AGENDA#6a
MEMORANDUM
FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Status Report on Comprehensive Plan “Action Plan”
DATE: October 11, 2000
Tonight we bring a report to the Council describing the status of Implementation Actions related to the Comprehensive Plan (please see Attachment 1).
The Town Council adopted a new Comprehensive Plan on May 8, 2000. A key feature of the plan was an emphasis on implementation. An Action Plan was adopted, with priorities established for each recommended action.
DISCUSSION
The first category of priority in the Action Plan was called “Short Term Actions: 0-2 Years.” We have prepared a Status Report on all of these action items in the first two years, and include it here as Attachment 1. Implementation is underway on several fronts.
We note that a number of action items involve revision to the Town’s Development Ordinance. That project is underway, with the next step being a “Diagnosis Report” to be presented to the Council on October 18, 2000.
The Status Report also offers a description of what is happening in the next several months with respect to many of the short-term action steps. A key item is the continuing development of a fifteen-year Capital Improvement Program, including an assessment of the long-range community facilities needs of the Town.
Over the next several months, we will proceed with implementing many of the short-term action steps. Particularly noteworthy is the ongoing revision to the Development Ordinance, which will address many Comprehensive Plan action recommendations.
Other next steps include:
· January, 2001: Publication of the 2001 Data Book.
· March 2001: Submittal of first annual Growth Management Report.
· March 2001: Submittal of annual recommended Capital Improvements Program, along with a report on the next steps toward development of a fifteen-year Capital Facilities Plan.
· June, 2001: Council adoption of a 2001-02 Budget and Capital Improvements Program, reflecting consideration of budget-related recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan.
· Fall 2001: Submittal of a Comprehensive Plan Implementation report (similar to tonight’s report on the status of recommended actions).
Steps to implement the Comprehensive Plan will follow, as outlined above.
We propose to submit an update of this report to the Town Council annually in the Fall of each year.
ATTACHMENT 1
TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
ACTION PLAN STATUS REPORT: OCTOBER 11, 2000
Short-Term Actions (0-2 years)
|
STRATEGY REF. NO. |
ACTION |
STATUS |
|
Community Character |
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|
3C-1 |
Develop an implementation schedule and begin implementing the Downtown Small Area Plan |
Implementation schedule to be developed. Plan recommendations on revisions to Development Ordinance transmitted to consultants revising the ordinance in September, 2000. |
|
3A-5, 3B-1, 7A-2, 6A-1 & 2, 7C-1, 8A-1 to 3, 8D-1, 10B-3&4 |
Revise Development Ordinance |
Council selected the firm of Lane Kendig, Inc. on July 5, 2000 to revise the Development Ordinance. Council work session held September 18, 2000. Consultant “Diagnosis” to be presented October 18, 2000. Public hearings on draft ordinance scheduled for April and June, 2000. Process would result in a new ordinance for Council consideration in July, 2001. |
|
3D-1 |
Implement a “percent for art” program |
The Council has authorized proceeding with this program. We have started implementing this program as we develop the Town’s Capital Improvements Program for 2001-2002. |
|
University Relations |
||
|
4B-2 |
Initiate joint employee housing project with the University of North Carolina |
Committee of Town and University representatives is meeting with consultants to determine feasibility of the proposal. |
|
Regional Cooperation |
||
|
5B-1 |
Initiate discussions about a coordinated Transfer of Development Rights/Purchase of Development Rights/conservation easement strategy within Orange County |
No action to date. |
|
5A-2 |
Adopt a Town strategy to address Shaping Orange County’s Future |
Advisory Board comments prepared on Provisional Report. Council public hearing held on September 18, 2000. The Council is scheduled to transmit comments on October 11, 2000 to Shaping Orange County’s Future Task Force. Assembly of Governments meeting to be held on January 29, 2001. When Final Report is issued, actions to adopt the strategy would be proposed. |
Economy and Employment |
||
|
Revise Development Ordinance |
See Community Character section, above |
|
Housing |
||
|
7A-2 |
Develop an affordable housing incentive program |
No action to date. |
|
Revise Development Ordinance |
See Community Character section, above |
|
|
7A-1 |
Enact an affordable housing funding source |
No action to date. |
|
7C-1 |
Develop and adopt a rental licensing and inspection ordinance |
Council decided on June 12, 2000 to establish a committee to develop recommendations. Council made appointments on September 11, 2000. The first meeting is to be scheduled in October, 2000. |
Land Use and Development |
||
|
Revise Development Ordinance |
See Community Character section, above |
|
|
8B-1, 11A |
Develop a growth management protocol |
Council received this report on Comprehensive Plan implementation, including a proposed growth management protocol on October 11, 2000 (please see related agenda item). Next step is anticipated to be a Growth Management Report in March 200l. |
Environment |
||
|
9B-1 |
Develop a long-term schedule and funding source to complete the greenway and open space system |
A Parks and Recreation Master Plan initiative is underway to analyze needs, propose recommendations, and suggest implementation measures. A Greenways Master Plan has been completed. On September 25, 2000 the Council authorized pursuing a plan to acquire open space using bond and potential grant funds. Action would also be incorporated into the development of a 15 year Capital Improvements Program (see Community Facilities Plan action 8B-1 below). |
Transportation |
||
|
Revise Development Ordinance |
See Community Character section, above |
|
|
4A-2, 10C |
Develop a plan and funding source for an expanded park-and-ride system |
Action would be incorporated into the development of a 15 year Capital Improvements Program (see Community Facilities Plan action 8B-1 below). |
|
10C-1 |
Develop a plan and funding source to improve local transit |
A Short-Range Transit Plan is under development in consultation with the Transportation Advisory Board. Review of a draft plan is expected to begin in October, 2000. |
|
10A-1 |
Adopt pedestrian/bicycle operating performance measures |
No action to date. |
|
10A-2 |
Develop a Pedestrian Improvement Action Plan |
Work on the annual sidewalk and bicycle plan is proceeding with the involvement of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board. A public forum is scheduled for October 23, 2000. |
|
10A-2 |
Develop a Bicycle Improvement Action Plan |
Same as above. |
|
10A-2 |
Adopt roadway standards for on-street bike lanes and begin applying to resurfacing/reconstruction projects |
Discussion of standards is continuing with staff, advisory board, and Council involvement related to specific projects, such as new development proposals, Cameron Avenue restriping. |
Community Facilities |
||
|
8B-1, 11A |
Develop a coordinated Community Facilities Plan |
As part of the Town’s capital improvement planning, emphasis is being placed on the development of a 15 year Capital Improvement Program. This is a multi-year project, with work beginning last year to develop a long-range Community Facilities Plan covering the range of Town facilities and services. In the current year, we propose to inventory needs and status of planning efforts underway, such as the library plan, and the parks and recreation master plan; we will also have costs for capital maintenance of Town buildings. In succeeding years, we propose to develop general costs and a funding plan for incorporation into the Capital Improvements Program. |
|
11A-7 |
Complete a Parks and Open Space Master Plan |
A Parks and Recreation Master Plan process has begun, working with an advisory committee. Initial public meetings held in September, 2000. Presentation of a final draft report to the Council is scheduled for Spring 200l. |
|
Fiscal Conditions |
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|
12A-2 |
Revise the Town’s permit and fee schedule |
The Town Council substantially revised the permit and fee schedule as part of the adoption of the Town Budget on June 26, 2000. |