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A2011 -12b Staff Report August 3, 2011 Page 7 of 9 Land Use Plan The Comprehensive Plan lays out general criteria to consider when designating land use. When creating zoning ordinances, this criterion is considered as a base, and the zoning ordinance typically regulates density, uses, etc. further. The Low Density Residential category is designed to allow for single family uses on lots a minimum of 10,000 square feet. Generally these areas are zoned R-1 Single Family Residential. However in this instance the zoning ordinance requires single family lots a minimum of 15,000 square feet. In contrast, the Medium Density Residential category encourages single-family homes at higher densities, but also allows for attached housing units in the form of twin homes or townhomes. The following are the guidelines and criteria for development within medium -density residential areas: • Five to ten units/acre • Type of dwellings allowed are single-family, detached dwellings, and attached housing in the form of twin homes and townhomes. • Must abut and have reasonably direct access to intermediate arterials, minor arterials and collectors; should be located near large areas of permanent public open space (community parks, schools, etc.); near neighborhood shopping and service facilities. The land use section of the comprehensive plan also outlines four goals to consider when reviewing land use. One of those goals is to encourage a land use balance, a mix of housing opportunities, and life cycle housing. The city of Anoka's housing stock ranges in both value and design. Much of the housing stock is affordable for first time homebuyers, but there is a lack of new housing in the $250,000+ range. The vision of the Planning Commission is that if townhomes were developed on the eastern portion, the development would be similar to style and densities to Riverspointe, a successful development near the Rum River south of downtown. This type of housing product fits into the $250,000+ range of housing. Another goal is to evaluate future use of City owned lands by periodically updating the City Council on City owned land that is underutilized and could be used for future economic development where appropriate. Economic Development There are two goals and implementation steps in the economic development section that relate to the development of vacant, city owned land to increase tax base and also investment specifically in this property They are: