09-24-2001 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CMP Part 3C, Homing Plaa (I jAffurdablc ownership denned as owner occupied lownhome units developed at density of at least 6 units per acre (2)AfTordable rental denned as attached MF rental units developed at a density of at least 10 units per acre To address the need for additional lifecycle housing options. Orono is presiding guiding new areas within the northern portion of the City near the Highway 12 corridor for medium density residential use. This will include a mix of single-family and multi-family development at densities ranging from 2-6 units per acre (see Map 3U-7). Development of these new areas for lifecycle housing will pose a number of significant challenees. First, creation of appropriate housing varieties in certain of these areas will require acquisition of enough individual parcels to accomplish cost-eflicient development. There must be willing sellers within a reasonable time-fnimc. sellinu at reasonable prices. Second, the issue of developers maximizing their profits at the expense of affordability will come into plav. The high value of land and the high housing demand make it difficult to keep housing prices in the affordable taPfigi Third, the Citv is limited in its ability to deny a poorly conceived housing project in an area (hat has already been guided for such use. The Citv has much more tlexibilitv in obtaining the type and quality of development that meets its lifccvcie housing goals if it requires special approvals such as a re/oning or amendment of the Comprehensive IMan. Absent Citv or HRj‘\ ownership, the risk in prematurely identifying specific properties for higher density residential use is that the Citv must, bv .state law, within a short period amend its zoning to conform with the Comprehensive Plan. Once a property is zoned for a use, the owner eains a package of rights and expectations that make it extremely difficult for the Citv to deny a proposal that, while perhaps meeting the minimum standards or general guidelines for the zoning district, does not adequately meet the City ’s housing needs. Yet. Orono is committed to devclopine lifecycle housing at densities that generally arc considered necessary for affordability, and the kev to this will be the abilire of the Citv Council to approve the right project in the right place bv the right developer. A variety of potential sites havebeen informally identified that have a potential for meeting Citv housing goals, but which the Citv will not rc-cuidc until an appropriate development proposal is forthcoming. City of Orono Community Management Plan SeptcBbcr 2000 Page JC-19