Title
Resolution Adopting the Willow Oaks Neighborhood Plan and Redevelopment Plan
Body
Department: Planning
Council District: 1
Public Hearing: Yes
Advertising Date/By: August 31 and September 7, 2017, By City Clerk
Contact 1 and Phone: Sue Schwartz, FAICP, Planning Director 336-373-2149
Contact 2 and Phone: Russ Clegg, AICP, Senior Planner 336-373-2211
PURPOSE:
Conduct a public hearing and consider a resolution adopting the Willow Oaks Neighborhood Plan and associated update to the Willow Oaks/Morningside/Lincoln Grove Redevelopment Plan.
BACKGROUND:
In 2000, the City adopted the Morningside/Lincoln Grove Redevelopment Plan. This plan was created in partnership with the Greensboro Housing Authority and includes the HOPE VI project that replaced Morningside Homes. The new neighborhood was named Willow Oaks, and before stalling in the recession of 2008, Willow Oaks saw the construction of quality homes, apartments and a Community Center. This plan update builds on the success of initial redevelopment efforts while updating elements of the plan to adapt to housing market changes that have occurred since 2000. These updated plans positions the City, Redevelopment Commission and neighborhood residents to successfully complete build-out of the neighborhood, resulting in a thriving, sustainable community.
The plan update includes both a Neighborhood Plan and a Redevelopment Plan to blend the Willow Oaks neighborhood into the entire Redevelopment Area, consolidate the design standards and other elements into a single plan, and ensure that the new plans comply with North Carolina Urban Redevelopment Law.
Neighborhood Plan. The Planning Board held a public hearing at their meeting on June 21 to consider a recommendation to City Council on adopting the Willow Oaks Neighborhood Plan. The Neighborhood Plan does not propose amendments to the Generalized Future Land Use Map, but does recommend changes to the design guidelines and review process for new development that are referenced in the adopted Traditional Neighborhood Plan for the area. The Planning Board voted unanimously, 9-0 to recommend the plan with comments. The City Council must conduct a public hearing prior to considering adoption of the Neighborhood Plan. The Planning Board requested the following comments be considered by City Council:
• The City should more carefully examine the need for a 2 or 3 story apartment building, possibly to provide housing for the elderly;
• The City should make sure to thoroughly consider the positive impacts that Willow Oaks can have on adjacent neighborhoods, to ensure that the plan goes far enough to help the community; and
• The City should continue to look for opportunities for commercial development in the area that was originally designated for commercial development.
Redevelopment Plan. The Redevelopment Commission of Greensboro held a public hearing on the redevelopment plan on July 5. The Commission voted unanimously, 5-0 to recommend approval of the plan. As directed by North Carolina Redevelopment Law, the Planning Board reviewed the Redevelopment Plan at their meeting on July 19 to ensure it includes the required elements. The Planning Board affirmed that the Plan complies with state law, voting 8 to 1 to recommend approval of the plan. The City Council must conduct a public hearing prior to considering adoption of the Redevelopment Plan.
The plan may be read or downloaded in its entirety from the City website at
<http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/willowoaks>.
BUDGET IMPACT:
This resolution has no immediate budget impact. The Redevelopment Plan calls for a variety of improvements to area streets and parks, and the construction of new housing. These improvements will be funding separately using a variety of fund sources. An estimated budget with funding sources is included in the Plan.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
Based on the recommendations of the Planning Board and Redevelopment Commission, staff recommends approval of the resolution adopting the Willow Oaks Neighborhood Plan and the Willow Oaks/Morningside/Lincoln Grove Redevelopment Plan.