West Industrial Park Master Plan

This is an exciting time of growth as the City of Aurora gears up for the development of the West Industrial Park. Our community is worth investing in and your feedback is essential for helping to shape the future of this area.

The first step in this process is to create a master plan, detailing the vision and layout of infrastructure. We are seeking your input on the design to identify issues, build consensus, and create a broadly supported plan for the development of city-owned land on the west side of the city. Your feedback will be used to determine a final master plan concept that reflects the current and future needs of the community.

This project is made possible, in part, by funding from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB).

"We are excited to partner with the City of Aurora to develop this property and attract living-wage jobs to the community."

The City of Aurora is hosting a West Industrial Park Road Naming Contest! To enter a submission,  visit the survey .

• Submissions are limited to no more than 20 characters.

• Submissions that include profanity or other inappropriate language will not be considered.

• Politically inspired names (including phrases, slogans or plays on politicians' names) will not be considered.

• Names or words protected by copyright or trademark will not be considered.

• If multiple people submit the same name, the person who submits the name first will be credited.

• City of Aurora employees and family members are excluded from participating in the contest.

• Unless stated otherwise, by submitting your entry, you agree to allow the City of Aurora to use your submitted entry in a public and official capacity.

• Name(s) of the winning participant(s) will be shared in a news release, on the city’s website, social media and other communications channels.

• If your Street name is selected as the winner, you will be notified by phone or email.

• Winner(s) may be present at the Council meeting where the winner’s Street Names shall be adopted. The City Council may request photos, and/or other publicity to recognize the new Street Names.

Thank you for attending our open house and for sharing your thoughts in the survey. We had 57 survey respondents and the results focused on three key areas.

People agree that the city should diversify the types of businesses in the area – and even more so, that these businesses should provide jobs for recent grads and young adults. Top three types of businesses that people would like to see more of include local businesses, industrial, and outdoor recreation.

• Biking and walking are common activities, with 57% of respondents answering “every few weeks” or “almost ever day”.
• At existing parks and trails, people expressed a need for trash receptacles, dog areas/pet waste bags, restrooms, and crosswalks/ trails/sidewalks (maintenance, additional connectivity).
• For a potential future trail head, desired amenities include water fountains, restrooms, repair/wash station with air pumps, tables/rest area, and maps/signage.

More than 75% of people do not think there is an adequate supply of quality housing choices for people of all ages and incomes. Top responses for types of housing needed include incentives or resources to maintain existing housing, senior housing, and townhomes.

The project team is reviewing everything learned through public engagement and will be presenting findings to the City Council to determine next steps.

For more information or questions regarding this project please contact:

• Sarah Swedburg, Planner, at sarah.swedburg@bolton-menk.com
• Josh Stier, Principal Engineer, at joshua.stier@bolton-menk.com
• Lucas Heikkila, City Administrator, at cityclerk@ci.aurora.mn.us

The Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation is located in Eveleth, Minnesota, and invests in resources to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in northeastern Minnesota by enhancing livable communities, maximizing collaborations and partnerships and strengthen businesses and worker education.