CEDAR FALLS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING DIVERSITY


Most of Cedar Falls’ residential development is in the form of single family detached units. However, housing needs and preferences today are changing to include more diverse housing types. The mortgage crisis and subsequent economic downturn of 2008-2009 have many residents looking for more affordable housing options. As the baby boomer generation ages, more empty nesters are looking for smaller or attached housing. At the same time, the Millennial generation tends to favor more mixed-use, multi-family living or smaller lot single family development in innova- tive design settings. Cedar Falls should plan to provide opportunities for a variety of housing and mixed-use developments, in order to accommodate people of varying preferences at all stages of life.


PROMOTE WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS


Iowa’s older small communities tended to have compact development patterns clustered around the traditional downtown, which created a small town feel and pedestrian friendly environment. New developments in the late 20th


century were


focused more on auto-dependency and used street patterns that made pedestrian movements unsafe. Land use patterns and new investments that promote “active transportation” will create a healthier city. Smart planning encourages develop- ment pattern that serve a range of users including pedestrians, bicyclists and mo- torist moving around the community in a convenient and efficient manner. Local commercial services, schools and major activity centers should have safe and com- fortable routes to most neighborhoods. Alternative transportation modes such as walking increase opportunities for social interaction and incorporate physical activ- ity into the daily routine of citizens, thereby contributing to a healthier community.


TRANSPORTATION DIVERSITY


Providing people with more choices in housing, shopping, communities and trans- portation is a key aim of the Iowa Smart Planning legislation. Many communities have begun to realize the need to provide a wider range of transportation options. A completely auto-dependent city limits accessibility for groups such as young peo- ple and seniors who do not drive, or lower income citizens who have limited access to a vehicle. As Cedar Falls grows, distance between major features will become greater. This increase in physical distance should not limit access for any resident group. Techniques that increase the ability of all residents to move freely around the city include increasing connectivity within the street network, mixing land uses, and developing multi-modal streets that accommodate all forms of transportation. Implementation of these techniques will maximize mobility, reduce congestion, conserve fuel, improve air quality, reduce the carbon footprint, and improve public safety by enhancing access for emergency services and disaster evacuations.


CLEAN, RENEWABLE, AND EFFICIENT ENERGY


Planning, zoning, development, and resource management should be undertaken to promote clean and renewable energy use, increased energy efficiency, and a low- er carbon footprint.


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