SUBJECT:
Title
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Scenarios
Body
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development
Department
PRESENTER(S): Sarah Nurmela, Planning & Development Director
Kelly Driscoll, Planning Manager
Josh Campbell, Senior Strategic Planner
First Name Last Name, Title
TIME ESTIMATE: 120 minutes
only required for non-consent items
POLICY ISSUES:
The updated Comprehensive Plan sets the vision for the community for the next 20 years. The policies and implementation plan will guide development and land use as well as investment and location of public services and amenities.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Informational only at this time.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The Comprehensive Plan process kicked off in late 2022 and consists of four main phases. The project is currently in the third phase, Visioning, which includes the creation and testing of land use and transportation scenarios. Scenario planning involves the modeling of realistic development patterns to explore multiple possibilities based on the vision and values of the community. The vision and core values <https://erieco.us/17862/widgets/57264/documents/50686> for Erie’s future were established through several community surveys and many outreach events during the first phase of engagement <https://erieco.us/17862/widgets/60982/documents/43031> and feedback from stakeholders (Planning Commission, Town Council, Plan Advisory Committee, and Technical Advisory Committee).
Staff analyzed existing land use within the Planning Area boundary and developed a GIS layer with attributes by parcel. The land use categories in this layer include existing land uses and ‘Vacant’ parcels. Vacant parcels comprise land without a primary use or structure. To identify where future development may occur during the Comprehensive Plan’s 20-year horizon, both Vacant and underutilized parcels were identified. Underutilized parcels are those that have land values that exceed the value of existing improvements, or structures. This means that the land carries more value and potential than the existing built portion of the property. These underutilized properties are classified as ‘Potential Redevelopment’. Existing residential properties are excluded.
In addition to vacant and underutilized sites, the scenarios also include buildout of properties that have existing and active entitlements. Planning staff will present an overview of three draft land use scenarios: their characteristics, trade-offs, and findings. The three scenarios are as follows:
• Scenario A: Status Quo
• Scenario B: Commercial and Employment
• Scenario C: Neighborhood Centers
Scenario A models full buildout for the existing land use designations within the comprehensive plan, with current trends. While Scenario B models buildout for maximizing regional commercial and employment uses. Scenario C’s buildout focuses on smaller scale neighborhood commercial and mixed-use development. Staff will present information on each scenario’s land use mix, potential population growth, housing units, jobs, parks, and open space. A Consultant will fiscally analyze each of the scenarios. This analysis will be given to stakeholders and presented during the next public outreach phase.
COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
ü Small Town Feel
ü Safe and Healthy Community
ü Effective Governance
ü Environmentally Sustainable
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Staff Presentation