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Home My WebLink About2015-05- May 7 2015 PB Agenda Package (Meeting Cancelled)AGENDA NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING BOARD New Hanover County Historic Courthouse 24 North Third Street, Room 301 Wilmington, NC New Hanover County Historic Courthouse EDWARD T. (TED) SHIPLEY III, CHAIRMAN - DONNA GIRARDOT, VICE-CHAIR LISA MESLER, BOARD MEMBER - TAMARA MURPHY, BOARD MEMBER ANTHONY PRINZ, BOARD MEMBER - THOMAS (JORDY) RAWL, BOARD MEMBER DAVID WEAVER, BOARD MEMBER CHRIS O'KEEFE, PLANNING & INSPECTIONS DIRECTOR - KENNETH VAFIER, PLANNING MGR. . MAY 7, 2015 6:00 PM Call Meeting to Order (Chairman Ted Shipley) Pledge of Allegiance (Sam Burgess) Approval of April Meeting Minutes REGULAR ITEMS OF BUSINESS The Planning Board may consider substantial changes in these petitions as a result of objections, debate, and discussion at the meeting, including rezoning to other classifications. 1Public Hearing Adoption of Plan NHC Chapter 3: Framing the Policy TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT 1Technical Review Committee Report For April 2015 (Sam Burgess) OTHER ITEMS 1Other Business Planning Board - May 7, 2015 NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING BOARD REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION MEETING DATE: May 7, 2015 REGULAR ITEM: DEPARTMENT: PRESENTER(S): Jennifer Rigby, Long Range Planner CONTACT(S): Jennifer Rigby; Ken Vafier, Planning Manager; and Chris O'Keefe, Planning & Inspections Director SUBJECT: Public Hearing Adoption of Plan NHC Chapter 3: Framing the Policy BRIEF SUMMARY: Plan NHC Chapter 3: Framing the Policy includes the extensive citizen input to create 20 goals and implementation strategies that will serve to guide growth and development in New Hanover County for the next 25 years. The goals were created from six citizen-led theme committees and refined by a twelve member citizen advisory committee. Approximately 175 individual citizens and business leaders participated in this process. Staff brings this collective work to the Planning Board as a final version of the third chapter of Plan NHC. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: Intelligent Growth and Economic Development • Attract and retain new and expanding businesses • Enhance and add recreational, cultural and enrichment amenities • Build and maintain infrastructure • Innovate programs to protect the environment • Implement plans for land use, economic development, infrastructure and environmental programs • Understand and act on citizen needs RECOMMENDED MOTION AND REQUESTED ACTIONS: Staff recommends Chapter 3: Framing the Policy be adopted by resolution and be included in the final version of the comprehensive plan. ATTACHMENTS: Script for Plan NHC Chapter 3 Chapter 3: Framing the Policy ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 SCRIPT FOR Comprehensive Plan Resolution – Plan NHC Chapter 3: Framing the Policy Request by Planning staff to recommend Chapter 3: Framing the Policy to be validated as the 3rd Chapter of the New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan “Plan NHC” by resolution. 1. This is a public hearing. We will hear a presentation from staff. Then the supporters and any opponents will each be allowed 15 minutes for their presentation and additional 5 minutes for rebuttal. 2. Conduct Hearing, as follows: a. Staff presentation b. Supporter’s presentation (up to 15 minutes) c. Opponent’s presentation (up to 15 minutes) d. cross examination/rebuttal (up to 5 minutes) 3. Close the Public Hearing 4. Planning Board discussion 5. Vote on the Resolution request. 1. Motion to recommend validation; or 2. Motion to continue. Suggested motion: The Planning Board recommends the Board of Commissioners validate Chapter 3: Framing the Policy as the 3rd Chapter of Plan NHC and accept it by resolution.” - 1 - 1ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY3 NEW HANOVER COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHAPTER 3: FRAMING THE POLICY The Livable Built Environment Harmony with Nature Interwoven Equity Resilient Economy Healthy Community Responsible Regionalism CONTENTS: - 2 - 1ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY4 As New Hanover County charts the course for the future, it is critical to create aspirational goals and implementation strategies to guide future development. These goals and implementation strategies will assist in guiding development for the next twenty fve years. New Hanover County was one of ten communities selected by the American Planning Association as a pilot community to create comprehensive plan standards for sustaining places. By participating in this capacity, County Planning was able to use best management practices from across the county to create a format by which goals and implementation strategies were created. The American Planning Association created six principles that each comprehensive plan should include. These principles included topics comprehensive plans have not always addressed, but acknowledges that the way our community responds and shapes development has a direct correlation to these planning principles. Staf created an opportunity for our community to hold conversations based on these six topical areas in an efort to include them in the overarching vision for the future of New Hanover County. Six theme committees were formed to explore the following areas: • The Livable Built Environment • Harmony with Nature • Interwoven Equity • Resilient Economy • Healthy Community • Responsible Regionalism Each of these committees, called theme committees, were led by citizen members. Staf reached out to the community to encourage all interested citizens to participate in these conversations about the future of New Hanover County. Additionally, staf targeted groups or organizations that had specifc expertise on areas that would be relevant to each theme committee. New Hanover County staf members were also encouraged to participate and aid in facilitation of each theme committee. The general intent and spirit was that everyone was welcome, no one would be turned away from a meeting, and all perspectives would be respected discussions in conversations. Each theme committee met four times to discuss the issues within the community, best management practices, and ways in which New Hanover County can appropriately address these topics. Meetings were held at the New Hanover County Government Center from the hours of 11am to 1pm. A light and healthy lunch was provided by our sponsor, Clean Eatz during these meetings. Below is an indepth into each of the theme committees, the purpose, the discussion, and the recommendations from our citizens. PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY4 - 2 - 2ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY5 THE LIvAbLE buILT ENvIRONMENT Renewable Resources in New Hanover County, North Carolina According to David Godschalk, FAICP, with the American Planning Association, “the Livable Built Environment seeks to ensure that all elements of the built environment, including land use, transportation, housing, energy, and infrastructure work together to provide sustainable places for living, working, and recreation, to produce a high quality of life”.