Taylors Falls Comprehensive Plan
A Plan of Conservation and Development
Approved by City Council July 10, 2006 Amended January 28, 2008 Amended April 14, 2008 Amended August 8, 2011 Credits
A sound direction for the future Comprehensive Plan Task Force Economic Development Commission can only be forged with the considered Wade Vitalis, Chair Bob Claybaugh, Chair input of the people of a community and Joe Stein, Jr., Vice-Chair Dan Beck, Vice-Chair their dedication to finding common Betsy Bradley, Secretary Clarence Nelson ground and the will to move forward. Mark Falter John Coffey For this plan, many people were engaged Lyle Johnson Beth Banttari in the process, and their contributions can Zara Kivi Kinnunen Daniel Beck never be fully measured. In particular, Jeremy Lindquist Barbara Clark the commitment of these individuals has John Tangen Sara Okstad been instrumental in defining a clear vi- Scott Zitelman John Tangen sion for the future of Taylors Falls: Clarence Nelson, Alternate Mayor Michael Buchite, Ex Officio
City Council Heritage Preservation Commission Michael Buchite, Mayor William Scott, Chair Ross Rivard, Vice-Mayor Betsy Bradley, Vice-Chair Larry Julik-Heine Brian Piggot Jim Schoonmaker John Larson John Tangen Joanne Frank, Jim Schoonmaker Mayor Michael Buchite, Ex Officio Planning Commission Irvin Stolp, Chir Diane Sander, Vice-Chair Consultants Zara Kivi Kinnunen Cliff Knettel, AICP Ross Rivard 10234 18th Court NW Robyn Spencer-Beck Elk River, Minnesota 55330 Joe Stein, Jr., Alternate Mayor Michael Buchite, Ex-Officio Michael Schroeder, ASLA P.O. Box 24585 Edina, Minnesota 55424-0585 Park & Recreation Commission Lisa Thibodeau, Chair Liz Valleen Bill Davids Jeremy Lindquist Jim Schoonmaker Gina Bonin, Alternate Cover photograph: View of Taylors Falls from Taylors Falls Tobaggan Club, 1887. Courtesy Mayor Michael Buchite, Ex-Officio the east, 1869. Courtesy Minnesota Histori- Minnesota Historical Society. cal Society.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page i Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. Historical Falls Taylors Courtesy
Contents
Prologue page 1 Appendices appendices to this plan are on file at Chapter One page 2 the offices of the City of Taylors Falls Hope and Memory Demographics Chapter Two page 4 Coming Together Physical Analysis
Chapter Three page 6 Historical Mapping Foundations of Community New Ordinances required Chapter Four page 15 Goals Community Photograph Survey
Chapter Five page 25 TH 8 SAG Charrette Report Scale Parks & Trails Master Plan Chapter Six page 27 Patterns
Chapter Seven page 42 Connections
St. Croix River from Summit Rock in Inter- Chapter Eight page 46 state State Park, date unknown. Courtesy Features Taylors Falls Historical Society. Chapter Nine page 48 Creating Our Common Future
Chapter Ten page 51 Partnerships and First Steps
Epilogue page 53
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page ii Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Historical Courtesy Minnesota
Prologue
there are voices that speak to us Sometimes, if we care to listen, about our place. They speak from the primeval basalt that forms the bluffs, from the splendor of the valley, from the calm beauty of the countryside. They speak from the stone foundations and timber frames of our homes and churches. They speak from the currents of the river and in the rustle of leaves on the trees that grace the hillsides. And they tell us—or probably just remind us—that this place is special.
And we listen, because we care to listen.
This plan is how we speak. In it, we share our hopes and aspirations, our dreams for building a community that resonates with this place—that responds to those voices. If we choose not to listen, our spirit dims. If we embrace the message these voices carry, our lives are enriched, our sense of history comes alive, and our bond with nature is ever more firmly rooted.
So we seek to plan in new ways—NO, it’s really in the old way. We seek harmony, beauty and a sense of balance that can only be achieved if we hear the great natural scenic beauty of the St. Croix River Valley and the spirit of our historic small town.
This, then, is our plan for Taylors Falls.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. Historical Falls Taylors Courtesy
Chapter One Hope and Memory
cannot be guided by rules alone. In fact, the rules that The path to our future would typically guide a community’s evolution do not reflect that kind of community we would choose for ourselves. Instead, we begin by framing a vision that we have defined for ourselves, with the knowledge that it reflects the spirit and character of the place, just as it echoes our desires and values. It offers us a means of achieving stability while allowing for the kinds of change we determine are necessary for Taylors Falls. Most important, it allows all of us to share in what we have determined to be our common future.
Our vision is more than words. We see it as a key tool for the decisions we will face. It will be an anchor during conflict; a way of looking forward with new insights to our community’s future; a new common language for us to speak as we consider what we will become. It will be a source of inspiration for us; a way of renewing ourselves as we continue to shape a community in ways that respect the land we cherish.
Together, our vision and guiding principles form a kind of manifesto—a declaration of the kind of place we want Taylors Falls to be, not just for ourselves, but for future generations that choose to make this community their home. This, then, is our vision:
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe. John Muir, My First Summer in the Sierra (1911)
So it should be with Taylors Falls, a place where the patterns of nature and settlement are intertwined, interconnected, and seemingly in perfect balance. This is a place where the river, a small town, and the countryside come together to form community, but each still retains its special character and, more important, each suggests how it should be treated. This is a place of integration of the river with a small town and the surrounding countryside, a place of unique natural and scenic splendor, of history and small town character, and of the calm beauty of the countryside. Boundaries are seamless. The parts fit “naturally” into their settings—whether in downtown, newly developing areas, or the more wild reaches of the community.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page We envision downtown as the “gateway” to Interstate State Park, where the park experience of thousands of visi- tors is enhanced by their experience in a small town. We envision the creation of business opportunities that take advantage of the unique setting and conditions of our community—opportunities based not only in tourism, but also in the commit- ment of those special enterprises that are attracted by what Taylors Falls offers. We envision places to live that celebrate the history and character of a small town, or that strive to touch the spirit of nature in the countryside. We envision residents and visitors coming together in a place that celebrates our heritage and our environment. We envision processes based in fairness, where decisions are based on our sensibilities as much as legislation. And we envision a community that not only meets the basic needs of its citizens, but challenges them to live here in ways that increase their respect for the place.
As we envision this future, we embrace the river as a source of great beauty, as the great primeval force that shaped the valley and now shapes us as we inhabit this special place. We recognize that we cannot change these forces without damaging our spirit, so we seek instead to live in harmony with the gifts the river offers us.
We will forge relationships that challenge us to think, not in our old ways but in ways that are uniquely appropri- ate to Taylors Falls. Every step we take must be seen as leading to a more complete whole, as an opportunity to bring nature and settlement closer, and an attempt to “re-hitch” ourselves to the Universe.
Our vision is supported by a Small town historic character and No one else will take on our vision set of principles that offer further guid- great natural scenic beauty are the for Taylors Falls; we who live here ance for creating the community we building blocks of our community. today have an obligation to partici- desire. They provide us with additional pate in defining and guaranteeing insights about the kind of community Nature has shaped the St. Croix the community’s future. we are shaping for ourselves and our Valley, so it is only natural that children. These principles are not those patterns shape how we We inhabit Taylors Falls for only a rules, because they cannot be changed inhabit our place. short period of time. Our legacy without diminishing the ideals we hold will be the place we leave for our for Taylors Falls. They are, in a sense, Nothing prevents a new addition children and our children’s chil- truths. They will be the primary “filter” to Taylors Falls from becoming his- dren. we use in community decision mak- toric; nothing can replace a truly ing, comparing proposals for change to historic feature. these principles before employing more traditional tools like ordinances. These Walkability should be encouraged principles, like our vision, provide us for the health and enjoyment of with a common language to speak as the community. we consider the evolution of our com- munity: Taylors Falls is best experienced as a pedestrian. Development and conservation, as suggested in the title of our Taylors Falls will evolve according plan, are not mutually exclusive in to new models in order to effec- Taylors Falls. tively deal with the challenges we are facing. The Taylors Falls community welcomes change if it respects the Activities occurring beyond our special qualities of this place and if community’s boundaries force us we view the change as both endur- to be creative in the partnerships ing and endearing. and directions we forge. “Dalles of the St. Croix,” 1923. Painting by Axel Lindahl. Courtesy Taylors Falls Histori- cal Society.
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Chapter Two Coming Together
as a community than we We’ve learned that we can do more can do alone. Over the past fifteen or more years, we’ve engaged in a series of projects and processes that have helped us to better understand each other and what we desire for our common future. We know that we need to talk, and sometimes argue, but we know that through this process, we gain deeper understanding. In 1644, the English poet John Milton wrote:
Where there is much desire to learn, there of necessity will be much arguing, much writing, many opinions; for opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making. John Milton, The Areopagitica, 1644
So when we plan, we’ve deter- Photograph survey photographs provide a compel- mined that our success can be found Task Force members and other ling and somewhat comprehensive in real engagement, where the dialog members of the community were picture of Taylors Falls today. It might be contentious at times, but asked to record their thoughts was really more of an essay, a way where we arrive at a point of greater about Taylors Falls in photographs, of initiating a dialogue about what knowledge. This planning process was with comments provided for each is good and bad about the commu- founded on those same ideals: that the photograph they submitted. It nity, and to record more heart-felt people of Taylors Falls have everything was not an inventory, although the feelings about what the observers to say about their common future, and who took the photographs see in that they will be given the opportu- Taylors Falls. nity for their voices to be heard. The methods of reaching to the community Community workshop included: One of the first opportunities for input to this process was Task force guidance a Saturday morning commu- A Comprehensive Plan Task Force nity workshop. More than thirty was charged by the City Council people gathered, not only to share with guiding the development their ideas about directions for the of a new comprehensive plan for future of Taylors Falls, but also to Taylors Falls. The group met discuss their thoughts about the nearly a dozen times during the community’s past, and how that eight month planning period, might help characterize its future. providing direct access to the work of the plan by local stakeholders. Open house This group also coordinated and Once an initial direction had been reviewed the input provided by the Photographer from a camera club picnic in established and reviewed by the community at events that occurred Taylors Falls, 1941. Courtesy Minnesota Task Force, an open house was throughout the planning process. Historical Society. conducted. Here, people had the A Plan of Conservation and Development
page that were discussed by the Task Force and the community only got better as a result. A vision statement and guiding principles best articulate the sentiments of the people of the community, but what is really important is the fact that we came together, in a spirit of com- munity, to forge these directions.
What we have set in motion is a tradition of planning based on direct community input. Ideas were sought from the people who have a stake in what happens here, directions were vetted in public, and challenges to, and confirmations of, those directions were encouraged. As we move forward, it’s this spirit of community that will Community Photograph Survey, Summary Sheet, 2004. ensure the qualities of community are maintained, not the words on these opportunity to see the work while A charrette was also conducted pages. So, as we come together, we it was still in progress, and offer with representatives of the Eco- need to find ways of continuing the de- their further insights about how nomic Development Commission bate, honing the directions, and forging it could be better tailored to the as a part of this planning process. new community knowledge from the community, and confirm direc- Here, the focus was on traffic, and opinions we each hold. tions they felt were on target. particularly traffic at the intersec- tion of Highway 8 and Bench At the same time, community Charrettes Street. Significantly, the EDC members who participate in shaping During the course of planning, the reached out to representatives of the vision for the future need to rec- Comprehensive Plan Task Force the Minnesota Department of ognize that they are making decisions participated in a charrette—an Transportation and the Minnesota for a broader constituency. Visitors, intensive, design-focused session Department of Natural Resources, tourists, relatives, friends and others directed at generating ideas for a so that the thoughts developed will also benefit from and have a stake particular topic. Their charrette during the charrette would have in what we do to retain our remarkable dealt with building an understand- the basis in reality needed to create scenic character and our community ing of the patterns of use we see in the possibility of real change. character. For all of these, those who Taylors Falls today, and beginning live here now, for those who only visit, to articulate patterns of use that The Park and Recreation Com- and for future generations, today’s would be desirable for the future. mission pursued a similar interac- community has a deeply important tive workshop with community stewardship role. members as they began framing directions for parks and trails in the community. Strikingly similar desires and concepts were articu- lated, all of which provide a solid foundation for the work of the PRC.
What is truly amazing is the consistency of thought and vision the people of our community have for their future. Disagreements were focused Vounteer planting at overlook garden along the planned Riverwalk, 2003. Courtesy C. W. on details, not on concepts. Thoughts Community members at PRC charrette, 2005. Nelson. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. Historical Falls Taylors Courtesy
Chapter Three Foundations of Community
of the future without knowledge No plan can project a fair vision of the past. In Taylors Falls, the conditions that exist—that have existed for ages—are not just the basis for this plan; they are the foundations of our com- munity. We are keenly aware of our history and the unique features of our environment and, as we look forward, we seek to shape a plan that not only recognizes these qualities, but uses them as building blocks for the future.
There is no single feature that dominates the story of Taylors Falls. We instead see threads of connected elements and events, and we see our lives in Taylors Falls as somehow woven into that same fabric. The story is indeed a rich one, and we cannot tell it entirely here. But we can suggest how the significant threads begin to come together and how they will influ- ence the part of the story that is yet untold.
