5.4. SR 01-27-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River - Because of its obligations regarding approvals for the project, the City of Elk River will not be directly involved. However, the City of Elk River is one of the founding members of Energy City and is very active in its efforts. In addition, city landfill abatement funds will likely be used for thos~ portions of this project that involve solid waste issues and city staffwill be used to help coordinate various aspects. Elk River Area School District - The project partners have been working with the Elk River Area School District (ISD #728) regarding a demonstration school in the neighborhood. ISD #728 has been selected as the pilot district for the Mirmesota Sustainable Schools Project and has already demonstrated considerable expertise in sustainable design in their recent projects. Local Lending Institutions - Local banks will be brought into the project early on regarding energy efficient mortgages, etc. Environmental Issues Energy Saving and Clean Energy Issues - In regards to land use planning, energy issues are seldom given consideration. This is a major omission, since every aspect of life has an energy component a. nd the production and consumption of energy is the number one source of manmade poIlul)on worldwide. Examples of energy related innovative techniques and products tha, will be considered in the project include: pedestrian oriented design (neighborhood commercial, elementary SChool, and churches; virtual commuting; office condominiums; etc.), buying energy efficient appliances in bulk to reduce costs, innovative street and house design to reduce hard surfacing, house orientation to take advantage of passive solar energy, multi-lot use of geothermal energy, photovoltaic street lights, L.E.D. stop lights, neighborhood ride share, required off-peak energy appliances and Energy Star rated home construction. Some examples of other environmental issues that will be considered include: green building design, use of recycled construction materials, reuse of storm run-off for watering, non-point pollution control, organize refuse and recycling service that includes organic curbside collection pilot program, and mandatory construction debris recycling. Economic Issues Like many fast growing communities near the metropolitan area, land prices in Elk River are rapidly escalating. The average cost for a lot with urban services in Elk River is approximately $70,000, which is roughly a 100% increase in the last five years. This has put home ownership out of the reach of many. The plat will contain design features that lower the cost of lots. In addition, the plan will focus on housing that is not only affordable to purchase, but also to maintain. Further, great savings in transportation cost can be realized by providing affordable housing in close proximity to where people work, shop and recreate. The project site is also within easy access of MnDOT's commuter bus service and the proposed North Star Corridor commuter rail station in Elk River, which will further reduce transportation cost in the future. Social Issues The neighborhood will be a mix of residential housing (senior housing, single family homes, townhouses and apartments), commercial uses and institutional uses. The project will attempt to create a secure positive environment for all age groups (life. cycle housing) by providing ample green space and recreational opportunities within the neighborhood. The pedestrian oriented layout of the project will help to instill sense of community and knowing your neighbor. Basic shopping needs and work opportunities will also be accommodated in the neighborhood without the need to drive. Summary Benefits - The project is being proposed in a rapidly growing community that is easily accessible from the Twin Cities and it is of a magnitude that will make it extremely useful as a demonstration to other communities of the following: the concepts of smart growth, sustainable design and green buildings, that affordable housing does not preclude sound environmental or socially friendly choices, the economic viability of energy efficient and renewable energy technologies, products & services, and the potential in private and public entities collaborating to achieve a goal. Measurement of success - Besides specific statistical data such as energy savings and housing costs, the true measurement of the success of this project will be its concepts repeated in other communities. With the expertise of the project's partners and both the Greater Minnesota' Housing Fund and Energy City showcasing it, the use of the model in other cormnunities seems almost a certainty.