Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
What happened at the Comprehensive Plan Meetings?
Check out this document that summarizes the Focus Area meetings that the Town hosted during February and March.
Our next steps: We will host two open houses in April to share some draft plan maps, and continue recieving feedback from the public. It may be helpful to review the maps and placetype descriptions to understand some aspects of this meeting summary.
Focus Area Meeting Summary
Our next steps: We will host two open houses in April to share some draft plan maps, and continue recieving feedback from the public. It may be helpful to review the maps and placetype descriptions to understand some aspects of this meeting summary.
Focus Area Meeting Summary
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Neighborhood Level Meetings
So far we have held two neighborhood-level meetings. Participation has been excellent, with about 60-75 in attendance at both meetings! There are three more meetings to go - centering on the southern, western, and downtown areas. See the earlier blog posting for details.
Please take a look below at the scenario maps and place types. The place types are color-coded to the colors on the maps.
The first map is the Current Trend Scenario, which you will notice has no white space, as it is anticipated that the Town could be completely built out by the year 2035, occupying almost all available land under our current policies.
The subsequent maps show what could result if we increased the density of future development in order to meet the demand for growth, while saving open space (white space on the maps). Just to show how much space can be saved, the third, or most dense scenario, could save 75% of the open land in town!
Please make comments on the place types and the scenarios. Particularly, we have the following questions:
The maps at the meetings are zoomed in to each focus area of the Town. For the purpose of this website, we are unable to provide those maps at this time, however you can zoom in on the maps below.
Town Wide Development Scenarios
Please take a look below at the scenario maps and place types. The place types are color-coded to the colors on the maps.
The first map is the Current Trend Scenario, which you will notice has no white space, as it is anticipated that the Town could be completely built out by the year 2035, occupying almost all available land under our current policies.
The subsequent maps show what could result if we increased the density of future development in order to meet the demand for growth, while saving open space (white space on the maps). Just to show how much space can be saved, the third, or most dense scenario, could save 75% of the open land in town!
Please make comments on the place types and the scenarios. Particularly, we have the following questions:
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of each development scenario?
- What key design principles or considerations should guide development for these scenarios?
- Is there any development shown in an inappropriate location?
- What do you think of the mixed use nodes shown at the edges of town?
- What do you think of the place-types shown? Are they appropriate or not appropriate for Ashland?
The maps at the meetings are zoomed in to each focus area of the Town. For the purpose of this website, we are unable to provide those maps at this time, however you can zoom in on the maps below.
Town Wide Development Scenarios
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Neighborhood Level Workshops
We had excellent participation at Tuesdays meeting at Randolph Macon, concerning the northern parts of town. This upcoming Monday, February 9 at 6:30 PM at the Holiday Inn Express on Carter Road, we will host another meeting. This will be covering most of the undeveloped and underdeveloped areas of Town, generally, the outlying areas to the north, east, and south, as well as the built up areas along US 1 and Rt 54 between US 1 and the Eastern Corporate Limits.
As soon as possible, we will upload the information from last weeks meetings.
As soon as possible, we will upload the information from last weeks meetings.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Focus Area Meetings Planned for February and March
We have planned a series of neighborhood level meetings to show several different ways the Town could be developed. We encourage you to attend the meetings that are specific to the neighborhoods that you are most concerned about! Click on the map for specific meeting dates, locations and times, or click here for a .pdf format file with meeting information.
View Larger Map
View Larger Map
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Community Workshop: Where Are We Going? Generating Scenarios.
Wednesday November 5, 20086:30-8:30 p.m.
Henry Clay Elementary School
South James Street and Hanover Avenue, Ashland
How will we grow?
Ashland’s small-town charm and proximity to major roadway and transit networks make it an attractive and convenient place to live, work, and do business. Over the coming years, the Town is likely to attract new residents and jobs. Where would we like to invite those new people to live? Where would we like to encourage those new businesses to set up shop? How could new buildings, streets, and civic spaces be designed and located so that the Town benefits from growth and avoids the problems it can sometimes generate? These questions will be the focus of the upcoming workshop for the Ashland Town Plan Update. At this meeting, participants will have an opportunity to review the issues and opportunities identified at earlier workshops, learn about development trends affecting the Town, and generate ideas for shaping future growth.
