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Dear Chanhassen Residents,
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! As you will see in the update, we are busy with numerous projects and look forward to your feedback and involvement.
Quick Highlights
- Deer Management: Thank you to the many residents who reached out over concerns regarding the increased number of deer in our community. As shared, the city is connecting with the DNR to understand what is involved with deer management. The City Council will be reviewing on Monday, March 20. I will follow-up with an update.
- I have been back at the Capitol this week for two different committee hearings. One in the Senate regarding our Local Option Sales Tax for the proposed sports complex; the other in the House for a sales tax exemption on materials for the Civic Campus.
- Attended the first of three morning Rotary of Chanhassen discussions regarding the housing and food challenges that exist in our communities today.
- Highway 5 Renaming: I have received questions about the potential renaming of a section of Highway 5 in Chanhassen to Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway. The city does not have jurisdiction over the road name. Please contact your legislators with feedback or questions.
Downtown Civic Campus
The City of Chanhassen is embarking on a project to revitalize our downtown Civic Campus.
- The project is comprised of a new City Hall, Council Chambers, Senior Center, and destination park amenities.
- Our current City Hall and Senior Center was built in 1981 and through the facilities study significant deferred maintenance needs were identified.
- The goal of the Civic Campus is to invigorate Chanhassen's downtown and provide community gathering spaces and numerous amenities that residents have long expressed interest in.
- The concept plan shows pickleball courts, a new skate park, a splash pad, a playground, a performance space, room for the Farmers Market, conveniently located parking, a heated sidewalk to facilitate safe movement between the Senior Center and Library, and more. A central park building with public restrooms is also proposed.
- There will be many public input and feedback opportunities to help shape this project. An open house including tours of City Hall and the Senior Center will be held on Thursday, April 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A listening session with the City Council will follow at 7:00 p.m.
- Sign up to receive project updates here.
Chanhassen Bluffs Sports Complex
(Note the name change. While this will not be the final name, we have amended the name from Avienda Recreational Facility to avoid any confusion with the current Rec Center as well as with the private development of Avienda Village.)
A public-private partnership has the potential to bring a new recreational facility to Chanhassen and add additional park amenities desired by residents to our community.
- Located at Powers Boulevard and Highway 212.
- The proposed amenities are: two sheets of ice, with room to add a third sheet in the future; indoor walking track; field house with turf, fitness, pickleball, indoor play space for young children & families, and community room spaces.
- A privately operated restaurant connected to the facility.
- Many steps must be accomplished for this project to become a reality. The city’s $40 million investment is proposed to be paid through a 0.5% local sales tax. Analysis by the University of Minnesota showed that regional visitors to Chanhassen would pay 45% of a local sales tax, sharing the cost of the facility beyond our residents.
- The city is seeking permission from the Minnesota Legislature to take this project to a voter referendum in November 2023.
- Sign up to receive project updates here.
Please stay engaged and reach out with any questions – eryan@chanhassenmn.gov.
Warmest Regards,
Elise
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