Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutmintues and resolution for University District PlanMay 28, 2009 ITEM NO.: NAME: University District Plan REQUEST: Approval of Resolution of support LOCATION: 1-630 to Fourche Creek, Boyle Park to Monroe SOURCE: University District Partnership GENERAL INFORMATION: In 2004, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) engaged an urban planning firm to prepare a revitalization plan for the area surrounding the campus. Input was received from residential, commercial property owners and public officials. An outline of the important issues and concerns for the area was developed. UALR and the University District Partnership formed a steering committee to begin the work of creating the University District Plan with the consultants. This committee consisted of public and private sector individuals from the areas surrounding the campus of UALR. A consulting team worked on issues and presented information and recommendations to the steering committee. The Committee guided the consults on important issues and priorities. Public meetings were held to present information to the property owners and residents surrounding the campus. At these meeting comments were received as well as concerns. The consultants took this information and development recommendations that became the draft plan. The University District Partnership was formalized with the continuing meetings of property owners, residents, public officials and the university. The overall goal or aim of the effort is to strengthen the residential neighborhoods and revitalize the commercial districts that surround UALR. The intent of the University District Revitalization Plan (UDRP) is twofold: • To establish a revitalization framework that will guide both private and public realm new development and adaptive reuse of existing facilities, and; • To identify logical revitalization scenarios that will address the evolving needs of the district's various constituents, and build a healthy and vibrant urban community. The revitalization planning team—consisting of community planners, urban designers, landscape architects and market analysts—has worked to maintain an open, engaged, and collaborative process involving broad participation by the University District (UD) community, as well as civic, institutional and business leaders. May 28, 2009 ITEM NO.: 8 (Cont Throughout the year-long process, the consultant team met regularly with the University District Partnership (UDP), the UD management team, and local municipal department personnel. At every stage, the UDP was involved through workshops and presentation. In addition, the products of this collaborative process have been available for public view and comment on the UD's website. At the outset of the process, the consultant team, in collaboration with the UD Partnership and Management team, divided the planning process into the following four phases: • Project Orientation—project initiation and data gathering, understanding the vision and goals, stakeholder interviews, and review of relevant studies and plans • Analysis of Existing Conditions and Trends—assess current physical, regulatory, and market conditions, and identification of dynamics of change opportunities and constraints • Concept Development—explore alternative revitalization framework concepts for land use, urban design, development/redevelopment prototypes, open space and circulation • Revitalization Plan—refinement and documentation of a preferred revitalization framework and prototype projects, development principles, and implementation strategy THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT 2004 VISION STATEMENT In 2014... The University District is a thriving cultural and entertainment destination, regarded throughout the city as a neighborhood of choice—a walkable in - town district with excellent schools and services, vibrant commercial areas, rich cultural resources, and connections to open space and transit. A mix of single-family and higher -density housing attracts a diverse community, including many UALR faculty and staff who choose to live as well as work in the district. The university's presence in the district is leveraged into resources for improving the area: technical assistance for small businesses, faculty research linked to emerging companies, improved K-12 schools, supporting families in the district, and green space for the community created by the restoration and enhancement of Coleman Creek. The vision has been structured around seven themes: • Distinctive district identity • Commercial vitality • Strong and diverse neighborhoods • Safe and attractive streets • Excellent schools • Ample open space • Clear pedestrian and transit links 2 May 28, 2009 ITEM NO.: 8 (Cont. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends approval of a resolution supporting the Goals of the University District Partnership Revitalization Plan. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 28, 2009) The item was placed on consent agenda for approval. By a vote of 10 for 0 against the consent agenda was approved. 3 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS IN SUPPORT OF THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE UNIVERSITY DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP REVITALIZATION PLAN. WHEREAS, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) working with area residents, Neighborhood Associations, business owners and other interested groups formed the University District Partnership to revitalize the neighborhoods and commercial areas surrounding the UALR Campus; and, WHEREAS, the University District Partnership engaged in a broad-based inclusive process to develop a Revitalization Plan for the area; 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 University District Partnership Revitalization Plan. ADOPTED: SECRETARY CHAIRMAN