I wanted to put forward my position on the Comprehensive Plan since it will be discussed at toights Planning Commission meeting.
New Comprehensive Plan
Isanti is in the process of creating a new comprehensive plan. I support this effort. The previous plan was outdated the moment it was finished. I do not support having the same company that did the last plan doing the current plan. There were to many flaws with the old plan to reward this company with another chance.
The Comprehensive Plan is the blue print of Isanti's growth for the next decade. We must ensure uniform growth with housing balance. One issue that has arisen is the stated need for more low income housing. Isanti has more than enough of this type of housing already. We need to concentrate on higher end homes to balance out the predominance of low income housing. Isanti can not be the magnet for the regions low income housing needs. A balanced housing approach ensures fair distribution of property taxes.
Isanti also needs to attract more commercial and industrial development. Businesses pay a higher rate of property tax. This helps to lower residential property taxes. Isanti is currently a bedroom community. This leads to higher residential property taxes and fees. We need to attract more businesses so we may lower our residential property taxes and fees.
Isanti needs to preserve conservation corridors to ensure the generations to come will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of our community. The conservation corridors ensure wildlife protection and protects home values. It is not often the option is presented that allows us to be good stewards of the land while making great economic sense.
I encourage everyone to attend the Comprehensive Plan meetings. I have been to each and the predominance of participants are older than 45 and tied to the development and real-estate businesses. Those who show up make the decisions. We need more Citizen participation.
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