Geologic Origins and the Natural resistant basalt domes, and forests of There are three major geologic Landscape hard maple, oak, and pine. The area is “chapters” that formed our landscape; important biologically as well; there are the first and last spectacular, massive The geologic history of the St. many species that find a habitat in the episodes occurring a billion years apart. Croix River Valley is, without question, small creeks, springs, and ravines that First, a great lava outpouring 1.1 billion the foundation of the area’s beauty. The lead to the river. years ago from fissures along a several Valley has its origins in earthquakes and hundred mile long rift cooled to form lava flows that occurred over a billion But what we are really seeking is an layer upon layer of basalt rock, tens of years ago. Basalt (the hard black rock understanding of how geologic history thousands of feet thick. The fact that we see in the area today) from the lava shaped Taylors Falls’ natural setting and these highly resistant flat layers now flows formed the Dalles of the St. Croix the development of our community. In dip in a westerly direction about 15º and the river bottom. Meltwaters from our view, this is a critical perspective on has left its imprint on the shape of the glacial lakes carved the broad St. Croix how we think about the future of our Valley and the contrasting land surfaces River Valley; the basalt, being more community—we cannot be sensitive on which Taylors Falls and St. Croix resistant to the forces of this water, to the environment without gaining Falls are built. The lava, shrinking as it allowed the creation of the Dalles, an understanding of the processes that cooled, developed many criss-crossing potholes, and cliffs. The landscape shaped the landscape, and how the vertical cracks or joints visible today, of Taylors Falls includes terraced landscape is now shaping us. It’s a great a built-in cleavage that give the Dalles floodplains in areas along the river, story, and it is central to our plan. rock formations their distinctive verti-
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page cal cliff faces and “squared off” blocky encroaching sea on top of a weathered shapes. An especially intense east-west and broken up basalt surface of that zone of jointing at the Dalles allowed day. The present day northern extent of subsequent weathering processes to these flat-lying sandstone layers, which create a right-angle bend in today’s St. show prominently in the bluffs above Croix River, its location aptly marked the Lower Park area of Interstate State by “Angle Rock.” To get a bit ahead of Park, ends at the basalt dome landform our story, water was the principal agent along the south margin of Angel Hill. of erosion creating the current chan- There, physical evidence can be seen nel: long periods of alternate freezing of intermingling between the newly First bridge connection at Taylors Falls, 1865. and thawing of water in the geometric deposited sands and weathered boulders Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society.. cracks and joints while the basalt was on the ancient basalt surface. given exposed to the atmosphere, and other the name “Mill Street Conglomerate” Impact on settlement and develop- long periods below the surface of flow- to that contact. That piece of ancient ment patterns since the 1700s ing water that poured down the Valley evidence, clearly marking the “great with enormous force as glaciers melted unconformity,” has drawn generations While the basalt lava outpourings to the north. of naturalists and geologists to view from a long, narrow rift zone can be it because, a Minnesota DNR paper traced hundreds of miles from east of reports, “there are only a few exposures Lake Superior southward to Kansas, in North America” where this unusual in terms of today’s bedrock expo- type of contact representing so great a sure, the Taylors Falls area represents time span occurs. a unique “island” where the basalt bedrock characteristics figure heavily Finally, the most recent chapter into the landscape. The basalt rock is occurred. Great torrents of glacial melt most dramatically and most scenically water, which had ponded behind the exposed today in the near-vertical cliffs northward retreating continental gla- and rock formations that line the nar- ciers, roared southward in several epi- row Dalles gorge, extending upward in sodes with awesome force. The last of places some 80 feet or more above the these happened about 11,000 years ago. river surface, and extending vertically All the fine details of today’s landforms downward more than 100 feet below that mark the present St. Croix Valley the river level in places. Tourists and and the Dalles were shaped within the visitors have been drawn to see these past 10,000 to 15,000 years. These natural wonders almost since Taylors Angle Rock, St. Croix Dalles, 2001. Courtesy landforms, in turn, have had substantial Falls was founded in the early 1850s, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. influence on Taylors Falls’ history and many traveling by steamship up the St. development. Croix at that time. Missing chapters form a great “unconformity,” a half-billion-year gap in the geologic record leaving little or no remnant on today’s basalt outcrop surfaces. But geologic evidence from other areas tells the story of a long sequence of advancing and retreating seas, of covering by marine deposits and uncovering by erosion of what- ever sediments had been deposited on the basalt. That gap in the record ends, for the Dalles area and farther south, about 550 million years ago in “Cambrian” time with the beginning of fossil-bearing sand layers in a shallow, View of the St. Croix Valley from the basalt dome, 1995. Courtesty C. W. Nelson. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page pattern is clearly relevant to devel- north slope of the hills of Bryant opment patterns on the lower and Environmental Lab and flows upper “benches” where much of through the Moberg wetlands the town was built, but is particu- and Colby Flat to find its way larly noticeable toward the north down to the St. Croix River end of the City with more numer- in an eastward draining ravine ous, smaller scale expressions of along First Street. this effect like that illustrated in o The “lower bench” includes the stylized cross section drawing downtown, the Bench Street in the figure below. neighborhood, and the River Street neighborhood. Cascade This unusual “reverse slope” effect Creek arises from springs near shaped the direction of southward the north end of the second flowing creeks along the upper and bluff above Bench Street, flows lower benches by confining the southward past today’s Drive-In, stream to flow for some distance and drops east to the river where southward before finding a ravine the water-powered grist mill/ to plunge downward to the St. carding mill was located near Croix River: today’s St. Joseph Church. o The “upper bench” includes Cherry Hill area, Colby Flat, In the eighteenth century, Spring and Angel Hill. On that bench, Creek, as a small tributary flowing Basalt dome bedrock exposures and some land- Spring Creek arises from the into the St. Croix, may well have form effects of glacial meltwater river flows in the Taylors Falls area. Courtesy C. W. Nelson. A north-south trending ridge largely made up of basalt surface outcroppings marks topographic high points that form the west rim of the St. Croix Valley through much of Taylors Falls. The ridge exposes a series of “basalt domes” (which are illustrated in the diagram above).
The westerly dip of basalt layers and the extreme hardness and resistance to ordinary weathering processes has resulted in several relevant landform features:
A slightly sawtooth pattern in east- west profile, with riverward edges higher than downward sloping land immediately to the west. This View of the second and third bluffs looking west, c. 2004. Courtesy C. W. Nelson
Generalized profile of lava flows in the St. Croix Valley at Interstate State Park. Source: “Surficial Geology of Interstate State Park, Minnesota A Plan of Conservation and Development
page drawn the French trappers from The many surface exposures of which continues to this day. the St. Croix River banks, through the layers of basalt also contributed the Moberg wetlands, to discover to Taylors Falls’ development story. The fact that great thicknesses of the historic massive beaver dam Several attempts were made to exploit sandstones and related sedimentary at the southeast margin of Colby commercial alternatives often associated rock were deposited over the whole Lake, and to then build some sort with basalt as a business investment op- region but erased completely by later of post or encampment near the portunity. The Taylors Falls area basalt periods of erosion only in present day Cherry Hill area. layers are related to other regional oc- Taylors Falls north of the Dalles, left an The basalt dome in Interstate State currences around Lake Superior, whose accumulation of sandstone surface rock Park near the south end of Taylors “mafic” composition, (meaning loaded in increasing depth southward from Falls (on the shoulder of which with heavier, darker minerals carried by Taylors Falls. That difference in surface the Angel Hill neighborhood was the lavas from deep molten sources) is rock layers had a significant impact built) held a number of early resi- sometimes associated with metals such on navigability of the river in historic dences built directly on the basalt as nickel, copper, chromium, and even times. Left in place for the post-settle- outcrop along the margin of Angel gold. During the 1850s and 1860s, test ment history of Taylors Falls were: Hill. They could dig no base- shafts were dug in search of copper in ments or wells of course, but the the basalt dome area near present day a zone of resistant basalt bed- sites apparently proved serviceable City Hall, and along Spring Creek near rock at and near the surface under standards and conditions of the St. Croix River. No commercially forming rapids in the Dalles the nineteenth century. For some exploitable deposits were found. area and northward; and, period of time there was a single soft, readily eroded sandstones well (at the Folsom house prop- The physical characteristics of and other sediments forming erty) that served a large area on basalt—its extreme hardness and broad valleys southward from Angel Hill. In the early twentieth durability—have made it attractive for the Dalles. century, when City water and use as ballast, rip-rap, crushed rock, sewer lines were developed, other and aggregate for railroad and highway That geologic happenstance set parts of Angel Hill, where layers of work and other uses. In the early the northward limit to St. Croix River river sand and gravel covered the 1900s, a trap rock crushing plant was steamboat traffic at the point where basalt bedrock sufficiently, were installed just south of Angel Hill and Taylors Falls was developed. Southward amenable to excavation and pipe operations to quarry basalt rock were from Taylors Falls, the more accom- laying, but the houses built directly begun. Protests about the effects of modating river channel made possible on the basalt could not be served. blasting on nearby residences brought smooth passage for large steamboats. As the more “modern” services an early end to that venture, and the During the mid-eighteenth century, became standard in most other owner relocated to a quarrying site at the St. Croix River provided the best Taylors Falls homes, the bedrock Dresser, Wisconsin, a quarry operation and most economical highway for houses were gradually abandoned, marked today only by a few foun-
An 1880 House on Bench Street, c. 1980. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society.
dation stones or other remnants as a reminder they were once here.
The “Gracie Kent” at Taylors Falls in 1875. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page transport of materials and passengers Parts of the first, second, and river channel in the Dalles, to the upper St. Croix from most other even third bluffs were shaped sculpted the Cambrian sand- regions. Taylors Falls became a key hub as river-cut banks when the stone rock layers that form for loggers and lumberjacks heading for river level was much higher the river bluff southward from and returning from the pineries to the than today, according to geo- that kink in the river, and north, for immigrants, many of them logical field survey evidence carved out a near river-level Swedes, and other early settlers heading (The map on page 8 shows crescent-shaped flat area. That to the Chisago Lakes area and beyond, some locations of “fossil” river area provided suitable land for and for the merchants who supplied bank edges field surveys have Taylors Falls early “industrial found). park” (sawmills, boat works, A now-vanished alternate (or other wood based manufac- coexisting) river bed a mile or turing) and, after 1895, land more west of the present val- for the lower park area of ley appears to have fed a shal- Minnesota Interstate State low sediment-filled trough in Park (campgrounds, picnic which Colby Lake sits today. grounds, canoe rental, trails). Some of the flow continued southeastward, wearing its Environmental Preservation Efforts way over and through a por- tion of the preexisting north- In the 1800s, the threat of mining south basalt ridge to create a the St. Croix Dalles prompted lead- slight sediment-covered gap ers from Minnesota and Wisconsin between the present-day basalt to preserve the Dalles of the St. Croix dome expression near Angel River. Senator George Hazzard noted Hill, east of City Hall, and the in the legislation that created Interstate basalt dome just south of the State Park that this area contained the Bryant Environmental School most picturesque and attractive scenery Log jam on the St. Croix River at Taylors Falls, c. 1865. Courtesy Taylors Falls Histori- Laboratory. in the state of Minnesota. Working cal Society. The torrent of glacial melt together, the first interstate (Minnesota water, pouring through and and Wisconsin) park in the nation was them. helping create the high-walled established. The Minnesota Legislature The same geologic circumstances basalt gorge in the Dalles area, established the park in 1895; the Wis- during the recent ice ages that weath- formed eddies whose swirling consin Legislature followed in 1900. ered and eroded the intensely fractured waters spun boulders, rocks east-to-west zone in the Dalles area and and sand to drill the world formed the unique right-angled bend famous potholes. Those prod- in the river gorge, also set the stage for ucts of glacial water flow were the frequent log jams in the nineteenth in turn a key basis for the century, some drawing worldwide press successful efforts near the end attention to Taylors Falls. of the nineteenth century to protect and preserve the area Torrents of southward rushing and its natural wonders as a melt water, subject to its own regimes state park. The potholes, pos- of cyclically lower and higher water sibly the largest in the world, levels (at times the river surface was 200 have been a significant draw feet above its current level) had other for tourists and visitors com- significant influences on the landforms ing to see these rare natural that helped shape what our predeces- features. sors have done, as well what we can do The westward shooting tor- in the post-settlement era. Significant rents of glacial melt waters, examples include: careening out of the right- Canoers on the St. Croix National Wild and angle westward jog in the Scenic River, 2003. Courtesy C. W. Nelson.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 10 In 1968, Congress created the Local History Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271-1287) in an effort to protect Now well known for its scenic, certain selected rivers of the Nation historic, and recreational assets, Taylors which, with their immediate environ- Falls was once known as a prominent ments, possess outstandingly remark- river boat and logging community. able scenic, recreational, geologic, fish First established in 1838, at the head and wildlife, historic, cultural, or other of steamboat navigation, Taylors Falls similar values. The intention of the law became a vital supplier of provisions was that these rivers would be preserved and building materials for the inland in a free-flowing condition, and that communities and surrounding logging they and their immediate environments camps. Taylors Falls was named for one would be protected for the benefit of its earliest settlers, Jesse W. Taylor, St. Croix River, Bench Street and Angel Hill, and enjoyment of present and future and the falls (actually a series of rapids) c. 1901. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical generations. Society. Although most of the surround The Upper St. Croix National ing countryside was settled by Swedish Scenic Riverway, which includes its immigrants, the early population of major tributary, the Namekagon, Taylors Falls was mainly of New Eng- was established in 1968 as one of the land heritage. This heritage is reflected original eight rivers under the Wild and in the early architecture of Taylors Falls, Scenic Rivers Act. The Lower St. Croix much of which has been preserved. National Scenic Riverway, 52 miles About one-third of the structures in of river below the Taylors Falls Dam, Taylors Falls were built over a century was added to the system in 1972. The ago, with a great many dating back to mission for the Lower St. Croix River the 1850s. Most of the older residences was defined to “maintain the outstand- are to be found in the historic areas ing remarkable scenic, recreational and of Bench and River Streets, and the geological resources of the Riverway, Angel Hill Historic District. In addi- while the mission set for the Upper St. Native American group at Wannigan Point, c. 1876. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. tion, unique 1930s stone buildings in Croix River has the wording “maintain Minnesota Interstate State Park close and restore.” Taylors Falls is uniquely to downtown Taylors Falls are on the situated, joining both the Upper and at this point in the St. Croix River. National Historic Register. Lower Riverways. Minnesota’s Wild Prior to 1838, this region was & Scenic Rivers Act was established in inhabited by the Dakota (Sioux) and Originally known as Government 1973 to protect Minnesota’s outstand- Ojibway (Chippewa). Many battles Hill (because the hill was the site of ing river resources, essentially reinforc- between these two rival groups were the early Government Road, now West ing at a state level what was happening fought amidst the cliffs of the Dalles, Government Street), the neighborhood nationally. and the Ojibway were the last to oc- later became better known as Angel cupy the present site of Taylors Falls. Hill. It was a derisive term applied During the early 1700s, the French by outsiders to the hilltop neighbor- maintained a fur-trading settlement at hood, in the shadow of the Method- what is now Taylors Falls. They first ist Church, where residents looked explored the St. Croix River in the early askance on the goings-on below as the 1680s, and were responsible for the loggers returned from long winter stays river’s name. The French named the in the north woods. Like the other river in honor of a Frenchman by the older sections of town, Angel Hill was name of Sainte-Croix, who drowned settled by people from New England, and was buried at the river’s mouth New York State, and Pennsylvania, who The “Nellie Kent” at Taylors Falls about 1875. where it enters the Mississippi River. were attracted to the area in the 1850s Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. and 1860s by the vast stands of north-
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 11 and pedestrian movements, the recent it most frequently appeared as applied growth in population, and the num- decorative trim around the eaves of ber of tourists that visit the town and otherwise Greek Revival houses. Tech- Interstate State Park. But if Taylors nically referred to as vergeboards (or Falls’ small town, historic character is bargeboards), such detail is today best diminished, or the beauty of the St. known as “gingerbread.” Croix River Valley is in any way com- promised, the significant character of Development Taylors Falls is lost.
In the early 1900s, Taylors Falls residents planted small gardens in the pothole area of what was to become Interstate State Park. Today, the park is restoring these gardens for visitors to enjoy. Depot Corner, woodcut by Alexander Massey, 1932. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Local Architecture ern white pine. Listed in the National The architectural styles are similar Greek Revival architecture, built 1854 Register of Historic Places, the Angel to those found in rural New England. (Munch/Roos House), 1994. Courtesy Taylors Hill neighborhood contains one of In New England, so in Taylors Falls, the Falls Historical Society. the region’s most intact collections of predominant style was Greek Revival. relatively unchanged examples of mid- Buildings were typically covered with nineteenth century architecture. white painted clapboard siding. Each Land use patterns are straight- section of double hung window sash forward, as it should be for a small Small Town, Historic Character was typically divided into six panes of town. Downtown is nestled along the hand-blown glass, the largest pieces lower bench above the first bluff, and Taylors Falls’ character is not the of glass economically available at that is limited by Interstate State Park to result of its natural scenic beauty alone; time. In place of contemporary storm the south and wetlands to the north. the small town, historic character of the windows, shutters (usually painted Neighborhoods have evolved north of settlement has become an important green) further protected window open- downtown, and on areas of the upper aspect of community character. If one ings against weather and sun. Greek bench above the second bluff. A few could imagine contemporary Taylors Revival doorways, surely one of the industrial uses exist, but there is no Falls without its traffic, a favorable distinctive features of even the most particular concentration of industrial comparison could be made to Taylors modest of early Taylors Falls houses, activity, and those that exist have little Falls in 1900. The character of build- are identified by glazed sidelights and or no impact on nearby housing. The ings, the scale of the town, and its transoms surrounding the front door. corporate limits are quite large, with compactness are reasonably consistent. The Gothic Revival style, while popu- most of the City’s land being unde- lar, was less prevalent in 19th century veloped, in agricultural production, Other features are important, New England and Taylors Falls. Here, or, increasingly, developed as large lot like the traffic impacts on downtown residential uses. In essence, there are constrained areas for growth below the third bluff, and concerns for impacts on viewsheds and the natural environment for areas prominently exposed on river- facing slopes of the third bluff.
