Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Title
Multi-Family Housing Discussion
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Background
The city council has discussed housing at various retreats in 2021 and 2022. Information and data were provided on both single family and multi-family housing. Decisions and direction were provided to staff specifically related to single family housing subdivisions earlier this year.
The multi-family housing market continues to be strong in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, including Blaine. Multi-family projects tend to cause challenging decisions for the city council. Developers and city staff need to rely on clear direction from the city council to streamline the development approval process and create some level of consistency and predictability. This has been problematic for several proposals considered over the last two years.
Staff will be preparing information on the following for discussion and direction at the retreat.
1. Multi-family statistics specific to Blaine and the twin cities market.
2. Approval history dating back to 2015 of multi-family projects in Blaine.
3. Review of existing High Density Residential (HDR) sites identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
4. Multi-family projections for the 105th Avenue and Northtown redevelopment areas.
5. Review process for projects proposed that are not consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Staff will provide more thorough information and the presentation prior to the meeting for city council review.
Staff Recommendation
Receive the information and provide necessary direction to staff.
Attachment List
None