Minutes - Parks and Recreation Commission - 06/11/1998

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it shows specific areas that have been identified for future land use. In this concept, large, rural areas and wetlands will be left as they are due to present development patterns. These patterns would result in the creation of many small, clustered lots. The Metropolitan Council has agreed to the development of these areas, and desires the building of one unit per ten acres. The Hoisington Koegler Group suggests the building of one unit per five acres, which accomplishes the preservation of abundant natural resources in the area. He then reviewed the map entitled "Urbanized Areas," and divided it into three categories: Mixed, High Density, and Transitional. Mr. Scheib stated the "Mixed" category contains high, medium, and low density, with mostly medium and low density, such as seven units per acre or less. Keeping this situation as it exists now is the preferred plan. Performance criteria may need to be set up so as to direct the development - ensuring the medium and low-density areas are not developed further, and placing high density housing only in suitable areas. Suitable areas would include those close to transportation, park and recreation facilities, and employment centers. These areas would be found near the freeway and present employment centers. Mr. Scheib added that this "Mixed" area could accommodate an additional 2,500-2,700 households, which would result in a total population of 31,000 by the year 2020. He stated that development could be staged, through the use of policies, to occur in certain places at certain times, which would allow community control and has been successful in other cities. Mr. Scheib then discussed the "High" category, which consists of high-density, multi-family housing. In this area, Mr. Scheib stated, there is a need for more alternative housing styles, especially those for senior citizens. These homes need to be placed near parks, transportation, and shopping centers. He continued with the "Transition" category, which has not yet been completely defined. Building in these areas, however, does mean altering rural spaces into developed housing. While the housing density can be increased, the traffic situation will not change so as to match the housing. "Transition" areas could, therefore, accommodate residences and perhaps some businesses. Mr. Scheib then handed out maps and described areas on the maps depicted as "Places to Shop," "Places to Work," "Major Roadways," the "Greenway Corridor," and the "Mississippi River Corridor." "Places to Shop" are areas shown as strips which will continue to be developed. These strips may be broken up, however, so as to not cause access problems to Highway 10. An idea has been to create a town center shopping area, which could contain both commercial/retail and service businesses. While many people have asked for more retail shopping, development of this type will depend on the future fiver bridge crossings. This issue will be determined at a later date. "Places to Work" are presently zoned as industrial, and could be broken up into either "heavy" or "light" industrial areas. This type of diversification and its potential benefits will be determined later as well. Park and Recreation Commission/June 11, 1998 Page 3 of 11