There is little extraterritorial growth around Taylors Falls. Nearby communities, particularly St. Croix Falls in Wisconsin, provide many of the Potholes at Interstate State Park, c. 1920s. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 12 affects the community’s ability to pro- tourists are not the only reason that the vide for the needs of its citizens. While intersection of Highway 8 and Bench a focus on tourism is warranted, diver- Street is congested. U.S. Highway 8 sification should also be considered. provides the most direct river cross- ing for a large area of Minnesota and Two factors play a role in Taylors Wisconsin, and traffic converges on Falls’ attraction for tourists. The com- Taylors Falls from a four-lane highway bination of Interstate State Park, which in Wisconsin to a two-lane roadway in highlights the area’s natural and scenic Minnesota. The long, steep downhill qualities, along with the community’s gradient from Wisconsin encourages proximity to the Twin Cities (easily higher speeds entering Taylors Falls; in within an hour of most of the Twin fact, there have been instances where Cities’ population), make Taylors Falls trucks have lost their brakes coming a prime day trip. More than 370,000 into Taylors Falls; thus so far, without Development patterns in downtown Taylors visitors come to Interstate State Park loss of life. A current disparity between Falls, 1990. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical annually, and other recreational op- gasoline prices in Minnesota and Wis- Society. portunities bring thousands more to consin caused primarily by the differ- goods and services not available locally. the area. ence in state gasoline taxes also seems Chisago County’s intentions for devel- to draw automobile owners to this same opment in township areas indicate that Traffic congested intersection, where two gas “urban” development will be directed stations are located. to cities, and areas outside of cities will With tourists come traffic, but be reserved for agriculture and large lot Nearly 15,000 cars per day cross residential uses.
Taylors Falls has a very limited commercial and industrial tax base. Most of the community’s economic activity is concentrated in downtown, which is advantageous for a small town. There is no sprawl here. But the lack of commercial and industrial enterprises Minnesota Interstate State Park, postcard, c. Highway 8 entrace to Taylors Falls from St. 1930. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, 1994. Courtesy C. W. Nelson.
Rural road near Taylors Falls, 2004. Pho- Holiday traffic on Bench Street, 2001. Courtesy C. W. Nelson. tograph taken as part of the Community Photograph Survey.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 13 the bridge at Taylors Falls on a typical town and Upper Park public areas that years’ maps shown in successive annual July day; more than 5,000 cars per day needs to be addressed. Parade of Homes brochures. travel on Bench Street (State Highway Taylors Falls is a gateway to Min- 95). The confluence of this traffic is nesota and as such the City’s efforts to Ultimately, the implications of this the location of the entry to Interstate maintain and improve the quality of growth could be significant: if people State Park, adding congestion to an the image it conveys to visitors entering continue to seek to move to Taylors already busy condition. Tourists often Minnesota warrant particular State at- Falls and the immediately surrounding cross this intersection between the park tention and support. countryside. Uncontrolled develop- and downtown, resulting in even more ment of new housing, or development conflicts and the potential for serious Demographics that fails to recognize local character, accidents. could adversely impact the natural Taylors Falls has had a relatively resources that are the attraction for A recent change in U.S. Highway steady increase in population since tourists and “quality-of-life” amenities 8 in Wisconsin may result in a positive 1980. The most recent census infor- for residents. change in Taylors Falls. The Wisconsin mation suggests a continuation of that Department of Transportation reduced trend; the 2004 population is 1,043, the speed limit on the highway ap- and the community’s population grew proaching St. Croix Falls to 45 miles by an estimated 37 percent in the last per hour. This change won’t eliminate decade. The rapidity and scope of the need for more carefully consider- recent outward urban expansion from ing the intersection of Highway 8 and the Twin Cities metropolitan center Bench Street, but the slower speeds are spells growing pressures for Taylors Falls entirely appropriate for the community in the near-term future, as proposals and landscape context of the highway. for large residential developments are Highway traffic noise has been identi- extended to our doorstep. An indica- fied as an issue adversely affecting the tion of recent momentum can be seen out-of-doors ambience of the Down- in a comparison of current and recent
Kahbakong Cemetery-established in 1855. As translated from the Ojibway, the name means “Falls”Cemetery. Photograph taken as part of the Community Photograph Survey, 2004
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 14 Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. Historical Falls Taylors Courtesy
Chapter Four Goals
is, at its core, a body of policy used to guide the evolu- A comprehensive plan tion of a community. While many communities place a strong emphasis on growth and development, our plan seeks greater balance between the ideas of development and conserva- tion. It’s wise to define these terms, but dictionary definitions may not do justice to our cause.
Development, in the world of community planning, is a term most often applied to the process of creating new residential, commercial or industrial uses on land otherwise unencumbered by more intensive human activity. The problem is that it often disregards the appropriateness of land for development; the capacity of the land to support development if it is appropriate; modern construction methods allow just about any piece of land to somehow support any kind of use. But in Taylors Falls, we believe the intrinsic qualities of the land offer a suggestion about what the best land use might be. Most significantly, in Taylors Falls, land in cultivation or land in its natural state is a reasonable use of the land: in fact, those uses might be the most suitable development for that ground.
While development is a common term in plans like these, conservation is rare. Aldo Leopold, an internationally noted scientist and conservationist, suggests this definition of conservation:
When the land does well for its owner and the owner does well by his land—when both end up better by reason of their partnership, then we have conservation. When one or the other grows poorer, either in substance, or in character, or in responsiveness to sun, wind, and rain, then we have something else, and it is something we do not like. Aldo Leopold, The Farmer as a Conservationist, 1939 speech
Our plan of conservation and de- 1.0 A place of balance… velopment focuses first on a set of goals which we have defined as being impor- Taylors Falls is not an artifact. tant to the qualities of our community. It’s not a museum. It’s a place that is Each goal is supported by a series of changing, just as it’s been evolving for policies, which demonstrate how the eons. Now, we can look down the road goal might be best implemented in Tay- and see change coming. But we desire lors Falls. For the community’s plan- change on our terms: we want develop- ning efforts, these goals directly impact ment that fits the unique qualities of our ability to move toward our vision this place, development that doesn’t and, when coupled with the translation compromise the character of our town of this plan into a map, they constitute or our history. We believe that it is definitive directions for important parts Taylors Falls and St. Croix River, view possible to accommodate development of our community. northward from Government Street, 1869. without harming our place. Therefore, Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. it is our goal to: A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 15 City approved methods, and not scattered through otherwise unde- velopedparts of the community. 1.6 Reserve lands amounting to 40 to 80 acres for the creation of a “high tech” industrial park in the portion of the Countryside zone served by municipal sewer and water. Arrange activities in this area to reflect and respect the character of the landscape in the Countryside zone, with an emphasis on open space and vegetation. 1.7 Encourage conservation design practices for new residential Paddlewheelers on the St. Croix River, 1947. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. development projects in the Countryside zone and River zone, Balance development opportuni- cal and cultural resources, and using methods such as Conserva- ties with the need for conserving will continue to do so in the tion Design (Open Space Design) Taylors Falls’ small town historic future; and, requirements to balance higher character and its great natural a “Countryside” zone, where density built-area development scenic beauty. human activity may impact with preservation of significant the landscape, but only with a landscape features, natural ameni- To support our goal for balance as great sense of stewardship, and ties or visual quality features as we consider the future patterns of our where neighborhoods would permanent common or public community, we establish the following be formed based on a sense of open space comprising a majority policies: connection to the land and a of the land on each project site as sense of community. a whole. Overall site density for General Development 1.3 Preclude new development where projects using conservation design 1.1 Maintain, through this plan and its it may compromise Taylors Falls’ models should be sufficiently derivative ordinances and proce- small town historic character, its greater than standard underly- dures, Taylors Falls’ small town natural scenic beauty, the patterns ing maximum unit densities for historic character and its natural of animal or water migration, the the zone in question in order to scenic beauty for the benefit of the function of natural systems on the provide incentives to developers to community and for future genera- landscape, air or water quality, or make conservation design models tions. low ambient night-time light and a more attractive alternative than 1.2 Organize development in Taylors noise levels at all times. conventional small lot platting. Falls to fall into three zones: 1.4 Apply the same zones (River, Small 1.8 Identify significant natural features a “River” zone, where only Town, and Countryside) to future (such as mature trees, forests and limited development would expansions of the City as a way of woodlands; steep slopes and bluffs; occur, and where it does, perpetuating Taylors Falls small wetlands, streams, shoreline areas it would respect fully the town historic character and natural primeval forces that shaped scenic beauty. the St. Croix River Valley and 1.5 Limit development requiring the unique natural heritage we centralized sewer and water service enjoy as a result; to the Small Town zone, a por- a “Small Town” zone, where tion of the Countryside zone (as the landscape has been shaped established in the June 9, 2003 through time into patterns Trunk Sewer and Trunk Water and features that are recog- Main Area Fee Ordinace), areas nizably human, and where in the Countryside zone that if impacts on the landscape have developed would utilize an Open Strollers on River Street, c. 1910s. Courtesy resulted in cherished histori- Space Design technique or other Taylors Falls Historical Society. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 16 and other surface water features; to aid in the review of such pro- 1.15 Consider pedestrian ways and significant biodiversity areas; rock posals. non-motorized trails to be equally outcroppings and other geologic 1.10 Encourage the preservation of as important as other more tra- features; and other features that agricultural uses, particularly in the ditional elements of community characterize the natural environ- Countryside zone, because they infrastructure. ment unique to Taylors Falls), form a key part of Taylors Falls’ environmentally sensitive sites, character. Economics and preferred areas for future 1.11 Encourage rehabilitation or reme- 1.16 Require analysis of capital and community trails and parks that diation of elements, in both the operating costs to the City of new warrant being classified as special public and private realm, which developments and any related fiscal preservation areas and designated are considered by the community impacts during the evaluation of as priority sending areas. Con- to be incongruous with its desire proposal, and invite the school sider density bonus system where to maintain its small town historic district and county to comment on determined appropriate. A density character and its natural scenic development proposals and analyze bonus would allow the developer beauty. impacts to their facilities. No a specified increase in permissible 1.12 Support patterns of land use and project should be approved that total number of units and would development that allow all genera- does not pay its appropriate share serve as an instrument to compen- tions of Taylors Falls residents to of increased public service needs sate landowners in designated pres- live healthy, dignified lives with the or capital expenditures related ervation areas via private markets, spirit of a caring small town. to implementation. Although reduce future public acquisition 1.13 Seek an equitable balance between difficult to quantify in economic costs for such preferred sites from individual property owner rights terms, the City should weigh the which development rights have and the needs and rights of the impacts of development on the been sold, and enhance incentives public, including neighboring unique character of Taylors Falls, for developer use of conservation property owners, in land use deci- in particular its small town historic design projects. sions. If the rights of a prop- character and its natural scenic erty owner are subordinated, that beauty. The City should recognize Character should only occur when a clear and that this analysis may, at times, obvious public benefit has been be the determining factor in the identified, and fair compensation decision to approve or disapprove a for any resultant loss of property proposal. In some circumstances, value has been established. a professional consulting analysis, funded by the development propo- Walkability nent, may be in our community’s 1.14 Walkability is essential to small interest. 1.17 Encourage development subsidized
Basil Street, c. 1865. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society, S.S. Hamilton photograph. 1.9 Require proposals for develop- ment to demonstrate that their design, organization, placement, River Street walker, c. 1920s. Courtesy Tay- and appearance will be compat- lors Falls Historical Society. ible with the community’s small town historic character and natural town character and should be scenic beauty. Request prospective determined by the Parks and Trails developers to provide three-dimen- Master Plan developed by the Park sional depictions of the proposal and Recreation Commission. Taylors Falls, the bluffs and the Lutheran from public and private viewpoints Church steeple, 2004. Courtesy C. W. Nelson.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 17 through use of public economic or other incentives only when the community derives a significant public benefit from the develop- ment, and only when the proposed development coincides with the patterns and policies outlined in this plan of conservation and development.
Stewardship 1.18 Honor Taylors Falls’ role of stew- ardship of the St. Croix River as a National Wild and Scenic River through action in particular to: conform to federal and state legislation that mandate land Colby Flat farm fields on the upper bench, 1916. Courtesy Carol Lynn Lyttle. use rules as a part of the Riv- erway District; create consistent conservation neighborhoods that are fulfilling for extend viewshed protection of and preservation standards for their inhabitants, we establish the fol- the St. Croix Valley, outside areas along and adjacent to lowing policies: of the Riverway District and the St. Croix River. sympathetic to the goals of the “Small Town” Neighborhoods 2.0 Neighborhoods… legislation and the Lower and 2.1 Develop, in the “Small Town” Upper St. Croix Management zone, residential uses as neighbor- Plans; We see great value in the kind of hoods that complement existing establish a policy to protect neighborhood pattern we see in Angel residential areas near downtown, the scenic integrity of the St. Hill. It exudes the very real charm of especially with the kinds of archi- Croix Valley and preserve our community, and it has truly stood tectural and visual quality found in the natural appearance of the test of time: it may be even more Angel Hill. the Valley facing slopes and valued today than it was when it was 2.2 Include, in residential uses in the lands that represent the scenic founded. It is a place that feels like a “Small Town” zone, any combina- views. neighborhood, a place to raise chil- tion of dwelling types arranged in recognize the standards estab- dren, and a place to grow old. We see compatible layouts and connected lished by other jurisdictions, neighborhoods in other places that have to municipal urban services. The particularly the rules establish- none of this kind of character; we see primary architectural form of all ing definitions and develop- them in towns near Taylors Falls, and dwellings in the “Small Town” ment restrictions for slope we know that these are not the kinds of zone should be reflective of a single preservation zones, bluff lines, places that will fulfill the lives of people family dwelling. and bluff line setbacks, to who seek Taylors Falls as a home. 2.3 Expand municipal sewer and water Therefore, it is our goal to: services only to serve new resi- dential developments within the Create neighborhoods as living “Small Town” zone and portions places that reflect small town of the Countryside zone. The historic character, that become an portions of the Countryside Zone integral part of Taylors Falls’ sce- where these services are appropri- nic beauty, and that form a real ate are areas that if developed, sense of community through their utilize an Open Space Design design, orientation, and connec- technique or other City approved tion, without regard to density or methods, and the “Near Coun- location. tryside” Zone. Please refer to the Street and sidewalk in Angel Hill, 2004. Photograph taken as a part of the Commu- map on page 28 to identify the nity Photograph Survey. To support our goal for creating boundaries of this area. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 18 of a single family dwelling, or local and gutter, except where the use of River and Countryside Neighborhoods examples of agricultural buildings curb and gutter conflicts with the 2.4 Employ, in residential uses in the in the “Countryside” zone, and of historic integrity of the area. “River” and “Countryside” zones, a single family dwelling, or forms 2.11 Design streets in the “River” and clusters of homes focused on a and materials, consistent with the “Countryside” zones to the scale of neighborhood-centered amenity, more natural setting in the “River” the development, with accommo- with each dwelling provided with zone. dations made for on-street parking direct physical and uninterrupted on at least one side of the street, visual connections to the landscape Character and public sidewalks or trails on at in which it is located, and resulting 2.7 Require the front door to be the least one side of the street. Streets in the preservation of a mini- primary feature visible from the in areas of residential use in the mum of forty percent of the site’s street for residential uses in all “River” and “Countryside” zones developable land area as wooded zones. Sidewalk connections should be narrow to keep focus or open natural landscape, the should be made from the front on the natural character of these continuation of agricultural uses, entry of the dwelling unit to the zones. passive recreational uses, and active nearest public street or public 2.12 Connect all residential areas of recreational uses as approved by walkway. the City with routes that provide the City. 2.8 Provide access to residential uses safe passage for pedestrians and 2.5 Arrange clusters on adjacent in all zones via publicly accessible bicycles between the residential projects to result in a sense of streets and public walkways. There area and the river, parks, schools, connected open space, with prefer- should be no “gated” neighbor- downtown, and other significant ence to open space arrangements hoods in Taylors Falls (a develop- community destinations. that preserve significant natural ment where access is controlled features, and spaces that preserve with fences, monitored gates, or 3.0 Downtown… routes of water and wildlife migra- gates accessed with key codes, tion. proximity readers or remote con- In many ways, our downtown is as 2.6 Include, in residential uses in the trols). much a spiritual center of our commu- “River” and “Countryside” zones, 2.9 The character of front yards, in nity as its natural setting. It has strived any combination of dwelling types any zone, should be as a transi- to serve the needs of Taylors Falls arranged in compatible layouts, tion from public to private space. residents since the days of logging and with water and wastewater services The view to the primary structure steamboats. Contemporary commer- connected to municipal sewer and should not be obscured by fencing cial development threatens the vitality water or provided on site. The use or introduced plantings in an area of what we have, either by supplanting of constructed wetlands for waste- forward of the principal façade of existing businesses with new develop- water treatment may be allowed as the primary structure. ment at the periphery of the communi- an alternative to municipal sewer. ty, or by failing to recognize how it fits Dwelling units should be oriented Infrastructure into our lives as Taylors Falls residents. to a common open space feature. 2.10 Design streets in the “Small Town” Therefore, it is our goal to: The primary architectural form of zone to the scale of the develop- all dwellings should be reflective ment, with accommodations made for on-street parking on at least one side of the street, boulevard trees on both sides of the street, and public sidewalks on at least one side of the street. Streets in areas of residential use in the “Small Town” should be as narrow as possible, keeping focus on the character of buildings, homes and yards. These streets should be paved with hard surface paving, View southward along Bench Street, 1907. and should utilize concrete curb Downtown Taylors Falls, 1985. Courtesy Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. Taylors Falls Historical Society. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 19 Limit commercial development in and around Taylors Falls to the existing downtown area or a logical expansion of the existing downtown, with a focus on serv- ing local needs, architectural and site development appropriate to this community, and mobility for pedestrians.
