2.3 Image and Identity The design concepts for the Minden Plan for Prosperity assumes new development will fit into Minden rather than overwhelming it by reflect- ing its scale, block and lot patterns and architectural traditions. To cap- ture these community objectives, the Minden Plan for Prosperity identifies image assets, planning goals and policies, and design concepts for the Town–and in particular the streetscapes and Downtown. Image Assets The historic charm of tradi- tional parts of Minden and its natural setting are valued by the community as the Town’s primary physical assets. The community also identified special places in Minden that should be preserved and used as references for future investment. These places included the Town Park, Downtown/Esmeralda Avenue, old granary/Bently Nevada, and the County Building. The community has placed a strong value upon Minden’s historic buildings. ABOVE: Streets Minden’s regional and local streets pro- vide a setting for commercial services and residential neighborhoods. LEFT: Minden’s Streets REGIONAL STREETS A. US 395 at new community center B. US 395 at new commercial frontage C. US 395 at pad commercial frontage D. US 395 north of Hwy 88 E. Hwy 88 south of US 395 ESMERALDA F. Commercial storefront RESIDENTIAL STREETS G. Mono Street H. Traditional Residential Streets B F G H H H H D E C A Street Section Key Map Continued on Page 20 ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 15 ABOVE: Regional Streets–US 395 Image and identity concepts emphasize development of an overall streetscape strategy for the com- munity. The street sections above illustrate the streetscape elements for four Minden’s principal regional street (Highway 395). BELOW: Community Center The Plan envisions adaptive reuse of Minden’s landmark historic Flour Milling Company. A new community canter of about 30,000 SF could be developed on the adjacent site. A US 395 at New Community Center ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 16 B ABOVE: US 395 Eastern Gateway This sketch illustrates the image of a street that features landscaped boule- vard treatment and new street-orient- ed commercial buildings. US 395 at New Commercial Frontage ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 17 E D C RIGHT: DESIRABLE This diagram illustrates how auto-ori- ented commercial development can enhance the pedestrian comfort and image of Minden’s regional streets. ABOVE: UNDESIRABLE This auto-oriented commercial project does not provide a comfortable or posi- tive image. It lacks landscaping, has a parking lot facing the street, and has out-of-scale signage. ABOVE: DESIRABLE This infill commercial project along a regional street moves the building to the sidewalk edge, adds streetscaping and creates transparent storefronts. Street-oriented Commercial Landscaped park- ing lot and buffer Rear parking lot Side entry and parking Storefronts Street trees and planting strip US 395 at Pad Commercial Frontage US 395 North of Hwy 88 Hwy 88 South of US 395 ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 18 ABOVE: Esmeralda The street section above illustrates how development along the commercial storefront portions of Esmeralda should be developed to enhance the pedestrian edge. F LEFT: In-fill on Esmeralda This sketch illustrates a new three- story County Administrative Building built next to the Minden Inn. The new building aligns the parapet and has a similar facade composition as the historic inn. Esmeralda Commercial Storefront ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 19 ABOVE: Local Streets Image and identity concepts emphasize development of an overall streetscape strategy for the com- munity. The street sections above illustrate the streetscape elements for four typical streets - - highways (Highway 395), storefront shopping street (Esmeralda Avenue), residential streets, and community collector streets (County Road). H Alley Private Semi-private Semi-public Public Street Public-Private Space RIGHT: DESIRABLE This diagram illustrates how Minden’s traditional neighborhoods provide “eyes-on-the-street” security and clearly defined public and private spaces. ABOVE: UNDESIRABLE This residential example would NOT fit into a traditional neighborhood. It is set back too far from the street and lacks basic architectural elements and roof forms found in the surrounding neigh- borhood. ABOVE: DESIRABLE This residential infill project in a tradi- tional Minden neighborhood demon- strates how infill housing should be of similar scale, orientation and design as existing structures. G Mono Street Residential Traditional Residential Street ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 20 