* The Livable Built Environment Theme committee was facilitated by New Hanover County Planning staf members Ken Vafer, Sam Burgess, and Karyn Crichton. This group discussed seven main issues at the frst meeting: open space, mixed use development, industry and commerce, infrastructure, conservation of resources, building and design standards, and methods for fnancing infrastructure. These conversations and discussions developed further over three additional meetings into a framework for the future. The Framework document with supporting and detailed information is included at the end of this section; however, the recommendations included: • Preserve open space and agricultural land. • Integrate multi-modal transportation into mixed land uses that encourage safe, walkable communities. • Create a mix of housing types to promote diversity and strengthen existing residential areas. • Encourage sustainable development. • Invest in community infrastructure. • Revitalize commercial corridors. PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY5 - 2 - 3ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY6 The Harmony with Nature theme committee was facilitated by New Hanover County Parks and Gardens staf Matt Collogan and Jodi Dellinger. According to the American Planning Association, “Harmony with Nature seeks to ensure the contributions of natural resources to human well-being are explicitly recognized and valued, and maintenance of natural resources health is a primary objective”.* The Harmony with Nature theme committee discussed fve major areas at the frst meetings. These included linking major habitats, promoting the region through natural resources, water access and quality, air quality, and solid waste and recycling. These issues were further refned through three subsequent meetings and recommendations were formally included in the Harmony with Nature Framework. The recommendations for the Harmony with Nature theme committee included: • Promote sustainable growth and green infrastructure. • Improve solid waste management and recycling. • Preserve open space, farmland, and natural beauty, and address critical environmental areas, such as those prone to fooding. • Link major habitats. • Promote the region through natural resources. • Address concerns related to water supply, quality, and conservation issues. • Promote air quality and renewable energy. • Encourage sustainable growth and green infrastructure. HARMONY WITH NATuRE INTERWOvEN EquITY The Interwoven Equity theme committee was facilitated by Planning staf member, Wanda Coston and Legal staf member, Sharon Hufman. This theme committee “sought to ensure fairness and equity in providing for the housing, services, health, safety, and livelihood needs of all its citizens and groups”.* The Interwoven Equity theme committee began discussions surrounding the topics of: a range of housing types, jobs and housing balance, disadvantaged neighborhoods, services and health care for minority and low income individuals, infrastructure upgrades in older neighborhoods, work force development, protecting vulnerable neighborhoods from natural disasters, and promoting environmental justice. These conversations evolved over four meetings and were organized into an information framework. The recommendations were: • Provide a range of housing types, opportunities and choices. • Increase workforce housing and workforce development. • Upgrade housing development with the installation of new infrastructure and existing infrastructure. • Strengthen neighborhoods through redevelopment of blighted areas and ensure environmental equity. • Create opportunities for health care and services to distribute widely throughout the community in an efort to reach all New Hanover County citizens equitably. • Environmental justice grants and initiatives provide underserved communities with a voice in land use equity. - 2 - 4ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY7 The Resilient Economy theme committee was facilitated by New Hanover County Policy and Strategy Manager, Beth Schrader. According to the American Planning Association, a Resilient Economy “ensures the community is prepared to deal with both positive and negative changes in its economic health and to initiate sustainable urban development and redevelopment strategies that foster business growth through technology and innovation and build reliance on local assets.”* Much of the discussion in the Resilient Economy theme committee was complimentary to the Pathways to Prosperity project by Jay Garner. This project identifed target industries and ways in which New Hanover County can attract these industries. Additionally, the committee held conversations regarding the four recommendations outlined in the Framework: • Encourage redevelopment and infll development for commercial corridors through a balance of uses. • Create unique and special places that attract individuals and companies by creating a sense of place. • Use public improvements to leverage private development and look for win-win opportunities that focus on common interests. • Support local and small business success and workforce development. RESILIENT ECONOMY HEALTHY COMMuNITY The Healthy Community theme committee was facilitated by Parks and Garden’s staf Tara Duckworth, Janine Powell, and Health Department staf Joshua Swift. The Healthy Community theme committee’s conversations were about ensuring “public health needs are recognized and addressed through provision for healthy foods, physical activity, access to recreation, health care, environmental justice and safe neighborhoods”.