To support our goal for focusing commercial activity in our historic downtown, we establish the following policies: Taylors Falls Library, a historic structure, and Coffee Talk, a residential structure converted to Bench Street District commercial use, 1995. Courtesy C. W. Nelson. 3.1 Concentrate commercial develop- ment in a single, pedestrian-ori- unless the design and construction 3.8 Connect Downtown to surround- ented district focused on Bench of the development will utilize de- ing residential areas and local desti- Street and extending a distance sign details and construction meth- nations via pedestrian and bicycle no greater than a five minute walk ods authentic to the architectural facilities in addition to roads and from the center of the district. style. New development should streets. Public walkways should be 3.2 Mix uses in the district, with be sympathetic to historic styles, located on both sides of downtown vertical mixed use developments reflecting a design, materials, and streets and designed to encourage encouraged, especially where construction methods of their time pedestrian activity and mobility. residential uses would occupy the and use, with an orientation to upper floor(s) of a commercial quality and durability. Building Economics structure. sizes, in terms of footprint and 3.9 Encourage businesses in downtown bulk, should be compatible with as local enterprises, owned and Character nearby development. operated by people from Taylors 3.3 Focus the aesthetics of develop- 3.4 Reflect Downtown’s historic char- Falls and immediately surrounding ment on the historic patterns and acter and visual quality in non-res- communities. The City should qualities of downtown, without idential structures in Downtown, encourage downtown property preference to or mimicking a par- especially in terms of a building’s owners and business owners to live ticular existing architectural style, architecture, including placement, in the community. scale, mass, fenestration, detail, 3.10 Give preference, when consider- color, and signage. ing development incentives or 3.5 Provide pedestrian orientation and assistance, to those proposals that architectural treatments for Bench support a community purpose. Street and River Street facades of commercial structures. 4.0 Commerce… 3.6 Limit the re-conversion to resi- dential use of a structure that has Ours is a small town with an been converted to commercial use environment that is, in many ways, to a dwelling occupied by no more sensitive to the kinds of industrial than two families. development we see in other places. At the same time, we recognize that our Infrastructure community benefits from the creation 3.7 Maintain street parking in down- of opportunities for employment. But town to the greatest degree pos- it needs to happen in ways that will not Downtown Taylors Falls and the St. Croix sible; encourage joint-use parking compromise the greater good we derive River Valley, 2004. Courtesy Wade Vitalis. in off-street parking. from this special place. Therefore, it is A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 20 our goal to: and commercial development 4.4 Strong preference should be should be for those uses and activi- given to the concept of a fully Promote growth in our local ties that offer high technology jobs, landscaped business park, where employment base by encouraging those that employ people with emphasis is placed on environ- businesses that are “high tech” unique skills, crafts, or trades, and mentally sensitive and compatible and “high touch” (those activities governmental facilities, particularly businesses and operations. requiring greater skill in their those with missions related to our trade), and to integrate those natural environment. Infrastructure uses with a “light touch” into the 4.5 Encourage a state-of-the-art com- patterns of the Taylors Falls com- Character munications and data infrastruc- munity and its landscape. 4.3 Design and organize development ture that is supportive of the kinds to fit the natural patterns of the of uses and activities desired for To support our goal for growing land and incorporate features that this district and eventually reach- employment opportunities that only reflect the native and natural land- ing all part of our community. lightly touch the environment, we scape of Taylors Falls. Develop- establish the following policies: ment should utilize best practices 5.0 Intrinsic character… available to create low impact Location development patterns that share We can never replace what nature 4.1 Make available an area for employ- infrastructure, including parking has provided us, nor can it be suitably ment uses in a location that is and service drives. Development replicated or mitigated with develop- within a reasonable walking and should be designed and placed to ment. It is better, we believe, to work bicycling distance of downtown, limit the need for noise or visual with our great natural assets, shape de- and then ensure safe routes exist mitigation with surrounding uses. velopment to rest lightly upon the land, for those connections. A 40 to 80 On-site wastewater treatment and preserve those features from which acre site in the Countryside zone systems may be an alternative to its real character springs. Therefore, it served by municipal sewer and municipal sewer services, as long as is our goal to: water is preferred. such system is appropriate for the planned use and the land charac- Ensure that unique or notable Economics teristics (topography, soils, etc.) features become the “building 4.2 Work to expand our local employ- can support this type of system. blocks” of the community by ment base. Preference for business limiting development near sig- nificant intrinsic features, or sen- sitively integrating those elements into the patterns of development.
To support our goal for maintain- ing the integrity of intrinsic features of our community, we establish the following policies:
Preservation, conservation and protection 5.1 Require that developers perform an inventory of significant intrinsic features of the development site (such as mature trees, forests and woodlands; steep slopes and bluffs; wetlands, streams, shoreline areas and other surface water features; significant biodiversity areas; rock outcroppings and other geologic features; and other features that Aerial view of Taylors Falls and the St. Croix River Valley with Highway 95 north from the com- characterize the natural environ- muity completed, c. 1950s. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. ment unique to Taylors Falls; as A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 21 well as historic features character- aimed at controlling the water istic of the community), as well as quality in those water features. any off-site features that may be 5.4 Consider, as development pro- impacted by the proposed develop- posals are brought to the City ment. Development plans should for review, some of the currently demonstrate the methods fea- undeveloped bluff edge land for sible to the developer of avoiding acquisition as City park, park pre- negative impacts to those features serve lands, and future trails and deemed by City to be central to pathways. Taylors Falls small-town his- 5.5 Recognize the environmental toric character and natural scenic qualities of significant wetland Folsom House, c. 1970. Courtesy Minnesota beauty, or in the case of impacts areas and effect special protection Historical Society. to these features, propose and or conservation measures for areas designation in zoning, signage, and implement mitigation measures such as the Moberg wetlands in development rules. Should the acceptable to the City. the area bounded by West Street, local byway organization decide to 5.2 Preserve the natural tree-cloaked Maple Street, Chestnut Street and pursue nomination of the byway appearance and scenic beauty of Walnut Street, and Colby Lake, as a National Scenic Byway, the the St. Croix Valley viewshed as which lies outside of, but adjacent City should support the nomina- our community’s major legacy to to, the current corporate limits of tion and designation in accordance future generations. the City. with a corridor management plan 5.3 Recognize our obligation, and the 5.6 Recognize the major occurrences that aligns with the vision, policies, obligation of developers and the of basalt dome outcroppings as and goals of this comprehensive projects they propose, to pro- significant, natural resource areas plan. tect the water quality of the St. complementing and helping ex- Croix River, noted nationally as plain the key features of the City’s Economics one of best major rivers in terms geological history already protected 5.8 Consider alternatives for funding of quality. Bluff slope and bluff and accessible to the public in the the public acquisition of critical setback preservation, protection Dalles area along the river, and conservation areas, lots or par- of vegetation, requirements that take steps to limit development in cels in those cases necessary for new developments provide natural these areas or shape development environmental, scenic, or public runoff control, and other require- in ways that preserve the incidence amenity goals. ments for land development in and expression of the resource. sensitive areas should ensure water 5.9 Encourage landowners and devel- Scenic Byway flowing into the St. Croix River is opers to preserve areas of land that at least as clean after development 5.7 Recognize the 2004 designation of are environmentally and scenically as before. To ensure continuity Highway 95/Highway 16 through significant by using conservation in water quality flowing through Taylors Falls and beyond as a Min- easement or other methods of Taylors Falls, the City should seek nesota Scenic Byway and take into private conservation. inter-jurisdictional agreements account the objectives of the state
Basalt outcroppings in Minnesota Interstate State Park and the scenic St. Croix River Valley, c. 1995. Courtesy C. W. Nelson. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 22 6.0 A legacy received… and passed on…
We recognize that a significant part of our community’s character and pride is derived from its history, and that this is truly a legacy that we have received, and that it is our obligation to pass it on. Therefore, it is our goal to:
Encourage the preservation, pro- tection, perpetuation, and use of the areas, places, buildings, struc- tures, and other objects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value; and in Old Trusty at the Taylors Falls Depot, 1915. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. newly forming areas or elements development continue this pattern 6.4 Encourage the recognition that a of the community, to encourage in compatibility in scale, massing, place-specific built environment is their design and development siting, and materials, while obvi- analogous with small town historic so that they become worthy of ously being an admirable example character, that the design and ar- preservation, protection, perpetu- of contemporary design. rangement of buildings matter, ation and use as they age. and that certain types of develop- Preservation, conservation and protection ment better support the type of To support our goal for maintain- 6.2 Safeguard the heritage of Taylors small town social environment ing our special place and for perpetu- Falls by designating the sites and desired in Taylors Falls. ating opportunities for creating new districts that reflect significant 6.5 Require excellence in design and special features for our community, we components of the community’s construction with the intent of establish the following policies: cultural, social, economic, politi- adding properties to the commu- cal, and architectural history. nity that might become designated Compatibility in new development 6.3 Protect, promote, and enhance, heritage preservation sites in the 6.1 Recognize that a small town where possible, the community’s future. has buildings from all eras of its historical and cultural features development, that these build- for the enjoyment and education Elements ings share a type of construction, of residents and guests, and as a 6.6 Recommend that the Heritage scale, and design vocabulary that stimulus to an economy based, Preservation Commission explore enables them to form a compat- in part, on the attraction of those new models for their work and ible ensemble. Insist that new demonstrate the significance of components of the community, such as the night sky and views, and develop new ways to encour- age their preservation. 6.7 Extend to the Heritage Preserva- tion Commission the ability to comment officially on proposals for development and the impacts that such development would have on recognized historic features and the long term historic character of the community. 7.0 Community…
Bench Street, c. 1960. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. A Planfeatures. of Conservation and Development
page 23 Taylors Falls is not just a collec- tive modes may be accommodated tion of historic buildings or the unique on streets or off-street trails, and beauty of the St. Croix River Valley. It’s they should be planned to provide the way we live here. We seek ways of connections between residential ar- creating a fulfilling life for residents, ways eas and other significant community that allow them to embrace the qualities destinations as “safe routes” for users of our community, and ways that allow of all ages and abilities. for the needed services and facilities to 7.4 Promote transportation infrastruc- be maintained and improved over time. ture that best exemplifies Taylors Therefore, it is our goal to: Falls small town historic character Provide public services and fa- and its natural scenic beauty, focus- cilities that support Taylors Falls’ ing particularly on the ability to small town historic character and comprehend these features at pedes- great natural scenic beauty. trian speeds and scales. To support our goal for creating a community that serves the needs of its Public space citizens, we establish the following poli- 7.5 Provide parks, recreation facilities, Minnesota Interstate State Park, postcard, cies: and other public facilities in loca- 1900. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical tions that are accessible and visible to Society. Infrastructure the community, with an emphasis 7.1 Provide, where physically and on providing safe routes for pedes- 7.7 Encourage the connection of a local economically feasible, municipal trians and bicyclists. These facilities, trail network with trails and paths sewer and water service in the “Small in aggregate, should accommodate a in the two Interstate State Parks Town” zone, the Near Countryside full range of active and passive uses and Bryant Environmental School subzone, and areas in the Country- for the benefit of the community, Laboratory. side zone that if developed, utilize allowing each facility to be devel- 7.8 Explore mutually beneficial op- an Open Space Design technique oped in ways that are most sensitive portunities between the City and or other City approved methods. to its immediate environment and the Minnesota Department of Support alternative methods of surrounding neighborhoods. The Natural Resources for a coordinated providing these services to areas City should maintain its investment expansion of City Parks, particularly beyond the “Small Town” zone only in these facilities, particularly for for expansions that would help to where their construction and use will those facilities that are central to the preserve significant natural resources not degrade the community’s small community’s small town historic and scenic areas for the benefit of the town historic character or its natural character and natural scenic beauty. community and the people of Min- scenic beauty. 7.6 Focus each neighborhood on a park, nesota. 7.2 Develop a transportation infra- historic element or natural feature, 7.9 Establish park dedication require- structure for Taylors Falls, recogniz- with each such area being developed ments consistent with the desire to ing that walking and bicycling are as a publicly accessible space with obtain lands for public park use and important transportation modes for facilities that support its use by to develop them in a manner that the community. the community. The City should encourages public enjoyment of 7.3 Provide a transportation infrastruc- encourage a park system that is those park resources. ture that serves pedestrians and well distributed and well-connected bicyclists, not just drivers. Alterna- through the community. Community services 7.10 Provide police and fire protection to residents and businesses in all parts of the community. The City should encourage development that affords a high degree of safety in the design and organization of the site, the arrangement and design of buildings on the site, and the relationship of the development to adjacent and nearby properties.
