PUBLIC HEARING - Comprehensive Plan text amendment pertaining to Mixed Use

Recently, the Planning Commission reviewed and the City Council approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment for Haviland Fields, a 460-unit mixed residential development on land surrounding Lord of Life Church at 14501 Nowthen Blvd. NW.  The Comprehensive Plan amendment with the supporting documentation was forwarded to the Metropolitan Council for their review on May 30.  The Metropolitan Council staff review determined that the proposed land use guidance of Mixed Use (High) did not actually allow the institutional use of the remaining Church property.  The current definition of Mixed Use in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan is:

Mixed Use (MU) Mixed Use areas may include a combination of residential, commercial, light industrial, open space, and a transit hub and are broken into the following three categories:
     Mixed Use (Low). Areas guided as Mixed Use (Low) are expected to develop at a minimum of five (5) units per acre and a maximum of fifteen (15) units per acre. It is expected that 50% of the land area will be developed as residential.
     Mixed Use (Medium). Areas guided as Mixed Use (Medium) are expected to develop at a minimum of eight (8) units per acre and a maximum of twenty-five (25) units per acre. It is expected that 50% of the land area will be developed as residential.
     Mixed Use (High). Areas guided as Mixed Use (High) are expected to develop at a minimum of fifteen (15) units per acre and a maximum of seventy-five (75) units per acre. It is expected that 50% of the land area will be developed as residential

To remedy this situation, they suggested inserting "institutional" into the first sentence.  

The Mixed Use classification also covers the COR and a portion of the Rivenwick Village development near Riverdale Drive and 139th Lane NW.  Within the COR, there are four uses that would fall into the "insititutional" category: City Hall, Northgate Church, PACT Charter School, and the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office.  The insertion of "institutional" into the definition would be appropriate.

Notification was provided in the June 14, 2024, Anoka Union Herald Newspaper.  

Costs associated with this project are the responsibility of the applicant, Presbyterian Homes and Services/Senior Housing Parners.

Staff recommends approval of the Comprehensive Plan text amendment.  

Motion to recommend approval of Resolution #24-157 for a Comprehensive Plan text amendment pertaining to Mixed Use.