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A2011 -12b Staff Report <br />August 3, 2011 <br />Page 9 of 9 <br />• Provide a balance of various housing types to serve "life cycle" housing needs in the <br />City. <br />Transportation <br />As stated earlier, the property is located adjacent to CSAH 116. A road easement was also <br />provided for in the conservation easement to allow access from 6th Avenue. This easement is <br />shown on the survey map that is provided. Initially when development for this area was <br />discussed, it was assumed that this area would only have access from 6th Avenue. However, in <br />the past year the city and Anoka County have been in discussion about the potential of a full, <br />signalized access point from CSAH 116 that would provide access to this area, but also the area <br />east of the library. This access point and road connection is shown on the "potential access road" <br />map. The city commissioned a traffic study to determine whether an intersection at this location <br />would meet warrants for full signalization. The study showed that if development were to occur <br />north of CSAH 116, the intersection would meet warrants for a signal. Anoka County will be <br />upgrading the intersection at CSAH 116 and 7th Avenue in 2012. A new intersection from <br />CSAH 116 to serve any development north would not be part of this project and would not occur <br />until development occurs. This additional access should alleviate traffic on 6th Avenue that may <br />be created as a result of development. Based on the proposed improvements to the transportation <br />system in the area, staff believes sufficient transportation service will be maintained. <br />Parks and Recreation <br />This property has always been vacant. This property has not been designated or recognized as <br />park area in the Park and Recreation section. The property is adjacent to the Anoka Nature <br />Preserve which is different than a typical city park because of its various protections. Any new <br />development will be encouraged to have interior trails and connections that will serve residents <br />of the development but also potentially residents in the community by making connections to <br />Anoka Nature Preserve. <br />COMMISSION ACTION <br />The Planning Commission can recommend approval of the application, denial or the application, <br />or postpone the decision to allow for more information to be obtained. <br />Erik J. Thorvig <br />City Planner/Economic <br />Development Coordinator <br />