2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

Policy 3.i. – Support and work with private developers and property owners to increase the number of available single family rental housing options available in Spencer. Policy 3.j. - Pursue innovative and creative planning methods, designs and alternatives in an effort to address and alleviate a shortage of single family rental and affordable housing options in the community. Thirty-two percent of those responding to a planning survey feel affordable housing is the most pressing housing issue in Spencer, followed by a lack of “move-in ready” single family or multiple family housing options. Policy 3.k. - Support organizations such as the Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Authority and the Clay County Housing Trust Fund so the residents can take advantage of housing assistance programs. Policy 3.l. - Encourage amenity related housing developments such as housing near or around a golf course, parks, trails, natural resource areas, or water features. Policy 3.m. – Support and strengthen the efforts to promote multiple and single family housing opportunities on the city’s south side. Policy 3.n. – Continue offering and promote the use of city incentives such as tax increment financing, tax abatement, affordable housing rebates and other creative incentives to encourage private development of new housing opportunities in Spencer. COMMERCIAL & RETAIL LAND USES Commercial and retail uses should continue to be promoted for development within the central business district and along the highway commercial corridors in Spencer. In all respects, commercial land uses should receive the same protection from incompatible land uses as one would expect for a residential district. Spencer is known for having a strong and diverse central business district comprised of a mix of retail, service, professional, civic and government uses. Spencer is proud to

Photos of Spencer’s Historic downtown business district

have a downtown business district which can retain and attract a variety of quality retail businesses. The fact that Highway 18/71 carries more than 15,000 vehicles daily lends to support the ongoing

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NW Iowa Planning & Development