The ideas generated at the workshop will help Town staff and the consultant team to develop and test scenarios that position the Town to maximize new economic development opportunities while enhancing community character and supporting core community values. Later in the planning process, residents will be asked to help craft a preferred scenario that defines how and where the community would like to see growth occur; and translate the preferred scenario into a series of goals and policy statements for each element of the Comprehensive Plan.
The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Henry Clay Elementary School on South James Street at Hanover Avenue. All area residents, merchants, and civic group members are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Planning & Community Development at 804-798-1073.
Ashland’s small-town charm and proximity to major roadway and transit networks make it an attractive and convenient place to live, work, and do business. Over the coming years, the Town is likely to attract new residents and jobs. Where would we like to invite those new people to live? Where would we like to encourage those new businesses to set up shop? How could new buildings, streets, and civic spaces be designed and located so that the Town benefits from growth and avoids the problems it can sometimes generate? These questions will be the focus of the upcoming workshop for the Ashland Town Plan Update. At this meeting, participants will have an opportunity to review the issues and opportunities identified at earlier workshops, learn about development trends affecting the Town, and generate ideas for shaping future growth.
The ideas generated at the workshop will help Town staff and the consultant team to develop and test scenarios that position the Town to maximize new economic development opportunities while enhancing community character and supporting core community values. Later in the planning process, residents will be asked to help craft a preferred scenario that defines how and where the community would like to see growth occur; and translate the preferred scenario into a series of goals and policy statements for each element of the Comprehensive Plan.
The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Henry Clay Elementary School on South James Street at Hanover Avenue. All area residents, merchants, and civic group members are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Planning & Community Development at 804-798-1073.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Public Transportation
Please take this quick survey to help us with our public transportation feasibility study.
Click here for the survey!
Click here for the survey!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Where Are We Now?
Our Worskshop on September 29th at Gandy was well attended! Thank you to the 70+ residents, business owners, and property owners who participated. Some great comments were recieved.The meeting began with a brief presentation on the history of the development of Ashland, an explanation of the Comprehensive Plan, and some key issues that we are facing as the plan is being updated. Click here for the presentation.
Renaissance Planning Group then led a presentation explaining the scenario planning process they have used in other communities, with examples, and explained the eight focus areas that the Town has been broken up into as part of this Plan update. Click here for the presentation.
Further, a design inventory has been conducted to determine areas that have a cohesive character. Click here to see those maps.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Community Workshop: Where Are We Now? Defining Community Character.
Monday September 29, 2008
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Gandy Elementary School
201 Archie Cannon Drive, Ashland
Our Places - Delightful or Dull?
What makes a place special? Why are we drawn to some shopping centers, streets, or neighborhoods, while others leave us cold? How can we make sure our town is a place where we truly enjoy living, shopping, working, and hosting visitors? These questions and more will be explored the upcoming workshop for the Ashland Comprehensive Plan Update. At this meeting, local residents and officials have an opportunity to learn about how community design can make the difference between a delightful place and a dull one.
Through hands-on exercises and informative dialogue, participants will talk about what community character means to them, and how it can support the overall quality of life for Town residents, businesses, and visitors. They will identify specific ways in which the physical characteristics of the eight Planning Focus Areas - including streets, open space, and buildings - could be preserved or enhanced in order to optimize its unique character. The ideas generated at this workshop will help Town staff and the consultant team to identify ways in which land use, transportation and community design policies and improvements could promote desirable, well-functioning neighborhoods. Subsequent workshops will examine ways in growth throughout the Town could be shaped over the coming years in order to maximize new economic development opportunities and sustain
community character.
The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday September 29, 2008 at Gandy
Elementary School on Archie Cannon Drive. All area residents, merchants, and civic group members are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Planning & Community Development at 804-798-1073.
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Gandy Elementary School
201 Archie Cannon Drive, Ashland
Our Places - Delightful or Dull?
What makes a place special? Why are we drawn to some shopping centers, streets, or neighborhoods, while others leave us cold? How can we make sure our town is a place where we truly enjoy living, shopping, working, and hosting visitors? These questions and more will be explored the upcoming workshop for the Ashland Comprehensive Plan Update. At this meeting, local residents and officials have an opportunity to learn about how community design can make the difference between a delightful place and a dull one.