* Creating a healthy community was the central theme of this committee’s conversations. The conversations evolved into the following recommendations as outlined in the framework: • Increase physical activity and promote healthy, active lifestyles. • Promote disease prevention and mental health awareness. • Increase access to afordable and convenient healthy foods. PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY7 - 2 - 5ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY8 The Responsible Regionalism theme committee was facilitated by Planning staf Ben Andrea, and Chris O’Keefe. This theme committee was tasked with ensuing that all local proposals account for, connect with, and support the plans of adjacent jurisdictions and the surrounding region.* The Responsible Regionalism theme committee held discussions regarding a regional approach to housing development, economic development, transportation and management and environmental management. The conversations continued over four meetings and concluded with the following draft policies: • Utilize a regional approach to housing development. • Create a regional approach to economic development. • Promote a regional approach to transportation and management. * Godshalk, David FAICP, "What Makes a Good Comprehensive Plan?" The Commissioner, Fall 2013. RESPONSIbLE REGIONALISM The culmination of these theme committees was presented to the public on August 12, 2014. Approximately 161 individuals participated in these conversations about the future of New Hanover County and contributed more than 800 hours of volunteer time to this efort. This represents a signifcant amount of thought, creativity, and energy toward a better future for New Hanover County. The public meeting on August 12, 2014 was designed to demonstrate to the public the work of the theme committees, identify overarching goals and strategies, encourage feedback, and initiate the next phase of this important process; the responsibility of the Citizen Advisory Committee to refne and organize the theme committees work into the overarching vision for New Hanover County. INFORMAL FRAMEWORk FOR A bETTER FuTuRE PARTICIPANTS: PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY8 Adrienne Garwood Alison Russell Andy Olonko Bob Barden Bob Hammond Bobby Chappell Brian Chambers Charles Elam Charlotte Buckley Chris Johnson Dan Dawson Dani McKeon David Kellam Don Harris Donald Thackston Duane Truscott Eddie Anderson Gary McSmith Harry Tuchmayer Jim Herstine Julia Worth Kayne Darrell Kenny Bundy Lynn McIntyre Maggie O’Conner Meg Young Meredith Jackson Mike McGill Paul D’Angelo Phil LaMotte Sherry O’Daniell Stephen Whitney Suraiya Rashid Tamara Murphy Thomas Congleton Tom Gale Tom West Tyler Newman Jane Steigerweld Karen Dunn A special thank you to Karen Dunn who represented the Livable Built Environment on the Citizen Advisory Committee. The Livable Built Environment: - 2 - 6ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY9 PARTICIPANTS (CONTINuEd): PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY9 Barbara Rowe Julia Worth Roger Shew Maggie O’Connor Don Ellson Sherry O’Daniell David Todd Meg Young Bobby Chappell Zachary Keith Dani McKeon Kenny Bundy Ryan McAlister Scott Whitham Kayne Darrell Scott Johnson Debbie Elliott Jodi Dellenger Matt Collogan Angela Faison Dave Silvia Lara Berkley Joe Suleyman Cary Paynter Earla Pope Tyler Newman Charley Winterbauer Kat Pohlman Randall Johnson John Taggart Shane Johnson Heather Caveny Jared Taylor David Kellam Gus Simmons Gary McSmith Melanie Doyle Phil Prete Nancy Jones Julie Hurley A special thank you to Earla Pope for representing the Harmony with Nature theme committee on the Citizen Advisory Committee. Harmony with Nature Phil Lamotte Laura McCabe Rob Zapple JC Skane Vivian S. Wilson Kenny Bundy Mary Canel Tanya Gurganious Regina Penna John Edge Atiba Johnson Katrina Knight Chris McNamee Suzanne Rogers Mechelle Estes Althea Johnson Dan Ferrell Frankie Roberts Stan Turner Tyler Newman Shane Johnson Roger Kelley Joshua Swift Gail Ginsberg Steve Spain Dani McKeon Jenny Biddle Phil Prete Meg Young Gloria Garton Terri Burhans Wanda Coston Sharon Hufman Andrea Tarantino Angela Faison Karen Dunn Gary McSmith Jessica Gray A special thank you to Frankie Roberts for representing the Interwoven Equity theme committee on the Citizen Advisory Committee. Interwoven Equity - 2 - 7ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY10 PARTICIPANTS (CONTINuEd): PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY10 Will Purvis Jeremy Tomlinson Chuck Kuebler Meg Young Rob Zapple Bobby Chappell Adrienne Cox Steve Kohler Dave Spetrino Jessica Gray Justin Murphy Gary McSmith Connie Majure-Rhett Mike McGill Tyler Newman Bob Warwick Jim Morton Kim Hufham Terri Burhans Al Sharp Miles Murphy Karen Dunn Kellin Dougherty Ashley Daniels Priss Endo Christine Hughes Resilient Economy A special thank you to Jessica Gray who represented the Resilient Economy theme committee on the Citizen Advisory Committee. Dani McKeon Erin Fritz Mark Briggs David Howard Kenny Bundy Meg Young Sharon Boyd Paige Owens Eric Blaesing Schorr Davis Kristy Hubard Dalia Nir Bob Barden Tom Lamont Travis Greer Latanya Howard Doug Carriker Craig Johnson Christina Bauman Wes MacLeod Shahnee Haire Perry Shaw Everardo Morales Christine Hughes Linda Reece Sara Burroughs Jane Steigerwald Angelia Clinton Jean Murtagh Steve Kohler Miles Murphy Joshua Swift Janine Powell Karen Dunn Jessica Gray Gary McSmith Daivd Kellam Kayne Darrell Healthy Community Bill Jayne JC Skayne Dani McKeon Selah Hebbard Al Sharp Kenny Bundy Meg Young Karen Sagett Brianna Grella Mitch Lamm Bruce Holsten Hal Kitchin Ben Andrea Christine Hughes Tyler Newman Suraiya Rashid Stephanie Ayers Gary Broughton Shane Johnson Brian Chambers David Kellam Phil Prete Dan Dawson Gary McSmith Kellin Dougherty Karen Dunn Jessica Gray Miles Murphy Albert Corbet Xavier Butler Responsible Regionalism A special thank you to Dani McKeon for representing the Healthy Community theme committee on the Citizen Advisory Committee. A special thank you to Bruce Holsten for representing the Responsible Regionalism theme committee on the Citizen Advisory Committee. - 2 - 8ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY11 As presented in Chapter 1, the Public Engagement Plan, the Citizen Advisory Committee was comprised of 12 individuals; six individuals appointed by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, and one individual selected from each theme committee to represent the work of that committee. The purpose of the Citizen Advisory Committee was to review and study the work of the theme committees and further refne the framework into attainable and actionable goals and implementation strategies for