Planning Commission

Town of Summerville Planning Commission The public and Town Council members are invited to attend January 28, 2019 - 4:00 PM Summerville Town Hall, Training Room 200 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC For additional information regarding items on this agenda including any public hearings, please contact the Planning Department at 843.851.5200. Applications and related documents for this meeting are available for review at any time at www.summervillesc.gov, Public Notices; and, in the Planning Department during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:30–5:00 excluding Town of Summerville holidays. I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES, ELECTION OF OFFICERS, RULES AND PROCEDURES, AND CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT: 1. Approval of minutes from meeting on December 17, 2018. 2. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman 3. Rules and Procedures Review 4. Code of Ethics and Conduct for new members II. PUBLIC HEARINGS: III. OLD BUSINESS: IV. NEW BUSINESS: 1. New Street Names (as needed) V. MISCELLANEOUS: 1. Comprehensive Plan & Master Transportation Plan Overview VI. ADJOURNMENT: ____________________________________ Chairman or Vice Chairman Posted January 15, 2019  The Town of Summerville Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 17, 2018 This meeting of the Town of Summerville Planning Commission was attended by Commission Members, Jim Reaves, Chairman; Elaine Segelken; Will Rogan; Margie Pizarro; and Sarah Bares. Staff in attendance included Jessi Shuler, AICP, Director of Planning; Tim Macholl, Zoning Administrator; Meredith Detsch, Town Planner; Russ Cornette, Town Engineer and Director of Public Works; and Bonnie Miley, Assistant Town Engineer. Jim Reaves, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM. Approval of Minutes: The Chairman called for a motion for the approval of the minutes from the meeting on November 19, 2018. Ms. Segelken made a motion to approve the minutes as presented with Dr. Bares making the second. Following no discussion the motion carried. Public Hearings: The first public hearing opened at 4:01 PM and was for Article V, Traffic Impact Analysis proposed to be added to Town Code, Chapter 20, Planning and Development. Mr. Reaves introduced the request. Mr. Cornette briefly explained that this was part of the UDO, but there is nothing in the ordinance now, and it is needed as soon as possible. He stated that the Engineering Department was in the process of preparing an RFQ now in order to have three to four consultants on retainer and that Dorchester County is considering the same language. Mr. Reaves then opened the floor to public comment. Hearing no public comment, the public hearing was closed at 4:03 PM. Old Business The first item under Old Business was the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) proposed to repeal and replace in its entirety Town Code, Chapter 32, Zoning; Chapter 22, Stormwater Management; Chapter 20, Article II, Planning Commission and Article III, Development Standards, Section 20-71, Roads; and Chapter 6, Article III, Flood Damage Prevention. Dr. Bares noted that the Planning Commission will have new members in January who could have valuable input, and she made a motion to table the UDO until the January meeting. Ms. Segelken made the second. Dr. Bares further noted that she felt a workshop should be held with the new members in January as this document would impact the Town for at least the next 20 years, and with Council concerns and concerns voiced at the last public hearing, she felt that it should be a clean document and unanimous vote of the Commission. Mr. Reaves called for the vote, and the motion failed 3-2 with Mr. Reaves, Ms. Pizarro, and Mr. Rogan voting in opposition. Ms. Pizarro then made a motion to move the UDO on to Town Council, and Mr. Rogan made the second. Mr. Reaves stressed that the Planning Commission spent over two years reviewing the document and Council will also review the document and make further changes as needed. Mr. Rogan brought up the concern about homeless shelters that was raised at the last public hearing, and Ms. Shuler explained that she had not made any changes to the draft document as the Planning Commission did not vote on any at the last meeting, but they could certainly make amendments to the original motion to require certain changes. She noted that she had made changes to the map in certain areas based on public comment and comments from the Planning Commission members, but not in the US-78 area as there was no agreement in that area. Mr. Rogan also mentioned that he would like to revisit the two story building requirement and no parking requirement in the D-MX zoning district. Mr. Reaves expressed that there was always going to be a strong property rights contingent, but that the community rights also need to be taken into account. Dr. Bares requested a point of information from Town staff, which Mr. Reaves allowed. She asked Mr. Cornette if there was a plan for additional public parking in the Downtown area. Mr. Cornette responded that staff was certainly thinking about additional parking, but currently there was no concrete plan. Ms. Shuler added that the BRT discussion would also include the investigation of additional parking in the Downtown area. Following further discussion, Mr. Rogan