Planning Process and Public Participation 2€¦ · 2 3 4 5 A B C Planning Process and Public...

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Planning Process and Public Participation

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This Chapter provides an overview of the public participation process. Summaries of public input for the community event, citizen survey, visual preference survey, steering committee meetings, and stakeholders interview are provided.

2.1 Planning Process | 22.2 Community Event | 42.3 Stakeholder Interviews | 62.4 Community Survey | 82.5 Visual Preference Survey | 202.6 Steering Committee Meetings | 32

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D R A F TD R A F T

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

2.1 | Planning Process

In the spring of 2015, the City of Tuscola engaged MSA Professional Services, Inc. to assist in the updating of its Comprehensive Plan, the previous of which had been completed in 2001.

As is key to any successful plan, the public was engaged and incorporated throughout the planning process (See Appendix B for the complete Public Participation Plan and findings). Key components of the planning process included:

Community Survey - using the online survey tool, Survey Monkey, a survey was made available for 6 six weeks. During this time over 150 participants gave feedback on a variety of topics covering the entire City and how it functions for the residents. Paper copies of the survey were also made available at City Hall and other key locations around town. Several hard copies were submitted by residents.

Visual Preference Survey - along side the Community Survey, an online Visual Preference Survey was also administered. This survey used photos to gage residents’ tastes and preferences for potential future (re)development in and around Tuscola. During the same 6 week timeframe, nearly 100 residents participated.

Project Website - MSA created and maintained a project website (http://tuscolacompplan.wordpress.com) to post draft material, notice meeting dates, host open dialogue, and gather feedback from interested individuals through direct email subscription.

Community Event - MSA worked with the City and chose the annual Sparks in the Park event to use as a community engagement opportunity. A table was set up at the event and feedback was solicited from passerby residents. Maps were available for comment and the link to the survey was provided.

Public Meetings - the project included eight (8) project meetings, four (4) of which were working sessions with the Steering Committee, which was

The goals, objectives and strategies of a comprehensive plan support the community’s vision for the future of Tuscola and address barriers and opportunities to realizing this vision. Elements of the plan have been crafted from individual participant’s ideas, common themes identified in stakeholder interviews, discussions and debates among Committee members, anonymous concerns identified in surveys, and the past experiences of the community as a whole.

This input allows us to construct underlying themes as a frame for the plan, and provides information on what specific issues and ideas are most important to Tuscola’s citizens. This foundation ensures that the plan is not just a hollow document, but a guide for future decisions in Tuscola that are in line with the community’s ideals. From this foundation, a better Tuscola can and will be built.

Planning Process

Incorporating Input into the Plan

tasked by the Council to work with MSA to develop the updated Comprehensive Plan.

Steering Committee - The Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee consisted of members representing a wide range of public and private interests and acted as the primary, 12-member, sounding board for the planning process. The Committee met bimonthly from June 2015 to January 2016. All meetings were open to the public.

Stakeholders - MSA interviewed individual community stakeholders. Topics of discussion focused on life and business within Tuscola. Assets and liabilities were discussed as well as goals of the individuals and those of their businesses or organizations of which they represent.

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Planning Process & Public Participation

D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

May 2015 | Kickoff Process with City Staff and MSA

June 2015 | Kickoff Meeting with Steering Committee; Survey Development

July 2015 | Community event: Sparks in the Park; Survey Release (Community and Visual Preference)

August 2015 | Meeting #2, Future Land Use Exercise; Survey Response Review

December 2015 | Meeting #3, Goals and Objectives; Future Land Use Map Review

January 2016 | Meeting #4, Strategies and Action Steps

February 2016 | Stakeholder Interviews

March 2016 | Draft Plan open for public comment

March 2016 | Community Open House to review and comment on proposed documents.

April 2016 | Plan Adoption by City Council

This Plan was discussed and developed through a series of working session meetings and interviews between June 2015 and February 2016 (see side bar for the project milestones). All meetings were public meetings and noticed as such.

Project Schedule

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D R A F TD R A F T


2.2 | Community Event

MSA worked with the City and chose the annual Sparks in the Park event to use as a community engagement opportunity. A table was set up at the event and feedback was solicited from passerby residents. In addition to simple face to face interaction with residents, maps were available for comment and the link to the survey was provided.

Sparks in the Park

Com

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2035

tuscola.org>take surveys>receive updates>review drafts>give feedback>participate>join the conversation!

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Asset map and comment sheet created at the event.

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Tuscola, Illinois

Liability map and comment sheet created at the event.

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D R A F TD R A F T


2.3 | Stakeholder Interviews

ONGOING

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Tuscola, Illinois

>take the community & visual surveys>receive updates>review drafts of the plan>give feedback>participate>join the conversation!