the comprehensive plan. The committee was designed to be representative of the county’s diverse community. The group proved to be an excellent representation of our community and ofered great conversation and deliberation about the future of New Hanover County. The frst Citizen Advisory Committee was designed to introduce all individuals to each other, ofer individuals the opportunity to present their goals and intent and an opportunity for each Citizen Advisory Committee member representing a theme committee to informally present the intent and conversations held in the theme committees. The second Citizen Advisory Committee was organized to gather input from members on the theme committee goals and how to implement these goals. Citizen Advisory Committee members frst determined that decisions would be made by a majority instead of unanimously. Additionally, Citizen Advisory Committee members decided to govern themselves with the following guidelines: to start and end meetings on time, all members would participate respectfully, agendas would be sent to members one week ahead of meetings, and members would conduct research and read materials in preparation of all meetings. Citizen Advisory Committee members were then presented with 20 goals on boards and asked to indicate if they supported the goal, if the goal should be implemented by incentives or requirements, if the goal was appropriate for all of New Hanover County or a portion of New Hanover County, and suggestions for implementing the goal. Staf compiled the Citizen Advisory Committee’s feedback and worked with Renaissance Planning group to develop implementation strategies according to the feedback. This information was sent to Citizen Advisory Committee members in a survey format for representatives to indicate if they supported, did not support or needed additional information about implementation strategies. Additionally, Citizen Advisory Committee members were encouraged to provide comments and recommended strategies for consideration. As determined by the group, the implementation strategies receiving a simple majority were moved forward and strategies that received feedback requesting additional information were presented at the following meeting. The following goals and implementation strategies were noted as needing additional information: CITIzEN AdvISORY COMMITTEE PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY11 - 2 - 9ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY12 • Increase recycling and reduction of solid waste in the development process. • Conserve open space for long term agriculture and rural areas. • Increase access to afordable and convenient healthy foods. • Provide a range of housing types, opportunities and choices. • Attract individuals and companies by creating a unique sense of place. • Support local and small business success. At the Citizen Advisory Committee’s third meeting, staf presented additional information to the Citizen Advisory Committee on these topics and facilitated a spirited discussion on these topics. Staf presented the Citizen Advisory Committee with an additional survey outlining changes and modifcations based of of the conversation at the third meeting. The Citizen Advisory Committee was then able to respond and move a number of additional goals and implementation strategies forward based on a simple majority. The fourth and fnal meeting of the Citizen Advisory Committee was designed to review the fnal draft of goals and implementation strategies developed by staf and based on conversations and feedback from the previous meetings. The Citizen Advisory Committee discussed the goals and implementation strategies to refne them such that every member could support the document as a whole. It is critical to understand the intent of these goals. The following twenty goals exemplify an interwoven framework of economic, environmental, and social responsibility for New Hanover County. Each goal represents a course of action. Collectively, they steer the County towards prosperity and provide a vision for the future. These goals are not meant to be considered in order of priority. CITIzENS AdvISORY COMMITTEE - 2 - 10ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY13 Promote environmentally resPonsible growth. Explanation: Where and how growth occurs can have an impact on environmental resources. Responsible growth includes strategies to encourage the desired levels of new growth, while minimizing negative impacts on natural resources. Implementation Strategies: • Promote a mixture of uses where appropriate in an efort to cluster development and minimize impacts on natural resources. • Adopt and implement a green infrastructure plan that identifes a network of natural lands and open spaces and provides ecosystem conservation as well as alternative transportation modes through trails and greenways. • Partner with regional governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations to acquire and protect environmentally sensitive land (eg. Establish a regional land bank). • Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities through encouraging infll and redevelopment. Promote fiscally resPonsible growth. Explanation: There is a cost to the tax payer to provide services and infrastructure for growth. Appropriate growth patterns can help to achieve efcient provisions of services and equitable distribution of costs between the public and private sector. Implementation Strategies: • Coordinate infrastructure from a regional perspective including water, sewer, and transportation. • Regional coordination of educational facilities such as community colleges and workforce training as they support targeted industries. • Encourage infll development on vacant or blighted pieces of existing communities by providing incentives such as grants, but not limited to; density bonuses, and/or a reduction of parking requirements and/or setbacks. • Encourage the redevelopment of single uses into mixed-use developments where appropriate. • Encourage redevelopment of aging corridors to support and strengthen adjacent neighborhoods. • Encourage development where existing infrastructure is available. PLAN NHC GOALS PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY13 - 2 - 11ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY14 increase recycling and reduction of solid waste. Explanation: Solid waste management and recycling are ways to positively afect our community and a focus on diverting waste can help eliminate constraints of future development. Implementation