12/21/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES December 21, 1998 development projects. A letter from the Metropolitan Council states that the City will have the opportunity to adjust the goals as time goes on and better data is available. Council Member Lyden excused himself at 7:25 p.m. Mr. Smyser recapped and summarize the program. The Livable Communities Act was passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 1995. The law provides funding to promote the purposes of the act, which includes cleaning up polluted land, creating examples of compact, efficient development, and providing diverse housing options. The Act describes how these funds are to be managed by the Metropolitan Council. In order to be eligible for funding, a city must participate in the Livable Communities Program and must confirm participation annually. The City also must agree to work toward promoting a greater variety of housing. To provide some sort of indication of progress, the City is required to set long-range goals including housing affordability, life cycle housing, and development density. The goals relate to new housing units to be built in the city. As a result of Lino Lakes previous participation in the Livable Communities program, the City received a $220,000 grant for The Village. This funding, and future potential funding through this and other programs, is contingent upon continued participation in the program. In addition, continued participation in the Livable Communities Program allows the City to continue current planning efforts in The Village and the larger Town Center area. Mr. Smyser explained this is a major economic development initiative in the City. Staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 98 - 174 and Resolution No. 98 - 175. Mr. Smyser was asked about the goals in the draft Comprehensive Plan which were prepared a year ago. He explained that those goals will be updated and included in the Plan with a cover letter. The new goals are based on market conditions and are more realistic. It was noted that the 2010 population projection is based on 2.3 units per acre. Mr. Smyser explained that this does not include acres that are put into permanent preservation. Only acres that can be developed are counted. Council Member Neal explained his concern regarding low income rental units. He was told the rental goals are 32 new affordable units by the year 2010. However, affordability does not mean low income. Council Member Neal stated he wanted the goals to be outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. He asked about if the Tagg property was proposed for townhouses and apartments. He was told that approximate area is planned for higher density housing as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Council Member Neal stated he needed several things documented and in writing this evening. Ms. Wyland and Mr. Wessel reviewed his questions and Mr. Smyser documented the information. 6