HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 planning commission minutes & resolution supporting 12th ST studyDecember 17, 2009
ITEM NO.: 8
NAME: 12th Street Corridor Plan
REQUEST: Approval of Resolution of support
LOCATION: 1-630 to 16th Street, University Avenue to Woodrow
SOURCE: 12th Street Corridor Steering Committee
GENERAL INFORMATION:
In the summer of 2007 City Director Ken Richardson decided bring together
business owners, neighborhood associations and residents in the 12th Street
Community to brainstorm and begin dialogue on ways to revitalize this area. It
was also recognized that there were several potential developments within and
around the area that could have a positive impact.
The Central Arkansas Library System was in the process of determining a site off
of 12th Street to build a new library that would be dedicated primarily to youth
activities. The Black Community Developers (BCD) were in initial planning stages
to raise money to build a new "Empowerment Center" which would provide
continued community services through its programs. The Little Rock Parks and
Recreation was looking at the possibility of purchasing land south of 1-630 to
expand War Memorial Park along Jonesboro. UALR was undergoing its own
University District Plan to revitalize the areas surrounding the campus.
With a growing staff and lack of parking capacity, UAMS was interested in getting
their employees to live closer to work which possibly meant improving the
housing stock south of the interstate and creating a safer living environment. At
the time the neighboring Midtown Redevelopment District was underway and the
St. Mark Baptist Church was looking at a major expansion. Finally the City was
looking at purchasing property somewhere along 12th Street to build a new police
substation.
These were all very positive signs that such an endeavor could be successful
given proper planning. During initial discussion it was decided that the
boundaries for the corridor should be 1-630 on the North side, 16th Street on the
south side, Woodrow on the east side and University on the West side. The
group soon decided that the best way to proceed with obtaining analysis and
guidance on how best to approach the idea of revitalization was to put out an
Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Planning Consultant that could help.
December 17, 2009
ITEM NO.: 8 (Cont.
Director Richardson selected a diverse review committee to score and rank the
proposals that were submitted by at least seven different firms to make a
decision on who they felt would best provide the services that were needed for
this area. The Central Arkansas Library System, UAMS and the City of Little
Rock all provided funding for this endeavor. Grafton, Tull, Sparks & Associates,
Inc. was selected and the City entered into a 13 month long contract for the study
of the area which involved holding community meetings to obtain additional input
from residents as well as meet regularly with the steering committee. All of the
public meetings were attended by 60 to 80 people which was remarkable for this
type of project and showed the great interest of residents to finally see a
comprehensive revitalization plan put into action.
All of the recommendations, citizen input, and community needs have been put
into the final report that is being submitted. This is only an initial phase to making
these efforts become a reality.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of a resolution supporting the Goals of the 12th Street
Corridor Plan.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(DECEMBER 17, 2009)
Tony Bozynski, Planning Director, introduced the item and indicated there had
been a number of public meetings to develop the Plan and it was an inclusive
process. He then turned the presentation over to Dave Roberts and Julie Luther,
Grafton Tull Sparks, lead consultants for the plan.
Dave Roberts and Julie Luther reviewed the consulting team and process used
to develop the Plan. The intent is to create a sustainable livable neighborhood
with connectivity and self-identity. They identified some elements to help with
this and reviewed a method of development to encourage density, mixed
development, livability and vitality — focused on the way the area is developed
more than the use of the land. In addition, alternative road designs were
discussed and the next steps.
In response to questions, it was noted that items would come to the Commission
later on possible land use changes, street plan and related items. A motion was
made to approve the resolution of support for the Plan. By a vote of 8 for
0 against the item was approved.
E
RESOLUTION NO. I `A ("'
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS IN
SUPPORT OF THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF
THE 12TH STREET CORRIDOR PLAN.
WHEREAS; the 12`h Street Corridor Committee working with area residents, business
owners, religious leaders and other interested groups has developed the 12`h Street Corridor Plan
to help revitalize the neighborhoods and business areas of the Corridor; and,
WHEREAS, the 12`h Street Corridor Committee engaged in a broad-based inclusive
process to develop a Plan for the area's future; and,
WHEREAS, the residents and other "stakeholders" in the area participated in several
public meetings to discuss and identify area concerns to include in the plan; and
WHEREAS, after several months of work, goals and objectives were developed and
presented to the residents, associations, business groups and other interested parties; and
WHEREAS, this Plan (Goals and Objectives) provides a way for both neighborhood
based groups and others working in and around the neighborhoods to advance the desires and
meet the needs of the residents;
WHEREAS, comprehensive planning must include not only interests of the
neighborhood immediately affected but the interests of the city as a whole; and
WHEREAS, local government encourages and supports neighborhood -based coalitions
that develop individual neighborhood organizations, articulate neighborhood views on
community -wide issues, and facilitated the planning process; and
WHEREAS, advocacy planning by neighborhoods is an acceptable and legitimate role
for citizens and professional planners,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS.
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Little Rock does support the
vision and goals as expressed in the 12`h Street Corridor Plan.
ADOPTED: 1 -1, , Z 0 0 � _ !_