During the next year, the City of Tuscola will work closely with the

residents and business owners of Tuscola

gathering input for an update to the Comprehensive

Plan. Facilitated by consultant group, MSA Professional Services, Inc. out of Champaign, IL, the entire process will work to build a vision for the city; to provide goals, objectives and action steps; and to outline an effective implementation strategy. The plan will cover all aspects of life, employment, recreation and tourism within Tuscola.

For more information on the process, please visit the city’s website:

Here you will be able to:

Com

preh

ensi

ve P

lan

2035 UPDATING THE

City of TuscolaCOMPREHENSIVE

PLAN

tuscola.org

We look forward to you joining the conversation. Your participation will ensure that tomorrow’s Tuscola is

your Tuscola.

Advertisement in the Tuscola Journal

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D R A F TD R A F T


2.4 | Community Survey

The Community Survey launched the first weekend in July at the community Sparks in the Park Fourth of July Annual event. This survey was designed to gather resident opinions on a range of topics relevant to preparing a plan to guide growth and change in Tuscola over the next 10-20 years. The survey covered quality of life, city facilities and services, housing preferences, economic development, and more.

The community survey was available in two forms: 1) digitally via the City’s and Project’s websites and 2) by paper copies made available at the Municipal Building upon request. Availability of the survey was announced through newspaper articles, press releases, e-mail, websites, and other social media outlets.

The 47-question survey was completed by 157 respondents or approximately 3.5% of the total population of Tuscola (4,480; 2010 Census). This section provides a profile of respondents, and main themes from the survey. Complete survey data is on file with the City of Tuscola.

Methods

Respondent Profile When collecting surveys, the goal is to obtain a cross-section which is representative of the community. The first seven (7) questions of the survey were directed at gathering this type of information. Full demographic data for Tuscola can be found in Appendix A. In this section these numbers are shown in orange.

Of those that responded, the majority were female (64%/51%), and of the whole, were between the ages of 30-59 (63%/50%). The top occupational field was Education (28%). Other fields include: Retired (19%); Health Care (9%); Management (9%); Service (8%); Sales (7%) and Government (7%). Over 70%/50% of the respondents work in Tuscola, while 28% work in Champaign-Urbana. The few remaining respondents worked in other metropolitan areas within an hours drive of Tuscola or were retired.

Quality of Life When asked to note the top three (3) reasons “you and your family choose to live in Tuscola”, five responses stood out: Small Town/Rural Atmosphere (61%); Quality Schools (48%); Near Job/Work Here (42%); Near Family & Friends (41%); and Raised Here (37%). Select comments include:• Job opportunity here• Cost of housing 40 years ago • Tuscola is the ideal combination of a small

community, but with the amenities of a larger town. (Outlet Mall, Dining, Community Services, etc.)

• Unique small businesses• Shopping and restaurants

Looking holistically, 87% of respondents would rate the quality of life in Tuscola as either good (67%) or excellent (20%). They also sight that over the last ten (10) years, the quality of life has improved (39%); stayed the same (39%); worsened (13%); and 9% were not sure. Respondents were then asked, “over the next 10-20 years, do you expect that the quality of life in the City will:” Responses were as follows: Improve (60%); Stay the Same (26%); Worsen (7%); and Not Sure (7%). Select Comments include: • Environmental factors worsening. • No real efforts to build local economy. • School system is not secure • If the academics in the school continues to slide• Tuscola appears to be on a growth trajectory.• As a citizen, I am thrilled by the prospect of being

a part of Tuscola as it continues to develop and expand.

• I am afraid that the crime rate will go up.• Walking paths will help improve people’s quality

of life

Nearly 90%/77% of the respondents live in a single-family home; 6.4% live on a farmstead; and the remaining in some sort of apartment, condominium, or mobile home. Respondent home ownership is at 91%/56%.

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Tuscola, Illinois

When asked what changes would improve the quality of life in Tuscola, these were top five (5) answers: Improve recreational facilities (60%); Increase employment opportunities (51%); Improve K-12 education (39%); Improve bike and pedestrian facilities (36%); and Decrease taxes and fees (34%). Select comments include: • Attract at least 1 nice/sit down restaurant• Increase employment opp. for small businesses• Improve appearance of railroad track areas and

attract Amtrak• Request on Amtrak Stop • Pave brick streets• In particular, I’d like to put on the record that

keeping the brick streets brick is important to me.• Improve/Enforce housing codes • More businesses in downtown/Improve

downtown• Need recreation facilities and/or programs for all

ages• High school students lack choices in elective

classes. “• If I were to leave it would be to obtain better

schools, especially at the high school level.• Would love to see a large dog park. Would love

to see swimming allowed at Wimple. Am hoping someday we get a really nice restaurant.

