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INDIAN RIOTER COUNTY <br />Idea Wall Summaries <br />The submissions to the Community Idea Wall have been categorized into thematic categories. While <br />certain submissions may overlap across multiple categories, each comment has been tagged according to <br />the theme it most closely aligns with. Additionally, comments with check marks or numerical indicators, <br />denoting support or agreement, have been noted and factored into the analysis. <br />Affordable Housing <br />The most frequently mentioned theme was affordable housing, with an emphasis on the necessity of <br />accessible housing and home ownership for middle-class families and essential workers. One respondent <br />emphasized the need to clearly define "affordable housing," while another proposed expanding the urban <br />service area with the condition that new developments prioritize affordability and adhere to heightened <br />density standards. <br />Suggestions included creating a new land use designation with minimum separations between new <br />residential units and a required percentage of affordable units if the USB is expanded. Additionally, there <br />were calls for repurposing vacant or underutilized spaces, such as Indian River Mall, for affordable housing <br />initiatives. Specific areas like North County and Wabasso up to 66th were mentioned as targets for future <br />affordable housing developments. <br />Responses: <br />• Expand urban service area to a limited <br />degree into the two donut holes east of I- <br />95 provided that all housing approved and <br />built must be "affordable" workforce <br />housing that would include going up in <br />height above current standards <br />• Attainable homes <br />• Reuse current empty (building) space i.e. <br />mall! for affordable housing <br />• Focus on bringing affordable/workforce <br />housing to Vero (+1) <br />• Affordable housing (+3) <br />• Housing for healthcare workers, <br />teachers, first responders <br />Growth Management <br />• "Affordable" home ownership <br />• Need affordable to attract middle-class <br />and service workers — not more single <br />family <br />• Encourage home ownership and families <br />• Define Affordable housing <br />• If the USB is expanded, create a new land <br />use designation that requires a min. <br />separation between new residential units <br />and pre-existing 5 -acre + parcels and has <br />a min % affordable -size units per <br />smallest category of TIF for MF + SF <br />• More affordable houses/buildings in <br />North and Wabasso area up to 66th <br />Respondents emphasized the importance of managing growth effectively, advocating for the retention of <br />the current USB with minimal alterations and completion of infrastructure prior to new construction <br />projects. Suggestions included establishing a clear development vision for Indian River County and <br />fostering joint agreements between the cities and County for services in new enclaves. <br />Comments included a focus on integrating growth management efforts with the cities' downtown master <br />plans, while others voiced concerns about potential water issues and environmental impacts, such as <br />paving over wetlands. Respondents cautioned against uncontrolled development, providing comparisons <br />to Port St. Lucie. Additionally, one participant proposed enhancing the population growth map exercise <br />during the workshop to identify areas within the USB where density has not been fully maximized. <br />Appendix B: Public Engagement Summary B-21 <br />