1. How would you describe your overall perspective on open space as a community resource?
2. How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding local open space preservation?
3. Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of a key local open space parcel under threat?
4. To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of open space? To what extent would these findings influence your decisions during your term, should your campaign be successful?
One illustrative article is included here: The Value of Open Space.
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on open space as a community resource?
Ensuring open space for the community enhances the quality of life for its citizens.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding local open space preservation.
I believe actions, speak louder than words. Over the past 6 years I have worked to accomplish:
(3) Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of a key local open space parcel under threat?
Outside property under litigation: Yes, let the people vote on acquiring parcels with the support of their vote. The parcels would need to be defined. Options would need to be secured before a referendum could pass. I wouldn't support a blank check referendum.
(4)To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of open space? To what extent would these findings influence your decisions during your term, should your campaign be successful.
My knowledge area is broad, published studies are useful tools, what I believe is you need to meet your local needs first. Our survey results indicate Open Space as being an important concern - paying for it is something we all need to think about. When elected Mayor, I believe we need to continue to "think outside the box" when it comes to these issues, in order to continue Eagan's quality of life.
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on local open space as a community resource?
I believe open space is a critical ingredient in the recipe for successful communities. The City of Eagan demonstrates the point. Eagan has been a leader among communities making proactive investments to insure citizens have access to a mix of open spaces from an extensive network of neighborhood and community parks to the conservation and preservation of natural lands like Patrick Eagan Park and the Caponi Art Park. Big and small, these investments provide space for citizens to come together and form stronger community connections to one another. Whether individual citizens actively make use of these spaces or not, we all benefit from their presence in what it says about our community and our sense of shared priorities. Access to open spaces is a critical community resource that must be invested in and prudently balanced against other important community resources to round-out and strengthen our community.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding open space preservation?
The preservation and acquisition of open spaces, specifically development of an Eagan Core Greenway, has been one of my priority issues as a member of the Eagan City Council. As a candidate for the Council, I voiced my personal support for the Dakota County Land Preservation Referendum and my belief that the additional tax burden would ultimately provide good value to taxpayers. On the Council, I worked hard to resolve last-minute hurdles and finalize the acquisition of the so-called Anderson Parcel. One of two Council Members on the Caponi Art Park Acquisition Committee, I was strongly committed to ending decades of failed efforts and instrumental in the successful preservation of the 60-acre art park. Presently I serve as the city's representative on the Caponi Art Park Board. I've been a part of a Council that has consistently listed preservation of open spaces among its top goals; been accessible to and forged productive relationships with citizens concerned about open spaces and management of our natural resources; and been one of the most ardent voices on the Council in support of open space preservation efforts.
(3) Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of key local open space parcels under threat?
I could support a local referendum, or other funding mechanism, to generate resources for the city's priority-based acquisition and preservation of open spaces. If Eagan is going to continue to successfully address the open space needs of our community we need to be well-planned and intentional about what our open space goals are and what public and private interests we can partner with to achieve those goals in a balanced and cost-effective manner. That's why I've been so supportive of the effort to define a vision for the Eagan Core Greenway, identify critical parcels, and work with willing landowners on acquisition and assembly. I fear that the alternative approach, responding to perceived crisis situations and "buying parcels out of crisis," runs the very real risk of inordinately consuming limited resources and undermining long-term open space objectives.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of local open space? To what extend would these findings influence your decisions during your term, should your campaign be successful?
Recent studies showing the value of local open spaces, particularly those suggesting the relationship between access to open spaces and property values, are confirmed by our experience in Eagan. Research from Decision Resources Ltd. finds that buyers are willing to pay more for homes that are in walking distance of an open space such as a park, wooded area or wetlands. A core principle of Eagan's park system planning is that Eagan citizens and homes will be located within walking distance to a neighborhood park and for the most part that principle has been achieved community-wide. Additionally, large portions of preserved natural lands supported by the state, the county, and the city, supplement these parks and make Eagan citizen's access to a range of natural resources second to none in the Twin Cities area. It is no coincidence that Eagan is recognized across the state for its management of natural resources and that Eagan homeowner's property values are also among the highest in state. As a council member I have been committed to this tradition in our community and as Mayor I would continue that commitment through the implementation of the 2020 Parks Master Plan building on our past success to innovatively meet and balance the challenges of the future.
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on local open space as a community resource?
I have lived in Eagan for 32 years. We moved here because of the green space and views of the Minnesota River. If I had known how Eagan government was going to allow its green space to be used for commercial development, we most probably would have done something else. I think it is long overdue that Eagan government protect the small amount of green space that is left and as a candidate for mayor, I promise you that I would be a strong advocate to do just that - to protect homeowner rights and in turn its green space.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding open space preservation?
As a member of the Eagan Advisory Planning Commission, I cannot recall ever supporting more development that would not protect green space and homeowner’s right.
(3) Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of key local open space parcels under threat?
I would most definitely support a referendum.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of local open space? To what extend would these findings influence your decisions during your term, should your campaign be successful?
I do know how important green space is to community development and the quality of life in a community. After review of the studies, it only firms my original belief that land use policies should not only look at the value of developed land as it relates to the tax base, but also needs to address the issues of quality of life for surrounding residents and those future residents - should the development be residential. Personally, I feel that Eagan has an abundance of commercial development and a very good tax base as it stands. To approve more commercial development in areas that adjoin residential property without the proper protection of property values and rights in the surrounding area is something I would not vote for. I think, at this point in time, in Eagan development, City Management should show as much interest in green space as it has in other development in the past. It should concentrate on how to use that space appropriately in order to keep residential values and quality of life high. Eagan has very little undeveloped property left. We need to make sure it is used in such a way as to address all issues, not just those of the developers.
Did not submit answers to the survey by the time of this posting.
In the August 19th edition of Eagan ThisWeek, the candidate describes an "Eagan Environmental Initiative," about which he says "While Eagan thrives, the landfills it uses fill---and too quickly ... The EEI will explore ways to decrease the amount put in the landfills and take a fresh look at recycling so that Eagan will remain 'clean and green' for decades to come."(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on local open space as a community resource?
It is my opinion that open space is key to quality of life for every community. I also know that after having gone to over 1,300 doors, that it is also a high priority for Eagan citizens. It is also a fact that there are development pressures as well. That exists in every city and that is important too. The key is to keep the two in pespective. That is certainly my goal.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding open space preservation?
I have no record regarding local open space development. But, I do have a record as a former Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. I was, during my tenure, the Chief author of the Minnesota Regional Rail Authority Act, a law intended to protect abandoned railroad rights of way, either for necessary recreational trails or for locally sponsored transporation rights of way, that would prevent the impostion of more condemnation of property. In retropsect, it has turned out to be a good law, opening up great deal of recreational trails around Minnesota along with needed transportation rights of way.
(3) Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of key local open space parcels under threat?
Absolutely, yes. In fact, Eagan residents need to have a direct voice in this issue. It is a costly venture and taxpayers need to have a say in the matter.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of local open space? To what extend would these findings influence your decisions during your term, should your campaign be successful?
I know from talking to many people that the issue of open space is a high priority. I have also followed this issue closely and have communicated with local staff at the city regarding options for the city. I understand the conflict that the city is encountering between the owners of Carriage Hills and Parkview who apparently wish to attempt to open up their property for development.
First, I understand the need to follow the comprehensive plan set up by the city. I also understand feelings of the owners of both Carriage Hills and Parkview to want to develop their land. Eagan must keep a balance between the rights of property owners and the need to remain committed to the Comprehensive Plan and the need to preserve open space.
If you need clarification on any of my responses, please feel free to call any of the phone numbers (listed above).
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on open space as a community resource?
