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

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Open Space District Open Space District includes parks and natural resource areas. They create a hierarchy of open space within the project area, ranging from a formal park or green to undisturbed landscape and habitat areas. Further discussion and schematic design for parks are in Chapter 5, in the section on Open Space Districts: Parks and Natural Resource Areas. Parks. Linear parks are planned in the median of the major streets in the Town Center. Another small park occurs in the center of the traffic circle in this area. A larger, triangular park is planned adjacent to the Mixed -Use District. Natural Resource Areas. A natural resource area adjacent to the regional park is a valuable habitat area which will be protected in its natural state to safeguard ecological processes and wildlife. It contributes to a greenbelt of native landscape along the perimeter of the site. 1.5. GOALS These Development Standards support the following goals: Economic Development • Create a setting that supports the long -term viability of the Town Center. • Optimize job growth, residential opportunities, and tax revenue for the City of Lino Lakes through the creation of an integrated and balanced project. Land Use • Concentrate development at intensities that bring within walking distance the diverse activities that comprise an active downtown or town center. • Provide a complementary mix of land uses, including retail, entertainment, civic facilities, employment, housing, and community open space. • Integrate community - serving open spaces and amenities throughout the Town Center, and make connections to the Chain -of -Lakes Regional Park. • Encourage diverse housing opportunities within the Town Center. Community Design & Architecture • Site and design buildings and landscaping for convenient walking distances, enhanced pedestrian routes, and human comfort and safety. • Avoid pedestrian routes dominated by parking lots or blank walls. • Encourage architectural diversity. Emulate Minnesota's architectural traditions and scenic beauty. • Encourage energy conservation through architectural features, such as shading devices, natural ventilation, and interior daylighting. • Maintain high standards of quality in the construction of building and site features. • Respect adjacent residential neighborhood and emphasize compatibility through design. Infrastructure • Provide streets that create comfortable walking environments while also allowing safe vehicular movement. • Establish a network of interconnected local streets throughout the Town Center and extend pedestrian connections to surrounding areas. 10