made a motion to amend the original motion to include removing homeless shelters from the D-MX zoning district and to make the two story building only required along properties fronting 17-A. Mr. Reaves asked Mr. Rogan if he would be willing to make those two separate motions, which he did. Ms. Segelken seconded the first motion, but the second motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Reaves called for the question on the amendment to not allow homeless shelters in the D-MX district, and the motion passed unanimously. Dr. Bares then made a motion to amend the original motion to make the two story building requirement in the D-MX zoning only along the whole block on either side of 17-A, and Mr. Rogan made the second. Ms. Shuler pointed out that area on the proposed zoning map to make sure everyone understood the motion. Mr. Reaves called for the question, and the motion passed unanimously. Dr. Bares suggested that the allowance for an administrative variance also be removed from the ordinance as she felt it would put undue pressure on staff and did not allow for notification or appeal of a decision. She made a motion to amend the original motion by striking section 13.10.1 D, and Mr. Rogan made the second. Mr. Reaves called for the question, and the motion passed unanimously. Dr. Bares also maintained that she was concerned about flooding mitigation and would like to consider adding language about compensatory storage. She asked for a point of information from Town staff, which Mr. Reaves granted. Dr. Bares asked Mr. Cornette if he believed the language in the UDO was adequate in regards to flood prevention. Mr. Cornette stated that he was not opposed to adding compensatory storage language to the ordinance similar to Charleston County’s language. Dr. Bares made a motion to amend the original motion by having Engineering staff include language on compensatory storage similar to the language in Charleston, and Ms. Segelken made the second. Mr. Reaves called for the question, and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Reaves then called for the question on the original motion to move the UDO to Council with the approved amendments, and the motion passed unanimously. New Business: The first item under New Business was New Street Names (as applicable). Ms. Shuler stated that staff did not have any names for approval at this time. The second item under New Business was Article V, Traffic Impact Analysis proposed to be added to Town Code, Chapter 20, Planning and Development. Ms. Segelken made a motion to recommend approval to Town Council, and Dr. Bares seconded the motion. Mr. Rogan asked how the hiring of the traffic engineer would work, and Mr. Cornette explained that the Town would have firms on retainer for use, and they would be identified through an RFQ process, which Dorchester County would also participate in. A fee schedule would also have to be developed. Mr. Rogan stated that he fully supported the other requirements in the ordinance, but asked about the possibility of adding an option for a developer to still hire their own traffic engineer, mainly for timing reasons. Ms. Segelken stated that she would be concerned about a possible conflict if they hired their own, and that this would keep the work more local. Mr. Cornette asserted that in order to protect the Town, he would like to see the ordinance remain as submitted. Mr. Reaves called for the question, and the motion passed with Mr. Rogan the lone vote in opposition. Miscellaneous: Ms. Shuler announced that she would like to recognize Charlie Cuzzell for his many years of service and support to the Town by serving on the Town’s Planning Commission. She presented him with a certificate of recognition. Ms. Shuler also thanked the Commission members for all of their time and effort this year. Adjourn With no further business for the Commission, Mr. Rogan made a motion to adjourn with Ms. Segelken making the second, and Mr. Reaves adjourned the meeting at 4:56 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Jessi Shuler, AICP Date: __________________________ Director of Planning Approved: _________________________________________________ Jim Reaves, Chairman or Elaine Segelken, Vice Chairman Section 2 Comprehensive Plan Update Scope of Services Step 1: Project Initiation To “kick-off” the planning process on the right foot, meetings with key Town staff, a Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC), and elected and appointed officials are needed prior to undertaking other community outreach activities. After the “kick-off” to the planning process, our proposed outreach activities will help foster stewardship for the plan and the community as a whole. 1a: Staff Kick-off Meeting Prior to our first meeting with CPAC, key members of the consultant team will meet with Summerville’s Director of Planning, Director of Administration & Economic Development, Zoning Administrator, Planner II, and other key Town staff. This first meeting will allow the Project Director and key members of the Consultant Team to review and discuss matters with Town staff. Regular and “as-needed” meetings and conference calls with Town staff will frequently be held throughout the planning process to ensure an open communication and exchange of ideas. We recommend a standing monthly or bi-weekly meeting/call between the consultant team and Town staff to keep the project on track throughout the duration of the assignment. 