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

Home Search

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. A Community park and other attractive gathering spots also play a special role. A village green will be a focal point for Lino Lakes, and will be framed by retail shops,.and multi-story housing.. 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, offering unparalleled 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. Building and landscape materials will also convey a regional "sense -of- place." The Regulating Plan (Fig. 4) 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. 1.4. ORGANIZATION The Design and Development Standards are organized by the following categories. Commercial District (Red) Allow a range of retail, office, and other commercial uses, within an environment that is highly oriented to the pedestrian. Mixed Use District (Orange) A range of first-floor retail, office and other commercial uses are required, within an environment that is highly oriented to the pedestrian. Upper -story residential uses are also permitted. Civic District (Blue) Allow community facilities such as libraries, City Hall, and community recreation such as YMCAs. Residential District (Yellow) Housing. Allow a variety of townhome units, as long as parameters for density, design and common open space are met. Ground Floor Retail or Office Space. In the residential subdistrict (Residential -X) , ground floor retail or office space is also encouraged, to enliven streets adjacent to parks and provide transition zones between the Residential District and other Districts. Commons. A minimum area of publicly- accessible commons (parks or other community recreation areas) is also required in the Residential District, including Residential -X;. the location and design are flexible. 9