Several days ago, a reader asked my opinion on the three remaining studies needed to complete the 2015 plan. I responded saying I didn't have enough information to offer an opinion but would find out more details and report back.
I learned there are three areas needing additional studies: Housing, Traffic and Land usage. There are no clear cut guidelines that direct the content of each study. Some cities have responded with just a brief paragraph and others have completed in depth studies.
I know that several traffic studies have been completed in Buckhannon over the last several years. A study considering widening Route 20 through Tennerton, diverting traffic via a Brushy Fork cutoff and splitting traffic from Main St. have yielded a wide variety of suggestions, solutions and discussion topics. These studies could provide an adequate basis for the traffic studies with some additional explanatory verbiage.
The land use study seems rather direct. We have designated areas within the city limits for residential, commercial and industrial development. A land use map can be readily produced to identify these areas. What is lacking is a broader county view of land use and not necessarily a requirement of the 2015 plan. The broader county view of land use is called zoning. I have been lead to believe that anyone mentioning zoning at a county level is skating on thin ice. I think this may be a conversation for the future.
The housing study needed to complete the 2015 plan may require some review of our existing city housing standards and needs. Our population is greying and more and more people may need housing assistance. This is more my gut feel of the issue rather than having any hard facts.
I hope this response is helpful to the reader who asked for my opinion on these issues.
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I appreciate the response to the questions asked by a certain reader. It shows that at least you are taking into considertion issues that will most likely be items of concern if elected.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that the Council may be taking a wait and see attitude towards any decisions right now until after the elections. It is apparent that there will be, besides the CVB issues, an new considerations needed w/ the Coastal Fields property transfer. Not only has that effected the recreation of the majority of youth in Upshur County thru soccer. But may bring the raising of issues that for an issue before, was addressed and beaten like a dog. My questions is: What pro-active concerns/issues do you bring to Council and resolve, if elected?
The most immediate challenges to our city are the resolution of outstanding law suites, CVB and others, and maintaining a very tight budget in difficult economic and legal times. Before I can state with clarity, any concerns and or issues, I have to learn more about the business of the city. I choose not to do that unless elected. The learning process involves discussions with city officials, department heads and employees. Efforts to do otherwise would only disrupt on going city business.
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate the diplomatic approach, but unfortunatly your opposition has alrerady been involved and educated. And they have opinions and experience that may leave you behind with the learning curve. Thats ok however because they don't really need your vote to approve. They can out vote you while you learn. Good luck with that approach!
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