PRSR 04-09-2003 ATTACHMENTS - Laserfiche WebLink

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Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 • South of Highway 10 in west Elk River. High Density Housing is compatible with the civic and industrial character of this location. The location is supported by good street systems and existing park facilities. • At appropriate location in the "Old Town" area of Elk River. This type of housing is being considered as part of the Downtown redevelopment efforts and helps support a vital downtown. High Density Residential Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the High Density Residential area: • Provide opportunity for the development of private property in a manner that fits with the needs and objectives of the community. • Provide a variety of housing opportunities. • Provide housing that meets the age, income and life style needs of Elk River residents. • Provide housing needed to support community objectives for job creation and economic development. • Create strong, safe and sustainable residential neighborhoods. • Remove barriers to housing affordability. • Make efficient and cost-effective use of public investments in sanitary sewer, water, stormwater, electric and street systems. • Guide development to create a positive character and identity of Elk River. Proposed High Density Residential Land Use Description The housing option is an important element of providing an adequate mix of housing options. Most senior housing falls into the high density category. The High Density use often provides a rental housing alternative that is missing from other areas. With smaller unit sizes, high density housing is more affordable than many other housing options in Elk River. A higher density housing option is often a necessary element of community redevelopment efforts. Redevelopment sites often carry higher acquisition and site preparation costs. Additional density provides the private and public income needed to make redevelopment financially feasible. High density housing also plays a role in meeting the economic development objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. A good mixture of housing styles, tenure and costs helps to meet workforce objectives of employers and provide a stronger market for commercial development. The High Density Housing areas seek: • Local streets with the design and capacity to accommodate the additional traffic. • Access to transit. • Access to employment. • Access to retail and other services. • Access to public park facilities • Compatibility with adjacent land uses. 8