2011 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Land Available For Development The land available for development by 2030 is reflected in Table 5.1 below. All of the land covered by this table to develop for residential use consists of the "Gateway and Village Center Vision Corridor" and the remaining fully sub -divided, but as of yet un-built, areas within the "Single Family Executive" planning area shown on the future land use map. Some of the land in this mixed use area is already developed, necessitating redevelopment at a date that has yet to be determined. Between the two projected areas of housing development, Gem Lake well exceeds the population and housing stock growth projected in the Metro Council's System Statement for the City. The plan also affords ample opportunities to exceed the affordable housing allocations, particularly in the mixed use development area, which is oriented towards the proposed transit nodes at U.S. Highway 61 and County Road E. Table 5.1 - Residential Land Availability - Acreage and Population Projections for Anticipated Growth Areas (2007-2030) *For planning purposes only half of the developable land in the mixed -use area is planned for residential development. The other half is planted for commercial development. If growth were to occur by the year 2030, the estimated number of housing units needed would be 162 units. Development Staging Gem Lake is classified as a "developed community" in the 2030 Regional Development Framework. According to the Met Council, Gem Lake should focus on protecting natural resources, ensuring sufficient public infrastructure, and developing transition strategies to increase density and encourage infill development. It is important to note that the Gem Lake "Gateway and Village Centers Vision Corridor" Plan addresses all these goals. It will also increase the chances of connecting housing with shopping and employment activities in a thoughtful and well planned manner. The Regional Development Framework from the Met Council discusses the City's role in implementing specific strategies developed communities may use to reach long-term development objectives. These strategies include: • Accommodating growth forecasts through reinvestment at appropriate densities • Approving and permitting reinvestment projects that increase density and make cost effective use of infrastructure • Adopting ordinances that accommodate growth and use land and infrastructure efficiently • Supporting the conversion or reuse of under utilized lands in order to accommodate growth forecasts • Helping to ensure efficient use of existing infrastructure investments to meet community needs • Planning for infill development, redevelopment, and adaptive reuse of structures to diversify housing, connect housing and jobs, and integrate new development into existing neighborhoods SEH 5.0 land goals and policies I page 21