03(b) Comprehensive Plan Update - Review revisions to Housing and Economic Development Sections

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prant and loan packa��from the Federal�overnrnent in additian to other fundin�sources. The industries in the park, provide the area with a de�ree of economic stabilitv that comes with having vear-round iobs and products that are exported from the area In 2008 the Citv modified its land use re�ulations to provide more development flexibilitv within the park(smaller lots and increased covera�e limits)to get hi�her utilization out of the existin�infrastructure investments and entice development of the remainin�undeveloped properties. Downtown The downtown area was the original commercial center of the community. Based around the location of the old railroad stop,it has the traditional grid pattern of development.While the entire area has been developed with full municipal utilities, the development has evolved to be based primarily along the major transportation corridors. Since the close proximity of businesses in the downtown provides a direct interaction amongst patrons,the existing development provides a solid base to build on and an opportunity for additional growth. In 2009,the city established a "Grow Zone"throughout the downtown commercial areas. In searching for a way to reduce regulations and streamline the permitting process for businesses, an alternative set of standards were developed for this area. Instead of the standard zoning approach,which prohibits any use not specifically allowed, the Grow Zone standards instead allow nearly all uses and focus instead on the form new construction takes.Where this form is compatible with the existing development pattern,not only does it add to the"destination effect"of the downtown, but approvals can be made very quickly. Property owners seeking to make improvements to a property within the Grow Zone may choose to either utilize the Grow Zone standards or stick with the traditional approach. With the infrastructure in the downtown area in need of maintenance, there is a need to increase the amount of development,grow the tax base and get a higher return on the reinvestment in this infrastructure. u'^�..,^.,"' �^�•�a^� Pa[riot Avenue Corridor Outside of the downtown,the Former,Highway 371 corridor�ndw Patr.i�t Avenue,has developed in an auto-oriented pattern. For the most part, this development is not tied to municipal utilities and�-�.r has developed in a somewhat random distribution. T"^ ^^��:a^• ;^^'„a^< <,.^" .,^r;^«., ^� ^ ��„�^ti , ^^^*�^�*^~.,,ra -^�«..,,..,..*� �.,a , , �+^•^^^�.^�*� �^,^^^�*^*"^��^�.There are areas where development is clustered together and other areas where , there are large gaps between enterprises. �^��^�^c+^^�« ^�`^ �' ^ ^�*�� ^ ^''^^^^''^^+^f�"'" , , .�#e (Include chart for employment) so