• More activities for youth that doesn’t involve sports and relatively inexpensive to the youth/family

• Lack of entertainment opportunities in this community. Music in particular

Respondents were then asked to state Tuscola’s biggest asset. A few common themes emerged and are as follows: • Tanger Outlet Mall / Available Retail • Small Town / Rural Atmosphere • Location (I-57 / proximity to larger metropolitan

areas / near U of I) • Schools • Economic Development / Businesses / Industries• The People / Residents • Agricultural base

• Sense of Community and Safety

When asked “what is your biggest concern for the future of Tuscola”, the responses are summarized into seven categories: 1) Over growth/loosing sense of community, 2) Attracting / Retaining / Expanding Tuscola’s Residents / Business / Industry, 3) The ability to maintain existing properties and infrastructure (including downtown), 4) Decline of Education / School System, 5) Lack of Affordable Housing, 6) Safety/Crime/Drugs/Vices, and 7) Lack of Sit Down/Nice Restaurants and Amenities. Select comments include: • We need good jobs that draw quality people to

town • Low number of homes in the middle class range

(&120,000 to $165,000)• Success of the downtown retail arts and tourism• Infrastructure is aging • Up keep of properties• Population growth & losing the small town feel• Town will increase in population too quickly for

services to keep up• Need to expand dining and shopping

opportunities • That there will be no expansion in parks and

recreation • Alcohol and drug use in our community• Immediate quality of high school education. ACT

prep. High school dual credit options. Quality of options for class courses. Curriculum meeting the job market.

• Holding on to young people and young families• Becomes a fast food, second hand store capital of

the world

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D R A F TD R A F T



Q16Rate the following in Tuscola:

Transportation

Q17During the next ten years, which of the follow-ing transportation investments do you support in Tuscola?

When asked rate Tuscola’s transportation networks, a plurality of respondents felt that the State networks were in good to excellent condition (86%) while the county and local streets and sidewalks were in good to fair condition (approximately 90%). Select comments include:• Collaborative driving - carpooling; bike trails

don’t exist; no one know about bus service • Need dependable Public Transportation &

Amtrak Stop • Not aware of any bike trails• Need more walking biking paths. We have a lot of

bikers and joggers here. • Our storm sewers are in desperate need of repair. • Save the brick roads, they also have historical

merit.• Need sidewalks esp. to all schools

Thinking about the money spent on transportation in next ten years, respondents strongly supported measures toward maintenance / expansion / improvement of existing roadways and pathways. A plurality was also in favor of improving or adding bicycling pathways, both on- and off-road. Select comments include: • Local(in tuscola only) public transit not needed. • Streets are not wide enough for a bike lane. YES!!!

to Amtrak Station in Tuscola!• I oppose public transportation and an Amtrak

Station because I don’t feel like Tuscola is now or will soon be at a scale where these are necessary or useful developments. My focus would be on hardening or expanding existing infrastructure. The development around Shopko, re-purposing the truck stop lot, was spectacular, for example.

• Again, historical aspect, yet still relevant. We are not only a farming community but are affected by the rail system itself.

• I hate when trains stop and cover all railroad crossings!!

• Biking is easy. We are in a community where you may safely ride without interference. Should that change I would support.

• We have too much noise pollution of trains.

• Encourage Taxi service for personal transportation• Addition of public transportation could have

an impact on the socioeconomic status of the community that will require additional resources to be provided as well.

General transportation strengths listed cited were location/access/proximity to I-75, US-36 and US-45; Amount of rail commerce; and existing road maintenance. Weaknesses cited were: lack of sidewalks/bike paths; lack of public transport; ill-maintained brick streets; and noise pollution from trains.

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Tuscola, Illinois

Q19Please share your opinion on how important it is to protect each of the following resources in Tuscola.

Agricultural & Natural Resources

Q22Current park and outdoor recreational facilities around Tuscola currently meet you needs:

Natural resources are vital to any community and the respondents of this survey overwhelmingly are in favor of protecting all types of natural resources (see Q19 at right). When asked specifically about existing policies, the plurality agreed that they at minium protected these natural resources (50-60%). However, many cited they were not well educated on existing policies and regulations. A large portion (30%-40%) also had no opinion which could either indicate more education is needed, or these types of policies and regulations are not closely monitored by the general public. Opinions on initiatives to protect and improve the natural environment through increased monitoring and regulation were met with similar results; 50-60% were in support of an increase while around 30% were not sure of such a change.