The purpose of any municipal government is to provide for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. Open space is integral to all three, as quality open space has a direct, measurable impact on the air quality, water quality, and livability of a community. In my view, open space should be considered an important part of Eagan's key infrastructure, right along with roads, water, sewer, and public safety services.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding local open space preservation?
During my previous term on the City Council, I helped preside over one of the largest expansions of parkland and other open space in the history of Eagan. By working with other governmental and non-governmental agencies, I was able to help leverage Eagan's resources and protect these areas from undesirable development. Examples include, but are not limited to: Central Park, Thresher Fields, and Moonshine Park. Moreover, by working with other entities, I learned how to keep the City from having to shoulder the entire cost for these actions, thereby avoiding burdensome tax hikes. In a nutshell, I have an established track record of taking meaningful action to preserve open space.
(3) Would you support a local referendum that gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of a key, yet threatened, local open space parcel?
I definitely believe in giving the taxpayers a say in this matter, since a project of such magnitude would represent a significant financial commitment by the community. A referendum is probably the best mechanism, all things considered. Moreover, I would hope to work with interested stakeholders to craft clear and concise language for the referendum, so that people can make an informed choice.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies that quantify the value of open space? To what extent would these findings influence your decisions during your term, should your campaign be successful?
I am somewhat familiar with the literature. I have read The Value of Open Space: Evidence from Studies of Non-Market Benefits by Virginia McConnell and Margaret Wells; The Economic Value of Open Space: A Review and Synthesis by Charles Fausold and Robert Lilieholm; Economics of Open Space Conservation by Paul Kerlinger; The Economic Value of Open Space: Implications for Land Use Decisions by Paul Anton; and The Economic Benefits of Open Space by Stephen Miller. Most of these papers were published fairly recently.
In any case, I suspect that they wouldn't so much influence my decisions, as they would confirm them. It is always nice to have hard data to back up one's principles!
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on local open space as a community resource?
One of my main quests, as a council member, has been to preserve key parcels for open space. And I mean, "open space". Not open space with trails, shelter buildings, athletic fields, etc. (I have secured those along the way too.) But, I would love to see parcels left to nature, truly preserving them. As a resource, I feel open space is just as important as commercial and residential development. You must have a balance in land use to be able to say you have a "well-planned" community. Having breathing room is a huge community resource to boast about.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding local open space preservation?
My record speaks for itself. And actions do speak louder than words. I have been involved from the ground floor to make the vision become a reality. First, securing parcels on the west side of Patrick Eagan Park, then, the Anderson parcel. I was a committee member to secure Mr. Caponi's land. Furthermore, when the opportunity legally presents itself, I take the liberty to secure conservation easements on developing subdivisions to ensure a portion of the land will be left alone.
(3) Would you support a local referendum that gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of key local open space parcels under threat?
Generally speaking, I love well-defined referendums and do not support "blank check" referendums. I feel if an open space referendum were to be put before Eagan voters, the parcels should be defined and have willing sellers. Blank check referendums leave purchase decisions solely in the hands of a city council, which causes some citizens to feel duped when parcel(s) they wanted are left behind. Well-defined referendums give the people the right to have the final say on which parcels are part of the referendum through the power of their vote.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of local open space? To what extent would these findings influence your decisions during your term, should your campaign be successful?
I am familiar with the recent studies. But the bottom line is, as much as people say they want open space and studies indicate that it adds value to their community, the huge question remains---how much are you willing to be taxed for it? Owners are willing to sell, cities would love to buy, but the huge issue is funding it. Securing open space will continue to be very difficult unless the taxpayers agree to pay the high land prices for the few key undeveloped parcels left in Eagan.
Responded to our e-mail that he is no longer actively campaigning as a candidate.
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on local open space as a community resource?
I support the 20/20 Vision for Parks, Recreation and Open Space. I also support the idea that the city should adopt an Open Space Standard. Open space is a valuable community resource. Open space should always be a component of building a community. It is a subtle resource that has a dynamic impact on people utilizing the community.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding local open space preservation?