Image and Identity Goals and Policies The Douglas County Master Plan has three goals that emphasize the community’s stated image objec- tives for Minden. “GOAL 6.01: To preserve Douglas County’s historic, cultural, and archaeological resources as physical reminders of the County’s past and as unique focal points to shape the County’s identity, now and in the future.” “GOAL 7.05: To identify particular areas within Douglas County for development as distinct urban com- munities.” “GOAL 7.04: To maintain agriculture as an important land use in Carson Valley and retain the open rural char- acter, cultural heritage and economic value created by this land use.” The Minden Plan for Prosperity includes an overall image and identity goal seven community character policies. IMAGE AND IDENTITY GOAL 1: To preserve Minden’s traditional scale and rural setting as a reference and context for new development. Image and Identity Policy 1. Minden’s open space and wet lands separator shall be preserved. Image and Identity Policy 2. The views of the mountains shall be protected. Image and Identity Policy 3. Development shall reflect the walka- ble scale and pace of Minden’s tradi- tional neighborhoods and downtown. Image and Identity Policy 4. New residential, commercial and community facility development shall be integrated into the patterns of block and lots size traditional of Minden. Image and Identity Policy 5. Streetscape shall be developed to underscore the civic role and settings LEFT: Typical Single Family Street This sketch illustrates a friendly single family block that features architectural variety, street-oriented sitting porches, and strong streetscape framework. ABOVE: The community places a high value on Minden’s historic neighborhood streetscape. Continued from Page 14 ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 21 along streets and roads. Image and Identity Policy 6. A combination of streetscape, site planning and land use planning shall be employed to frame Town gateways and focal points. Image and Identity Policy 7. Architecture shall reflect the tradition- al form, scale and character as found in Minden’s historic neighborhoods. Community Design Concepts The Minden Plan for Prosperity includes four image and identity concepts. These emphasize the public open space system, the scale and pedestrian friendliness of downtown, extending traditional pat- terns into new development areas, and providing a town-wide design plan. Image and Identity Concept 1: Enhance and expand Minden’s natur- al and civic open space system as a setting for the community. • Formalize the open space and wet lands’ function as a permanent com- munity separator. • Design projects on the edge of the Town to fit their urban and natural setting while providing visual access to the open space and mountains. • Enhance the role of existing tradi- tional parks as civic gathering places. • Add public park space to new com- munity center and school projects. Image and Identity Concept 2: Preserve the scale and pedestrian friendliness of Downtown as a shop- ping environment. • Develop new commercial projects and renovate existing buildings, as an extension of Downtown’s historic storefront-shopping environment. • Continue to develop pedestrian amenities and streetscaping. • Design new infill commercial and residential projects in a scale and character compatible with Downtown. Image and Identity Concept 3: Expand existing neighborhoods rather than building walled or isolated resi- dential subdivision enclaves. RIGHT: Multifamily Streets New multifamily development should respond to its context. The first sketch shows a downtown or commercial dis- trict rowhouse project with front stoops, flat roof, strong cornice element and bay windows. The second sketch shows a townhouse project in a residen- tial context with a front porch, sloped roof, dormers and small front yards. 1 2 ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 22 • Extend the existing lot, block and street pattern to accommodate new residential development. • Incorporate community facilities, such as parks and schools, into the block pattern. • Design commercial development on the edge of residential areas to be compatible with the privacy and char- acter of traditional neighborhoods. Image and Identity Concept 4: Create and enhance the community design framework for Minden by using streetscape to define the hierarchy of civic streets and places. • Create community gateways through careful site planning and landscaping. • Introduce street trees, themed light- ing and signage along primary travel routes and civic streets. • Provide comfortable sidewalks and amenities along principal walking