2025-04-01 P & Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 1, 2025 Centerville Planning & Zoning Commission Page 3 of 8 RE: Downtown Master Plan & Development Guidelines Ï Residential Density Residential Density/Walkable Destinations In order to have destinations within walking distance there needs to be a critical mass of people Ï density Ï within a small area to support those destinations. There are no coffee shops in the middle of suburban residential neighborhoods, but there are many businessesin areas where there are many residents close by.The neighborhoods illustrated belowshow this Ï if there is only low density development, thencoffee shops, restaurants, hair salons, dry cleaners, gift shops, etc. cannot survive. With a larger population nearby, the chances of success are greater. There is the added benefit of allowing many walking or biking trips, which is not only a lifestyle amenity but is proven by research from major medical and insurance groups to result in a healthier population. Downtown Centerville is an example of a Ñmixed-usenodeÒ where destinations might thrive if there is a dense enough population nearby to support them. Two-Story Development Ï Framing the Street Part of the character of small-town downtowns is the building edge framing the street. At least two-story buildings are needed to create this character,this ÑframeÒ,as in the examples on the next pages, with buildings required to be close to the street, not set back. How Much Density? Dense urban neighborhoods like downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, or development along the LRT corridors, can have densities of 100 units/acre or more Ï this is not likely or desirable for Centerville. But apartment projects of 3-4 stories, which would be appropriate for Downtown Centerville, are typically 30-50 units acre. There are many variablesthat affect the density, but in Centerville a maximum of 30 units/acre would probablybe enough for most projects. Design Character Rather than just a number, the character of the design in context matters more. A higher density can be very attractive if designed right, a lower density can be a problem if not designed well.