I have volunteered on number occasions for the Friends of Lebanon Hills when they have sponsored "Buckthorn Busting Days". I actively support open space preservation. Our family is an active user of Open Space for hiking, and cross country skiing and other activities. I do not otherwise have a record. I am extremely concerned that the present council has amended ordinance 395 2nd series, sections 11.60. The council has passed a conditional use permit for building in Park Districts.
(3) Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of key local open space parcels under threat?
Yes, I would support a local referendum to enable the citizens to participate in the preservation of open space under threat.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of local open space?
I am aware of “The Economic Value of Open Space” report. I would use this report and the recent actions of the city of Woodbury and Eden Prairie to promote the preservation of Open Space in the city of Eagan. As the report summarizes, the financial value of open space is intuitive but has a far reaching impact and will remain when the commercial side of the community needs to be redeveloped.
The only report I have read is 20/20, A Vision for Parks, Recreation and Open Space. I would appreciate being directed to these other published studies. I would assume these studies are favorable to Open Space and would use them to promote the cause.
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on local open space as a community resource?
Preserving open space is an issue that will continue to be a priority for me as a city council member. Public surveys and opinions expressed by Eagan residents with whom I have visited reinforce our desire to preserve green and open space and provide for parks and trail systems for the enjoyment of all of our citizens. I support the City’s vision statement recognition of the importance of the natural environment to its citizens’ quality of life. Natural resources are valued assets to be preserved and enhanced for the enjoyment and well-being of the current and future generations. As a Planning Commission member, my decisions have been guided by the desire to protect natural resources, mitigate impacts on them, and attempt to enhance them whenever possible. My perspective in this area is outlined at my Web site listed above.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding local open space preservation?
My voting record on the Planning Commission demonstrates my commitment to preserving and protecting open space. I voted against the Lexington Ridge development adjoining the Eagan Core Greenway. I opposed the Diamond T property development as proposed primarily due to open space and environmental concerns. In the interest of preserving open space and consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Guide Plan designation of the Carriage Hills area as park space, I voted against its proposed development. I opposed a potential settlement with the owner and developer, and was pleased that the City successfully pursued its appeal of the district court decision. My positions on these issues clearly document my support of open space preservation.
(3) Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of key local open space parcels under threat?
I support active citizen involvement in helping to educate the public about the importance of environmental preservation and increasing awareness of environmental issues and concerns within the community. Citizen advocates also are needed to help assure that elected representatives give appropriate consideration to environmental issues that may arise in all matters upon which the elected body acts. A representative form of government that effectively operates in this manner should alleviate the need for special referendums. I would, however, support direct citizen involvement in a referendum on preservation of a key local open space parcel entailing the need for a major funding mechanism.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of local open space?
I am familiar with studies that assess the fiscal and economic implications of open space. These studies indicate that open space within walking distance of residential neighborhoods often increases property and tax values. This has significant implications for Eagan’s tax base and should help to guide future development and redevelopment decisions. I regularly monitor the Friends of the Eagan Core Greenway Web site for this type of information, and I am a subscriber to the E-group list to remain aware of open space and environmentally-related issues and activities. I will continue to utilize this information to assist in setting priorities that balance the need for open space with other objectives of importance to the residents of Eagan.
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on local open space as a community resource?
Open space is an important part of any community, and is a resource that needs to be managed. Eagan can and should be preserving and maintaining green space in two ways. The first is by designating open space in its Comprehensive Plan and fighting to preserve those designations. The fight should not just be over the open space designations, but rather the council and community must take its comprehensive plan seriously and follow this legitimate planning document. This will cut both ways--favor neighborhoods one day and favor businesses another. However, one can't expect the courts to take the plan seriously if the community doesn't. The second, and I think this is already being done, is to include an open space requirement in the subdivision ordinance. When a developer or redeveloper seeks to build a project, the city should be entering into development agreements with the builder which will provide for compliance with the ordinance, which would include setting aside existing open space or creating new open space within the development/redevelopment. This will become more important as old projects are torn down and new ones created in the next three decades.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding local open space preservation?