1b: Project Initiation CPAC Meeting Before actual work begins, a project initiation meeting will be held to set the foundation for the planning program and review and discuss the overall direction and policy issues facing Summerville. Participants in the project initiation workshop would include Town staff, key personnel from the Consultant Team and members of CPAC. The purposes of this meeting will be to: (a) review overall project objectives; (b) refine the work program for the project; (c) review and establish the roles and responsibilities for all parties involved throughout the process; and (d) establish a schedule for the project. The project initiation meeting will conclude with a Project Initiation Workshop. The workshop is intended to solicit the views of the CPAC members and staff regarding their concerns and aspirations for the Town of Summerville. 1c: Elected and Appointed Officials “Roundtable” Workshop As part of the “kicking off” to the comprehensive planning process, a “roundtable” workshop will be conducted with members of Summerville’s elected and appointed officials. As the community’s policy makers, it is important that officials and community representative have a chance to communicate and discuss their issues and concerns with the Consultant Team, as well as each other, at the very on-set of the process. This initial dialogue will inform the Consultant Team and ensure that issues important to the Town are identified on the front end. This workshop will help to inform the process as well as educate officials about the upcoming community planning process. Summerville | Houseal Lavigne | Comprehensive Plan Update 16 Step 2: Community Outreach and Engagement Community outreach and citizen participation is the cornerstone of our proposed planning process. Anticipating high levels of participation from an active and engaged community, our proposed outreach process includes both traditional (face-to-face) and web-based activities to obtain the broadest levels of participation in preparing the Comprehensive Plan. Summerville’s new Comprehensive Plan provides a great opportunity for residents to communicate what they believe to be the strengths and weaknesses of the community, and to prioritize which issues are most important for the near- and long-term direction of the Town. Our planning process is designed to promote community involvement and encourage citizen participation. Community outreach is included throughout the entire planning process, with this step providing the initial participation efforts and laying the foundation for the remaining process. Our proposed planning process includes the following outreach and engagement components: • Branding the Plan • map.social (interactive web-based issues • Collateral Design mapping platform) • Press Releases & Newsletter Articles • Online Questionnaires (residents, • Community Workshops (3) businesses, and youth) • Business Workshop • Subarea Charrettes (optional) • Key Person Interviews/Focus Groups • Community Open House • Do-It-Yourself Workshops • Planning Commission (Public Hearing) • CPAC Meetings (4) • Town Council Formal (Consideration • Interactive Project Website and Adoption) • Social Media 2a: Naming and Collateral This initial community outreach task will play a significant role in garnering support for the planning process and piquing public interest in the Comprehensive Plan as an important guide to improving quality of life throughout Summerville. We will work with Town staff and the CPAC to establish a name/brand for the Comprehensive Plan that will then be integrated into community-wide marketing efforts. The graphic design and communications experts on the project team will use their expertise in community-based marketing to create an “identity” for the planning process as well as the plan document. Collateral such as postcards, posters, and email blasts will be developed for use by the Town to better promote the plan and inform and engage the community. 2b: Social Media and Traditional Media Content We will work with Town staff to prepare content for both traditional media and social media platforms. This content can be used for newsletters, websites, local newspapers, Facebook, RSS Feeds, Twitter, and more as the Town sees fit. We suggest an initial article to describe the purpose, process and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, as well as regular updates during the process. Key planning components, updates, meeting summaries, and draft documents will be Summerville | Houseal Lavigne | Comprehensive Plan Update 17 posted on the Project Website to keep residents informed throughout the process. Social networking tools can also help increase awareness of the new Comprehensive Plan and assist in increasing participation at outreach events, including traditional face-to-face meetings. 2c: Community Workshop #1 This community workshop is the first of three community-wide face-to-face outreach events scheduled throughout the planning process. The purpose of this first workshop is to allow residents to provide input, before any plans or recommendations are formulated. The workshop will: (a) review the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan, the planning process to be undertaken, and the schedule for the project; and (b) secure local views on concerns, issues, and potentials within the community. 