BLOG: How to Prep for Comprehensive Plan Hearing

Monday night, the planning commission will be hosting the second public hearing on proposed amendments to the 2004 Comprehensive Plan, as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update process.

The proposed updates are based on initial reviews by city staff, followed by a series of sessions with City Council, the Planning Commission, and the Economic Development Authority.  The last round of revisions was based on feedback from the first public hearing held on February 28. 

If you are thinking that your comments won’t make a difference, consider that staff addressed every single comment raised at the last public hearing, either by making modifications to the document, or by explaining why they didn’t.  A list of these comments and responses can be found here.

The markup showing proposed revisions is located here.

I recommend looking through the chapter entitled “Land Use – Creating and Protecting Neighborhoods and Centers."  This chapter as detailed descriptions about each section of the city and even suggests goals for specific properties.  Descriptions of commercial areas and corridors begin on page 23 and descriptions of residential neighborhoods begin on page 41.  No matter where you live in the city, you are sure to be familiar with some of the properties mentioned in this chapter.

If you have any thoughts or concerns about this chapter of any chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, be sure to show up Monday night.  I’m sure staff will address comments as they did after the last meeting.  One of the benefits in living in a city with 20,000 people instead of a county with 1,000,000 people is that your voice will be heard.

Planning Commission Regular Meeting
March 12, 2012  7:00 PM
Council Chambers, City Hall