As a city council member in St. Louis Park from 1997 to 2003, I fought for and won preservation of what is now Louisiana Oaks Park. This 33-acre area had been slated for redevelopment for a long time but the redevelopment had been delayed because of pollution (some may know the area as "The Creosote Plant"). The community had come to know this tremendous open space as a park, indeed the summer festival was held there and fireworks set off there, etc. This was one instance where I thought it was important to make a change in the Comprehensive Plan for the city, not something I did lightly. I voted for a re-designation of this area as park and to spend $1M to make improvements. Now the land boasts soccer fields, a baseball diamond, park buildings and woodlands with trails.
I was instrumental in redevelopment projects which all included open space as integral parts. Probably the best example of this is the Excelsior and Grand project, which was within my ward.
(3) Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of key local open space parcels under threat?
No. The citizens need to elect the right people to the job, and know what they stand for before they elect them. If the council candidates show a commitment to the comprehensive plan and the planning process, then the citizens will do just fine.
I considered taking the $1M Louisiana Oaks Park improvement plan to the public, but ultimately decided that that was a coward's way out. If it was good for the community and fiscally feasible, then it should happen, so that's how I voted. I frankly think that people get tired of elections, and a referendum is just one more election.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of local open space?
I'm not familiar with the new studies, but I don't think these findings are anything new. Open space is required to provide vitality to developments and quality of life to the community. It's possible to have too much open space and too little and thus it is a resource to be managed--and here I'd loop you back to my answer to #1.
(1) How would you describe your overall perspective on local open space as a community resource?
Open Space as a community resource is very important. It allows for kids to play, pets to roam and families to relax in our never ending hectic lives. I do not want to have to drive for miles to enjoy nature when I can walk across the street from our home to Fish Lake Park.
(2) How would you distinguish yourself and your record regarding open space preservation?
As a parent of three children that are still attending school in Eagan, it is very important to show them the importance of preserving open space as well. Kids seem to spend way too many hours in front of the T.V. or playing Video games which has also played a factor in overweight children at a young age. We need to get them outside and walk more as a family, bike ride more as a family and teach them the value of knowing about nature and all the resources it has to offer. If we do not show our children the importance of preserving open space, then all of our efforts as adults will be lost on the next generation.
(3) Would you support a local referendum which gives the citizens of Eagan the opportunity to participate in the preservation of key local open space parcels under threat?
Yes, I would support a local referendum to preserve our open space if it became threatened and the citizens of Eagan showed interest that they wanted to be able to have a voice to allow them to preserve our open space.
(4) To what extent are you familiar with recently published studies which quantify the value of local open space? To what extend would these findings influence your decisions during your term, should your campaign be successful?
After reading articles regarding the value of open space, it only made me feel stronger about the importance of having as much as possible in Eagan. I know that my family has been fortunate to enjoy a lot of our open space due to where we are located (3770 Denmark Trail East). When we purchased our house over seven years ago, that was one of the main factors in buying our home. When we drove around the neighborhood we were astounded by all of the parks, wooded paths and open space. We have walked the trails and sledded with the kids behind the Art House and that has been some of our best memories as a family. I also know that the property value of our home as almost doubled due to location of our home in the heart of Eagan.
This past year, while my husband as been deployed [in Iraq], has taught me so much about myself, my values and my inner strength to make family, and what is best for them, my priority. I can't tell you how many times that I went for walks by myself along the trails for quiet and calmness to help me get through a difficult day or just to enjoy the beauty of the fall colors or the wild flowers. I can honestly say that open space has health benefits and as a home buyer I would make it a factor when purchasing my biggest investment.