Anoka Co Thoroughfare Plan - Laserfiche WebLink

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Of major importance to Anoka County, then, within the framework of the Development Guide, is the Northtown Shopping Center. This shopping center can presently be adequately served by existing highway facili- ties. To create a major diversified center as envisioned by the Guide, however, additional highway facilities must be developed to enhance the accessibility of the site and peripheral area. The proposed Northtown highway, as illustrated in Figure 7, could provide this required increased accessibility. In terms of land availability, anticipated development, and population distribution, the elements required to create a major center all appear to exist at this location. Advantages ~f Developing a Major Diversified Center in the Area of the Northtown Site The trade area which will support this shopping center will probably not have the capability of supporting another re- gional shopping center for an extended period of time. There- fore, it will be difficult to develop another major shopping center. 2. Present accessibility to the site, while not extremely good, is adequate. Because of the southerly location within the County, the possibility of the Center being served by transit is enhanced. Disadvantages ~f Developing a Major Diversified Center in the Area pf the Northtown Site 1. The area is presently developing, although not necessarily as the Guide envisions. 2. The area is in a major transportation center; therefore, in- creased land accessibility is difficult to provide. The center is not centrally located geographically in the County. This area will probably urbanize regardless of County policies. There are other areas in the County which could serve as a major center if policies could be adopted to encourage the development. l l I I I I I I I I I I l 22