Lions Park, 2004. Photograph taken as a part of the Community Photograph Survey.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 24 Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Historical Courtesy Minnesota
Chapter Five Scale
of Taylors Falls as a small town, the ques- If we begin with the notion tion of scale needs first to be resolved. Is there a size beyond which Taylors Falls will no longer be small? To be sure, part of the answer is best addressed in the minds and attitudes of the people of the community. A threshold might be crossed when they no longer recognize their neighbors as they stroll the community, or when their children no longer are able to play in their yards or parks without their parents fear- ing for their safety, or when their birthdays are no longer published in the town calendar. But, is it possible to assign an actual dimension to the size of a small town?
In fact, a small town might be thought of as being historic, close to nature, with a small town feel. While the geo- graphic size of Taylors Falls is measured in absolute terms by considering its legal boundary, it is important that we consider the experiential size of the community. There are several methods for measuring the scale of the community.
For the purposes of providing direction for scale of the City we consider:
Walkablity is essential to small town character and should be determined by the Parks and Trails Master Plan and City’s sidewalk system. Implementing the trail plan included in the Parks and Trails Master Plan incorporates all future land use zones and reaaches of corporate city limits, while providing connections needed to facilitate a pedestrian- friendly environment. Neighbor hoods should be connected to improve wallkability.
A well-planned, efficient, and fiscally sound community will be derived from considering scale in development proposals. The location of develpment proposals and Rural road near Taylors Falls, absent pedestrian or bicycle accomodation, 2004. Photograph A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 25 how infrastructure is utilized should influence land use decisions.
The Future Land Use Map on Page 28 and Chapter 6 of the Plan establishe future land use patterns. These patterns provide guidance for the scale of the community.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 26 Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Historical Courtesy Minnesota
Chapter Six Patterns
a person might have in our If we begin with the experience community, there are three broad patterns that can happen in Taylors Falls, and they break with the modern traditions of planning. This plan orients to the notion that real community results from a connection with the place and the past, and that to move forward, new pat- terns must be defined that allow for both development and conservation. The patterns of this plan are not based on use, but rather on their intrinsic character and their capacity to support development. By focusing on the river, the small town, and the countryside, the landscape features of the St. Croix Valley and the town of Taylors Falls might maintain a sense of connec- tion to nature and small town. River this Valley face occur mainly in the munity, and in very limited cases The St. Croix River, the streams, downtown, where they appropri- elsewhere, such as church steeples coulees, ravines, wetlands, backwa- ately and visibly reflect the small and the City water tank, which are ters, the basalt dome; where only town historic character of the com- still consistent with that character. very limited development would occur, and when it does, it would respect fully the primeval forces that shaped the St. Croix River Valley. The River zone, in essence, includes the three bluffs wherever their aspect faces the direction of the St. Croix River Valley. The River zone is the “face” of Taylors Falls viewed from the other side of the Valley along horizontal sight lines and it appears as a unified wooded slope, though it actually consists of three narrow, steep bluff areas separated by the two developed “benches.” Structures The Dalles of the St. Croix, 2004. Photograph taken as a part of the Community Photograph penetrating the wooded canopy of Survey. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 27 Small Town Downtown, Angel Hill, and other neighborhoods; where the landscape has been shaped through time into patterns and features that are recognizably human; and where human impacts on the land have resulted in cherished historic and cultural resources, and will continue to do so in the future. The Small Town zone occupies the two relatively level benches and so, in plan view, consists of two sepa- rate areas divided by the second bluff. Because of their relative flat- ness, both locations were inviting locations to begin town develop- ment, and both levels were actively built upon from the 1850s on. In fact, most of the early building on the upper bench concentrated at the south end, in and around Angel Hill, through which was routed the 1853 Military Road to the downtown.
Taylors Falls viewed from Angel Hill, c. 1869. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. River, Small Town, and Countryside zones defined for Taylors Falls. These patterns aim to preserve the qualities so valued by the people of Taylors Falls as it evolves as a com- munity. The dotted area indicates areas of the Near Countryside subzone where municipal services might be extended, given develop- ment practices that embrace other goals of the Countryside zone A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 28 processes that created the river. It is a landscape that is, essentially, ageless; we have an extraordinary need to both embrace its qualities and exercise great care as we introduce human activities. Here, development has the potential of harming the very landscape that we hold so dear, but that does not mean that development should not happen here. In order to maintain the qualities of this “district,” the use of conserva- tion design development approaches Farm fields, rolling topography and woods near Colby Flat, typical of the Countryside zone, and special viewshed and slope protec- 1916. Courtesy Carol Lynn Lyttle. tion rules are critically important: Countryside It’s probably fair to frame a fourth The old fields and wooded areas, a zone that occupies the southerly end Tree preservation handful of farms and farmsteads; of Taylors Falls, namely Minnesota A view of the Valley not only re- where human activity impacts Interstate State Park. It stands on its veals the dramatic topography and the land, but with a great sense own, not because of its geologic or basalt outcroppings, but a series of environmental balance; where natural context, but because it will be of hillsides covered with trees. neighborhoods would form based defined by a different set of rules about Maintaining this green mantle of on a sense of connection to the development, rules established by the trees is critically important in the land and to a community. The Minnesota Department of Natural River zone, where these trees offer Countryside zone is the remaining Resources. habitat, runoff filtration and soil land area not directly included in protection, and great scenic beauty. the River Zone or the Small Town River Zone. It lies mainly to the north Bluff protection of the Small Town zone (defined Conservation In some areas, the bluffs of the in terms of walking distance from St. Croix are formed of erodible downtown on both upper and It is not the River alone, but gravels, while in others the bluffs lower benches) and to the west also those features of the Taylors Falls are composed on ageless basalt; of the upper (third) bluff line, a landscape that would have formed the bluffs can be quite sensitive bluff line defined by a basalt dome during the same time and by the same to development. But from a river ridge that marks the western rim view, the bluffs can offer a sense of of the St. Croix Valley. To the being in wilderness, remote from north, particularly north of Min- civilization even as one is a short nesota Highway 95 and Kahba- drive from a major metropolitan kong Cemetery, the upper bench area. Development encroaching appears only as limited fingers of on the bluffs can quickly change land between a sequence of deep the quality of the river experience, ravines open eastward to the St. and the National Park Service Croix, and so is closely intermin- recognizes this in their regulations gled with, and in places dominated for development in the Wild and by, the River zone. To the west of Scenic River zone. In either case, the basalt dome ridge, much of the bluffs of the River zone are the land in the Countryside zone worthy of our protection efforts. slopes away from the River Valley and toward the Lawrence Creek Stream and wetland protection drainage, which reaches the St. The River district is not just the St. Croix River through the old town Croix. Water bodies in the River of Franconia. district provide habitat for a variety Bluff washout at Walnut Street, 1879. Cour- of species, and as tributaries to the tesy Taylors Falls Historical Society.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 29 disturbance and encroachment, allowing the natural patterns of the River zone to maintain their integrity for wildlife.
Minimum disturbance Whatever the need or desire for development in the River zone, we recognize that it has the great potential to change the way the land has worked for ages. We be- gin consideration of any project in the River zone by asking a simple question: does it demonstrate St. Croix River and landscape, typical of the River zone, 2004. Photograph taken as part of the the least possible disturbance of Community Photograph Survey. the environment and the smallest St. Croix River, the quality of their in St. Croix Falls and Taylors Falls, possible interruption of the natural water is critical. Development that in both public and private areas. patterns of the land? reaches too close may cause exces- The City of Taylors Falls should sive erosion, carry more unfiltered also prepare a baseline viewshed Development runoff, or intrude unduly upon analysis, using sites and vantage wildlife that relies upon the water points that will demonstrate the Development in the River zone bodies for habitat or migration. current character of key views and should not be precluded. It affords an It seems that the health of these viewsheds. If a proposal for devel- unusual opportunity to live or work systems bears directly upon the opment alters the visual quality of close to nature. So, we might expect health of our community, and the a view or viewshed, the proposal that people would choose to live in the continued presence of vital streams for development should indicate River zone, and some businesses may and wetlands in the River zone will remedial measures, with such determine that this zone is attractive for continue to be one of our priorties. measures subject to the approval of their particular enterprise. Residential the City. and business uses eligible elsewhere in Viewshed protection Taylors Falls are possible activities in Our experience in Taylors Falls Wildlife migration route protection the River zone, save those kinds of uses is built first upon what we see, We believe the ability for wildlife that would be better directed to areas be it the dramatic beauty of the to thrive in the River zone is a along Bench Street (refer to Small Town Valley or the intimate scale of our strong indicator of the health of zone). But the burden of demonstrat- town. Over time, our experience the ecosystem. The routes wildlife ing consistency with the intrinsic quali- broadens to include less tangible use for movement in the River ties of the River zone should remain on features of the community, like the zone should be protected from the developer. It must be demonstrated individual character of our build- ings or the history of our existence here. But it begins with what is seen, and we are obligated to act as stewards of these views in the River zone so that they are maintained for future generations of residents and visitors.
In order to protect views, a view- shed analyis should be submitted by the developer as a part of a site plan review process. The analysis should document in photographs The St. Croix River Valley, viewed from basalt outcroppings in Interstate State Park, 1995. views of bluffs from vantage points Courtesy C. W. Nelson. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 30 that the development will not denigrate expected to carry, but not be oversized first sought out a place for a town, and the great natural scenic beauty of the to accommodate the largest vehicle that found a “bench” where their activities St. Croix River Valley, that it will not might ever travel the road. Stormwater could be founded. They built homes, harm surface or below grade flowages, should be managed in basins that re- businesses, and churches, but they were and that it will have no negative impact flect the character of natural stormwater not elaborate; importantly, the small on the habitation or movement of treatment basins—wetlands. Build- details and ornament they added have wildlife. ings should be designed and placed to become treasured today. reduce their impact on the landscape, It is important for future devel- and the landscape of a site should be The patterns of the community opment in the River zone to ensure considered largely an extension of the were straightforward as well. Early structures and site work remain visually natural environment, carving out only plats show a typical grid of streets inconspicuous viewed from the direc- the smallest of areas for introduced and blocks, which reveal little prac- tion of the valley in leaf-on condi- vegetation and lawns, and sufficiently ticality for the dramatic topography tions. That will require developers to set back from bluffs to protect river- found here. Still, the grid was largely preserve undisturbed natural vegetative ward slopes. implemented, and where topography screening on the riverward faces of demanded, roads and development developments, or where existing natural It is worthwhile noting that simply stopped. And herein lies our vegetative screening is insufficient, to development that might actually take best lesson: where we cannot simply include a plan for tree plantings that place in the River zone is small relative extend these patterns, we find nature. provide such screening in summer leaf- to other zones defined in this plan. If we determine to extend those pat- on conditions within reasonable time. Not only is the area of the zone small terns without regard for nature, we It will also require that riverward slopes relative to the Small Town and Coun- stand to lose those qualities that we so be protected, with blufflines protected tryside zones, large portions of the zone highly value. and development set back from bluf- are unbuildable due to steep slopes and flines sufficient to protect the adjacent other limitations. So, the first settlers found them- slope from erosion and degradation. selves a home on the first “bench” above Small Town the river—now known as Bench Street. Development in the River zone As their settlement grew, they moved will be required to follow a conserva- Conservation up the slopes to the next most logically tion design model with bonus density developed piece of ground, and Taylors incentives awarded for developments As our community has grown, it Falls grew along a second “bench”—this that include the bluff slopes and has carved out from the landscape a time with a greater focus on homes. As adjoining bluff top lands as part of the settlement that is both simple and func- we look to the future, there are logical preserved in-common ownership or tional. It might be in these ideas that limits that we will set, in part based on publicly dedicated open space amenity the town of Taylors Falls finds its real our ability to expand our town without around which the project is designed. qualities. The people who came here compromising nature, but in part based
The components of development in the River zone are important to its integrity. Roads should be sized for the volume and type of traffic they are
Kahbakong Cemetery, c. 1997. Courtesy Map of gardens at Interstate State Park, a break from the grid of the town’s layout, c. 1920s. Taylors Falls Historical Society. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 31 on how big Taylors Falls—as a small town—ought to be.
Certainly, features of the land- scape shape the limits of the Small Town. But other factors play here as well: more heavily traveled roads, which are more difficult to cross, might set a natural boundary; respecting the walking distances suggests both a sense of compactness and a preferred way of experiencing our community; and, maybe most important, our cogni- tive map—the way we think about Taylors Falls—offers us guidance. In this last respect, Kahbakong Cemetery has traditionally been the “mentally mapped” northern edge of town and Chestnut Street at the base of the third bluff, and its continuation to the north, Mulberry Street, has been the western edge of town. While not definitive on their own, in aggregate they suggest a Early Bench Street buildings and wooden walk, c. 1869. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. “natural” size for the Small Town zone. solely on the “looks” of a par- small town historic character is the ticular activity, but also how it presence of a vital “downtown.” To the Development fits its immediate context; extent that we can aggregate commer- Impacts on the natural cial and retail activity into our down- In the Small Town zone, we can environment, particularly town, we can strengthen the core activi- take cues from what has happened how sensitive the activity is ties of our downtown and be assured along Bench Street since the beginnings in preserving or maintaining that these kinds of uses do not populate of Taylors Falls. What would often be any remnant elements of the the larger natural landscape of our considered to be conflicting activities natural landscape (includ- community. We believe that retail and have found a way of existing in har- ing vegetation, topography, commercial businesses should be aggre- mony; homes were located next to (or surface waters, or wildlife). gated along Bench Street, or certainly sometimes above) stores and entertain- be visible from Bench Street, and that ment establishments, and places of The only exception for locating this “district” encompasses only those work were placed next to churches and activities in the Small Town zone would properties that immediately abut Bench homes. And it worked. be for commercial or retail businesses. Street. At its greatest size, commercial An essential quality of Taylors Falls’ and retail activities would stretch from As we consider development in the Small Town zone, it might be that nearly any activity could occur any- where in the zone. The key is the issue of compatibility, so we consider:
Adjacent activities and the potential for disrupting neighbors or the impacts on the value of what the neighbor already has invested in their property; Visual quality, not focusing First Street in downtown Taylors Falls, 1919. Courtesy Carol Lynn Lyttle. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 32 speed: We have a limited supply of land on which to develop and it is, perhaps, better that it be used for homes, parks, or other spaces for people than for roads; Wider roads promote heat gain, increase runoff, and are more difficult for some animals to pass, and our abil- ity to implement narrow roads might be seen as having real Contemporary housing in Taylors Falls, 2004. Photograph taken as part of the Community and quantifiable environmen- Photograph Survey. tal benefits; and, the intersection with Highway 8 to no areas, and along streets. Narrower roads are less costly further than Maple Street. And there to construct and less costly would still be a place for homes (as sin- Neighborhoods will exist within to maintain, saving dollars in gular structures or above storefronts), the Small Town zone as a finer grained materials, equipments, and just as there always has been. application of character. But they will fuel (all of which might also form based on their orientation and be viewed as sustainable). In the Small Town zone, pattern unique qualities, not those ascribed by goes hand-in-hand with built character. a “brand.” Think of how well Angel The character of our streets is en- Along Bench Street, commercial build- Hill holds together as a neighbor- hanced by boulevard plantings. While ings should take on the form of small hood, even though there is no entry we are surrounded by great natural town “store and loft” buildings, where monument. Along River Street, the beauty, the orderly pattern of a well- commercial activities would occur at neighborhood is formed largely by its planted boulevard is characteristic of a street level and homes or offices would orientation to the river, not by a set of small town, and it forms a connection occur above. Importantly, storage is arbitrarily defined standards for form to the larger landscape. Even where not an activity; buildings along Bench and color. While there are neighbor- boulevards do not exist, the landscape Street should not be used for storage, hoods, the town is seamless; while there of individual parcels of land will con- except for storage necessary to support are no signs announcing a neighbor- tribute to the character of the street. A the primary activity of the building. hood, we certainly sense the differences well-formed canopy of trees, as well as Parking, a necessary component of any between them. And this is our goal. a variety of deciduous and coniferous downtown, should not dominate, but trees (particulary cedar trees) helps lend rather occur in smaller scaled parking Attention must be directed to a sense of maturity to a neighborhood character in neighborhoods as well. and will aid in creating a sense of seam- Streets should generally be narrow, but permit parking on at least one side. On the occasion when cars would meet on a neighborhood street where it might be too narrow to easily pass, it’s very “small town” for one car to pull to the side to allow the other to pass. The narrowness of the road can be seen as directly supporting the idea of experi- encing our community as a pedestrian (or in this case, at pedestrian speeds), at the same time that it enhances the safety of our neighborhoods. Coinci- Historic Angel Hill, noted only by a small sign dentally, the width (or the narrowness) Typical street in Angel Hill, 2004. Pho- in the trees, 2004. Photograph taken as part of our roads offers benefits beyond tograph taken as part of the Community of the Community Photograph Survey. Photograph Survey. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 33 ments that define compatibility in the Small Town zone, the character of multi-family housing must be sensitive to its neighbors. Does its scale echo the scale of nearby homes? Does it feel like a natural fit? Do the materials and details of the structure reflect positively on the neighborhood as a whole? If questions like these cannot be answered affirmatively, multi-family housing may not be appropriate in the location in question. Nor would it be appropriate if functional requirements related to the multi-family structure, things like park- ing, overwhelm its site.
