Draft Neighborhood Element

Volume 1 of 2

January 17, 2012

Introduce the City and its distinctive neighborhoods

Identify cherished neighborhood featuresIdentify critical neighborhood issues and needsProvide staff recommendations to address

neighborhood issues and needsSuggest ways to reinforce and restore

neighborhood vitalityRecommend public issues and needs to be

addressed in the City-Wide Element

Conducted 10 public meetings in the neighborhoods January 7, 2010 through September 23, 2010 Total of 80 citizens participated Only one meeting failed to draw any participants

Planning Coordination Team Comprised of City staff from all major departments Included State (MDP) and County representation Met after each neighborhood meeting to discuss issues Generated recommendations to address issues/needs

Produced Neighborhood Meeting Summary Reports Draft Neighborhood Element was prepared Statewide Clearinghouse Review Completed on August 17,

2011 – No comments received Planning Commission Public Hearing – September 12, 2011

– No comments received Planning Commission approved Neighborhood Element by

resolution – October 17, 2011

Town Centre (Downtown) was the only neighborhood that grew in population during the 1990s

Consider implementing the 2003 DCBA downtown marketing plan

Restoration or removal of abandoned and blighted housing remains a significant need

The next targeted neighborhood revitalization effort should be in the Baltimore Avenue/Goethe Street corridors

Expanded Police Patrols and Street Improvements are the two most frequently cited public service & facility needs identified in the neighborhood meetings

Expanded parking options is a priority need in the oldest neighborhoods

The need for more sidewalks was raised in the city’s newer neighborhoods

Water supplies are most constrained in areas served by the McNamee Hill Water Tank

More neighborhood parks & community centers are desired

The need to include on-street parking restrictions in our Snow Emergency Plan was raised

A strong desire for more aggressive code enforcement relating to housing conditions and rubbish removal was raised

A joint City/County/State effort is needed to prepare a coordinated plan for future growth in the Willowbrook Road corridor

Active neighborhood associations should be established in each neighborhood to communicate neighborhood needs and encourage greater social interaction within each neighborhood