Your Watkinsville
Future Land Use Plan Developed Through Citizen Feedback
Plan to be Presented at Dec. 1 Meeting
WATKINSVILLE, GA., Nov. 22, 2005 - The City of Watkinsville will hold the third and final public meeting in the "Your Watkinsville" city visioning process on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. A future land use draft will be presented based on the community vision, goals and objectives derived from previous meetings and stakeholder feedback.
The plan is the result of a nine-month process in which Watkinsville citizens, land owners and business owners have voiced their opinions on the current strengths and weaknesses of Watkinsville, as well as their thoughts on the future of the city.
The presentation is anticipated to show a land use plan that significantly differs from the plan currently in use. Computer models will be utilized to highlight the scale of new developments allowed under the revised plan, as well as forecasted population statistics and development trends.
Vital components of the draft plan include protecting key corridors in around the city, preserving the history and ambiance of downtown Watkinsville and allowing an appropriate mix of land uses. Planning for multiple channels of transportation, including pedestrians and cyclists, the creation of an arts district near Rocket Field and encouraging development consistent with existing structures is also incorporated into the draft. The plan will then be adapted and incorporated in the city’s revised zoning and codes, expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2006.
Discussion at the meeting will focus on comparing the development potential of Watkinsville under the existing zoning codes to the development potential under the proposed land use plan. Stakeholders are encouraged to contribute their opinions at the meeting; comments will be taken and comment sheets will be available for written responses.
"We’re immensely pleased with the feedback we’ve gotten so far in the process," said Mayor Jim Luken "We’ve developed a plan that we believe corresponds to the hopes and concerns of the community, but we need continued response at our last meeting to confirm that."
The series of public meetings have been held in conjunction with the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center in response to a $15,000 Quality Growth Grant the city received earlier this year from the Department of Community Affairs.
The Quality Growth Grant Program was created to promote the management of growth and development to enhance the quality of life within communities. Of 47 applicants, only eight municipalities were chosen to receive grants for 2005.
For more information, please call Watkinsville City Hall at (706) 769-5161
Plan to be Presented at Dec. 1 Meeting
WATKINSVILLE, GA., Nov. 22, 2005 - The City of Watkinsville will hold the third and final public meeting in the "Your Watkinsville" city visioning process on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. A future land use draft will be presented based on the community vision, goals and objectives derived from previous meetings and stakeholder feedback.
The plan is the result of a nine-month process in which Watkinsville citizens, land owners and business owners have voiced their opinions on the current strengths and weaknesses of Watkinsville, as well as their thoughts on the future of the city.
The presentation is anticipated to show a land use plan that significantly differs from the plan currently in use. Computer models will be utilized to highlight the scale of new developments allowed under the revised plan, as well as forecasted population statistics and development trends.
Vital components of the draft plan include protecting key corridors in around the city, preserving the history and ambiance of downtown Watkinsville and allowing an appropriate mix of land uses. Planning for multiple channels of transportation, including pedestrians and cyclists, the creation of an arts district near Rocket Field and encouraging development consistent with existing structures is also incorporated into the draft. The plan will then be adapted and incorporated in the city’s revised zoning and codes, expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2006.
Discussion at the meeting will focus on comparing the development potential of Watkinsville under the existing zoning codes to the development potential under the proposed land use plan. Stakeholders are encouraged to contribute their opinions at the meeting; comments will be taken and comment sheets will be available for written responses.
"We’re immensely pleased with the feedback we’ve gotten so far in the process," said Mayor Jim Luken "We’ve developed a plan that we believe corresponds to the hopes and concerns of the community, but we need continued response at our last meeting to confirm that."
The series of public meetings have been held in conjunction with the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center in response to a $15,000 Quality Growth Grant the city received earlier this year from the Department of Community Affairs.
The Quality Growth Grant Program was created to promote the management of growth and development to enhance the quality of life within communities. Of 47 applicants, only eight municipalities were chosen to receive grants for 2005.
For more information, please call Watkinsville City Hall at (706) 769-5161
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