01/28/2004 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. PURPOSE The purpose of the Lino Lakes Town Center District is to provide for the orderly and integrated development of a high- quality Town Center which includes a mix of shops, offices, entertainment, housing, recreation, community facilities, and open space. The Town Center is intended to offer citizens a place to enjoy an active street life, community activities, and small town downtown qualities. The Town Center standards are the regulating zoning standards for the Town Center District. Other standards in the zoning ordinance or other regulatory controls notwithstanding, where there is conflict between the Town Center standards and specific elements of the other City ordinances or regulations, the Town Center standards shall prevail. Where there is no conflict and when the Town Center standards do not address a specific instance, other City standards shall apply. In the Design and Development Guide, the words "shall" or "must" specifies mandatory `-- requirements. The word "should" is suggestive and describes what is preferred. 1.2. CONTEXT The Lino Lakes Town Center site is situated near the northeastern edge of the Twin Cities' rapid urbanization area. As a "gateway" to the region and a crossroads of both the urban and rural, the Town Center area gains its identity from rural lands, while looking toward regional job centers for its citizens' livelihood. The Development Standards seek to combine the best aspects of a small town downtown with strong visual and ecological connections to the natural environment. Within Lino Lakes, the Town Center will meet a long- sought desire to create a true center for this maturing community. With good regional access and visibility, the Town Center's location at the Lake Drive and Interstate 35W interchange can harness the market forces needed to create a true downtown, one in which a range of retail, entertainment and cultural needs can be met. See Figure 1, the Context Map. Interchange improvements are planned. Abutting the Town Center, Lake Drive will be a 4 -lane highway and narrow quickly to its existing rural highway cross- section. Pedestrian connections to the Town Center will extend from surrounding uses, including office and commercial uses west of Lake Drive, residential neighborhoods to the south , and the Rice Creek Chain -of -Lakes Regional Park Preserve. 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.