08/09/2000 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1.3. PROJECT' DESCRIPTION & DESIGN CONCEPTS These Development Standards provide for the orderly and integrated development of a high - quality Town Center for Lino Lakes, near the junction of Lake Drive and Interstate 35W. The Town Center represents an opportunity to create a place with an active street life and a vibrant and recognizable heart for the Lino Lakes. The Town Center will be a place for citizens to engage in community life and enjoy the small town qualities that make Lino Lakes unique. A mix of shops, offices, entertainment, housing, recreation and community facilities will be brought together to create a preeminent place. Throughout the Town Center, development will emphasize comfortable walking environments. As with classic American towns, tree - lined streets and buildings sited at the sidewalk with frequent entries and windows will create an interesting pedestrian environment. Although most buildings face directly onto streets, major anchor stores can face parking lots, but must be accessible on foot. Figure 2, the Illustrative Plan, shows a vision for the Town Center. This is, as the name suggests, only an illustration of how development could be structured; other configurations are possible as long as they comply with the Land Use and Regulating plans discussed in Chapter 2. Community parks and other attractive gathering spots also play a special role. South of the Interstate, a village green will be a focal point for Lino Lakes, and will be framed by retail shops, a hotel with a restaurant, and a community recreation building. The village green is alse holds potential for a terminus for regional express bus service. A linear park extends north from the village green to a major retail or entertainment destination. North of the Interstate, pedestrian- friendly "main streets" with street - facing shops end in a "grand plaza." Both north and south of the Interstate, the addition of housing to the mix of land uses will ensure that the Town Center sees around- the -clock activity and vitality. Housing also offers important opportunities for seniors and other citizens, who may value locations where conveniences are close at hand and a car is not necessary. The Town Center also affords a unique choice for residents who chose to work from their homes, but want to be a part of and near a "downtown" and have access to commercial services. The Town Center abuts the Chain -of -Lakes Regional Park, offeringunparalleled opportunities for wilderness within blocks of homes and businesses. Within the Town Center, the region's natural and scenic qualities shall be preserved and emulated. Naturalized drainage swales will extend into the village green, other community open spaces, and even parking lots. Building and landscape materials will also convey a regional "sense -of- place." In Chapter 5, Figure 6, the Parks and Open Space Plan shows the framework of parks, open space, wetlands, swales, and other natural features. The location of many of these features is not fixed, but will vary depending on where buildings, parking lots, and other development occurs. The locations shown in Figure 3 correspond to the example shown in the Illustrative Plan, Figure 2. 8 •