routes. Streetscape and Open Space Framework The streetscape framework identifies principal civic streets, gate- ways, parks and focal points. The system extends into future develop- ment areas linking them to Minden’s traditional scale and patterns. Key streetscape elements include: • Major community gateways at US 395 and Highway 88 and secondary gateways at Mackland and Highway 88, Buckeye and Bougannvilla, and US 395 and County Road. • Four types of streets including store- front shopping streets such as Esmeralda Avenue; regional roads such as US 395; community collec- tors such as County Road, Buckeye, or Ironwood; and residential streets and alleys. • A n open space system of connect- ed parks, rural and natural lands, and urban plazas. Downtown Image and Identity The Town of Minden has pre- pared a draft set of design guidelines for Downtown. These guidelines iden- tify the character objectives for sig- nage, renovation of buildings, infill buildings and streetscapes. The Plan incorporates the image objectives in LEFT: Gateway Commercial center This sketch illustrates the character and scale of a new commercial development at the intersection of US 395 and Hwy 88. The center would contain a full ser- vice grocery store and other services. The project should provide a central open space that acts as a social focal point. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 23 the guidelines. The Minden Plan for Prosperity shapes downtown develop- ment opportunity sites to reflect the design guidelines and image objec- tives stated by the community. Key features include: • Extending the storefront shopping edge to new infill development sites; • Align cornice and parapet heights in new development to reflect scale of existing historic buildings; • Uses the bay spacing, and architectural features found in existing historic buildings in new development; and • Connect storefront streets to park- ing, community facilities and adjacent residential areas with streetscape amenities. 2.4 Community Circulation and Connections Minden is a traditional "cross- roads" and service center town in Carson Valley. This means as the Valley and County grow, there will be more traffic and as well as new mar- ket opportunities. The community expressed their concern over the growth in "background traffic" at the workshops. Therefore, planning assumes the existing state roads are ready to accommodate future traffic; Minden’s roads are planned to sup- port local traffic and business activi- ties; and neighborhood streets are designed, maintained and managed as a setting for residential uses. The circulation framework for the Minden Plan for Prosperity includes goals and policies, town- wide concepts, trail system concept, and Downtown parking and access concepts. Community Circulation Goals and Policies The Douglas County Master Plan has two goals that particularly reflect the community’s objectives for Minden. “GOAL 10.14: Provide a safe and effi- cient transportation system.” “GOAL 10.23: Douglas County will ensure development and mainte- nance of multi-purpose (hiking, RIGHT: Facade Restoration The sketch to the right illustrates what could be uncovered as part of a restora- tion of the existing Pioneer Auto Parts store. Built in 1906, this brick building is likely to have interesting brick details. Remove wood siding and canopy Replicate orig- inal storefront and windows Repair and clean original brickwork Add fabric awning and period signage ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 24 equestrian, bikeway,and off-road bicy- cle) trail systems throughout Douglas County.” The Minden Plan for Prosperity includes one overall goal and five policies. COMMUNITY CIRCULATION AND CONNECTIONS GOAL 1: To provide a comprehensive circula- tion system for existing and future Minden neighborhoods with an emphasis on pedestrian facilities and connections. Community Circulation and Connections Policy 1. The highways will be planned and managed to provide for growing regional traffic. Community Circulation and Connections Policy 2. Local roads will be used for Town- scale economic activities and access. Community Circulation and Connections Policy 3. Residential streets are to be slow and safe vehicular and pedestrian routes for Townsfolk. Community Circulation and Connections Policy 4. A Town-wide and community-wide trail system for pedestrians and bicy- cles will be developed. Community Circulation and Connections Policy 5. Public parking lots will be developed to support Downtown’s revitalization efforts. Community Circulation and Connections Policy 6. Any future highway bypass should be Agricultural Land Martin Slough A B D D D E F G C LEFT: Open Space Concept OPEN SPACE The Plan identifies primary trail and bike connections between parks, open space and community facilities. A. Town Park B. Future community facility or school C. Future community center D. Future/existing neighborhood park E. School F. DHS G. Swim Center Trail/bicycle route Martin Slough open space access point ABOVE: Mountain and Valley Views Martin Slough provides a rural edge to Minden. The agricultural lands and wetlands provide sweeping views of car- son Valley. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 25 a limited access facility and not trans- fer economic opportunities away from downtown Minden. Circulation Concepts There are three overall con- cepts for circulation and connections. These include maintaining a hierarchy of streets, providing an access and parking strategy for Downtown, and providing connections to the region’s existing and future trail system. Community Circulation and Connections Concept 1: There is a hierarchy of streets that serve both regional and local access needs. • Existing local-serving streets are not used as "short-cuts" for regional traf- fic. • Regional-serving uses will be locat- ed on US 395, Hwy 88 and future parkway extending around the town. • Pedestrian crossings will be an inte- gral part of ALL roadway improve- ments. Community Circulation and Connections Concept 2: There is an overall access and park- ing strategy for Downtown. • Access to Downtown, by cars and pedestrians, is enhanced by providing a parking and walkway system. • Access to Downtown supports the walking and shopping experience. • Short and long-term parking is man- aged and enforced. Community Circulation and Connections Concept 3: There is an extensive trail system providing pedestrian and bicycle access to Minden’s open space. RIGHT: Vehicular Circulation Concept VEHICULAR CIRCULATION The circulation and community connec- tions concepts for Minden stress a hier- archy of streets, pedestrian connections and regional trails. The street hierarchy includes: Highways- • Regional serving facility • Commercial uses • Limited access Community Collector Streets- • Community serving facility • Local commercial and residential Residential Streets • Neighborhood serving facility • Residential uses Alleys • Block serving facility • Service and residential uses Regional street Local thoroughfare Zerolene Buckeye Buckeye Lucerne US 395 Hwy 88 County Road US 395 Ironwood ABOVE: Regional Street US 395 east of Third Street has auto sales and repair business appealing to regional drive-by markets. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 26 • The sloughs and park system are connected via a pedestrian and bicy- cle pathway. • Pathways intersect at special activity areas. • Pathways provide access to, but do not adversely impact, the natural set- ting and habitat value of Minden’s open space areas. Street Hierarchy The Plan assumes there will be a hierarchy of streets that reflect their transportation facility role, are compatible with land uses, and expand connections to other parts of the community. These include high- ways that serve regional transporta- tion and provide access to communi- ty-wide commercial services; commu- nity collector streets for local traffic and neighborhood commercial and residential; and residential neighbor- hood streets. Regional Trail Connections The Douglas County Master Plan includes policies that will lead to the develop of a regional trail system. The Minden Plan for Prosperity iden- tifies potential routes for connections to the future trail system. The Plan proposes Buckeye/6th and Lucerne Street as the north-south connector routes; and County Road, Martin Slough and Cottonwood Slough as the east-west connector routes. Downtown Access and Parking Minden has been very pro- gressive regarding investing in image enhancements and parking in the downtown. The Plan creates a system of long term parking facilities for employees and short term for visitors. There are eight public lots. There will be additional on-street parking spaces using diagonal and parallel arrange- ments. Principal access points include Esmeralda, 6th Street and Mono Street. 