Countryside Valued aesthetics, organization and forms of existing housing in Taylors Falls, 2004. Courtesty C.W. Nelson. Conservation less Small Town zone. those more vernacular styles found from our early days) might be refer- While directions for maintaining Architectural character in neigh- enced, they should not be copied. We our small town historic character are borhoods should take cues from the seek integrity in our neighborhoods, best exemplified by the Small Town dis- highly valued forms of houses that and we can only find it through well- trict, and directions for maintaining the exist in Taylors Falls today, but also designed and crafted structures that great natural scenic beauty of the St. look to new forms that might some- are authentic to contemporary materi- Croix Valley are best exemplified by the day hold similar value. Significantly, als and methods of construction and River district, the surrounding coun- while houses should face the streets on designed in ways that are true to their tryside has its own dominant character which they are located, there may not own time. that needs to be respected in any new be a specific setback for houses along a development. It comprises, perhaps street (although general consistency is Like most places, ours is a town especially as we consider growth, the desirable). Lot sizes should be generally where a variety of housing opportuni- most significant potential for change in consistent in the Small Town zone, just ties must be provided for current and Taylors Falls. But if we allow the kinds as they have been through the years of future residents. Locations for multi- of development to occur here that we development in Taylors Falls. House family housing in the Small Town see creeping toward us along the High- sizes, like lots, might also be generally district will not be restricted by zone, way 8 corridor, much of what we value consistent, allowing for an individual but rather encouraged throughout will be lost. We believe this area—our to purchase more than one lot for their the district to enrich the diversity of Countryside—can at once allow for home if they desired, and, thereby, neighborhoods. But like other ele- creating a richer and more diverse fab- ric for the neighborhood based on the land, not on buildings.
Architectural styles might vary through the Small Town zone, but be generally consistent within a neighbor- hood. This should not be construed as encouraging uniformity, but a neigh- borhood might strive for unity in the basic scale, form and materials of its homes. While the historic styles of Taylors Falls (Greek Revival, Italianate, Bungalow, and Cape Cod, as well as Countryside landscape, 2005. Courtesy C. W. Nelson.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 34 development, but still conserve its tranquility and beauty.
In Taylors Falls, the countryside includes open fields, forested slopes and wooded areas, wetlands, streams, ponds, and small lakes, and land that has been cultivated for generations. We also see people choosing to live here for the expanse of space that seems to be available. But competition between these uses can result in the loss of the sense of countryside, especially if homes consume farms and lawns replace fields. We value farmland for the lifestyle it signifies, for the historic continuity of use, and the pleasing visual quality it Woodland landscape of the Countryside zone, 2004. Photograph taken as part of the Commu- affords us. We strive to maintain tree nity Photograph Survey. cover, even as the woods become yards. might be best classified as occurring on mon, to the benefit of the neighbors And we recognize that the health of farmsteads or in clusters using a conser- and the community. The remaining the St. Croix River—and our personal vation design model. As a farmstead, land is not really undeveloped; it could health when we use it for recreation— it would be surrounded by a sense of continue its use as agricultural land, it depends, in part, on how we treat the connection to agriculture, active or could be transformed into a golf course waters that are tributary to it, waters otherwise, but the home would stand as or other land-based amenity, or it could that, in many cases, pass through this an integral feature of a landscape com- remain a largely untouched woodland. countryside. posed of barns, outbuildings, fences, But the pattern that becomes evident is and fields. In a cluster, the home not one of endless tracts of homes, it is Our strategy for the Countryside would be a part of a neighborhood, one that suggests settlement in concert zone is predicated on the continu- with yards perhaps sized similar to with the calm beauty and openness of ance of what we see here today, to the those found in the Small Town district, the countryside. greatest degree possible. Knowing that with an architecture that creates a sense this area is attractive for development of connection with neighboring homes, The Countryside zone may be fur- suggests that we find ways to accom- and an orientation to a feature that ther subdivided into a second subzone: modate it without compromising its finds common ground for those who Near Countryside. The Near Country- essential character. Conservation of choose to live here. side subzone is identified as the areas the fields, wetlands, and woodlands in which sewer and water utilities exist only stands to enhance our small town The surrounding land is left “un- or are planned. This is based on the historic character and the great natural developed,” owned publicly or in com- June 9, 2003 Trunk Sewer and Trunk beauty of the valley.
Development
In the Countryside, we seek bal- ance. We know that people will want to live in Taylors Falls, and we know that, over time, they simply will not “fit” into the Small Town. So we need to find a way for the Countryside to evolve, to accommodate new residents, but not force the underlying character and use of the land to become little more than artifact. Homes, here, Alternative wastewater treatment using constructed wetland technology, Fields of St. Croix, Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Courtesy North American Wetland Engineering, LLC. A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 35 lawns are reserved for the areas more immediately surrounding the homes in the cluster and occupy much less land surface. So we envision “pockets” of development in the Countryside, with the landscape we see today held largely intact.
Most important, perhaps, is the idea that the Countryside is a part of our community, but only a portion of it is served by municipal sewer and water service. Where sewer and water services do not exist, development might be best measured for its fit to the Countryside character visible along County Road 37, 2005. Courtesy C. W. Nelson. land by understanding how it is served by this kind of infrastructure. In a Water Main Area Fee Ordinance. way, this might suggest a capacity for Development in this subzone may Questions of scale become im- the land, much like we have described have characteristics or requirements for portant in the Countryside zone. So for the River zone. If there is no other such things as larger lot sizes, increased do issues relating to the visual quality way of adequately dealing with sewer buffers and setbacks as compared with of the countryside. The suggestion of and water service than connecting the Small Town Zone. Essentially, this building in the patterns of farmsteads it to the municipal system, then the subzone will have requirements to have offers some insights about the kind development proposed may simply be a more rural feel than the Small Town, of development that might actually too much. In areas of the Countryside yet maintain the ability to develop at a work here. Farmsteads were clusters zone where sewer and water service density that is cost effective for the City of buildings centered around a com- exist, the character of development and Developers. This subzone appears mon work area; our clusters might be should be framed to reflect the greater as the orange stippled zone on the homes centered on a common space character of the Countryside zone. future land use map (p 28). created for the benefit of the residents of the cluster. Most of what one sees in The chart that follows lends greater Significantly, this pattern interacts a drive through the countryside is not clarity to the zones by comparing the directly with the patterns found in the farmsteads, but land. In Taylors Falls quantitative and qualitative aspects of River zone and Small Town zone. It Countryside, most of what we desire to development and character: would be awkward, we think, to protect see is not homes, but land. The land the River zone as we have described we see on our drive is not composed only to have development creep to the mostly of well-tended lawns, but rather very edges of the streams, forests, and the woodlands and croplands, and the slopes we are attempting to preserve. Protecting steep slopes and existing natural vegetative screening is integral to the pattern of development we seek. Likewise, the suburban patterns of neighborhood development we see in other communities would surely deni- grate our small town historic character if allowed to grow ever outward from town. The clarity of each zone and the development that might happen in each only reinforces the unique qualities of Taylors Falls, and serves to maintain a special place for anyone who chooses Conservation design development with open space and woodlands preserved, and shared drive- this community as his or her own. ways. Courtesy Center for Rural Massachusetts (http://www.umass.edu/ruralmass/images.html).
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 36 River Zone Small Town Zone Countryside Zone
A r e a
Approximately 240 acres, or about Approximately 590 acres, or about Approximately 1540 acres, or about 65 10 percent of the total land area of 25 percent of the total land area percent of the total land area of the City the City of the City
L o c a t i o n The River zone, in essence, includes The Small Town zone occupies The Countryside zone is the remaining the three bluffs wherever their the two relatively level benches land area not included in the River Zone aspect faces the direction of the St. and so, in plan view, consists of or the Small Town Zone. It lies mainly Croix river valley. The River zone two separate areas divided by the to the north of the Small Town zone (de- is the “face” of Taylors Falls viewed second bluff and connected at the fined in terms of walking distance from from the other side of the valley south end of Downtown along downtown on both upper and lower along horizontal sight lines and it Government Street (which ties a benches) and to the west of the upper appears largely as a unified, wooded part of Angel Hill to Downtown). (third) bluff line, a bluff line defined by a slope, though it actually consists basalt dome ridge that marks the western of three narrow, steep bluff areas rim of the St. Croix valley. To the north, separated by the two developed particularly north of Minnesota Highway “benches.” 95 and Kahbakong Cemetery, the upper bench appears only as limited fingers of land between a sequence of deep ravines opening eastward to the St. Croix. S e t t i n g The St. Croix River, the streams, Downtown, Angel Hill and other The old fields and wooded areas, some coulees, ravines, wetlands, backwa- neighborhoods; where the land- of them hilly, the farms and farmsteads; ters, the basalt dome; where only scape has been shaped through where human activity impacts the land, very limited development would time into patterns and features but with a great sense of environmental occur, and when it does, it would that are recognizably human; and balance; where neighborhoods would respect fully the primeval forces where human impacts on the land form based on a sense of connection to that shaped the St. Croix River have resulted in cherished historic the land and to a community sensitive to Valley and maintain existing scenic and cultural resources, and will protecting its natural amenities. integrity. continue to do so in the future. Activity (Use) Residential Individual homes on lots or cluster Block and lot residential for single Individual homes on large lots that preserve development of homes compatible and multi-family dwellings; upper significant features and “countryside” with maintaining existing scenic in- story residential along Bench character, or cluster development of homes tegrity of the St. Croix River Valley Street. No limits are placed on using conservation design models for devel- viewshed. No limits are placed on the type of residential develop- opment that preserve a significant portion the type of residential development, ment, except that issues of com- of the developable land as common open except that issues of compatibility patibility between varying housing space, preserved landscape, agricultural between varying housing types must types must be addressed by the use, city parks or trails. No limits placed on be addressed by the new develop- new development. type of residential development, except that ment. compatibility between housing types must be addressed in new development Development in the “Near Countryside” subzone (Countryside areas in which sewer and water utilities exist or are planned) will have a more rural feel than the Small Town zone (such things as larger lot sizes, increased buffers and setback) yet maintain the ability to develop at a density that is cost effective for the City and Developers. This subzone appears as the orange stippled zone on the future land use map (p 28)
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 37 River Zone Small Town Zone Countryside Zone
Commercial Not permitted, except those uses Permitted along and generally Not permitted that focus on river recreation abutting Bench Street between Highway 8 and Chisago County Road 16 Industrial/ Permitted with conditions Permitted with conditions Permitted with conditions; development Employment should be designed for minimal impact on natural systems and the environ- ment, visually inconspicuous from public rights-of-ways and trails and from any existing development. Development should be clustered if the project includes or anticipates more than one building, and should be connected to public trails from the principal entry of each building. Institutional Permitted with conditions Permitted Permitted with conditions; development should be designed for minimal impact on natural systems and the environ- ment, visually inconspicuous from public rights-of-ways and trails and from any existing development. Development should be clustered if the project includes or anticipates more than one building, and should be connected to public trails from the principal entry of each building. S e r v i c e s Sewer On-site wastewater treatment sys- Municipal sewer service extended Municipal sewer service extended tem or municipal sewer service through zone through a limited portion of the zone and areas that if developed, utilize an Open Space Design technique or other City approved methods; on-site wastewater treatment system, constructed wetland wastewater treatment systems may be an alternative to areas not served by municipal sewer Water Individual wells or municipal water Municipal water service extended Municipal water service extended service through zone through a limited portion of the zone and areas that if developed, utilize an Open Space Design technique or other City approved methods; individual wells in areas not served by municipal water D e n s i t y
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 38 River Zone Small Town Zone Countryside Zone
Defined by the capacity of the land Defined as being comparable to Defined by the capacity of the land to to support development without the existing density in surround- support development without municipal municipal services (excluding land ing areas within a one-minute services (excluding land developed utiliz- developed utilizing an Open Space walk ing an Open Space Design technique or Design technique or other City ap- [see Note 1] other City approved methods), but not proved methods), but not to exceed to exceed a base maximum development a base maximum development density set for the Countryside District. density set for the River District. Development in the “Near Countryside” Base maximum density is subject to subzone will have a more rural feel than bonus density increases that may be the Small Town zone yet maintain the awarded to development projectcs ability to develop at a density that is meeting performance standards as cost effective for the City and Develop- defined by ordinance schedule for ers. This subzone appears as the orange developments adhering to require- ments under conservation design stippled zone on the future land use map ordinance (Open Space Design). (p 28)
Development pattern Viewshed New development should maintain New development should main- New development should maintain veg- aspect vegetative screening when viewed tain vegetative screening when etative screening when viewed from the from the St. Croix River Valley viewed from the St. Croix River St. Croix River Valley Valley Streets, roads Fit to the contour of the land Extensions of the originally plat- Fit to the contour of the land and aligned and alleys and aligned to avoid intersecting ted grid of streets in Taylors Falls, to avoid intersecting significant features significant features of the land; if terminating at locations where of the land road cuts into a bluff are necessary, grade or features dictate, but the alignment should traverse the significantly, terminating in ways slope at angles preserving vegetative other than cul-de-sacs screening or buffer toward the valley Structure Variable, with structures within a Oriented with the primary façade Variable, with structures within a cluster orientation cluster generally oriented with prin- generally parallel to the principal generally oriented with principal facades cipal facades toward other structures street abutting the lot toward other structures Lot size Variable Comparable to lot size for existing Variable lots of similar use in surrounding areas within a one-minute walk [see Note 2]