According to the respondents, 75% feel that the City currently has enough parks and recreation opportunities that meet the needs of their household (see Q22 at right). Select comments--which focused on parks and recreation--include:

• Bike trail - hard to do with farming equipment • We need more playgrounds like the new one that

was just built • Need a new pool and a dog park• Would like more shade area at pool• Need to develop the old high school property -

trees, small shelter• I’m particularly impressed with Ervin Park. I

would first suggest improving the roadways and parking within the park. It can become congested and potentially unsafe when children are present.

• Baseball & softball fields (minus HS field) need updating

• Need more walking & bike paths & enforce the pick up after your dog rules!

• Pavilions at park could use updating • The park is great but there isn’t really any place to

hike or let dogs run.• Have played in the volleyball sandpit for 25 years.

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Not Sure Not Important Somewhat Important Very Important

Strongly Agree11%

Agree64%

Disagree19%

Strongly Disagree5%

Not Sure1%

Have asked for lights and it never happens• Agree to a point there are no exercise points along

the walking trail in the park.• I think a skate park would be a great addition and

would NOT foster the “wrong” element within our town.

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Q23Please share your opinions about the types of new housing and housing improvements needed in Tuscola.

Housing

Q25In Tuscola, new residential development should be located:

Since Tuscola is positioned to house residents who work in Tuscola, Champaign-Urbana and other surrounding communities, the housing element is a vital component to attracting and maintaining residents. According to the respondents, new housing types needed are single-family (75%), affordable (64%), senior condos/apartments (60%), and starter (first time buyer) homes (55%). Moreover, 90% of respondents agreed that there should also be a focus on improving the quality of existing housing. See Q23 at right.

When considering improvements to existing housing, the respondents were supportive on improving housing quality (43). To a lesser extent they supported improving the housing supply/mix (15%), housing cost (26%), and those with no opinion (16%).

In considering new construction for housing, respondents felt that new development should occur as follows: as infill within the developed areas of the City (59%); within or adjacent to existing City Land (76%); adjacent to the City but annexed in (68%); away from active farm operations (58%); and anywhere there is a suitable site for development (67%). However, for each option, one-quarter of the respondents were not sure where they thought new housing development should occur indicating some education and outreach may be necessary when considering such development in the future.

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Not Sure Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Strongly Agree

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As infill within the City Within or adjacent toexisting City land

Adjacent to the City butannexed in

Away from active farmoperations

Anywhere there is asuitable site fordevelopment

Not Sure Strongly Disagree Disagree Agree Strongly Agree

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Tuscola, Illinois

Economic Development

Q30Should Tuscola offer financial incentives to encourage private sector development and investment?

Almost 50% of the respondents are employed within Tuscola which is comparable to the Census data findings (60% employed within Douglas County). A plurality of respondents feel that employment opportunities are lacking in Tuscola (54%) compared to the 35% who feel it is adequate. Select comments include: • Adequate for restaurant jobs, lacking for

professional jobs! • My industry does not exist within Tuscola. Ideal

case, I would like to see more professional jobs available within Tuscola.

• Mostly min. wage jobs.• I think there is a huge lack of full time jobs here in

town. But part time jobs are over flowing.

When considering the security of the respondents’ current employment, 41% felt it was secure while 29% felt it was somewhat secure and only 6% felt insecurity about the future of their existing jobs.

Respondents believe that the City should commit funding to retain, attract and grow private sector businesses and jobs in Tuscola (80%). Comments include: • Retaining is most important and most lacking • The TIF Program is very good. • QUALITY JOBS bringing quality people to town • That is what brought us here• Especially where such funding results in

infrastructure that is generally beneficial to the city, even should the directly benefitting business cease operation.

• Only if it does NOT offer tax breaks to move here.• If the town has enough positives, we don’t need to

spend money to get or keep people here.

Respondents also support incentives for private sector investment and development, but only in certain areas. They do not support incentives for residential development (36%) or on undeveloped land (23%). However, they do for retail businesses (57%), non-retail businesses (59%), in the downtown area (74%),

and on vacant infill sites (62%). See Q30 below.

When asked if the respondents thought that Tuscola was a good place to start a business, 9% strongly agreed, 51% agreed, 14% disagreed, 2% strongly disagreed, and 25% were not sure. Of the respondents, 16% owned a business in Tuscola. Comments included: • Just need to citizens to support it such as a good

sit down restaurant. Need to help or guide small businesses decide if they have what it takes to succeed.

• Was not 10-20 years ago, very cliquish town. Now a bit better but no real Chamber of Commerce with city or economic development.

• Great location• This of course depends greatly on what sort of

business.

