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COLUMN:Missing Middle Housing Bills are missing the mark I Free I... https://www.hometownsource.com/press and news/free/column-missi... <br /> https://www.hometownsou rce.com/press_a nd_news/free%ol u m n-missing-middle-housing-bi 1Is- <br /> a re-m issi ng-the-mark/article_75ed bd7a-ec6e-11ee-a955-b7e938150a0b.htm <br /> COLUMN: Missing Middle Housing Bills are missing the <br /> mark <br /> By Keith Wettschreck Guest Columnist <br /> Mar 27,2024 <br /> The State Legislature is set to consider several bills this month to address the <br /> housing shortage in Minnesota. Known as the Missing Middle Housing Sills, they <br /> are meant to clear a path for more affordable and attainable housing options <br /> throughout the state. <br /> While everyone can agree that addressing these housing issues is vital, the <br /> proposed Missing Middle Housing legislation is missing the mark — and the <br /> outcome may have long-lasting impacts to St. Michael neighborhoods. The <br /> proposed bills (HF 4009/HF 4010 and SF 3964/SF 3980/SF 1310/SF 3303/SF 1370) <br /> do not consider how cities utilize zoning and land use to ensure appropriately <br /> sized infrastructure (streets/traffic and underground water and sewer) to support <br /> new housing density. <br /> For decades, cities like St. Michael have planned for growth and infrastructure <br /> according to our comprehensive plan. The addition of duplex, triplex, or fourplex <br /> dwelling units on any residential lot by right will increase the demand for sewer, <br /> water, stormwater, and road capacity beyond what was planned. And, there is not <br /> a clear answer on who will pay for the upsizing of infrastructure - existing <br /> taxpayers? <br /> The proposed bills do very little, if anything, to create homeownership <br /> opportunities. In fact, they may work against it. <br /> 1 of 3 4/2/2024, 1:07 PM <br />