Structure Variable, with reasonable consis- Comparable to structure setbacks Variable, with reasonable consistency setback tency between structures developed for existing lots of similar use in between structures developed in a cluster; in a cluster surrounding areas within a one- increased setbacks between development minute walk and collector or arterial roadways in areas [see Note 3] serviced by municipal sewer and water
Use Uses clustered by type without Uses mixed along Bench Street, Uses clustered by type without mixing, mixing, except for home-based with predominantly residential except for home-based businesses businesses uses in all other areas
Pedestrian Designated space for on-street trails Predominantly sidewalks, with Designated space for on-street trails along accommoda- along major local routes and for on-street trails provided where major local routes and for roadways pro- tion roadways providing connections to limited space for sidewalks ex- viding connections to other communities other communities ; off-street trails ist; connections created to link ; off-street trails take advantage of natural take advantage of natural features neighborhoods, downtown, parks, features (with appropriate buffers for (with appropriate buffers for envi- the school and other significant environmentally sensitive areas) ronmentally sensitive areas) community locations
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 39 River Zone Small Town Zone Countryside Zone
Bluff land No construction should occur in a bluffline setback or slope preservation zone to minimize bluff erosion or washout impacts potential; for tracts or parcels which include bluff slopes, bluff lines and bluff setback zones, development should use Conservation Design principles and include bluff related elements in the open space areas which should be mapped and confirmed before the layout of clustered housing is designed
Public open Provided through the process of Provided by city park and trail Preserved farmlands, wetlands, natural space clustering new development and corridors, school land, public features resulting from conservation in accordance with directions and reserve and public common space, development, and in accordance with di- goals for park and recreation facili- and in accordance with directions rections and goals for park and recreation ties in the community and goals for park and recreation facilities in the community facilities in the community
Development character Streets, roads Streets as narrow as possible, rural Streets as narrow as possible with Streets as narrow as possible; rural sec- and alleys section roadways (no curb and parking on at least one side; tions roadways (no curb and gutter) gutter)with boulevard trees on each sidewalks on both sides, with to preserve the sense of a “country side boulevard trees on each side; road”,with boulevard trees on each side streets paved with bituminous or concrete Structure Form, scale, materials, color consis- Form, scale, materials, colors Form, scale, materials, colors derivative tent with natural environment derivative of, but not mimicking, of vernacular farm buildings historic structures Structure Development not visible above tree Comparable to the heights of Development not visible above tree height canopy, and generally of lim- existing structures of similar use canopy from valley viewshed perspec- ited height, with the exception of in surrounding areas within a one- tive, and generally of limited height, steeples or other unique building minute walk, except that structure with the exception of steeples or other elements consistent with Taylors height should not be visible above unique building elements, or buildings or Falls small town historic character, tree canopy, with the exception of parts of buildings requiring exceptional or buildings or parts of buildings steeples or other unique building height for their purpose (such as silos); requiring exceptional height for elements, or buildings or parts of structures that demonstrate a functional their purpose (such as silos); struc- buildings requiring exceptional need and exceptional design quality may tures that demonstrate a functional height for their purpose (such as be allowed to exceed the height limita- need and exceptional design quality silos); for buildings along Bench tions defined herein if other requirements may be allowed to exceed the height Street, a structure height that for visual quality of the Countryside are limitations defined herein if other allows for three stories should be respected requirements for visual quality of allowed where the development [see Note 6] the Valley are respected is shown to be compatible with [see Note 4] the scale of buildings within a one minute walk [see Note 5] Structure Primary structure sized to maintain Comparable to structure foot- Primary structure sized to maintain a footprint a significant proportion of the site prints of existing structures of significant proportion of the site in open in open space, and without over- similar use in surrounding areas space, and without overwhelming the whelming the lot or dominating a within a one minute walk lot or dominating a viewshed or view viewshed or view corridor [see Note 8] corridor [see Note 7] [see Note 9] Outbuild- Located to the rear of a line coinci- Located to the rear of lot, except Located to the rear of a line coincident ings, ancillary dent with the principal front facade that “garden” structures (such as with the principal front facade structures a gazebo) may be located in the front yard
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 40 River Zone Small Town Zone Countryside Zone
Parking Parking contained on the develop- Street parking permitted in order Parking contained on the development ment site to reduce on-site parking required site (to be calculated according to street frontage available for park- ing) Stormwater Constructed rain gardens to control Connected to the city’s storm- Use natural or constructed stormwater management lawn and impervious surface runoff water collection system, and detention methods and rain gardens for single and multiple unit devel- encouraging construction of to retain and cleanse/filter stormwater opments, which are designed to re- private rain gardens on individual resulting from development tain sediments and lawn chemicals. properties to improve the quality of stormwater runoff entering Spring Creek and Cascade Creek before discharging into the St. Croix River. Utility lines Electric, cable and telephone lines Underground facilities are highly Electric, cable and telephone lines to new to new multiple developments encouraged as a means of main- multiple developments should be un- should be underground, with all taining the visual character of the derground, with all equipment suitably equipment suitably screened from Small Town zone screened from public views public views Exterior light- Maintain visibility of the night sky through the application of Dark Skies principles, including reducing illumination ing where possible, using light sources that reduce or eliminate glare, directing light sources downward and eliminating any upward cast of illumination, and shielding light sources from residential areas
Accommodation of building blocks Small town Design and develop structures that Design and develop structures Design and develop structures that will historic char- will be worthy of historic consider- that will be worthy of historic be worthy of historic consideration in acter ation in 50 years consideration in 50 years; prior- 50 years ity for re-use and restoration of worthy structures Great natural Consideration of intersections New development on bluff edge Consideration of intersections between scenic beauty between nature and development parcels in the Small Town zone nature and development places greater places greater priority on conserva- should maintain the existing sce- priority on conservation of nature or per- tion of nature, with appropriate nic integrity of the St. Croix River petuation of agricultural character, with buffers as protective measures for Valley viewshed. Along margins appropriate buffers as protective measures natural features. Standards for where the Small Town zone and for natural features and agriculturals uses. slope preservation zones, bluff River zone meet, new develop- line setback, structure height and ment observes standards to ensure vegetation management ensure new it is visually inconspicuous from development will be visually incon- the valley. spicuous from the valley in leaf-on conditions.
Notes to table:
Note 1 Comparable density as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “not greater than 1.25 times the average density of parcels within a 250 foot radius as of the date of this plan.” Note 2 Comparable lot size as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “not greater than 150 percent of the average lot size within a 250 foot radius as of the date of this plan.” Note 3 Comparable setback as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “not less than 90 percent or greater than 110 percent of the average setback of structures on parcels within a 250 foot radius as of the date of this plan.” Note 4 Limited height as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “two stories or 35 feet.” Methods of measurement would follow city ordinance. Note 5 Comparable height as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “not higher than 125 percent of the average height of primary structures within a 250 foot radius as of the date of this plan.” Note 6 Limited height as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “two stories or 35 feet.” Methods of measurement would follow city ordinance. Note 7 Footprint size as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “not greater than 5,000 square feet for residential uses and 20,000 square feet for non- residential uses, except as allowed by conditional use.” Note 8 Comparable footprint as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “not greater than 150 percent of the average footprint of primary structures on parcels within a 250 foot radius as of the date of this plan.” Note 9 Footprint size as envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan Task Force was defined to be “not greater than 5,000 square feet for residential uses and 20,000 square feet for non residential uses, except as allowed by conditional use.”
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 41 Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Historical Courtesy Minnesota
Chapter Six Connections
moving from one place to another: Taylors Falls offers It’s not just about cars the opportunity for a drive to be a real experience, not just a convenience. And the scale of our town, especially in the Small Town zone, actually allows people to see driving their cars as an alternative way of getting around: knowing that their preferred experience is walking or biking. There are problems of traffic here, even as small as we are. It’s not easy to get around on foot, even if the landscape invites us to do so. But it’s a part of the experience we seek for ourselves, so we need to define directions that help us resolve congestion, enhance our small town character, and create streets and roads that are seams for building community, not barriers to it.
Highway 8 and Bench Street
One of the thorniest problems we face as a community is the conflict between traffic and our sense of small town character. While we recognize society’s reliance on the car, vehicles often choke Bench Street on busy days, trucks exiting Highway 8 block the in- tersection, interstate gas price differenc- es invite Wisconsin residents to buy gas here and then leave, and, most impor- Highway 8 and Bench Street, downtown Taylors Falls, 1997, Courtesy C. W. Nelson. tant, pedestrians take great risk crossing between downtown and Interstate State trying to move between downtown and Group was formed to get closer to an Park. We’ve been looking for solutions Interstate State Park. And a process answer, and as a part of this plan, an to these problems for a long time, and was initiated by Mn/DOT to study the intensive design work session—a char- we have taken steps to resolve some of future of Highway 8. rette—was organized. Its particular them. Mn/DOT reconstructed the purpose was to study the issue of traffic intersection of Highway 8 and Bench The Highway 8 process did not, movement in the area of Highway 8 Street in 1995, which helped to orga- however, come to any conclusions and Bench Street, and lay out a new nize traffic. The Underpass was built to about the problems that most directly direction that would recognize our provide a safe alternative for pedestrians affect Taylors Falls. A Study Advisory goals while respecting the need for
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 42 our “Main Street” as a result. Ulti- mately, this change is at odds with one of our fundamental directions: that we would use small town historic character as one of the building blocks of Taylors Falls.
While it wasn’t the right solution, the underlying ideas gave us something to work with. The intersection of Highway 8 and Bench Street may not be as much of a problem as the inter- section of First Street and Bench Street. Pedestrian underpass at Highway 8 along the St. Croix River, 2004. Photograph taken as part It’s here, in town, that we can focus of the Community Photograph Survey. some attention and begin to solve the problem. By eliminating a full access reasonable through-traffic movement. River Street for circulation. intersection at First Street and Bench All of the parties that have a stake in a Street - essentially limiting movements solution were represented: Mn/DOT, This possible solution provides on to or off of Bench Street - traffic the Department of Natural Resources, greater stacking distance (one measure movement patterns are clarified and and representatives of the Taylors Falls of efficiency used by traffic planners) a part of the problem is resolved. A city and community. What resulted is and removes conflicting intersections possible solution, at least for the short a concept that seems to resolve many near Highway 8 (allowing for greater term, would be to introduce a “pork of the issues, at least in a longer term ease of traffic movement). However, it chop” on First Street east of Bench view, without compromising Taylors changes the basic patterns of movement Street, limiting access into the General Falls’ small town historic character and in our downtown in dramatic ways. Store from Highway 8 and egress to the great natural beauty of the St. Croix No longer is Bench Street a through northbound Bench Street. Because River Valley. In fact, the concept may route, and it really does’t feel much like Bench Street remains as the primary enhance these features of our commu- nity.
The basic idea involves the con- figuration of streets near the intersec- tion of Highway 8 and Bench Street. Turning movements often clog the intersection of First Street and Bench Street. In essence, this intersection is too close to Highway 8 to allow traffic to move efficiently, and perhaps, safely. During the SAG charrette, ideas were posed that would relocate the intersec- tion of Highway 8 and Bench Street to a location slightly to the south along Highway 8, just below the Memorial Community Center. This approach would allow for a large area of pave- ment to be reclaimed as community space near the existing intersection, pre- senting a better face for our community for those arriving from Wisconsin. The new entry to downtown would lead to Modifications to Highway 8 and Bench Street, with roadway and driveway narrowing and me- Second Street, and Bench Street would dian on Bench Street, currently under discussion, 2004. Courtesy TH 8 Study Advisory Group. be either “dead-ended” or use a future
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 43 provide another connection between In order to do this, we need to establish downtown and Interstate State Park. a new direction for Highway 95. By Near the Memorial Community Cener, realigning Tern Avenue with High- a footbridge with a character reflect- way 95 south of Highway 8 (perhaps ing the first bridge spanning the river with a roundabout), we can define a to Wisconsin would link to the park. continuous route for Highway 95—one It would, beyond creating another that doesn’t use Bench Street and one connection to the park, provide a loop that doesn’t require that trucks move in the local footpaths between the com- through downtown. Trucks enter- munity and the park. ing Minnesota on Highway 8 would continue up the hill to Highway 95 Highway 95 turning north to continue their route.
This change alone is not enough. The change would be completed Traffic congestion on Bench Street near Highway 8, near the pedestrian route between Trucks using Bench Street are just as by a turn-back (transfer of jurisdiction downtown and Interstate State Park, 2003. problematic for our downtown. They of the roadway between government Courtesy C. W. Nelson. have difficulty negotiating the turn and entities) of the existing alignment of often block traffic as they maneuver Highway 95 between Highway 8 in street in downtown, its historic quali- through the tight intersection of High- downtown and County Road 16 to ties remain intact and the change could way 8 and Bench Street. Eliminating Chisago County. Once turned back, be supported by the idea of history as a turns onto Bench Street does nothing the roadway might be modified to building block. to improve this situation. Our goal, better fit the character of downtown. however, is to remove tractor-trailer With a narrower roadway, sidewalks In the longer term, possible im- trucks altogether from our downtown. could be widened to better accommo- provements to Bench Street would also include narrowing of the intersection in key locations and narrowing private driveway entrances to reduce the expanse of pavement in the intersection area. Encouraging less traffic intensive uses near this entrance to Taylors Falls would also be a benefit for the pedes- trian environment along Bench Street.
At the north end of Bench Street, the issue involves the ways in which people who have missed their destina- tion in downtown get redirected toward downtown again. The introduction of a traffic roundaabout at Bench Street and Highway 16 facilitates traffic redi- rection while it signals the north end of Bench Street and our downtown. It also provides a clear signal of the transi- tion between a highway and our “Main Street,” where cars should be moving more slowly to accommodate vehicles turning from Bench Street, on street parking and pedestrian crossings.
