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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution and board item for 12th Street study to board of directorsRESOLUTION NO. i�(e 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 12th Street Corridor Plan to help revitalize the neighborhoods and business areas of the Corridor; and, WHEREAS, the 12th 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 121h Street Corridor Plan. ADOPTED: L�. -z t 7, fi=n OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMUNICATION JANUARY 19, 2010 AGENDA Subject Action Required Approved By Resolution of support for the 12th Street Corridor Ordinance Plan Resolution Approval Submitted By: Information Report Planning & Development Bruce Moore SYNOPSIS Approve a resolution of support for the Goals and Objective stated in the 12th Street Corridor Plan, FISCAL IMPACT None RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval. The Planning Commission approved a resolution of support of the Goals and Objectives of the 12th Street Corridor Plan at their December 17, 2009 hearing. CITIZEN Public Hearing before the Planning Commission on PARTICIPATION December 17, 2009. Meetings with area residents and interested groups within the 12th Street corridor through 2009. BACKGROUND In the summer of 2007 City Director Ken Richardson decided to 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. BACKGROUND CONTINUED Various organizations are in the early stages of bringing redevelopment to the area: The Central Arkansas Library System, a new branch; The Black Community Developers (BCD); The Little Rock Parks and Recreation was looking at expanding south of I-630; UAMS was interested in getting their employees to live closer to work; St. Mark Baptist Church plans a major expansion; The City is going 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 I-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. 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. Crafton, 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. 2 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE 12TH STREET CORRIDOR PLAN. WHEREAS; the Little hock Planning Commission did approve a resolution of support of the Goals and Objectives of the 12th Street Corridor Plan at their December 17, 2009 public hearing; and, WHEREAS; the 12th Street Corridor Committee working with area residents, business owners, religious leaders and other interested groups has developed the 12th Street Corridor Plan to help revitalize the neighborhoods and business areas of the Corridor; and, WHEREAS, the 12th 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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS. SECTION 1. The PIanning Commission of the City of Little Rock does support the vision and goals as expressed in the 12th Street Corridor Plan. ADOPTED: SECRETARY CHAIRMAN 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. 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 2" STREET CORRIDOR PLAN (Cont. Rock all provided funding for this endeavor. Crafton, 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, Crafton 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. 2