master plan - City of Central

CORE ZONE LAND USE
Proposed land uses in the Core Zone are a combination
of residential and commercial of the highest intensity
classifi cations including:
• High Density Residential - including apartments, townhomes
and condominiums;
• Medium and Low Density Residential - including small and
medium size lot single family residential development;
• General Commercial - including retail and offi ce
development of moderate size; and
• City Center - including mixed use development that might
include multi story live/work units, public facilities, and retail
development with a “downtown” character.
Utilization of these land use classifi cations to increase the
densities in this zone is of critical importance for several
reasons. First, in order for the City Center concept to be viable,
a “critical mass” must be established. Current population
density in Central does not support the creation of what will
have to be a regional commercial development. Adding
to the population in well designed residential developments
around the Core area will provide the necessary market
potential.
The next consideration is a response to Smart Growth Principles
that emphasize quality, density, and walkability. Providing
adequate population within close proximity of the City Center
will help reduce the need for automobile use and expensive
and ineffi cient parking space requirements. At average
densities, the proposed land use in the Core Zone will provide
for an additional 800-1000 residential units within a two mile
radius of the City Center. Provision of bike lanes and walking
trails should be a required element for development plans in
this zone.
Finally, concentration of densities will reduce the need for and
the cost of public infrastructure in the Core zone, shifting the
fi nancial burden more toward the development. This will bear
careful monitoring, however, in order to prevent escalation
of costs beyond the point of reasonable returns for investors.
Careful and innovative approaches and design solutions will
be required to achieve the desired balance.
A typical mixed use commercial development for the City Center
CITY OF
Central
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