Strategies: • Work with the private sector and other regional jurisdictions to implement a countywide recycling program including construction demolition debris and consumer product packaging material. • Work with the private sector entities to identify recycling and other innovative strategies to divert material from the landfll (Composting, gasifcation, anaerobic digestion, etc.). • Encourage adaptive reuse of buildings to limit construction and demolition waste production. • Encourage consumer based responsibilities for waste reduction, recycling, and reuse. increase Public safety by reducing crime through the built environment. Explanation: New growth and community investments can use design features to reduce crime in areas. Implementation Strategies: • Encourage best practices and design strategies in the built environment to help reduce crime. • Encourage a walkable community that creates more human interaction between neighbors (eyes on the street/ social space). conserve oPen sPace for long term agricultural and rural uses Explanation: Agricultural lands provide opportunities for economic development by creating locally sourced foods. These lands can contribute to the overall rural character, where appropriate, in locations throughout the County. Implementation Strategies: • Allow developments to have urban farms to satisfy open space requirements. • Encourage voluntary preservation of agriculture land. conserve environmentally critical areas Explanation: Environmentally critical areas have a meaningful place in our community providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, supporting healthy watersheds, and maintaining critical habitats. Implementation Strategies: • Partner with governmental and nongovernmental organizations to acquire and protect environmentally sensitive land. • Discourage development in wetlands, food plain, and other food prone areas. • Educate the public on the value of protecting ecosystems. - 2 - 12ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY15 integrate multi-modal transPortation into mixed land uses that encourage safe, walkable communities Explanation: A mixture of land uses allows for individuals to perform daily tasks without the use of an automobile. Incorporating walking, cycling, and transit into the built environment increases the accessibility and safety of these areas. Implementation Strategies: • Review existing design standards and apply best practices to ensure transportation infrastructure is safe for all multimodal users. • Educate and promote all users to safely share the transportation infrastructure. • Work with school district and DOT to allow and encourage students to walk to school safely. • Review existing parking lot design standards to determine if changes are needed to encourage safety for all users. • Encourage provision of transit-supportive land uses and infrastructure where appropriate. Promote Place-based economic develoPment in the region that is tied to our natural resources Explanation: The Cape Fear region is naturally bio-diverse and home to many unique species. This unique feature of our community can be used as a way to promote and encourage economic development. Implementation Strategies: • Create and promote a network of greenways, blueways, and trails highlighting environmental assets. • Coordinate and partner with various agencies to develop future public water access points. • Revitalize waterfront parks and public spaces to encourage opportunities for formal and informal social gatherings. Preserve and Protect water quality and suPPly. Explanation: New Hanover County is located on the coast and therefore, is subject to many concerns regarding water supply and quality. Accommodating more growth in our region will require more strategies to conserve water resources and preserve water quality. Implementation Strategies: • Continue to enhance a regional water quality program to include ocean, river, and estuarine water quality monitoring in cooperation with University of North Carolina Wilmington and others. • Continue to identify watershed specifc indicators of water quality degradation, establish baseline measures, and establish watershed development practices to achieve goals. • Consider establishing water quality improvement goals for the County in cooperation with others. PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY15 - 2 - 13ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY16 • Identify and prioritize water quality improvement projects, including wetland and stream restorations, which will improve water quality • Identify and pursue funding sources for priority projects • Explore the value and benefts of reestablishing the Watershed Management Advisory Board. • Continue to develop drainage systems and design standards that refect the natural carrying capacity of the watershed. • Continue to develop standards to ensure the retention, acquisition, and management of natural vegetation and riparian bufers to preserve, maintain, and protect water quality. • Continue to develop and update subdivision design standards to protect and improve water quality in sensitive areas. • Continue to develop and update educational and other strategies to deal with point and non-point source impacts on water quality. • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize an inventory of retroft opportunities to reduce water quality impacts from stormwater runof on receiving waters. • Identify water specifc sources of pollutants to help direct protection and improvement measures. • Promote expansion of water and sewer systems to protect and enhance water quality. • Consider establishing a groundwater and aquifer protection ordinance. • Consider removing barriers in codes/ordinances that hinder and prohibit low impact development. increase Physical activity and Promote healthy, active lifestyles Explanation: Our built environment has the ability to encourage active life styles, which directly afects individuals’ health. Creating development patterns that support walking and biking encourages people to increase their level of physical activity. Implementation Strategies: • Encourage a mixture of uses in developments that allows individuals to walk rather than rely upon vehicles. • Encourage siting of schools into the community allowing for students to walk, while considering trafc impacts. • Connect walkways, parking lots, greenways, and developments to encourage pedestrian activity. - 2 - 14ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY17 ensure nhc