Agenda Packets - 2013/02/04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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choose one of the two grant categories for each project submitted. The Local Housing Incentive Account (LHIA) helps expand lifecycle and affordable rental and ownership housing development and preservation in the region. Grants awarded from this account must be matched on a 1:1 ratio by the recipient community with local dollars for affordable housing activities, and may be used for costs associated with projects that help municipalities meet their negotiated LCA housing goals. This program is conducted in coordination with Minnesota Housing Farther information can be found at http://www.metrocouncil.org. Objective: To provide the community with housing that is in close proximity to office, commercial, and civic spaces. Strategy: Developing mixed-use buildings that would include residential, office, commercial, and civic uses would reduce energy use and increase cost -efficiency. Implementing mixed use housing in St. Anthony Village by 2030 would have many positive effects upon the community for residents of all ages. Socially, developing multi -unit housing would allow for citizens to become even more engaged with one another and would allow for increased diversity within the city. Economically, this would be a much more affordable option for young couples who are looking for housing within the area prior to investing in a first home. Multi -unit housing is also a great fit for single people, young families, and for senior citizens. The 2008 St. Anthony Village Comprehensive Plan states that "38 percent of the population is above 64 years old," and to have amenities within walking distance would be very convenient for this particular population. The compact, efficient land use would offer an excellent opportunity for short commutes to work and convenience shopping. Walking, biking, and short trips all would benefit individual lifestyles and reduce traffic congestion and energy consumption for transportation. Overall, the city of St. Anthony Village would reap the benefits of developing multi -unit housing because of wider variety of housing options and the range of rent costs that would allow for greater flexibility beyond the typical single homes that make up most of St. Anthony presently. By maintaining and redeveloping existing infrastructure through implementing Accessory Dwelling Units, renovating houses built during the 1950's to the 1970's with efficient materials and appliances, taking advantage of home energy audits in both homes and in the workplace, by providing builders with incentives for doing affordable housing projects, applying for grants that would benefit the community as a whole, and by developing mixed -used buildings, the city of St. Anthony Village could be a thriving community that prides itself on providing its residents of all ages with sustainable and affordable housing options. Future Progress • Establish home energy audits and renovations to implement energy efficient appliances • Increase the number of affordable house units • Increase the amount and quality of mixed-use building in St. Anthony so that housing is close in proximity to office, commercial and civic spaces . am th tJ ' 20 t la