PC PACKET 01.12.23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

3 Oneka Commons Sketch Plan 2023 3. Variations to the strict application of the land use regulations in this chapter in order to improve site design and operation, while at the same time incorporating design elements (e.g., construction materials, landscaping, lighting, open space, etc.) that exceed the City's standards to offset the effect of any variations. 4. A more creative and efficient approach to land use within the city, while at the same time protecting and promoting the health, safety, comfort, aesthetics, economic viability, and general welfare of the City. 5. Preservation and enhancement of natural features and open spaces, including but not limited to the width expansion of greenway corridors, conservation of wooded areas, development of buffer areas, reduction of impervious surface, and utilization of joint facilities and utilities. 6. Maintenance or improvement for the efficiency of public streets and utilities. 7. Establishment of appropriate transitions between differing land uses. Compliance with City Code, Comprehensive Plan, and Downtown Design Guidelines The areas that are guided mixed-use are within the boundaries of the downtown plan and are subject to the downtown design guidelines. The areas that are guided mixed-use are in highly visible areas of the City and, consequently, development in these areas will be expected to provide a higher level of site design and architectural design than other areas of the City. Typically, mixed-use development includes a combination of retail, office, cultural, or entertainment uses with the ability to integrate higher density residential uses as part of an overall master planned development. Downtown Design Guidelines should be met by the development. The intent of the guidelines is to provide a baseline for quality in order to revitalize and expand the downtown business district. The downtown plan shows a mixed-use development blending commercial/office and multi- family housing uses in a master plan development. Some of the guidelines for downtown Hugo include: • Blending of commercial and residential development as a master planned mixed-use development. • Creating a sense of arrival in downtown by placement of gateway elements. • Enhancement of the public realm to maintain a pedestrian-oriented downtown. • High quality architecture, with specific emphases on French architectural elements, traditional downtown design and/or relating to existing buildings in the downtown. The proposed sketch plan vision for a mixed-use development that blends the uses together. There is an effort to integrate the residential uses together with common spaces and amenities, such as walking loops, gazebo, and gathering areas. The main entrances and focal point at the southwest corner of Highway 61 and Frenchman Road/CSAH 8 starts to form gateway elements with landscaping, building architectural features, and art. The plan shows pedestrian oriented elements with access to public features, such as hardwood creek trail.