remains in attainment for air quality, in suPPort of clean air and imProved Public health outcomes in suPPort of continued growth. Explanation: The Environmental Protection Agency places requirements on communities with regards to air quality to protect human health. The built environment has a direct relation to air quality. Protecting our air quality supports public health and enables our community to retain and attract quality development and industries. Implementation Strategies: • Promote compact development, mixture of uses, and infll that minimizes trips and vehicle miles traveled. • Encourage development patterns and neighborhood street designs that are conductive to pedestrian and bicycle use. • Discourage open burning of yard waste and trash in densely populated areas. • Consider a program to monitor and assess cumulative impacts of toxins and pollutants on air quality and attainment. increase access to affordable and convenient healthy foods. Explanation: Providing access to healthy foods has a direct impact on individuals’ health. Ensuring the built environment encourages access to healthy foods increases the likelihood individuals will consume them and improve health outcomes. Implementation Strategies: • Ensure zoning and land use regulations encourage and allow for community gardens and urban agriculture. • Build on health gaps analysis report, target strategies to promote location of farmers markets, grocery stores, and other venues that have healthy food oferings. Provide for a range of housing tyPes, oPPortunities and choices. Explanation: Understanding New Hanover County is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with a diverse group of needs in housing helps to ensure individuals do not become overburdened with the costs or availability of housing. Implementation Strategies: • Enhance and update incentives to reduce development costs to private developers such as density bonuses when work force housing is included in development proposals. • Consider creating an afordable housing task force (like the City of Wilmington) to defne afordability and work with the private sector to provide it. - 2 - 15ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY18 • Strategically work with developers experienced in providing afordable and subsidized housing through federal and state programs and locate afordable housing developments in areas of highest need. revitalize commercial corridors and blighted areas through infill and redeveloPment Explanation: Areas of blight consist of underutilized properties within our community that likely have access to services such as water and sewer. Reducing regulatory barriers to redevelop underutilized property helps to provide for responsible growth, strengthening existing neighborhoods and supporting economic revitalization. Implementation Strategies: • Implement a program to identify and dispose of vacant or abandoned buildings that cannot be redeveloped • Facilitate programs to encourage reuse, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of existing residential, commercial, industrial buildings and properties where appropriate. link major natural habitats Explanation: Linking natural habitats promotes biodiversity, provides continuity for wildlife corridors, access to open spaces, and recreational opportunities. Implementation Strategies: • Identify and prioritize natural areas for acquisition, preservation, and conservation to promote linkage opportunities. • Consider developing a conservation land acquisition strategy. • Review and update incentives for development to dedicate land and or easements to achieve habitat linkages. conserve and enhance our unique sense of Place to attract individuals, comPanies and organizations. Explanation: New Hanover County has a strong sense of place due to its history and natural environment with many unique features. Using these features to create a sense of identity and pride encourages businesses and individuals to locate in New Hanover County. Implementation Strategies: • Focus on public spaces and opportunities for formal and informal social gathering places. • Increase, enhance, and manage public access to water and natural resources. • Consider creating a strong place-based economic development strategy. • Make a case for sustainable funding sources to improve the County’s economic development infrastructure and identify opportunities to leverage the funds efectively. • Encourage conservation and enhancement of the unique environment, character, and history of the County. - 2 - 16ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY19 use Public infrastructure imProvements to leverage Private investments Explanation: Infrastructure is an expensive investment for a community. Where, how and when infrastructure investments are made has a signifcant infuence on where private investments will likely be made. Making infrastructure investments in areas where growth is desired and positive fnancial returns allow the community to capitalize on its public investments. Implementation Strategies: • Work with Cape Fear Public Utilitary Authority (CFPUA) on a targeted long range plan for water and sewer infrastructure. • Work with Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (WMPO) on a targeted long range plan for transportation infrastructure. • Consider revising zoning ordinances to support mixed uses and holistic approach to development. • Consider strategies to encourage increased private sector investment in the provision of infrastructure. suPPort business success. Explanation: Local and small businesses are a vibrant part of New Hanover County’s economy. Working together to create successful businesses can signifcantly beneft New Hanover County’s economy. In addition to incentives for large businesses, support for local and small businesses may include strategies to ensure there are adequate locations for start-ups and programs to kick-start small businesses. Implementation Strategies: • Streamline permitting process for targeted industries. • Advocate for and develop a realistic and sustainable incentive policies for New Hanover County. • Align County zoning ordinance to encourage targeted businesses in appropriate areas. • Increase communications with small businesses by creating a resources link on the County webpage for new businesses and a staf culture to shepherd new businesses through the development process. • Support provisions for providing public free, high-speed internet access throughout New Hanover County. suPPort health Promotion and