2d: Business Workshop This workshop will be targeted specifically to business owners and operators to obtain the input of this important stakeholder group. We will work with the Chambers of Commerce for Greater Summerville, Dorchester County, Berkley, Charleston Metro, Oakbrook Civic Association, and others to send out notices/invitations to maximize attendance and participation. The purpose is to establish a dialogue and obtain feedback from those members of the development and business community that have a unique insight and perspective, and whose assistance and involvement is crucial to the plan’s ultimate success. 2e: Key Person Interviews and Focus Group Discussions Key person interviews and focus group discussions allow us to obtain first-hand insight into the community from a diverse array of perspectives. Approximately 12-15 confidential interviews/ focus group discussions will be conducted to obtain additional information regarding local issues and potentials. The consultant will work with Town staff and the CPAC to identify those individuals and groups to be interviewed. We recommend a broad sampling of interviewees who may possess unique perspectives or special insights into the community. Interviewees could include selected property owners, new and lifelong residents, local builders and developers, students, local business persons, area not-for-profits and service providers, and representatives from other government, institutions, and civic groups. 2f: Interactive Project Website We will design and host an interactive Project Website that is linked to the Town’s existing website. We are committed to utilizing the internet to maximize the participation and communication between the Town and its residents and an interactive project website would provide a “home base” for information regarding the new Comprehensive Plan. This website can be used to post project schedules and meeting dates; display graphics, maps, and draft documents; address frequently asked questions; host a community discussion forum and map.social; contain online community surveys; and provide a variety of other features. Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 18 2g: map.social (an interactive web-based issues mapping platform) We will feature map.social, a web-based community issues mapping tool on the interactive Project website. This award-winning tool, developed by Houseal Lavigne, allows visitors to the website to identify, map, and comment on areas of concern and valued community assets. It simplifies the mapping process and familiarizes residents with all areas of the community in a fun, interactive, and effective manner. Input from residents allows us to create a composite map of community issues to assist with the identification and establishment of community goals and objectives. 2h: Online Community Questionnaires for Residents, Businesses, and Youth To provide another means for community participation, we will prepare (1) a web-based questionnaire for residents of Summerville to solicit community-wide opinion on a range of topics and issues; (2) a web-based questionnaire for business owners designed to gather information on those issues and concerns most important to the Town’s business community; and (3) a questionnaire for students and community youth . These online surveys will be posted on the project website. At the close of the survey response period, we will review and summarize results as a gauge of community priorities and issues. Step 3: Existing Conditions Analysis This step of the project will include the analysis of existing conditions and potential within the community. It will be based on reconnaissance and research undertaken by the Consultant Team, information provided by the Town, as well as feedback from community service providers and stakeholders. In addition, we will utilize information obtained from surveys and inventories, and derived from company-licensed analysis tools. We will place an emphasis on the identification of the current conditions within Summerville that will ultimately guide the formulation of the Comprehensive Plan. This information will provide the basis for the planning process and be used to indicate a starting point for development of plan recommendations. 3a: Past Studies, Plans, Reports, and Current Planning Initiatives The Town’s previously prepared plans and studies having an influence on the new Comprehensive Plan will be assembled and reviewed, including the 2014 Vision Plan (including Downtown, Oakbrook, Sheep Island, and more), Planning for Green Infrastructure, Comprehensive Traffic Plan, CHATS Long Range Transportation Plan, BCDCOG Walk + Bike BCD Plan, Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and other relevant documents, studies, and plans. This review of documents will determine: (a) recently adopted Town policy which needs to be reflected in the updated Comprehensive Plan; (b) changes within the community that have taken place since the previous plans were prepared; (c) inconsistencies between plans and reports, (d) the relevance of previously collected data; and (e) gaps in data which must be corrected as part of this planning process. Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 19 3b: Market/Economic and Demographic Overview & Analysis (including housing) Using the U.S. Census and subscription data sources, including Costar and Esri, an analysis of existing conditions and trends within the Town of Summerville and the larger market area will be conducted. It is imperative that the Comprehensive Plan’s recommendations be grounded in market and economic realities. To that end, demographic overview will include an analysis of recent trends in population, households, income, age and gender characteristics, racial and ethnic composition, labor force and employment, as well as trends, supply, demand, and potential for residential and commercial uses. Gaining a firm understanding of the existing market and the potential for various types of development throughout Summerville will help to establish the foundation for land use planning and development decision-making, including houseal, commercial, and industrial markets. 3c: Existing Land Use and Development An Existing Land Use Map will be prepared that inventories all parcels in the Town and its planning jurisdiction. The map will then be analyzed to identify functional land use areas, compatible and incompatible land use arrangements, key redevelopment areas, and other issues related to land use and existing development conditions. This inventory and assessment will include detailed examination of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, industrial/employment areas, and more. All land use inventories will be recorded into a GIS database/shapefile and provided to the Town for future use. 3d: Transportation and Mobility Working with Town staff and the various Town departments, BCDCOG, SCDOT, CARTA, and other transit and transportation service providers, we will undertake an analysis of the Town’s transportation network. This will encompass the existing street system, bike and pedestrian facilities, and public transportation. Issues, concerns, and opportunities for improvement will be identified. The analysis will assist with the development of recommendations that would improve access and control, linkages and connectivity, and overall safety and efficiency. Our analysis will include discussions and consideration of other jurisdictional transportation efforts, including state, regional, county, and other planning levels. Our assessment will focus on vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian, and transit, and how they relate. 3e: Community Facilities & Infrastructure An inventory and analysis will be undertaken of community service and infrastructure providers and owners, including the Parks and Recreation Department and numerous recreation facilities, George H. Seago Jr. Library, Timrod Library, Summerville Gateway Center, public and private schools, Police Department, Fire & Rescue Department, Public Works Department, local utilities and infrastructure, and much more. We will prepare a facilities survey questionnaire to be sent to all service and facility providers within the community. We will use the results of the survey, together with fieldwork and other research, to prepare a report detailing and mapping existing Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 20 community facilities. The Town’s infrastructure will also be examined in this step of the process based on information provided by the Town. 3f: Cultural Resources Summerville is a community rich in history, charm, and local character. It is a community with an abundance of historic places, structures, and events that contribute to its overall character and help to define its sense of place. In addition to its rich history and charm, Summerville offers a wide range of events and amenities that further enhance its cultural offerings, including but not limited to the farmers market, garden club spring house tour, concerts in the park, harvest moon hayride, Christmas parade, taste of the town, and many, many more. This task will inventory and assess the many cultural resources, including structures, places, events, and more, to provide a thorough understanding of this important community component to ensure a solid foundation upon which to development the Cultural Resources element of the comprehensive plan. 3g: Natural Resources, Environmental Features, and Open Space Building upon the excellent work already done as part of the Green Infrastructure Plan, this step will include the review, inventory, and analysis of the Town’s natural resources, open space and environmental features, including all parks, trails, natural resource areas, wooded areas, water features, and other special natural and human-made features that add to the Town's special image and character. Issues, concerns, strengths, and opportunities for improvement will be identified that will serve as the foundation for development of the Natural Resources element of the new comprehensive plan. 3h: Issues and Opportunities Memo (IOM) The results of the community outreach activities (Step 2) and the results of the various existing conditions analysis (Step 3) will be brought together into an Issues and Opportunities Memo highlighting the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats which should be addressed in development of the new Comprehensive Plan. The focus of this memorandum will be to identify issues and opportunities that will inform the plan, rather than simply preparing exhaustive inventories of existing conditions. This report will answer the questions “Where are we?” and “Where are we headed?” The report will be a stand-alone document and will serve as a foundation for the next steps in the planning process. 