During the Economic Develop- ment Commission’s strategic planning Alternatives for the potential extension of Highway 95, avoiding downtown and Bench Street, effort, a concept was articulated to 2004. Courtesy TH 8 Study Advisory Group.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 44 date the numbers of pedestrians that Trails dramatic landscape immediately within will be in downtown as they begin their downtown and making it accessible to visit to Taylors Falls and Interstate State There is, in Taylors Falls, every the public, and it reclaims a neglected Park. reason to get out of our cars and walk public right-of-way as an important through the community. We can, in piece of our public realm. “Right-sized” Streets just a short distance, experience the drama of the St. Croix River, be a part Recently, discussion has focused One of our priorities has been the of a historic river settlement, and enjoy on the creation of a more comfort- creation of a truly pedestrian-friendly the tranquility of the countryside. able, and potentially more spectacular, environment: a way for people to But we need to better accommodate connection between the two Interstate move about comfortably and safely pedestrians and bicyclists, perhaps by State Parks. An effort to link both sides without their cars. Recognizing that considering the facilities they need to of the river using a more pedestrian- road widths are one of the primary be central pieces of our community’s friendly walkways on the T.H. 8 Bridge determinants of speed, and remember- infrastructure. would provide a pedestrian route that ing that Taylors Falls is best experienced is separate from traffic, with more as a pedestrian, providing roadways that We often see streets and pipes as dramatic views of the river. The idea are “right sized” is critical. We intend the only infrastructure in our commu- has merit not only from the perspective to make every street accommodating nities. We often take these assets for of pedestrian movement and safety: it to pedestrians, but not at the expense granted, never really considering the might be an important complement of adjacent properties. Rights-of-way thought it must have taken to ensure to the newly initiated scenic byway, are already sufficient to accommodate their utility, or the care that must be and ultimately create a more expansive vehicle traffic and pedestrian facili- exercised to ensure their function. We network for walking that truly links ties. For most streets, a five foot walk spend a great deal of time and energy, Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls. on both sides of the street would be perhaps, thinking about pavement for desirable; in downtown, sidewalks with cars and pipes for sewage. Where these It should be noted that the exist- a minimum width of ten feet would be necessary pieces of infrastructure serve ing bridge will not support a walkway desirable. our needs, they don’t really fulfill our positioned underneath. According to spirit. We desire engagement of our MnDOT, a new bridge constructed in Roadway widths in neighborhoods historic and natural resources, and we the next 20 - 40 years would make a should be narrow, with allowances for can’t get it from a car, and we can’t get walkway possible. parking on one side and sufficient lane it from a pipe. So the creation of a width for reasonable traffic movement. network of trails and sidewalks becomes In downtown, streets might also be important, and it allows us to gain that narrow, with eight foot parking lanes connection to nature and our history. on both sides and drive lanes defined It allows us to gain that connection to in accordance with MnDOT’s policies each other that will maintain the spirit for context sensitive design. The intent of our small town. here is not to define street widths, but rather to suggest that the width of Taylors Falls has taken great leaps streets bears directly on the experience in creating safe connections between of our community. In addition, nar- downtown and Interstate State Park. rower streets are less costly to construct, The underpass project, now more than repair, and maintain, consume fewer a decade old, created the first link. The resources, and have lesser impacts on Riverwalk project will extend that link the environment. And they encour- upstream with a connection to River age people to drive at speeds that allow Street. And with that change, build- them to appreciate the character of our ings that currently face Bench Street in town, and make it safer for people to downtown are provided with the very walk. real opportunity to engage the St. Croix River as an amenity and an attraction. Most important, perhaps, it opens Taylors Falls to the River by capturing a
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 45 Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. Historical Falls Taylors Courtesy
Chapter Eight Features
is woven from both the private and The fabric of our community public realms, and while we are striving to shape the ways that individuals treat the landscape as they build for themselves, we recognize our responsibility to shaping a sensitive and healthy public realm. The impressions and activities of residents and visitors are founded in the ways we deal with the spaces we share, so we need to establish directions for those features that will be consistent with the language of this plan of conservation and development.
The changing role of the 1902 Northern Pacific Depot, from an active functioning railroad depot serving the arrival and departure of tourists and immigrants, to the Taylors Falls Memo- rial Community Center, was made possible by a gift from the Northern Pacific Railroad Company to the village of Taylors Falls, has created a two-fold reason to care for this building and the area around it. It is a designated historic site, and that in itself carries an obligation to perpetuate the building. It is also a memorial to five Taylors Falls Taylors Falls Memorial Community Center (former Northern Pacific Depot), 2004. Photograph taken as part of the Community Photograph Survey. servicemen killed in World War II, which carries another layer of com- would meet in Taylors Falls would add the kind of place that it might become, munity identity with it. The building a new layer of function, one that needs the attraction it holds for existing and serves a very tangible purpose as a to honor its history and earlier public new businesses, and the role it plays in meeting and event space, so it needs to designations. our local economy. They also explored be serviceable, functional, and solid. what a public space means, and how It serves our spiritual needs as well: it Downtown has been studied by its evolution must be consistent with recalls our history, it marks our arrival the Economic Development Com- the principles of this plan, even though as a town, and it celebrates the lives of a mission for years. This area is the the EDC’s work preceded this plan by few individuals who represented Taylors economic engine of Taylors Falls, but it several years. Those ideas are shaped by Falls as they served our country. Look- is integrally tied to our building blocks the same notions of conservation and ing to the future, the Strategic Guide of great natural scenic beauty and small development that are the foundation of vision for the depot site and building town historic character—in many ways, this plan, and now, this plan looks to to serve also as a trail hub connect- it lies at the intersection. The EDC the EDC’s work as guiding policy for ing several proposed bicycle trails that considered the evolution of downtown, downtown.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 46 The EDC created concepts for neighborhoods in Taylors Falls to its 1.2 Respect Taylors Falls’ small town the evolution of downtown. While park facilities, and that form connec- historic character and great natural preliminary in nature, they suggest tions for the community as a whole. scenic beauty in the community’s patterns for downtown that are wholly Their plan envisions parks not solely as park and trail facilities consistent with the directions for the recreation features, but also as a means 1.3 Develop parks that serve the full larger community, and they create of celebrating Taylors Falls’ small town range of needs for the community. places for community to occur. historic character and its great natural 1.4 Establish parks as focal points in scenic beauty. The PRC master plan the community. The Park and Recreation Commis- articulates a series of broad goals that 1.5 Establish methods of funding sion is undergoing a master planning align with the tenets of this plan: capital and operations costs of a process of their own. The PRC’s goals complete park system. are long term, and focus on the rec- 1.1. Create a comprehensive direction reation needs of the community. But for the development of parks and The PRC’s plan is included as an they have also framed directions for trails that serve the Taylors Falls appendix to The Plan of Conservation the creation of trails that link various community. and Development.
View of the St. Croix River from the “Underpass” linking downtown Taylors Falls to Interstate State Park, a project constructed with the active support of the Minnesota Department of Trans- portation, 2005. Courtesy C. W. Nelson.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 47 Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. Historical Falls Taylors Courtesy
Chapter Nine Creating Our Common Future
will be a place characterized largely in qualitative Taylors Falls, we believe, terms, not quantitative ones. We want a com- munity that is defined more by our sensibilities than by legislation. So as we explore patterns that promise to help us achieve both conservation and development, we recognize that we must be active in defining the processes we might use to achieve our vision. Many of these methods we already use; some are new. But they all depend upon the active and continuing en- gagement of the people of Taylors Falls. The methods we will use include:
Character zoning a few basalt outcrops. Character within the project. Conservation Most zoning is based on a “num- zoning in the Countryside zone design clustering need not repeat bers” approach specifying a wide calls for retaining these varieties of a built character if separated by a range of maximum and minimum undeveloped space as the organiz- distance that suggests an obviously dimensions pertaining to the lot, ing central amenities in conserva- free-standing neighborhood. But the structure and its positioning: tion design developments, with no clusters more proximate to one “recipes” for quickly determin- less than 40 percent of their total another merit the application of a ing what would be permitted in a buildable site area directed to pres- similar built character to maintain zoning district. But it essentially ervation of these types of spaces. a stronger sense of continuity. establishes a formula, and we know that we cannot achieve our goals In essence, character zoning would through formula. In a character require a developer to demonstrate zoning approach, compatibility the character for the development is defined by what surrounds the and its consistency with Country- development, and attempting side character, and then establish to create a more cohesive overall guidelines for any construction pattern by building upon what already exists.
Character zoning makes sense for areas that are largely developed with a sense of positive charac- ter. The question of character for newly evolving parts of the com- munity remains: What should a new neighborhood in the Coun- tryside zone look like? Existing character is the openness, woods, fields, farmlands, wetlands, and Neighborhood street in Angel Hill, 2004. Photograph taken as part of the Community Photo- graph Survey.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 48 Community meetings points of character of parcels and We have made significant prog- buildings, including features of the ress in defining directions for a land. This becomes an important number of projects in Taylors Falls component of character-based by working together to define zoning, as it signals to a developer projects and directions. We believe that there are key parcels, land it has also helped to more strongly features, and buildings that must define ourselves as a community: a be respected. group of people held together by common vision. As projects are The creation of a parcel character proposed in our community, we inventory for the entire commu- believe that, as a small town, we nity is a significant undertaking. all need to be aware and involved, Modern tools like Geographic and that together we can define the Information Systems allow for very best direction by continuing attributes of individual parcels to to work together. be categorized and mapped, but someone still has to establish the Timing of community meetings baseline character for the parcel. is critical. In many communities, Those parcels that appear most the rules demand that a developer Park and Recreation Commission charrette, likely to evolve from their cur- 2004. prepare a proposal to a very high rent use might be the first to be level of detail, almost to the point proposals are consistent with our photographed and cataloged, along where changes would be resisted. vision, and then demonstrate what with those that contain significant And the review would occur in the project will really look like, character defining features. a very formal setting, usually a in context, from an eye level, and public hearing. from a public space. Full build out representations As developments are proposed, it In Taylors Falls, we favor more Design review committee is important that the community informal reviews occurring in a The process of understanding the understand the full impact of the more informal setting than the character of the built environment proposal. Too often, we see the council chambers, while the plans is difficult, probably just as dif- initial proposal, but fail to recog- are in a more formative stage. We ficult as understanding the impacts nize its larger impacts. In fact, it is prefer the initial reviews to be at a of development and conservation the cumulative impacts of develop- more conceptual level, recognizing on the patterns of our community. ment that concern us most, not that by working with a developer, A body charged specifically with the impacts of a single home or a the proposal can be refined in ways review of the built character of that ensure its fit with our commu- projects (building and site design) nity and its remarkable landscape. will allow for greater consistency with our vision, and will permit “Experience” basis for reviews other elected and appointed of- All too often, we depend upon an ficials to deals with issues beyond extremely limited and unrealistic color, form, and materials that can portrayal of a project when we are often bog the process down. asked to consider its merits. We are asked to base our review on a Parcel character inventory set of architectural or engineering We know that what we have is drawings: a technical review. But special, but the base of knowl- what we really want to understand edge is not consistent, nor is it is how it will feel: how it will fit recorded. As we have defined a Taylors Falls and what it will be plan that relies upon the intrinsic like to walk past it. Prospective character of the land and build- Spring beauties on the second bench, a small developers must prove that their ings of the community, it is worth but critical element of community character, spending time noting the specific 2004. Courtesy C. W. Nelson
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 49 single road. Representations, both graphic and narrative, that allow us to better understand the “big picture” of a proposal will help us define measures that truly conserve those resources and assets that we value as a community.
Commission training requirements We count on our elected and ap- pointed representatives to imple- ment our vision on a day-to-day basis. Some have been engaged in the creation of this plan, but others have not. There will be differing levels of understanding of this plan, and of planning processes Highway 8 approaching Taylors Falls, c. 1930s. Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. and requirements in general. Pro- viding training for those individu- This plan of conservation and community, allowing it to remain als who give their time to shape the development is guided by a vi- at the forefront of our communi- future of their community should sion that has been articulated ty’s evolution. be viewed as an investment: a way and refined through a series of of providing them with the neces- meetings for this plan, as well as sary skills and expertise to function through the processes of several in their duties, and allow them to other community initiatives. It is contribute more fully to the refine- worth reviewing it on an annual ment of our common vision. basis, perhaps at a joint meeting of the City Council and the various Vision statement boards and commissions of our
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 50 Courtesy Taylors Falls Historical Society. Historical Falls Taylors Courtesy
Chapter Ten Partnerships and First Steps
and our commitment is very real. But Our challenge is significant, that may not be enough. Taylors Falls does not exist as an island, so we need to invite others to understand our plan, our vision, and the directions we have framed. We need to get the idea across to others that consistency in regulation and procedure is necessaray for our work to be success- ful. As we move forward, we will advocate for those ideals that are central to our idea of community, of conservation and de- velopment, and living in harmony with the land we share. But as our principles tell us, our path will not rely on the old rules:
Taylors Falls will evolve according to new models in order to effectively deal with the challenges we are facing.
We have demonstrated a great ability to Minnesota Scenic Byway Commis control methods bring our community together to plan. sion Promote reorientation of down- Now we need to share our plan with St. Croix Scenic Byway Corridor town Bench Street businesses and others in the same way: not telling Management Organization adjoining public space toward the people that this is the way things have Lower St. Croix Commission River to be done, but inviting them to share Upper St. Croix Commission in our efforts, to understand what we TH 8 Study Advisory Group (SAG) Highway 95 have in common, and to build a mutu- Southern Chisago County Highway Establishment of alignments for a ally supportive and sustainable future. 8 Task Force potential Highway 95 bypass, to As we move forward, we recognize that Wisconsin State Interstate Park ensure that development does not our partnership is broad, and that it Minnesota Historical Society preclude a logical route for a new holds great potential if we can build Taylors Falls Historical Society road from a common vision. We might Taylors Falls Lion’s Club Control of the land use in the area consider, at the outset, forming real Taylors Falls Women’s Civic Leauge of a potential Highway 95 bypass partnerships with: to prevent arbitrary and intrusive Issues will certainly continue to arise commercial development in the National Park Service as we implement our plan of conserva- Countryside zone Minnesota Department of Natural tion and development. An initial list of Resources priorities includes: Extraterritorial growth Minnesota Department of Trans control of development between portation Development control Taylors Falls and Shafer to encour- Minnesota Interstate State Park Creation of supportive zoning or- age development and conservation Chisago County dinances and development review according to the directions of the City of St. Croix Falls procedures Countryside zone City of Shafer Shafer Township Bench Street Character definition Franconia Township Introduction of short term traffic Creation of a graphic and narrative
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 51 definition of the character that ex- ists in various part of our commu- nity Definition of key elements should be an initial priority, focusing on views and viewsheds worthy of preservation, the natural, cultural or geologic character of significant parcels, and other features that bear directly on the community’s small town historic character and great natural scenic beauty
Cover photograph: View of Taylors Falls from the east, 1869. Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society.
A Plan of Conservation and Development
page 52 Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society. Historical Courtesy Minnesota
Epilogue
will any of this matter? Will the policies A hundred years from now, and actions we advocate in this plan make a difference? What others did more than a hundred years ago to set aside and preserve the Dalles area of the St. Croix shared by the two states and the two communities should give us encouragement. We know that what they did matters greatly to us today, to our qualilty of life, and we thank them for it. We know that what we do today can equally make a difference for our children’s children. And they will thank us for it.
As we worked to assemble this plan, we looked at other places and saw patterns that, if implemented in Taylors Falls, would harm what we have. While other places may not enjoy the great natural or historical assets we have, we don’t see the patterns they are creating as being wholly beneficial for those who choose to live there, as preserving those things that might be really important, or as building a real sense of community. And we believe the tools they have created to guide them are a part of their problem. We have chosen a different path to our future.
People have, for a long time, recognized what we value today. When writing in William J. McNally’s column “More or Less Personal,” author Sinclair Lewis recognized the same things we see today:
I’ve been exploring my native state, and with considerable chagrin over my ignorance, I have, this past six weeks, discovered that much of the renowned beauty of New England, to which I have so long and idiotically been enslaved, is to be found here in Minnesota... But now I have seen, and have fallen as much in love wth Minnesota as ever I did with Vermont or Connecticut. It is hard to choose among them, hard to set them down in order, but I think these are my favorite discoveries: The St. Croix Val- ley, in particular the sensational view as you start to descend, on Route 8, to Taylors Falls...
Years later, in his column “Once Over Lightly” in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Paul Light wrote:
Ray Sevens asked his companion, “What is the prettiest spot in the world?” The response was: “I’ve been an advance man for Ringling Brothers’ Circus for years. Been all over the world and do you know what is the most beautiful spot in the world?” Ray waited in silence. “A little place I once ran into quite by accident,” said the companion. “We were scheduled to appear in the Twin Cities in Minne- sota and on my way back east I crossed over a river call the St. Croix, near a town called Taylors Falls. Gentlemen,” he continued, “that is without doubt the most beautiful spot on earth, bar none.”
It’s not just us. So many people have been able to share this special place, a place that is unique in the ways that the patterns of nature and settlement come together. We have become its stewards, and assume the responsibility of sustaining a sense of balance as we move toward our future, and toward the futures of our children and our children’s children. We have crafted a plan that is our testament to maintaining the integrity of the sense of conservation and development we seek. We have created a new tool to guide our efforts. It’s different…because it has to be.
So, will any of this matter? We believe it has to.
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