When asked if they support or oppose the development of a variety of Industrial establishments, the respondents support transport industrial (70%), light manufacturing (82%), high-technology manufacturing (83%), and non-intensive agricultural related businesses (79%). Support for intensive agricultural operations came in at 38% and heavy manufacturing with 40% (and 33% opposing with the remainder unsure).

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When asked about the availability of places to shop in Tuscola, 25% find it plentiful, 56% find it adequate, and 18% find it lacking. Comments cited the Outlet Mall providing ample retail, but would like to see more local flavor and even mentioned a grocery store.

Dining appeared to be a hot button issue with the survey respondents. Throughout the survey, the need for a “family-style” or “sit-down” restaurant was a common theme. When directly asked about the availability of places to dine in Tuscola, an overwhelming 87% of respondents find it “lacking” (See Q35 Opposite). Select comments include: • Need Family or “Sit-Down” Restaurants • Need an up to date sit down restaurant • Lacking in fine dining.• We need a nice restaurant in Tuscola• I mark adequate only because the ration of sit-

down to fast food chain is too low. It would be an improvement to have a higher ratio of sit down dining. A Cracker Barrell or a Tuscany replacement would be ideal.

• If we had more sit down type dining less people would go out of town to shop.

• We have good options yet they overlap one another. We have Jimmy John’s and we have Subway? We have so many fast food restaurants. This town desperately needs culture, exposing some sort of cuisine would be more than perfect. Something so even similar as Mona’s in Atwood. One thing that would be nice is a breakfast or brunch place.

• It’s all fast food :(• Need a good sit down place and a sports bar• SEVERELY LACKING. Ideally.....we could use

a nice family restaurant with conference room facilities....it would be tremendous to “theme” them with portraits of city fathers and business leaders along with a history of what they contributed to the community along the way. Our car immediately turns to Champaign on the occasions that we have dinner out....there is simply nothing to choose from in Tuscola other than quick, fast food.

When asked how often they left Tuscola to shop, a plurality do so weekly (65%); while 31% do so monthly. Then when looking at the supply of various retail and services, respondents had this to say: 80% need more downtown retail shopping/services; 90% need more downtown restaurants; and 98% need more sit-down restaurants. (See Q37 Opposite)Select comments include: • Don’t need big box stores • Destination Store-hunting, quilting, Christian

book/resources, woodworking. Brew Pub-locally served foods, wines, wine tasting room for Illinois wines.

• More arts destination businesses• Tuscola lacks certain types of entertainment

retail, such as bowling or a theater.• Parks... Again embrace what we already have. • Entertainment • Need Walmart, Target, or Meier, along with sit-

down restaurants. • We definitely need more options for groceries. • I would check sit down restaurants twice if

possible

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Tuscola, Illinois

Q35In your opinion, how would you describe the availability of places to dine in Tuscola?

Q37Please share your opinions about the supply of various retail and service businesses in Tuscola.

Plentiful, 1.6%

Adequate, 11.1%

Lacking, 87.3%

Not Sure, 0.0%

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Q36How often do you leave Tuscola to shop?

Never, 0.0% Daily, 1.6%

Weekly, 65.4%

Monthly, 31.5%

At least once per year,

1.6%

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D R A F TD R A F T



Community Facilities & ServicesIn considering services provided by the City, the respondents found these areas to be fair or poor: Recycling Program (53%); Cable / Telecommunications (64%); and Programs for Youth (61%). All other services rated either as good or excellent. See Q38 opposite. Select comments include: • Programs for Youth/Seniors: need more ways to

tell town about it and share what exists. • We are spoiled with our disposal options and the

youth are hard to communicate with • Need new ways to tell town about it and share

what exists for youth and senior programs.• Internet speed is a town wide issue, recycling

bins need to be emptied more often• Dedicated recycling depot would be great,

including electronics drop off. More regular yard waste pickup days would be a nice convenience.

• I would just like to say that for the services that I marked EXCELLENT, that they are all BEYOND EXCELLENT.

When looking at where dollars should and should not be spent, respondents felt the same amount of money should be spent in most areas. However, a plurality would like to see more money spent on Recreational Programs (54%) and Programs for Youth (57%). The areas of Economic Development and Park Facilities had a strong showing for more money (about 45%) and the same amount of money (about 45%). See Q39.

The top five (5) amenities cited as needed to be expanded or improved upon by either the City or a private developer were: Walking Trails (56%), Indoor recreation facilities (52%), Bike Trails (43%), Indoor Pool (32%), and a Splash Park and Dog Park tied at 27%.