3i: Staff Review Prior to presenting the IOM to the CPAC, the IOM will be distributed to Town staff for review. Appropriate revisions will be made based on feedback before distributing to the CPAC. 3j: CPAC Meeting The Issues and Opportunities Memo will be presented to the CPAC as a basis of understanding of the Town’s existing conditions, and to reach consensus on the primary issues and opportunities to be addressed in the new comprehensive plan. Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 21 Step 4: Community Vision, Goals, and Objectives This step will include a hands-on visioning workshop/community charrette that invites the community to put pen to paper and illustrate their vision for the future of Summerville. The purpose of this step will be to establish an overall “vision” for the Town of Summerville that can provide focus and direction for subsequent planning activities, serve as the “cornerstone” of the consensus building process, and identify a path for growth and investment. Based on the vision and previous steps in the planning process, preliminary goals, objectives, and policies will then be prepared. 4a: Visioning Workshops/Community Charrette We will conduct a vision workshop/community charrette to help formulate the Vision, Goals, and Objectives. The community visioning workshops will involve the Consultant Team, Town staff, the CPAC, elected officials, residents, and other community stakeholders. The session will include both small- and large-group activities to review and discuss conditions and potentials within the Town. The large group will work together to identify issues and opportunities, and the small “breakout” groups will work together to develop “visions” for the future of the community. 4b: Vision Statement Following the Community Visioning Workshop, we will summarize the results of the group discussions and prepare a preliminary Vision Statement. The preliminary Vision Statement will be based on the Community Visioning Workshop, feedback from the community outreach activities, and observations from the consultant team. 4c: Vision, Goals, Objectives and Statement of Importance Based on previous steps in the planning process, preliminary Vision, Goals, Objectives, and Statement of Importance will be prepared for each element of the plan, including but not limited to: land use, economic development, transportation, housing, community facilitates, natural resources, cultural resources, investment and implementation, and more. Step 5: Detailed Subarea Plans (optional) Some areas of Town are more susceptible to development pressure and are more likely candidates for change, development, and investment in the near future. Working with Town staff and CPAC, we will identify areas in need of more detailed planning efforts to better guide focused attention and investment. Based on our analysis of existing conditions, outreach activities, and goals, objectives, and policies, we will prepare preliminary plans for key areas of the Town. These plans will include recommendations on land use and development, circulation and parking, and urban design framework recommendations. Each Subarea Plan will be highly illustrative and graphically compelling, using a variety of illustrations, perspective drawings, 3D renderings, photographs, maps, and more. Subareas will be identified, discussed, and finalized Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 22 with Town staff and the CPAC prior to undertaking this step. Likely subarea candidates could include Downtown, Oakbrook, and the Sheep Island interchange area. 5a: Visioning Workshop/Charrette The Visioning Charrette during Subarea Plan development is open to the entire community and will focus on identified subareas. The charrette will explore, through exciting exercises, improvements and scenarios that will serve as the basis for detailed planning in the following step. The intent of the workshop is to create consensus around a preferred approach to improving, transforming, revitalizing, and investing in several high priority areas of the Town. 5b: Detailed Subarea Plans Detailed Subarea Plans will be developed for certain subareas based on discussions with staff, the CPAC, and the results of the outreach activities and visioning workshop. Subarea Plans allow for a more detailed parcel-by-parcel/building-by-building analysis, including priority and catalyst redevelopment sites, key public improvements, access and mobility recommendations, urban design enhancement, and much more. Detailed development visualizations would also be provided including 3d representations of the potential for new development and redevelopment at key sites within each subarea. These visualizations would provide creative development solutions and visualize a site’s potential for developers and residents, both while conforming to market realities, site constraints, development regulations, and the desired character of the community. The components of the Subarea Plans would include: Land Use and Development Framework; Circulation, Mobility, and Access Plan; Urban Design Framework – Public and Private Components; and Development Visualizations. 