disease Prevention while minimizing debilitating effects of mental and Physical disabilities. Explanation: Understanding the built environment and community policies can have a direct impact on physical and mental disabilities through location of services, integrated land uses, and sensitivity to the disabled population. Implementation Strategies: • Encourage public spaces and health related facilities (Gyms, pharmacies, physician ofces, etc.) to be smoke free. • Promote awareness of physical and mental disabilities and disease prevention. - 2 - 17ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY20 suPPort workforce develoPment and economic ProsPerity for all. Explanation: The workforce of a community is a valuable tool for economic development. Providing a place-based economic development strategy that attracts quality workforce talent and provides opportunities to train our existing workforce is a strategy to retain and attract businesses and companies to New Hanover County. Implementation Strategies: • Partner with educational facilities to provide opportunities for training in targeted industries. • Continue to enhance education program, facilities, and oferings. These goals and implementation strategies are the collective work of New Hanover County Planning Staf, the consultant, Renaissance Planning Group and the Citizen Advisory Committee. The Citizen Advisory Committee was composed of 12 members – six members at-large appointed by the County Commission and six members elected by 6 theme groups, which developed the theme goals prior to the initial meetings of the Citizen Advisory Committee. While total agreement was not reached on all goals and strategies, overall consensus was achieved and the diversity of the committee provided broad county-wide representation and input to the staf and the consultant. The committee encourages New Hanover County to use the goals and implementation strategies ofered in this report in the development of the 2015 Comprehensive Land Use Plan for New Hanover County. - 2 - 18ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY21 These goals are intended to be the overarching vision for development within New Hanover County. As development and implementation of this plan occurs, these goals will be utilized by staf and decision makers to deliberate and interpret the vision of our community. Guiding Documents: It is important to note, many additional studies have been or are in the process of being conducted that focus on specifc areas that also help support and achieve the vision of our community. It is intended for future development to support the goals and strategies of the following studies and plans. • Comprehensive Greenways Master Plan • Pathways to Prosperity – The Garner Study • Cape Fear Transportation 2040 • Focus – Cape Fear Regional Framework Plan • Hazard Mitigation Plan • Parks and Gardens Master Plan Because the Comprehensive Plan focuses on the next twenty-fve years of New Hanover County, an important part of creating a vision for the future included meeting with students from various parts of the County. Staf met with students who were involved in their school’s student council/governments. These students, along with rest of the County’s younger population, will be leaders, workforce, taxpayers, and parents during the implementation of the comprehensive plan. Staf discussed the overall goal of the plan and allowed the students to come up with their own ideas and goals for the future. The students then wrote and/or illustrated their ideas. During the months of January, February, and March planning staf visited four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The elementary schools were Castle Hayne, Walter L. Parsley, H.C. Bellamy, and Mary C. Williams. The middle school visited was Emma B. Trask. The high school visited was Isaac Bear Early College. Throughout the visits, staf observed that at each school the students were conscientious about issues both within their area and the outside world. The student focus groups discussed topics along the same lines as those discussed within the adult theme committees. Staf engaged 75 elementary school children through artwork and discussion. The student’s artwork ranged from cars which could instantly transport you anywhere, to more sidewalks and bike paths, to environmental concerns and every where in between. Each student had certain ideas that their artwork clearly communicated: Castle Hayne students were mostly focused on environmental protection. They wanted more trees, less waste, more parks and recreation areas, and protection for wildlife and natural resources. SCHOOL INvOLvEMENT 2015 - 2 - 19ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY22 Parsley students saw the need for more transportation and recreation options. Many walked to school and wanted more sidewalks in order to walk and bike to school safely. Bellamy students wanted more options within the built environment near their homes. They drew parks, a zoo, and more mixed use options around the neighborhoods. Mary C. Williams student’s artwork focused on environmental concerns surrounding beach conservation, wildlife protection, and planting more trees. Trask Middle School student council participated in a focus group in which the students listed ideas for the future. Six locations were set up around the classroom with each location representing one of the six principle themes. Students were encouraged to write their ideas on fip charts at each location. Planning Staf spoke with students throughout the process to learn more about their ideas and answer any questions they had. Isaac Bear Early College student government listed goals pertaining to each of the six principle themes. The students wrote their goals under each of the associated themes. During this process, the students discussed positives and negatives that stood out to them about living in New Hanover County and they shared possible solutions. After the goals were discussed, the students then voted for the goals they believed were most important for the future. Isaac Bear Early College Input Health Community • More options for healthcare (3) • Lower healthcare prices (8) • More sports in schools/early colleges (2) • Education-mainly dealing with living healthy (0) • Accessibility to county health programs (i.e. immunizations) (1) • Bike path in Carolina Beach/Kure Beach-confict with Sunny Point (1) • More walk/bike friendly communities (3) Harmony with Nature • Wildlife preservation (2) • Deforestation Control (0) • Pollution