Planning Commission

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 14, 2025 6:30 PM Regular Meeting You may view and listen to the meeting in its entirety by going to the Planning Commission page on the City’s website: https://www.regionalwebtv.com/fredpc The agenda, staff report and associated documents are also available on the Planning Commission page: https://www.fredericksburgva.gov/241/Planning-Commission MEMBERS CITY STAFF David Durham , Chair Mike Craig, Director Carey Whitehead, Vice-Chairman Kate Schwartz, Principal Planner – Historic Resources Dugan Caswell, Secretary & Urban Design Mary-Margaret Marshall Josh Crump, Principal Planner Jane McDonald Tanagra Cafferky, Administrative Assistant Joseph Winterer 1. CALL TO ORDER [00:00:40] Chair Durham called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers and explained meeting procedures for the public. Members of the public were invited to attend or access this meeting by public access television Cox Channel 84, Verizon Channel 42, or online at https://www.regionalwebtv.com/fredpc. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM [00:03:23] There were six members in attendance of the meeting at the call to order. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA There were no changes to the agenda. Ms. Whitehead moved to approve the agenda, Mr. Caswell seconded. Motion passed 6-0. 5. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL POLICIES, ORDINANCES, OR APPLICATIONS None. 6. DECLARATION OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST OR DISCLOSURES OF CONTACT None. 7. OLD BUSINESS None. 8. PUBLIC HEARING – New [00:04:30] (Attachment) A. Fredericksburg Forward Comprehensive Plan Update: Mr. Crump introduced the Fredericksburg Forward Comprehensive Plan. He reviewed the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan and highlighted the process whereby it was developed. Discussion included the organization of the plan, its focus on Citywide systems like housing and transportation, and its emphasis on historic development patterns and walkable centers. Mr. Crump also reviewed the on-line components of the plan that were developed as part of this process. Mr. Caswell discussed access to the on-line components and whether they would require log-in. The on-line components will not require any accounts or log-ins and can be accessed on a general web browser on any internet connected device. Ms. Whitehead discussed final cleanup of the plan and how best to convey the future vision for the transportation network. Discussion included the mobility mapping, VDOT nomenclature, and the Transportation Projects Database developed for and included in the plan. Mr. Durham opened the public hearing at which there were no speakers. The public hearing was continued until the May 28 meeting. 9. OTHER BUSINESS None. 10. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Durham asked if there were any members of the public in council chambers who would like to make a comment on any topics relevant to the Planning Commission. There were none. Mr. Durham asked if there were any electronically submitted comments on any topics relevant to the Planning Commission. There were none. 11. ADOPTION OF MINUTES [00:20:32] A. Minutes – August 23, 2023 Regular Meeting B. Minutes – February 12, 2025 Regular Meeting C. Minutes – February 26, 2025 Supplementary Meeting Mr. Durham asked if any commissioner had comments that would preclude the minutes being adopted. Ms. Whitehead noted that Mr. Caswell’s name was listed twice in the members listing in the February 26, 2025 minutes. Mr. Durham requested the meeting minutes adjusted. Mr. Durham declared the three meeting minutes adopted.  FXBG FORWARD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MAY 14, 2025 What is a Comprehensive Plan? • Long-term policy guiding document envisioned by its citizens and community stakeholders • Guides funding, project prioritization, grant eligibility • Enabled and required by Code of Virginia  Comprehensive Planning Process Joint Work Session Public Hearing w/ Project w/ City Council Planning Commission Kick-Off June 11 May 14 & 28 April 10th Present Final Draft Integrate Recent February 26, 2025 Planning Input October 2024 May/June July/Aug/Sept Oct/Nov Dec/Jan/Feb Mar/Apr 2025 Prepare& Refine StoryMap – Ongoing Open Survey, 20+ public engagement sessions Tour, Updated Public Hearing w/ Database Report to Planning City Council Commission Draft & Refine the Prepare Final Draft June/July Joint Work w/ PC & May 8th Vision Statement December-February CC Joint Work Session September March 26 w/ Planning Prepare Draft Comp Planning Commission Commission Plan Chapters Comp Plan June 12 November Work Sessions April 9 & 23 How is FXBG's Comp Plan unique?  Simplified Structure  More connected, systems-oriented approach  Thoughtful Evolution  Builds on past efforts with informed viewpoints  Systematic Processes  More data-driven, organized, efficient planning Systems Approach Urban Design & Community Fabric Public Open Environment Space Economic Housing Development Public Historic Facilities & Preservation Services Walkable Centers and Corridors Implementable and Trackable Object ID SI6 Project Type Street Improvement Name William Street Corridor Study Origin Sunken Rd. Destination Washington Ave. Project Description Study William Street from Downtown to future Performing Arts Center for safety Next Step Concept Development Cost Estimate $75,000.00 Timeframe 2026 Complementary Framework Goals Community Historic Equity Preservation Resiliency Sustainability Comp Plan Chapters • Community Design & Land Use • Mobility • Public Open Space • Housing • Historic Preservation • Public Facilities • Economic Development • Environmental • Small Area Plans Vision Fredericksburg is the cultural and economic hub of a fast-growing east coast metropolitan region. The city is a model of urban life that nourishes and enriches its residents while promoting economic vitality, historic integrity, environmental sustainability, and cultural vibrancy. Our diverse community enjoys a high quality of life enhanced by neighborhoods that are safe, accessible, and interconnected. It is a place that works for everyone; a place where people want to be! Comp Plan Timeline Planning Commission Planning Commission Public Hearing and City Council Public Public Hearing Potential Hearing & Adoption May 14, 2025 Recommendation Late June/Early July May 28, 2025