6.1. SR 11-17-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to the Mayor and City Council/Comprehensive Plan November 17, 2003 Page 2 third, include the gravel mining district, the rural residential area east of the current district, and property currently under Cargill ownership. Areas for High Density Residential - The proposed plan identifies the area in the vicinity of 175t~ Avenue and Twin Lakes Road as being high density residential. This would allow, with the appropriate zoning, construction of multi-family (apartment) units. This is the only opportunity the City has for the identification of lands potentially suitable for this type of housing style. Short of redeveloping areas within the core village area, there are no opportunities to provide for multi-family housing. Additional Commercial Land - The issue has been raised as to the need for additional commercial development opportunities. As the Commission is aware, there is an oppommity along East Highway 10 to designate additional commercial land, however, given the current market and staff conversations with commercial developers, it is unlikely that commercial developers will want to look elsewhere other than the Highway 169/101 corridor. Also, the Ramsey Town Center may adversely affect commercial sites along the East Highway 10 corridor in Elk River. Planning Commission Action At the Planning Commission meeting, there were several residents and task force members in the audience, however, only two people spoke to the issue. Mr. Bayless, resident on 213~h Avenue spoke regarding the preservation of the 10-acre lot minimum north of County Road 33. He felt that this helped preserve a unique identity for Elk River and would help reduce population growth. Mr. Lundberg, representing the River's Edge Business Association and a member of the Heritage Preservation Commission, spoke regarding specific language changes that should be incorporated into the Old Town description and initiative. His suggested changes are attached. The Commission's discussion centered around transportation as a key element to making the plan work, the need for additional commercial land uses along Highway 169, and the expansion of the Urban Service District. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt the plan as presented with Mr. Lundberg's suggestions incorporated into the plan. They did, however, want to see redevelopment as an option in the Old Town District. Recommendation Once the public hearing has been closed, staff recommends that the City Council take one of the following actions regarding the Comprehensive Plan: 1. Approve the Plan as presented. 2. Approve the Plan with amendments to be included prior to publication and distribution. 3. Table the Plan until December in order to review the amendments prior to publication and distribution. S:\PLANNING\Comp Plan\ll 17 cc memo. doc