5c: Staff Review Prior to presenting the preliminary Subarea Plans to the CPAC, the plans will be distributed to Town staff for review. Appropriate revisions will be made based on feedback before distributing to the CPAC. 5d: CPAC Meeting/Community Workshop – Subarea Plans A meeting/workshop will be conducted with the CPAC and the community to review and reach agreement on the preliminary Subarea Plans before proceeding to the development of the plans and policies. Appropriate revisions will be made based on feedback from the CPAC and meeting/workshop participants. Step 6: Preliminary Town-Wide Plans and Policies (Core Elements) This step will entail the preparation of preliminary Town-Wide Plans for core element of the comprehensive plan, including community profile/population, land use, economic development, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, community facilitates, natural resources and open Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 23 space, cultural resources, and priority investment. These plan components will provide the “core” for the new Comprehensive Plan and will reflect outreach activities and the Town’s vision, goals, and objectives. Each element will include its own statement of importance, vision, goals, objectives, and implementation strategy with timing, teaming, performance indicators, and potential funding. Elements will be highly illustrative, and visually compelling, consisting of concise well-written text, maps, graphics, photos, illustrations, and more to ensure an attractive, user-friendly, responsive, and effective document. 6a: Population/Community Profile The Community Profile/Population element will provide historic trends and projections, household numbers and sizes, educational levels, and income characteristics for the Summerville community. This element will pride detailed information and analysis of the Town’s current and future/projected populations. This information will tell the story of where the Summerville population is now and where it is heading. By better understanding current and future populations and trends, the new comprehensive plan can better plan to meet the needs of its residents. 6b: Land Use The Land Use element will consider existing and future land use by categories, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, forestry, mining, public and quasi-public, recreation, parks, open space, and vacant or undeveloped. The Land Use element will include recommendations and policies for all land use areas in the Town and its planning area. The Land Use element will identify and address land use patterns, new growth areas, land use compatibility issues and mitigation strategies, targeted infill development, conservation areas, and more. 6c: Economic Development The Economic Development element will consider labor force and labor force characteristics, employment by place of work and residence, and analysis of the economic base. This element will provide analysis and potential for residential, retail, office, and industrial markets to serve as a foundation for land use recommendations and implementation strategies to strengthen employment, job creation, and to provide and grow a diverse and thriving tax base for the community. 6d: Housing and Neighborhoods The Housing Element will consider location, types, age, and condition of housing, owner and renter occupancy, and affordability of housing. This element includes an analysis to ascertain nonessential housing regulatory requirements, as defined in title 6, chapter 29 of South Carolina Code of Laws, that add to the cost of developing affordable housing but are not necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare and an analysis of market-based incentives that may Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 24 be made available to encourage development of affordable housing, which incentives may include density bonuses, design flexibility, and streamlined permitting processes. 6e: Transportation and Mobility (Transportation Master Plan) The Transportation Element will consider transportation facilities, including major road improvements, new road construction, transit projects, pedestrian and bicycle projects, and other elements of a transportation network. This element must be developed in coordination with the land use element, to ensure transportation efficiency for existing and planned development. The Transportation and Mobility element will focus on the coordination and optimization of all modes of travel within the Town, including vehicular, bicycle, walking, and transit services. The Transportation Master Plan will include specific recommendations for motorized and non- motorized travel, parking, circulation, and linkages between key areas of the Town. The Transportation Master Plan will analyze the existing transportation system (step 4f), identify corridors and areas of Town that merit the greatest attention, and identify transportation improvement projects that include phasing options based on implementation feasibility. “Complete Streets” principles will be incorporated as appropriate throughout the Transportation Master Plan, to ensure effective mobility environments for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and persons using public transportation. 