The respondents were asked the open ended question regarding strengths and weaknesses of Tuscola’s community services. Select Strengths comments: • Fire Dept., ambulance & park • Recreation/park is biggest strength.• The strength is the ability to think cognitively

and make decisions which are best for the whole. • We have a great volunteer base in tuscola.• Open to improvements and forward thinking • While not perfect they are far better than any

town I have lived in• I think it has geared most recent improvements

to toddler age children in the park. Now it is time to give the teen, preteen children more opportunities.

• Willingness to ask what people think!

Select comments on Weaknesses include: • You almost have to drive to everything.• We could use more entertainment... Miniature

golf, movie theater, go-carts...• Not having trails• Lack of rec programs / facilities - need a YMCA

or similar program• Schools - people need to recognize academics

are not strong • Slow to implement• Opportunities for young people are only focused

on sports, need greater diversity• Concentration of money in one area. • Need indoor facilities for all

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D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

Q38From your experience, please rate the following services in Tuscola.

Q39The City of Tuscola supports many public services with a limited budget. How would you like the City to prioritize spending on these services? Please indicate your spending preferences based on your satisfaction with these public services.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Ambu

lanc

e Se

rvic

e

Emer

genc

y Ca

re

Fam

ily P

ract

ition

ers

Fire

Pro

tect

ion

Garb

age

Colle

ctio

n

Park

and

Rec

reat

ion

Faci

litie

s

Law

Enf

orce

men

t

Publ

ic L

ibra

ry

Publ

ic S

choo

l Sys

tem

Recy

clin

g Pr

ogra

m

Snow

Rem

oval

Stor

m W

ater

Man

agem

ent

Yard

Was

te D

ispos

al O

ptio

ns

Stre

et a

nd R

oad

Mai

nten

ance

Cabl

e / T

elec

omm

unic

atio

ns

Prog

ram

s for

You

th

Prog

ram

s for

Sen

iors

Not Sure Poor Fair Good Excellent

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Polic

e Se

rvic

es

Fire

and

Em

erge

ncy

Serv

ices

Libr

ary

Serv

ices

Gene

ral C

omm

unity

-wid

eCl

ean-

up, e

tc.

Arts

/Cul

ture

pro

gram

Fund

ing

Park

s Fac

ilitie

s

Recr

eatio

nal P

rogr

ams

Affo

rdab

le H

ousin

g

Hist

oric

Pre

serv

atio

n

Prog

ram

s for

the

Seni

ors

Prog

ram

s for

You

th

Econ

omic

Dev

elop

men

t

Oth

er

No Opinion Less $ Same $ More $

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D R A F TD R A F T



Land Use & Development

Q44Whenever a development project is proposed, be it new homes, new commercial or manufacturing uses, or mining or energy uses, City leaders must balance competing interests. Please indicate the importance of each of the following to you:

Q45How do you rate the following aspects of Tuscola?

A plurality of respondents (57%) think that Tuscola has experience some growth, but not a lot, over the last five (5) years while 31% think that the City has experienced a great deal of growth.

When regarding land use policies and regulations, 22% would direct City leaders to be LESS restrictive and allow MORE flexibility on how land may be used and developed; 16% would prefer to see MORE restrictive policies with LESS flexibility; and 62% are okay with the policies which are currently in place. Select comments include: • Need to enforce property maintenance ordinances • Protect our environment-water/air/land• Need a property maintenance ordinance.• I do not know the policies• Allow more land for family housing

When asked to consider competing interests, respondents said it was very important to: preserve rural character and scenery (62%); Attract industry and potential jobs (53%); preserve agricultural land and production (61%); and protect existing residential areas (69%). As for increased renewable energy production, 50% stated it was somewhat important. See Q44 at right.

Respondents were asked to rate seven (7) aspects of life in Tuscola. Generally, the plurality rated all seven as being either good or excellent. Property upkeep/cleanliness was the only one to be rated more toward the fair to poor end of the spectrum. See Q45 at right for more information. Select comments include: • Too many absentee property owners leading to

too many rundown, dilapidated properties that are eyesores to the neighborhoods & reflect poorly on the city and effect property sales & values.

• With the increase in trains, the noise assocated with them blowing their horns has also dramatically increased.

• There are a high number of poorly maintained properties that are a health and safety hazard. Absentee owners let property deteriorate.