Control (3) • Incorporate plant life into city area- green space (1) PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY22 - 2 - 20ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY23 • Transcendentalism (9) • Nature Appreciation (0) • Community vegetable gardens (3) • Protection of costal habitats (2) • Erosion- especially in Wrightsville Beach and other beach communities (1) Responsible Regionalism • Have a tri-county committee so ideas can be expressed amongst the three (5) • Make one county as prosperous as another (3) • How do city and county governments work together? Will they ever merge? (1) Interwoven Equity • No food deserts (3) • Soup kitchens (3) • Homeless shelters (5) • More transportation hubs (3) • More sidewalks and walkways and bikeways (7) Livable Built Environment • What will happen when the mall goes out of business? What could go in that space? Government ofces? (2) • What about the land K-Mart is on? If K-Mart goes out of business, it can be demolished and the land can be repurposed for a larger [early college] school building. (8) • Public transportation- further reaching (1) • Road improvements (0) • More green type buildings (1) Resilient Economy • Draw green industry (1) • What is happening with Titan? (0) • Need more ways to draw productions here (1) • Better job opportunities; this could possibly bring more people/ business to the area (2) • More business internships in high school (4) Young people have alternative perspectives and understandings of the area that difers from adults. They see what afects their lives currently and in the future. They focused on more sidewalks and bike paths to get to school safer, closer parks to walk and bike to from homes, homeless shelters, wildlife conservation, and more trees. Students discussed the future of the County and changes they would like to see in order to stay in the area or come back to in the future. By engaging a range of students from various areas and backgrounds, the staf was able to observe how students perceive the area. The students input allowed staf to gather information that would not only beneft the next generations but also the current ones. - 2 - 21ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY24 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY24 THE LIvAbLE buILT ENvIRONMENT - 2 - 22ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY25 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY25 HARMONY WITH NATuRE - 2 - 23ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY26 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY26 RESILIENT ECONOMY INTERWOvEN EquITY - 2 - 24ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY27 PLAN NHC 2014 FRAMING THE POLICY27 HEALTHY COMMuNITY RESPONSIbLE REGIONALISM - 2 - 25ITEM: 1 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING BOARD REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION MEETING DATE: May 7, 2015 TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ITEM: DEPARTMENT: PRESENTER(S): Sam Burgess, Senior Planner CONTACT(S): SUBJECT: Technical Review Committee Report For April 2015 (Sam Burgess) BRIEF SUMMARY: The New Hanover County Technical Review Committee (TRC) met once during the month of April and reviewed two performance residential site plans: 1) Village at Motts Landing: Phase 2C; and 2) Middle Grove. Both plans were approved with conditions. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: Intelligent Growth and Economic Development • Implement plans for land use, economic development, infrastructure and environmental programs • Understand and act on citizen needs RECOMMENDED MOTION AND REQUESTED ACTIONS: Hear report. No action required. ATTACHMENTS: April 2015 TRC Report ITEM: 2 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT APRIL, 2015 The County’s Technical Review Committee (TRC) met once during the month of April and reviewed two performance residential site plans. Village at Motts Landing: Phase 2C The Village at Motts Landing is located in the south central portion of our jurisdiction (near 60 block Sanders Road‐ north side) and is classified as Urban on the County’s adopted 2006 Land Use Plan. This phase of the project is a continuation of an existing project that has been active since the turn of the century. Site plan attributes for this phase include:  R‐15 Residential Zoning  61 lots  28.58 acres  Private Water Service (Aqua of NC)  Public Sewer Service (CFPUA)  Pubic Roads with good road inter‐connectivity & pedestrian access In a vote of 5‐0, the TRC approved the preliminary site plan for the Village at Motts Landing: Phase 2C for a period of two years. The following conditions will apply: 1) No gates, traffic calming devices or on‐street parking permitted. 2) Revised NCDOT Drive Permit & Encroachment agreements thru NCDOT. 3) A COD setback of 25’ may be required for lots 263‐266. Planning staff will field verify. 4) Consultation with NCDOT on specific sidewalk requirements leading to Bellamy Elementary school. 5) An all‐ weather surface road be installed for emergency service needs. 6) Other conditions as mandated by County Engineering, County Fire, and the CFPUA. Middle Grove Middle Grove is located near the northeastern portion of our jurisdiction (7300 block Darden Road near Ogden Elementary School) and is classified as Watershed Resource Protection on the County’s adopted 2006 Land Use Plan. Prior to subdivision review, the property was rezoned from R‐20 Residential to CD‐(Conditional Use) R‐15 by the Board of County Commissioners. Site plan attributes include: 1) No gates, traffic calming devices, or on‐street parking permitted. 2) An unduplicated subdivision name will be required prior to final plat approval. 3) A NCDOT Driveway Permit and Encroachment agreements will be required. 4) Other conditions as mandated by County Engineering, County Fire, and the CFPUA. ** The TRC granted a waiver from the cul‐de‐sac length requirements (500’) due to the geographic shape of the property. ** - 1 - 1ITEM: 2 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 - 1 - 2ITEM: 2 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 - 1 - 3ITEM: 2 Planning Board - May 7, 2015 NEW HANOVER COUNTY PLANNING BOARD REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION MEETING DATE: May 7, 2015 OTHER BUSINESS ITEM: DEPARTMENT: PRESENTER(S): CONTACT(S): SUBJECT: Other Business BRIEF SUMMARY: STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: Effective County Management • . RECOMMENDED MOTION AND REQUESTED ACTIONS: ITEM: 3 Planning Board - May 7, 2015