PL PACKET 09191995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CHAPTER 2 LAND USE 17 In our automotive age, the shopping habits of most people tend to bolster unified • shopping centers, thus mandating adaptation of the older commercial areas to the needs and desires of their populations. Most commercial enterprises thrive in shopping centers where the automobile can be parked and several buying tasks can be accomplished at a single stop. Strip type developments create traffic problems and increase the potential for land use conflicts. Traffic flow on an arterial street is hampered by multiple entrance points along a commercial strip. Each entry presents a safety problem. Where possible, strip developments which now exist should be redesigned to limit access points to the thoroughfares and provide adequate parking facilities. It is nearly impossible to provide adequate buffering between strip developments and adjacent residential development. Strip commercial tends to have a degenerative effect on the quality and value of the residential area. For these reasons, both strip and spot commercial development should be discouraged. Rezoning of existing spot and strip zones should be carefully evaluated to see if rezoning is warranted. While some strip developments have negative impacts on adjacent development, some are good neighbors. In the latter case, rezoning may only contribute to their deterioration. Spot and strip zones which are not problem areas now should be considered for keeping their present zoning, but should be carefully monitored over time as to the need for possible rezoning in the future. POLICIES: COMi1OERCIAL LAND USES 1. Neighborhood business uses should only be allowed in each area to the extent necessary to support the basic day-today shopping and service needs of the surrounding neighborhood. 2. Limited business uses should be allowed to the extent that such uses are the object of a viable market demand, are of a scale and architectural character consistent with adjacent uses, especially residential, and are effective buffers in protecting residential areas from higher intensity commercial areas. 3. Commercial uses shall be so designed and located to be compatible with adjacent residential areas in terms of scale, aesthetics, traffic, noise, light, hours of operation, and odors. 4. General business uses should be limited to the general locations of Mississippi Street and Silver Lake Road, I-694 and Silver Lake Road, Highway 96 and Old Highway 8, I-694 and 5th Avenue NW, 8th Avenue NW from 4th Street NW to 6th Street NW and County Road D and Highway 8, to limit the possible intrusion of more intensive uses into residential neighborhoods. 5. The commercial area near I-694 and 5th Avenue NW should be redeveloped in a manner compatible with its accessibility and prominence in the City. ..'