Date: June 20, 2019
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Scott Tempel, City Planner
Title
Comprehensive Plan Compliance Review, Maple Brook Townhomes
Body
Action Requested:
The Planning Commission considers a motion declaring the Maple Brook Townhomes project compliant with The Comprehensive Plan for Northfield. Staff is recommending a finding of compliance.
Summary Report:
On May 16, 2019, the Planning Commission approved variances for a 24-unit rental townhome project on south Maple Street. This action allowed the project to move forward. Initial Site Plan review has been completed and the applicant is now seeking project subsidy through a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district. To complete this process, a statement of conformance with the Comprehensive Plan for Northfield is needed from the Planning Commission.
The Development Program for Southbridge will need to be modified to include the new TIF property. This modification is part of, and subject to, the City Council's TIF Public Hearing to be held on July 2. State statute requires the city must "consult with its planning agency or department" beforehand. This is the same process as was followed for the Spring Creek Townhomes in 2012 when the planning Commission approved a simple one page resolution finding that the Southbridge Development Program (attached) and Spring Creek TIF was consistent with the City's comp plan. Staff is asking to include the Maple Brook parcel into the Southbridge District and create the TIF.
Analysis:
The Land Use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan will be consulted for any development proposal based on the following steps. If a proposal is not consistent with recommendations of any one of these steps, the proponent should re-evaluate and make adjustments (or provide justification for deviation) if the proposal is not aligned with the following three aspects:
1. Intent: Development proposals will reflect the spirit and values expressed in the 12 principle...
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