Left is an old sketch plan the University of Minnesota developed for UMore Park. Editor's note: This is just an example of what could be developed at UMore Park. The first actual concept scenarios will be presented at community forums June 19 and 23 at the Rosemount Community Center. Visit www.umorepark.umn.edu to learn more.
by Jessica Harper
Thisweek Newspapers
Rosemount residents will have an opportunity in June to see details of
what the University of Minnesota envisions for the development of its
Outreach, Research and Education (UMore) Park.
Community meetings will be held at 5:30 p.m. June 19 and 23 at the Rosemount Community Center where residents will be able to comment on several concept scenarios of what the property may look like over the next 25 to 30 years.
“This is an opportunity to present the vision and then try to engage the public,” said Charles Muscoplat, University of Minnesota vice president of statewide strategic resources.
Vision
The university’s goal is to create an innovative, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient community that will feature residential, retail, industrial, office space, community space and public parks, he said.
How that development may look will be presented at the meeting.
Plans for the jointly managed 2,822-acre natural area to the south, called Vermillion Highlands, will also be on display.
Those who want to attend should RSVP at www.umorepark.umn.edu or call (612) 626-3976.
Impacts
The 5,000-acre park is used for agricultural research, but plans were approved by the Board of Regents in 2006 to create a community of about 20,000 to 30,000 people on the property, which would double Rosemount’s current population.
“Of course, this will impact public services in Rosemount, but there will be positive impacts as well, like jobs at a very large economic value to the region,” Muscoplat said.
A study called an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) will be conducted this fall to determine how this influx of people would impact water, sewer, transportation and public education needs in the area, he said.
The city of Rosemount’s current 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes plans that will address system expansions (such as water and sewer) to compensate these needs,” interim city administrator Kim Lindquist said.
The city will eventually amend its plan prior to development to address other public needs as well, she said.
One study by Dakota County is under way to examine potential mass transit opportunities on Robert Trail from St. Paul to UMore Park, Lindquist said.
Muscoplat pointed out that the development is still in its planning stages.
First, the areawide review, an environmental impact statement, environmental cleanup and gravel excavation must be completed.
The university plans to award a contract for the impact study in mid-June, Muscoplat said.
The UMore Park and Vermillion Highland area was once home to the gopher Ordnance Works, a smokeless gunpowder facility operated by the federal government during World War II.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is assessing the properties for potential contamination and is expected to finish its report in June.
Construction will likely begin four to five years from now, Muscoplat said.
Muscoplat said the university’s real estate advisors have predicted that the market should pick up by then.
If not, he said, the project may be delayed, adding that the university is in no hurry.
“We will not be forced to sell or develop this,” he said. “In the meantime, we’ll be patient and good stewards.”
Prior to actual construction, the land will continue to be used for agricultural research.
Muscoplat pointed out that the project is expected to take between 25 and 30 years, leaving time for the economy to recover.
“There will likely be many cycles of the market during that time,” he said.
One purpose of the development is to provide a real-world model for geology, architecture, engineering and park management students to study,” Muscoplat said.
The university will cover planning costs estimated between $5 million and $6 million, which it expects to recoup through selling mined gravel at the site.
Developers, which will be selected in a bidding process, will cover costs of development, he said.
Money earned through the project will go toward scholarships, research and educational programs at the university, he said.
Highlands
Vermillion Highlands, a 2,822-acre research, recreation and wildlife management area south of UMore Park, is jointly owned by the U of M and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with Dakota County.
As part of an agreement reached in 2007, the property will remain undeveloped for university research, hiking, cross country skiing, horseback riding and bird watching.
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Left is an old sketch plan the University of Minnesota developed for UMore Park. 
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