1 2 3 4 5 P P P P P P P P P 5 6 7 8 Public Parking Lots 1. New parking deck 2. Town Office lot 3. Third Street lot 4. Fire Station lot 5. Community Center lots 6. Judicial and Law Enforcement lot 7. County Courthouse lots 8. School District lot P Off-street private parking lot Managed Street Parking Second Street Third Street Fourth Street Fifth Street Sixth Street Esmeralda Street Mono Street Water Street Town Park Parallel parking Angled parking Angled parking–one side ABOVE: Managed Parking DOWNTOWN PARKING The success of Downtown will require a managed and systematic approach to providing short-term visitor parking and day parking for employees. The parking concept would include an enforcement program that encourages employees to park in lots reserving on- street parking for visitors and shoppers. BELOW: On-street parking Angled parking in Downtown ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 27 ACTION PLAN The Minden Plan for Prosperity Action Plan provides an overall implementation framework. It identifies phasing, public investments, and potential funding sources. The pro- jects included in the plan are to be coordinated with the Town’s and County’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and identify the role of the State of Nevada and private sec- tor partners. 3.1 Implementation Approach Implementing the communi- ty’s vision will require a proactive and cooperative partnership between pub- lic and private interests. ALL partners need to be committed advocates for maintaining and extending Minden’s special qualities. The Action Plan demands consistent policy support and a professional management approach. The Minden Plan for Prosperity Action Plan outlines imple- mentation activities for the Town’s existing and emerging districts. Definable geographic areas organize the Action Plan. These include: 3.2 Downtown 3.3 Regional Streets 3.4 Traditional Neighborhoods 3.5 New Neighborhoods For each area, the Action Plan provides a set of implementation principles and administrative, regula- tory and financing actions. The scope of improvements, cost planning, and sequencing of investments are also included in the Plan. 3.2 Downtown The historic commercial build- ings and associated streetscape and railroad related industrial buildings make up much of the "center" of Minden. The Downtown action area includes these nonresidential portions of the traditional town center. Downtown Implementation Principles Reinvestment strategies for Downtown Minden should: • Conserve and restore historic build- ings; • Encourage infill development that reflects the traditional scale of historic Minden; • Provide streetscaping that supports a pedestrian-scaled shopping and mixed-use district; • Creates parking that provide for short-term and employee needs; and • Utilizes public-private partnerships. Downtown Actions In the Downtown there are a variety of administrative, regulatory and financing activities required for initiating and sustaining reinvestment. One of the most important initial activ- ities will be creating a "partners team" of Town, business, property owners and the County to provide a point-of- contact and promotion of the Plan. Downtown Administrative Actions: • Prepare guidelines and standards for Downtown infill development. • Prepare a public facilities plan for SECTION 3 ABOVE: Recruiting Commercial Tenants Downtown has a variety of historic commercial buildings that can con- tribute to a storefront shopping district. The Action Plan emphasizes first reusing these buildings and then adding new infill projects. BELOW: Historic Industrial District The historic Railroad Avenue industrial buildings are to be adaptively reused as public and commercial portions of a master planned community center pro- ject. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 28 County buildings including the com- munity center on the Bently property. • Prepare construction documents for next phase of downtown streetscap- ing. • Prepare striping and design plan for street, lot and structured parking. • Establish a Minden "partners team". Downtown Regulatory Actions: • Update zoning to incorporate design guidelines. • Prepare parking management plan and amendments to County ordi- nance. Downtown Financing Actions: • Update County and Town CIP’s to include capital projects in Plan. • Identify and apply for public and pri- vate funding for the new Community Center. • Apply for transportation grants for pedestrian and roadway improve- ments, such as County Road enhancements. • Identify Block Grant funds available for Downtown projects. • Explore the feasibility of creating a Downtown redevelopment project area. • Identify visitor-related investments in Downtown that could be funded by transient occupancy tax. • Create a parking district in-lieu fee program to fund parking enhance- ments and construction. Downtown Capital Projects Capital projects for Downtown fall into three tiers of priority. Tier 1: • Complete Esmeralda commercial district streetscaping program • Implement County Road and US 395 intersection redesign and gate- way streetscaping. LEFT: Historic Industrial District The historic industrial buildings north of US 395 have been used by Bently Corporation. Bently has moved opera- tions to the Airport Industrial Park and is leasing portions of the buildings. In July 2001, the County discussed the opportunity to use the buildings and adjacent US 395 frontage for the loca- tion of a new community center. PRELIMINARY COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAM Estimated Cost: $8-10 million Size: 40,000-60,000 SF Program Elements: Fitness and Event Area Art and Education Teen Center Senior Center Community Outreach ABOVE: Adaptive Reuse The Action Plan seeks opportunities to adaptively reuse and restore buildings such as the historic C.O.D. garage. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 29 • Implement on-street parking restrip- ing program Tier 2: • Implement County Building expan- sion • Implement County parking deck • Adaptive reuse of C.O.D. Garage • Adaptive reuse of fire station • Enhance County Road streetscape Tier 3: • Redevelop of Minden Stables site • Redevelop of US 395 commercial frontage • Redevelop Railroad Avenue historic industrial district for community center and commercial uses • Preliminary planning and design for historic train 3.2 Regional Streets The Regional Streets action areas include US 398 and Hwy 88 frontage. These streets provide important economic opportunities and define the travel experience and image to the Region. The Town as has identified new commercial pro- jects, streetscaping and gateway fea- tures for these regional streets. Regional Streets Implementation Principles Reinvestment strategies the Regional Streets action areas should include: • "Mindenizing" improvements to regional streets to make them appear as part of the Town; • Create infill commercial develop- ment that reflects Minden’s traditional character; • Create gateways to the Town; • Provide traffic and pedestrian improvements that enhance improve connections across the regional roads; and RIGHT: Regional Streets Implementation The regional street implementation pro- gram emphasizes working initially with NDOT to add streetscaping as part of their roadway projects. The second tier of priorities would be to implement streetscaping of US 395 adjacent to downtown and implement a town-wide signage and gateway program. GATEWAYS Tier 1: US 395 and Muller Lane US 395 and Ironwood US 395 and Hwy 88 Hwy 88 and County Road Hwy 88 and Cottonwood Slough County Road and US 395 Tier 2: US 395 and Tenth Street US 395 and Buckeye/Sixth Street US 395 and Esmeralda Tier 3: Lucerne and Ironwood Lucerne and US 395 Lucerne and County Road Buckeye and Winhaven Tier 3 Tier 3 Tier 2 Tier 1 Tier 1 ABOVE: Minden Stables The Minden Stables site has tradition- ally been an important entry to Downtown. The Action Plan recom- mends adaptive reuse of the building or new infill development for this impor- tant site. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 30 • Support coordination efforts with N- DOT and property owners to plan, design, finance, and implement investments along US 395 and Hwy 88. Regional Streets Actions One of the most challenging implementation activities for the Regional Streets action areas will be designing and funding enhancements to a State highway. This will require a partnership with NDOT and the State of Nevada. In addition, new commer- cial development should be designed in concert with highway enhance- ments. Regional Streets Administrative Actions: • Prepare an engineering and eco- nomic study of bypass alternatives for a restricted access facility. • Prepare design standards for high- way commercial areas. • Review the State’s engineering and design standards. • Development design and construc- tion documents for right-of-way improvements. • Advocate for funding the highway projects with the Regional Transportation Commission, NDOT Board of Directors and policymakers. Regional Streets Regulatory Actions: • Update zoning for highway commer- cial. Regional Streets Financing Actions: • Pursue Federal and State highway funding. • Apply for pedestrian enhancement grants, such as gas tax programs. • Apply development fees to the con- struction and maintenance of highway streetscape enhancements. • Create and market a highway adop- tion program. Regional Streets Capital Projects Capital projects for Minden’s regional streets fall into three tiers of priority. Tier 1: • Implement streetscaping improve- ments with NDOT roadway projects on US 395 north of Hwy 88 and Hwy 88 south of 395 Tier 2: • Implement Gateway Commercial center at US 395 and Hwy 88 • Implement south Lucerne commer- cial • Implement Ironwood/US 395 gate- way commercial • Implement boulevard streetscaping on US 395 adjacent to Downtown • Implement a