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Comprehensive plan update up for public review
Friday, November 14, 2008 9:49 AM EST
By Don Koralewski
I-M Editor
The Emporia City Planning Commission has added a number of items to the latest city comprehensive plan, and commission is looking for your input.
The commission has scheduled a public hearing on the additions, which include a priority listing.
In Virginia, comprehensive plan updates are required of cities and counties every five years. The plans are dynamic documents that serve as a road map for a locality's future development and growth. Included in the plan is everything related to the life of a community - residential, industrial, commercial development sites, as well as recreation.
Included in the update as priority items are: land use and environment; community facilities; transportation; housing and neighborhoods; and, economic development.
Specific to land use and environment are the revision of a zoning district map to reflect future land use; revision of zoning codes to ensure compatibility with the vision outlined in the plan; continued collaboration with surrounding localities; creation and enforcement of beautification ordinances; and, creation of a historic overlay district to protect structures in the Belfield and Hicksford Historic Districts.
Relative to community facilities, the update seeks to address the maintenance and creation of park sites, parks and trails; develop plans for upgrading the city's water treatment plant; assist the Civic Center Foundation with plans to renovate the former elementary school; seek recreational outlets for city youth; and, the maintenance and upgrade of city equipment and buildings.
Specific to transportation, the updated plan seeks to: secure funding for South Main Street improvements; beautify city entrance and exit corridors; establish a transportation improvement plan; and, promote pedestrian-oriented environments in denser areas of the city - including creation and improvement of sidewalks.
With regard to housing and neighborhoods, the plan seeks to: partner with the Emporia Redevelopment and Housing Authority in seeking funding sources for the improvement of those neighborhoods most in need of rehabilitation and revitalization; revise the subdivision ordinance to ensure development of quality residential areas; improve those neighborhoods with drainage and flooding problems; and, promote cross-departmental collaboration to enhance quality of life with particular focus on code enforcement, crime deterrence and aesthetic appearance.
A public hearing on the comprehensive plan update is schedule for 7 p.m., Nov. 19, in Emporia City Council Chambers. Members of the public will have the opportunity to offer comment on the update. A copy of the comprehensive plan, with the update, is available for public review in the City Municipal Building. |
