10-09-02 Zoning & Annexation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zoning and Annexation Committee October 9, 2002 Page 2 funding such as the"weed and seed"program which targets specific areas. Her staff helps educate individuals on all of the other items which are in place and may impact their areas. Ms. Meyer stated that often times the amount of detail is based on the amount of monies made available for a project. She noted that many of the plans are old and should be updated and then formally approved. She sees this as an opportunity and a challenge to connect discussions to the plans and an understanding of each of the areas to the whole. The Commercial Corridor map, the Neighborhood Organization Boundary map, and the City of South Bend Land Use Map of 1998 were then shown to the Committee. The Council Attorney inquired whether copies of each of the maps shown to the Committee could be provided to the City Clerk's Office so that they could be placed on an eisle and made available to the entire Council. In response to a question from Dr. Varner,it was noted that each of the maps were GIS generated. Marco Mariani noted that much can be done in light of GIS and that several staff members are receiving training in this area. Mr. Hunt noted that many of the planning initiatives are driven by federal funds, however there should be overall planning going on. The proposed City Plan which is currently underway is an attempt to get away from federally driven or focused programs. Mr. Hunt noted that the Council's support and direction is needed. The City Administration and the Council need to work hard so that they can direct dollars to carry out specific plans and advance those plans. Ms. Meyer noted that under the Good Neighbor/Good Neighborhoods they will be looking at all plans rather than on a project by project basis. Marco Mariani noted that such questions as what is the process for updating; what should be presented to the Council;etc. are just some of the areas being discussed. He also stressed the need for formatting all future plans the same. Currently there is an informal relationship with Area Plan, noting that land use plans are not addressed currently. With regard to the City Plan, he asked how is a neighborhood area selected since there are many areas which need strategic planning. Jon Hunt noted that the neighborhood plans require a lot of leg work of his staff working in the neighborhoods. Planners no longer just sit at a computer but rather they also work directly in the neighborhoods. Pam Meyer stressed that the process can be an invaluable educational tool. They are currently interviewing consultants for the weed and seed program areas. They are seeking more people to become involved. Marco Mariani also noted that the gaps between the various plans must also be addressed, since currently there is no direct linkage. Funding priorities must be made. He sees the need to prepare a simple map where points of conflict are identified. He also sees the need to develop a checklist. Jon Hunt noted that if a more formal process is needed between the City and Area Plan that those discussions must take place. He noted that currently there are five(5) commercial corridors.