06-21-12 Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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supply will have to be developed in a way that meets both the needs and purchasing power of the City's existing and future residents! As discussed later in this chapter and throughout this comprehensive plan, two ways to facilitate successful infill development are to adhere to the principles of Smart Growth and to consider adopt a character - based approach to zoning and land development. Key Planning Considerations Key planning considerations for transitioning to a built -out community in the coming years include: 1) Careful planning for the build -out of remaining developable areas following Smart Growth principles. (see inset) 2) Responding to the expressed desires for 'centers' and focal points, whether in the form of Main Street improvements or through development of mixed -use nodes and neighborhood centers. 3) Taking steps to make redevelopment/revitalization efforts attractive in older areas of the community, including incentives and potential relief from regulatory provisions geared toward new development. 4) Emphasizing neighborhood integrity and protection as both residential structures and streets and other local infrastructure continue to age. 5) Stepping up efforts to revive and/or promote re -use of vacant and obsolete retail properties. 6) Ensuring adequate standards and oversight of infill development on scattered parcels. 7) Building upon strategic public investments, such as the recent development of Five Points Town Plaza, revitalization of the Sylvan Beach, and the community —wide hike and bike trail system. 8) Working to reduce the leakage of retail spending just outside the community by encouraging and providing incentives for more sit-down restaurants and other retail -oriented opportunities that residents wish to patronize locally. Based on these planning considerations, the following goals, actions, and initiatives are intended to address the specific issues and needs identified during the public participation process (and outlined in Chapter 1, Plan Context). z Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington. Report No. 38 — Infill Development Strategies for Shaping Livable Neighborhoods. June 1997. http://www.mrsc.org/Publications/textfill.aspx. Retrieved on August 31, 2011.