HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM V-B
crrx oF IVlernorandum
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WASHINGTON
TO: Councilmember Lynn`Norman, Chair, Planning & Community Development Committee ,
Councilmember Nancy Backus, Vice-Chair, Planning & Community Development Committee
Councilmember Rich Wagner, Planning & Community Developmenf Committee
GC: Mayor Lewis
FROM: Kevin Snyder, AICP, Director, Planning & Development Department DATE: November.3, 2010 -
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION & INFORMATION: Key Planning Priorities from City Council Vision 2030
Retreat .
At the City Council's Vision 2030 Retreat on October 28 and 29, 2010, the City Council identified and
discussed 5 key planning priorities. To assist the Planning and Development Department in cuITent and fufwre
work planning, resources allocation and project planning, staff is seeking Gommittee input and direction on
these priorities, their inclusion on the matrix and key questions or issues of the Committee:
1. 5 Strategy Areas for Population and Business and Employment ,
At the CounciPs retreat; the Council discussed the concept of increased density in the Urban Center: At tfie
conclusion of this conversation; the Council identified that the City's should pursue the accommodation of
increased densify coup,led with increased business and employment activities in the 5'economic,development
strategies areas identified in ttie City of Auburn Economic Development Strategies (November 2005). TF9ese 5
areas are: . _ . : - .
1. Golde"n Triangle inclusive of the Aubum Way South Redevelopment Area
2. Aubum Way North Corridor -
3. Gteen Zone
4. West 1%alley Highway
5. Urban Center '
The Comprehensive Plan will need to be updated to set the policy framework for these 5 areas - fhis could be
accomplished in the next annual Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle in 2011. In advance of this update
effort, the Committee should discuss with staff potential boundaries for each of these areas, potential issues or
concems and key policy elements and considerations. Specific subarea planning ='supported by appropriate -
public outreach strategies recommended 6y the Committee and the Mayor - could be subsequently conducted ,
following the Comprehensive Plan update for each of the 5 areas. These subarea plans could, among other
things, analyze buildable land capacity and constraints, land use compatibility issues and strategies, public
infrastructure issues and opportunities and identify area specific standards and regulations including potential
incentives to support the accommodation of increased population, business and employment in each of thes.e
areas. Subarea plans would ultimately need to be recognized in the City's Comprehensive Plan and reflected
in the Cify's development regulations - all of which would be subject to Planning and Commission review and
Cify Council approvaL
Staff request Committee feedback on.the planning approach summacized above or alternate approaches as
wellas general or specific comments or ideas.
2. Green Zone Task Force '
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At the Council's retreat, the Council discussed -the idea of forming a Gr.een Zone Task Force to provide
recommendafions to the Cify Council on actions and approaches to help best position this area of. the City for
future green oriented and/or clean tectinology business development. Staff reguests the Committee's feedback on the makeup of this Task Force, types of industries and expertise
that should_ be repcesenfed and . key questions and issues for the Task Force to consider and develop
recommentlations for:
3. Green Zone Business PIaNMarkefing Strategy
The Council at its retreat identified that a business plan and marketing strategy should be developed for the ,
Green Zone to help guide; direct and inform the City in its efforts to position the Green Zone in the regional
economic marketplace as a unique landing for green oriented and clean technology businesses.
The business plan and marketing strategy should address, among other things, business niche and
attractiVeness, policy change or deVelopment considerations, competitive forces, public financial investment
needs and scenarios, public infrastructure needs, short =term and long-term implementation, strategies; project
administration and management, land use transition strategies, market branding and marketing challenges and
strategies. -
Staff request the Committee`s feedback and ideas for the business plan/marketing strategy. For example, what
period of time should it cover knowing that market forces are constantly changing?
4. Medical/Hospital Zone Overlay .
The Council at its retreat identified the need for a renewed effort to explore the establishment of a
medicaUhospital overlay for properties around the Aubum Regional Medical Center. The Council also identified
thaf the City needs to engage the Aubum Regional Medical Genter in this effort to ensure that any policies.and-
implementation strategies support their short-term and long-term business planning and to gain valuable
insight into how this area can be best positioned to support its continued, development and associated vendor.
and support businesses.
Staff, request the Committee's feedback and ideas for the planning process for this effort as well as any _
recommendations on key issues to be considered. -
5. Historic Preservation .
• ,
, T.he Council at its retreat identified the need to.support on-gomg and futuce historic preseNation e,ff.orts for key
historic attributes such asthe Old.Post Office, Camegie Library and Ballard House. The Council discussed the
. . . _ _
potential for developing some form of historic. preservation regulations and/or developing incen#ives to 'insure .
that these properties retain fheir historic character and value tothe community.
Staff requests the Committee's feedback on key guestions, issues and approaches for historic preservation..
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