• I would like to see a tree planting project for Main

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Preserving ruralcharacter and

scenery

Attracting industryand potential jobs

Preservingagricultural land and

production

Increased renewableenergy production

Protecting existingresidential areas

Not Important At All Somewhat Important Very Important

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Acce

ss to

par

ks

Num

ber o

f str

eet t

rees

Sign

age

cont

rol (

size

and

loca

tion

of si

gns)

Noi

se c

ontr

ol

Ligh

ting

cont

rol

Aest

hetic

des

ign

of n

ewde

velo

pmen

t

Prop

erty

upk

eep/

clea

nlin

ess

No Opinion Poor Fair Good Excellent

Street. The colors in the fall are stunning. Many of those trees are older and more trees need to be planted to prepare for when the older trees are gone. Maybe work with the Main Street home owners to plant more colorful trees. Are there any grants to replace/plant new trees?

• Wish houses that are owned by the city would be mowed more often. Neighbors are all mowing a nearby yard, because city never checks on it and mows it, but the park gets mowed several times a week.

• Noise control for trains -- too loud and too long

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D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

Q46How do you rate the following aspects of Downtown Tuscola?

Respondents were then asked to rate five (5) aspects of life in DOWNTOWN Tuscola. Generally, the plurality rated all seven as being either adequate or excellent. Retail / Service supply and variety was one to rate as more inadequate (42%) than adequate (45%). See Q46 below for more information. Select comments include: • Downtown is down again - I have been here 25+

years and have seen it go up and down • Vacant buildings are a turn-off. Employees at

businesses taking prime parking from customers, retailers need to realize that their hours the same as their customers cut their income. Need to adjust their hours or open late Friday and not limited weekend hours.

• Dollar General needs an exterior face lift.• Unused buildings and poor upkeep on some and

vacant lots.• I wish we could get business to stay open a little

later down town• As I think about these aspects, I realize that I really

do not use downtown much at all anymore.....nothing there. I “pass through” and maybe that is a starting point. What can make us STOP AND UTILIZE these businesses that are working so hard to succeed downtown? I truly believe there is a need for a SOUND comprehensive plan for that area on its own!

• Need one pharmacy type store to be open 24 hours

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Attr

activ

enes

s/ch

arm

Pede

stria

n sa

fety

and

com

fort

Park

ing

conv

enie

nce

Reta

il/se

rvic

e su

pply

and

var

iety

Reta

il/se

rvic

e ho

urs

Very poor Inadequate Adequate Excellent

Lastly, the respondents were asked to name the ONE thing they would not want to see change in Tuscola. In total, 70 open-ended answers were given. Of those responses, 33% focused on ensuring that a “small town” feel was maintained; 11% wanted to ensure continued support the preservation of historic buildings and streets; 10% want to ensure the current feeling of safety; and 7% want to prioritize a high quality school system. Select comments include: • The small town feel• Don’t ever cover the brick streets. • The personal/property safety• Importance of schools in community• Losing local farmland to developments• Influx of big box stores and more low end housing• Our locality and sense of independence. We are

the county seat and are stable within ourselves and a pillar of the county. I would hate to see too many chain locations within our town.

• Don’t turn your back or forget about the folks that have been around for a long time by focusing only on new opportunities

• Employment opportunities • Diversity of opportunities for work and recreation• Preservation of historical buildings. History is

important. You can’t just tear stuff down because you don’t want to pay to keep it nice.

• Noise pollution from trains and new development of homes

• People caring about people • Become forward, out of the box, thinking on how

to do things. • Keep the town neat and clean.• A good restaurant • Housing maintenance standards and keeping our

school quality high• Regulation of signage along Rt. 36 Starting to

look trashy.• Its desire to be a family-friendly community• Small town atmosphere.

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D R A F TD R A F T


2.5 | Visual Preference Survey

In addition to a Community Survey, a Visual Preference Survey was released. This survey was based solely on photos and the respondents preference to have that type of development within Tuscola.

The community survey was available in two forms: 1) digitally via the City’s and Project’s websites and 2) by paper copies made available at the Municipal Building upon request. Availability of the survey was announced through newspaper articles, press releases, e-mail, websites, and other social media outlets. There were 98 responses to this survey.

Methods

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D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

For the next 5 photos, imagine each of these buildings developed along Tuscola’s commercial corridors (Rt. 36, Rt. 45, I-57). Would you enjoy their size, shape and design in Tuscola?

Corridor Commercial Development - Building Scale & Design

YES | 84%NO | 16%

YES | 14%NO | 86%

YES | 36%NO | 64%

YES | 96%NO | 4%

YES | 84%NO | 16%

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D R A F TD R A F T



For the next 4 photos, imagine each of these buildings developed along Tuscola’s commercial corridors (Rt. 36, Rt. 45, I-57). Do you like proximity to the road?

Corridor Commercial Development - Building Setback

YES | 72%NO | 28%

YES | 72%NO | 28%

YES | 73%NO | 27%

YES | 72%NO | 28%

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D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

For the next 5 photos, imagine how each of these types of signs would look along Tuscola’s commercial corridors (Rt. 36, Rt. 45, I-57). Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, height and design in Tuscola?

