Downtown Parking Deck – Transit District.   The parking deck on Shoreline Drive in downtown Mound adjacent to Mound True Value Hardware was dedicated on October 28, 2007 and includes a total of 176 spaces plus additional surface stalls.  The facility has transit facilities and includes 50 spaces on the upper floor dedicated for Park and Ride use in cooperation with Metropolitan Transit.   The deck was provided approximately $1.5M in grant funding from various sources and opened in November 2007.  Merchants are asked to encourage the use the deck over commuters parking in their private parking lots

Dakota Rail Regional Trail  Masterplan.  In 2006, the Three Rivers Park District approved the  Dakota Rail Regional Trail Masterplan which provides for reuse of the former Dakota railroad corridor as an “interim” recreational trail from Wayzata to St. Bonifacius within Hennepin County.  Work on the project began in St. Boni in 2007 and was completed this summer, celebrated with a ribbon cutting in October.  Updated information on the project may be obtained by visiting the Three Rivers Park  District website:  www.threeriversparkdistrict.org.

Wolner Field.  A joint project between the City of Mound, the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the Upper Tonka Little League for reconstruction of the parking lot at Wolner Field, was completed this summer.  This project incorporates the use of pervious concrete an alternative surface material, to assist with stormwater management for the site.  The 2008 completion included a trail connection, landscaping and lighting to Cypress Lane. The MCWD provided project management and funding for the project.  The parking surface is a MCWD demonstration site for innovative stormwater techniques.

Veteran’s Monument – Transit District.   The VFW and American Legion, in cooperation with the City of Mound, are in the process of constructing Veteran’s Memorial Plaza in the NE corner of the Transit District.  It will include an impressive granite monument to commemorate the five branches of the armed services and amenities for the enjoyment of the monument and the park.  A dedication ceremony is planned for November 8, 2008, 1:00 p.m., with everyone invited.  Private donations have also been procured to assist with this project.  Anyone wishing to buy a bench to further enhance the park may contact Vicki at City Hall at 952-472-0615.

Auditor’s Road Street Connection.  The “connection” from Auditor’s Road, the City’s new main street which overlooks the historic Lost Lake Channel, to Shoreline Drive, was completed this summer.  This link will provide for new routing of Met Transit buses that will enable safe disembarking at the Transit Center and preclude unloading near the Post Office, as has been the practice until late.

Comprehensive Plan 2030 Update.  The City of Mound will be submitting its 2030 comprehensive plan update to the Metropolitan Council by the end of the year.  The update is a three-year project of the planning staff, Mound volunteer commissions, the community and the City Council.

Mound Harbor Renaissance (MHR) Downtown Project Update

·         Lost Lake Commercial Building.  Construction on a new commercial building which includes Caribou Coffee and proposed space for an additional tenant  was completed earlier this year.  Caribou Coffee, the east side tenant, began operations in March.  A tenant continues to be sought for the remaining adjacent space. 

·         Villas on Lost Lake Townhomes.  To date, 11 town homes have been completed in the Villas of Lost Lake project including a 4-unit, 5-unit and 2-unit complex.  The project was featured in the 2007 Fall Parade of Homes Showcase.   Amenities include a swimming pool and 37 docks that are dedicated to the town homes, providing access to Lake Minnetonka.

·         What’s New.   MHR is working with Welsh Commercial Real Estate on tenant procurement for the “east anchor” of Auditor’s Road, Mound’s new main street.  Discussions are also on-going between the City / HRA and MHR regarding preliminary design and financing of a public parking deck in the Auditor’s Road District which was provided $1.15M in grant funding from the Metropolitan Council and $275K funding from Hennepin County.  In April, the Metropolitan Council approved a two-year extension for completion of the parking deck which allows the time needed to contract with a restaurant/bar establishment.   Additionally, in August, the MHR and HRA held a workshop to discuss a concept plan which includes 100-120 units of senior assisted living along with retail space.