Title
AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2015 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Executive Summary: The ordinance would adopt the City’s update to the Comprehensive Plan.
Body
Legislative History
The City of Hudson’s first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in August 1995 following merger of the former Township and Village. An update to the Comprehensive Plan was adopted August 4, 2004.
Purpose & Explanation
The Comprehensive Plan is the City’s official policy document for growth and development. It informs citywide development standards regarding land use, infrastructure, transportation, parks and recreation, and community services and facilities. It is Hudson’s roadmap to the future, identifying long-term community priorities and the tools necessary for achieving them. The plan includes a plan for Downtown Phase II. The downtown plan establishes a clear vision for the underutilized area to the west and northwest of downtown and provides recommendations necessary to implement the vision.
The plan has been in development for over a year. Council retained consulting firm Houseal Lavigne Associates and appointed two ad hoc committees. City staff, the committees and the consultants began working together in September 2014. Following an extensive program of public engagement and committee discussion, at a joint meeting on July 15, 2015 both ad hoc committees recommended that Council adopt the plan. Copies of the draft plan were previously provided to Council.
The formal adoption process began with Council’s first reading of the adopting ordinance and referral to the Planning Commission for a public hearing and its recommendation on August 18, 2015. Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on September 14, 2015, which was continued to a special September 28, 2015, meeting. At the latter meeting planning consultant Dan Gardner was present to address questions and comments of the Commission. Following thorough discussion, the Planning Commission agreed to amendments it recommends Council make to the plan. Planning Commission adopted its recommendation on October 12, 2015. Council will find the September 14, 2015, PC staff report and attachments, and the September 28, 2015, meeting video informative. Council’s review and adoption process has included a public hearing on November 17, 2015, three plus readings, and additional consideration during three workshop meetings. Council’s final action is pending.
Timing Considerations
The City Charter states that the Comprehensive Plan must be periodically reviewed no less than every ten years.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends adoption of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan as amended by the Planning Commission and further amended by Council.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Mark Richardson, Community Development Director