6f: Community Facilities and Infrastructure The Community Facilities and Infrastructure element will identify and inventory all community facilities in the Town and include recommendations and policies for municipal facilities and services, infrastructure, intergovernmental coordination and cooperation, and more. The Community Facilities and Infrastructure element will consider water supply, treatment, and distribution; sewage system and wastewater treatment; solid waste collection and disposal, fire protection, emergency medical services, and general government facilities; education facilities; and libraries and other cultural facilities. 6g: Natural Resources, Resiliency, Parks & Open Space This element will consider coastal resources, slope characteristics, prime agricultural and forest land, plant and animal habitats, parks and recreation areas, scenic views and sites, wetlands, and soil types. The Natural Resources, Resiliency, Parks & Open Space element will also identify linkages, greenways, environmental protection areas, open space and parkland (passive and active), and unique and sensitive natural resources. This element will also identify resiliency strategies and best practices for mitigate and recover more quickly from storm events and hazards. The Town’s Green Infrastructure Plan provides a wealth of information which will inform and help develop recommendations for this element. 6h: Cultural Resources The Cultural Resources element will consider historic buildings and structures, the arts, commercial districts, residential districts, unique, natural, or scenic resources, archaeological, Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 25 and other cultural resources. This element will seek to strengthen cultural resources as key amenities for the community and provide recommendations and new ideas to fully leverage the community’s rich offerings. 6i: Priority Investment The Priority Investment element will identify likely federal, state, and local funds available for public infrastructure and facilities during the next ten years and will recommend projects for expenditure of such funds during over next ten years for needed public infrastructure and facilities such as water, sewer, roads, and schools. The recommendation of such projects for public expenditure will be done through coordination with adjacent and relevant jurisdictions and agencies. This element will help to coordinate public investment over time in a coordinated and targeted manner to maximize efficiency and effectiveness across agencies, organizations, and service providers. Step 7: Comprehensive Plan Document and Adoption Based on the previous steps in the planning process, the draft and final versions of the Comprehensive Plan document will be presented for review and consideration as part of the adoption process. 7a: Prepare Draft Comprehensive Plan Based on the work activities of steps 1 through 6, a draft Comprehensive Plan document will be prepared for review and consideration. The draft Plan will be designed not only to serve as a legal document for guiding land use, transportation community facilities, and the natural environment, but also as a guide for establishing Town policy regarding a variety of community components that collectively improves the overall quality of life. We anticipate that the Comprehensive Plan will include the following sections: 1. Introduction 2. Community Profile/Population 3. Community Vision & Goals 4. Land Use 5. Economic Development 6. Housing & Neighborhoods 7. Transportation & Mobility 8. Community Facilities & Infrastructure 9. Natural Resources, Resiliency, and Parks & Open Space 10. Cultural Resources 11. Priority Investment & Implementation Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 26 7b: Staff Review of Draft Comprehensive Plan Prior to presenting the draft Plan to the CPAC, the Plan will be distributed to staff for review. The Plan will be modified based on staff review before presentation to the CPAC. 7c: CPAC Meeting A meeting will be conducted with the CPAC to review and reach agreement on the draft Comprehensive Plan before proceeding to the development of the final Comprehensive Plan document. Appropriate revisions to the draft Plan will be made based on feedback from the CPAC, and the final Comprehensive Plan will be prepared for public hearing presentation. 7d: Community Open House Prior to the public hearing, a community open house will be held to allow residents to “drop in” and review the draft Comprehensive Plan and ask questions of the members of the Consultant Team. The Open House format provides an opportunity to see and learn about the Town’s new Comprehensive Plan. Following the community open house, the final Comprehensive Plan will be prepared for public hearing presentation the adoption process begins. 7e: Final Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission (Public Hearing) In accordance with the State’s statutory requirements, the final Comprehensive Plan will be presented to the Planning Commission at a public hearing. Based on review and discussion, and based on public feedback during the public hearing, a revised final Comprehensive Plan will be prepared for recommendation to the Town Council. 7f: Final Comprehensive Plan to Town Council The revised final Comprehensive Plan will be presented to the Town Council for consideration and adoption. At the conclusion of the project, all of the background data and information compiled by the Consultant Team during the course of the study will be forwarded to the Town. Houseal Lavigne Associates | Town of Summerville | Comprehensive Plan Update 27