Commercial Signage

YES | 33%NO | 67%

YES | 84%NO | 16%

YES | 65%NO | 35%

YES | 81%NO | 19%

YES | 23%NO | 77%

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D R A F TD R A F T



For the next 5 photos, imagine how Route 36 and Route 45 might look when developed with a different design. Consider road width, sidewalks, lighting, medians, landscaping, bike lanes, etc.

Commercial Corridor Streetscape Design

YES | 82%NO | 18%

YES | 70%NO | 30%

YES | 72%NO | 28%

YES | 78%NO | 22%

YES | 43%NO | 57%

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D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

For the next 3 photos, imagine how parking lots might be (re)developed along the commercial corridors. Consider the size, layout and design.

Parking Lot Design

YES | 15%NO | 85%

YES | 90%NO | 10%

YES | 53%NO | 47%

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D R A F TD R A F T



For the next 4 photos, imagine how each of the photos might look when considering the spaces between parking lots and the streets. Consider width, materials, uses, landscaping, etc.

Parking Lot Edges

YES | 61%NO | 39%

YES | 89%NO | 11%

YES | 80%NO | 20%

YES | 7%NO | 93%

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D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

For the next 4 photos, imagine each of these buildings if they were to be (re)developed in Downtown Tuscola. Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, setback and general design in Downtown Tuscola?

Downtown (Re)Development - Building Scale & DesignDOWNTOWN - Now we are moving off of the main corridors and into Downtown Tuscola.

YES | 97%NO | 3%

YES | 77%NO | 23%

YES | 98%NO | 2%

YES | 75%NO | 25%

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D R A F TD R A F T



For the next 4 photos, imagine each of these signs would fit within Downtown Tuscola. Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, placement and general design in Downtown Tuscola?

Downtown Signage

YES | 87%NO | 13%

YES | 19%NO | 81%

YES | 81%NO | 19%

YES | 94%NO | 6%

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D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

For the next 4 photos, imagine the way each of these photos might function within Downtown Tuscola. Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, placement and general design in Downtown Tuscola? Consider the way the space is designed and can and would be used.

Downtown Streetscape

YES | 89%NO | 11%

YES | 57%NO | 43%

YES | 83%NO | 17%

YES | 36%NO | 64%

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D R A F TD R A F T



For the last 4 photos, imagine the way each of these photos might function within Tuscola as far as utility and sanitary services are concerned. Would you enjoy their size, shape, material, placement and general design in Tuscola?

Service Areas

YES | 29%NO | 71%

YES | 4%NO | 96%

YES | 66%NO | 34%

YES | 89%NO | 11%

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Tuscola, Illinois

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D R A F TD R A F T


Steering Committee Steering Committees are an invaluable method to involve key stakeholders and explore important issues. Tuscola’s Steering Committee was the primary review body throughout the planning process. They met bimonthly with City Staff and Consultants to thoroughly discuss each component of the Comprehensive Plan. The following texts gives an abbreviated summary of each of the meetings.

Meeting #1 - Assets & LiabilitiesThe group met for nearly 2 hours. Introductions were made, and the Consultants gave an overview of the process, the roles of the committee members, and the project schedule. The group was then lead through a Community Assets and Liabilities Exercise using a series of aerial maps. Topics covered were transportation, housing, agricultural & natural resources, economic development and downtown. The results are shown on the page opposite.

Meeting #2 - Future Land UseThe meeting kicked off by reviewing the data collected on the existing conditions within and around Tuscola, specifically from the survey results. The group then spent the meeting looking at potential future uses for sites and areas all over the City. Discussion focused on future development areas as well as sites for redevelopment. The results can be seen in Chapter 4 - Land Use.

Meeting #3 - Goals & ObjectivesThe group met for nearly two hours while crafting a vision for Tuscola and creating admirable and achievable goals. The Committee established twenty-five (25) goals and began crafting objectives and strategies as a means to that end.

2.6 | Steering Committee Meetings

Meeting #4 - Action Steps and Implementation The Committee used their final meeting to set action steps for the goals and objections from the prior meeting. They also identified stakeholders and champions for each action.

City Staff later met with the consultants to set funding sources and where the City can work to ensure the goals are met and maintained.

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D R A F TD R A F T

Tuscola, Illinois

Maps from the first meeting with the Steering Committee.

Planning Process and Public Participation 2€¦ · 2 3 4 5 A B C Planning Process and Public...

Documents

Transcript of Planning Process and Public Participation 2€¦ · 2 3 4 5 A B C Planning Process and Public...