Title
Resolution to Consider Adoption of the Friendly Avenue Area Plan
Body
Department: Planning
Council District: 3 and 4
Public Hearing: Yes
Advertising Date/By: November 24, December 1 2016/City Clerk
Contact 1 and Phone: Sue Schwartz, FAICP 336-373-2149
Contact 2 and Phone: Russ Clegg. AICP 336-373-2211
PURPOSE:
Conduct a public hearing and consider adoption of the Friendly Avenue Area Plan.
BACKGROUND:
In September 2015, City Council directed staff to develop a plan for a section of the Friendly Avenue corridor between Elam Avenue and Holden Road. The purpose of this plan is to identify and address concerns about the impacts of future growth in the study area and surrounding neighborhoods.
Designated as an Activity Center in the Connections 2025 Comprehensive Plan, the study area has seen an increased rate of change and development since 2000. Development activity has included a major expansion of Friendly Shopping Center and Wesley Long Hospital. The purpose of the Friendly Avenue Area Plan is to identify and address concerns about the impacts of future growth on surrounding neighborhoods, inform the public conversation about the area’s future, and identify key investments in to City facilities to promote a vision for the area that continues to be home to regional attractions, allows residents to easily walk, drive or bike to area destinations, features parks and open spaces, and is surrounded by well-maintained neighborhoods.
The Plan is based on a detailed study of existing conditions, plans for future investments by the City and area property owners, and extensive input from adjacent neighborhood residents and business interests. Stakeholder input was collected at a series of well-attended public meetings, one-on-one interviews and on-line survey tools.
The Plan’s recommendations cover three key areas identified during the process:
• Access. The Plan provides a holistic look at transportation issues in the study area, including recommendations for strategic improvements to major roads, improving pedestrian and bike access to and through the area, and protecting adjacent residential streets from high-speed cut-through traffic.
• Land Uses. Minor revisions to the Future Land Use Map are recommended that focus on preserving neighborhood integrity, stability of existing uses and encourages denser development in existing commercial areas.
• Communication. The plan recommends enhanced and sustained communication between stakeholders in the study area to ensure residents and property owners continue to have opportunities to participate in public decision-making and be well informed about area events and coming land use changes.
The Planning Board conducted a public hearing on October 19, 2016 regarding the proposed plan. Two people spoke in favor of the plan during the hearing, and a letter expressing a favorable position was read into the record. The Board discussed parking, procedures for proposed future land use map changes, proposed road improvements and the possibility of bicycle lanes in the area. the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the Plan following a public hearing on the item. Minutes of the Planning Board meeting are attached.
BUDGET IMPACT:
No budget impact. Funds for particular projects and implementation steps will be sought as opportunities arise.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
At their meeting on October 19, the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the Plan following a public hearing on the item. Staff recommends adoption of the Friendly Avenue Area Plan.