Minden signage and gateway program Tier 3: • Implement north commercial district • Implement US 395 commercial frontage streetscape improvements 3.3 Traditional Neighborhoods The Traditional Neighborhoods action areas include the blocks and streets that were plat mapped as part of the 1906 and 1915 planning. These grid block neighbor- hoods are located contiguous to Downtown and contribute to the com- munity’s charm and scale. The Town has identified a variety of streetscap- ing improvements to these estab- lished neighborhoods. Traditional Neighborhoods Implementation Principles Implementation activities in the Traditional Neighborhoods action areas should: • Conserve Minden’s traditional resi- dential neighborhoods architectural and streetscape character; • Promote infill development that ABOVE: Traditional Neighborhood Streets The Action Plan includes completion of Downtown’s sidewalk and street tree system. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 31 reflects the neighborhoods’ patterns of lots, blocks, and structures; • Complete missing sidewalks and crosswalks; and • Provide input and cooperation with residents to prepare design guidelines and a commitment to maintenance. Traditional Neighborhoods Actions The implementation actions in the traditional neighborhoods focus on bringing the pedestrian infrastruc- ture up to date and add streetscape. Traditional Neighborhoods Administrative Actions: • Prepare renovation and infill guide- lines for the traditional neighbor- hoods. • Prepare an inventory of existing trees, sidewalks and streetlights. • Prepare contract documents for streetscape and sidewalks. Traditional Neighborhoods Regulatory Actions: • Update for "traditional neighbor- hoods" zoning. Traditional Neighborhoods Financing Actions: • Pursue grant funding for sidewalks and crosswalks. • Pursue grant funding for trees and streetscape amenities. • Explore formation of neighborhood associations or lighting and landscape districts. Traditional Neighborhoods Capital Projects Capital projects for Minden’s neigh- borhood streets fall into three tiers of priority. Tier 1: • Complete streetscaping and side- walk improvements in Minden’s his- RIGHT: New Neighborhoods The Plan identifies future residential neighborhoods that are to be integrated into the town. NEW NEIGHBORHOODS Tier 1: Nevada NW South Lucerne Tier 2: North Buckeye North Mountainview Tier 3: South Mountainview North Buckeye North Mountainview Nevada NW Specific Plan South Lucerne South Mountainview Downtown Infill ABOVE: New Neighborhoods as a Natural Extension of the Town The Plan includes new neighborhoods that are an extension of Minden's tra- ditional streets and mountain vistas. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 32 toric neighborhoods • Initiate an “urban forestry” grant pro- gram with neighborhood volunteer groups Tier 2: • Implement infill housing near down- town Tier 3: • Continue to implement infill housing near downtown 3.4 New Neighborhoods The New Neighborhoods action areas include future residential and mixed-use projects. These areas will need to be planned and imple- mented as an extension of the com- munity. Much of the implementation effort will be to ensure that these new developments support the goal to make Minden a community of neigh- borhoods rather than isolated subdivi- sions. New Neighborhoods Implementation Principles Investment in Minden’s new neighborhoods should: • Promote development that enhances existing neighborhoods and creates new ones that are intercon- nected and integrate parks, schools and other uses; • Create neighborhoods that reflect the traditional walkable scale of Minden’s historic areas; • Provide new buildings that are com- patible with Minden’s architectural tra- ditions; and • Include efforts to engage with own- ers of key properties and real estate developers to conceive projects that meet community design and econom- ic objectives. New Neighborhoods Actions: Actions for creating new neighborhoods focuses primarily on designing areas to grow as an exten- sion of Minden and provide develop- ment standards that support commu- nity design objectives. New Neighborhoods Administrative Actions: • Review the County subdivision ordi- nance, zoning and development stan- dards. • Outreach to property owners and real estate developers. New Neighborhoods Regulatory Actions: • Update zoning and development standards. New Neighborhoods Financing Actions: • Utilize development fees for infra- structure needed for new projects. • Pursue transportation grants for community trails and linkages between neighborhoods. New Neighborhoods Capital Projects Capital projects for Minden’s neigh- borhood streets fall into three tiers of priority. Tier 1: • Implement Nevada NW’s residential neighborhood • Implement south Lucerne housing development Tier 2: • Implement new North Buckeye and North Mountainview neighborhoods • Implement new elementary school Tier 3: • Implement South Mountainview neighborhood • Implement remaining receiving areas ABOVE: Parks The Plan identifies future open space and parks that are to be implemented as part on new neighborhoods. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 33 3.5 Open Space System The natural setting and open space surrounding Minden was one of the most popular assets identified by the community in workshops. The Action Plan emphasizes creation, enhancing, and protecting open space as a system. Open Space Implementation Principles Implementing open space improvements in Minden should: • Conserve Minden’s natural and working landscapes; • Protect views of mountains and wet- lands; • Encourage urban development that is compatible with adjacent open space; • Plan and implement a local and regional trailway system; and • Promotes the formation of a "friends-of" organization that pro- motes partnerships between the County, Town, agricultural interests, water conservancy, schools districts and others. Open Space Actions Implementing open space and trail development has been a popular objective in Minden, However, in November 2000, the voters in the County failed to support an increase in sales tax to fund a comprehensive open space plan. Therefore, the Town of Minden will need to work with prop- erty owners and the County to design and implement an open space sys- tem. Open Space Administrative Actions: • Prepare a regional trailways and open space master plan. • Coordinate open space planning with special districts such as irrigation Martin Slough 5 6 3 3 2 1 4 4 4 3 LEFT: Open Space Implementation NEW OPEN SPACE The Plan identifies new open space and primary trail and bike connections. Tier 1: 1. Nevada NW Martin Slough open space 2. Nevada NW neighborhood park Tier 2: 3. North Buckeye neighborhood parks 4. Martin Slough trails and bike paths Tier 3: 5. South Mountainview community facility and park 6. Community Center plaza Trail/bicycle route Martin Slough open space access point ABOVE: Martin Slough Open Space Martin Slough is to be preserved as a permanent open space. Trails are to connect the Slough to other open space resources. ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 34 and storm water districts. Open Space Regulatory Actions: • Review and update storm water drainage and detention standards. Open Space Financing Actions: • Create "friends-of" organization (County, Town, Sub-conservancy District, agricultural interests, and land conservancy groups) to pursue grants, donations, and funding initia- tives that secure open space for future generations. Open Space Capital Projects Capital projects for Minden’s open space fall into three tiers of priority. Tier 1: • Implement Nevada NW’s residential neighborhood park and open space Tier 2: • Implement North Buckeye and North Mountainview neighborhoods parks • Implement Martin Slough trails and bike paths Tier 3: • Implement South Mountainview community facility park ---PAGE BREAK--- M i n d e n P l a n f o r P r o s p e r i t y PAGE 35 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The County Commissioners appointed 12 representatives to a citi- zens advisory committee (CAC) as the sponsor for the planning process. The CAC included property and business owners, residents, Town Board members, County planning commissioners, and Town and County Staff. The CAC was charged with community outreach; sponsoring workshops; acting as a “sounding board” for principles and concepts; and forwarding recommendations to the Town Board, County Planning Commission, and County Commissioners. Citizen Advisory Committee Ray Case Tom Deck Karen Dorf Don Frensdorf Michelle Gabler Don Hellwinkel Bill Henderson Ron Lange Chris Nenzel Valida McMichael Bruce Scott Minden Town Board Bruce M. Jacobsen, Chair Raymond G. Wilson, Vice Chair Ross. J. Chichester Robert S. Hadfield David C. Sheets Minden Town Staff Shelia Byington, Office Manager Douglas County Planning Commission Mark Neuffer, Chairman Rick Gardner, Vice Chair Valida McMichael Carolyn Whitmire Gerald Brown Kevin Lane Larry Walsh Jay Lather Michael Hayes Douglas County Commissioners Donald H. Miner, Chair Stephen R. Weissinger, Vice Chair Kelly D. Kite Jacques P. Etchegoyhen Bernard W. Curtis Douglas County Staff Dan Holler, County Manager Mimi Moss, AICP, Planning and Economic Development Manager Consultants Bruce Race, FAIA, AICP RACESTUDIO Darin Dinsmore Sierra Business Council