Title
PUBLIC HEARING on Proposed Scope of Actions for Neighborhood Centers
Recommended Action
Following an introduction from staff, open the public hearing, take oral testimony and hold the written record open through Sunday, November 23.
Report
Issue:
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to gather input on a scope of proposed actions the City can take to help neighborhood centers develop according to community goals. Public input will inform the Commission's recommendation to the City Council regarding priorities for future work plans and resources.
Staff Contact:
Amy Buckler, Associate Planner, 360.570.5847
Presenter(s):
Amy Buckler
Background and Analysis:
The City has had a policy of encouraging the development of neighborhood centers for over 20 years, but they have not developed as described in the Comprehensive Plan, but for a few exceptions. Neighborhood Centers are small walk and transit-friendly business clusters within residential neighborhoods that serve the day-to-day retail and service needs of local residents and foster community interaction. These are important to community-wide goals to increase walkability, reduce our carbon footprint, improve human health, and foster neighborhood connections and resiliency.
The Planning Commission seeks to further community goals for neighborhood center development. As a first step, the Commission has gathered input about the public's desires as well as barriers to neighborhood center development. With help from staff, they launched an online questionnaire on OlySpeaks.org and received 668 responses. Meanwhile, staff interviewed 13 business owners and 8 property owner/developers who have operated a business, designed or developed a neighborhood center in Olympia.
See Attachment 1 for a summary of what was learned.
ADDITIONAL FINDINGS:
* Neighborhood centers vary: The 17 areas identified for neighborhood centers in the Comprehensive Plan are not one-size-fits...
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