Through hands-on exercises and informative dialogue, participants will talk about what community character means to them, and how it can support the overall quality of life for Town residents, businesses, and visitors. They will identify specific ways in which the physical characteristics of the eight Planning Focus Areas - including streets, open space, and buildings - could be preserved or enhanced in order to optimize its unique character. The ideas generated at this workshop will help Town staff and the consultant team to identify ways in which land use, transportation and community design policies and improvements could promote desirable, well-functioning neighborhoods. Subsequent workshops will examine ways in growth throughout the Town could be shaped over the coming years in order to maximize new economic development opportunities and sustain
community character.
The workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Monday September 29, 2008 at Gandy
Elementary School on Archie Cannon Drive. All area residents, merchants, and civic group members are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Planning & Community Development at 804-798-1073.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Economic Report Recommendations
Urban Partners presented a revised Economic and Demographic Analysis to the Planning Commission on August 14th.
Click here for the full report
Click here for the Key Issues and Opportunities Summary
Urban Partners will continue to work on the economic study as the plan evolves through the work of the Town and Renaissance Planning Group.
Click here for the full report
Click here for the Key Issues and Opportunities Summary
Urban Partners will continue to work on the economic study as the plan evolves through the work of the Town and Renaissance Planning Group.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Consultants Selected to Assist Town With Comprehensive Planning
Renaissance Planning Group of Charlottesville, Virginia has been selected to assist the Town with the Comprehensive Plan Update. Their firm is highly qualified in planning for small towns, particularly in the area of community design and transportation planning.
The firm is in the early stages of planning hands-on community design workshops.
For samples of community plans by Renaissance from other localities, check out their work in Cape Charles, VA, and Crozet, VA.
The firm is in the early stages of planning hands-on community design workshops.
For samples of community plans by Renaissance from other localities, check out their work in Cape Charles, VA, and Crozet, VA.
Introduction Statement To Comprehensive Plan
At their regular meeting of June 11, 2008, the Planning Commission agreed by consensus that the following will serve as the Introduction
to the Comprehensive Plan. This is based on the Town's existing vision
statement, and community input from the April 10th Community Forum. The Planning Commission reviewed this statement at their May meeting, and provided staff with additional comments. Please provide any feedback you may have! Community input is vital!
This statement is intended to demonstrate the values and principles to be supported by the Comprehensive Plan:
Ashland is a community that appreciates and embraces its strong sense of community identity; diverse population; natural, historic, cultural and educational resources; human potential, economic vitality; and interdependence of citizens and businesses.
Ashland takes great pride in its unique identity. This unique identity is based on:The beauty of our historic neighborhoods, historic railroad downtown, and historic college campus.
The quality of our neighborhoods, their scale, density, walkability, compactness, and relationship to downtown. Our existence as a great American small town. Our rural setting, as a town in the Richmond region, Ashland also acts as a service center for more outlying rural areas. Attractive centers of commerce that provide a diverse job base and a variety of shopping opportunities.
To protect these values, we will adhere to the following principles:
- We value planning, and in looking forward to the future, we will adhere to the guidance set forth in our Comprehensive Plan for decision-making. We also value the energy and inventiveness of private initiatives, so we seek a balance and collaboration between community planning efforts and the initiatives of residents and businesses, and in doing this, we will also maintain a strong relationship with Hanover County government in its planning processes.
- We will be a community that accepts reasonable change and growth, however we will be careful to ensure that change and growth will not harm the quality of life or community character that contribute to our dientity. We will preserve or enhance the sense of place within our existing developed areas, and ensure that newly developed areas are
interconnected with the existing town, are based on the very qualities that make us special, and create a positive link to our edges.- We will manage our transportation network to minimize congestion, and make every effort to ensure that our community continues to be walkable, bicycle-friendly, and accessible to passenger rail.
- We will continue to have a diverse and thriving business environment, with emphasis on making the best use of our location, tourism, providing needed services and goods, and quality job creation.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Results from our Community Meeting
Below are the results from our community meeting held on April 10 to gather information on our community values. Feel free to comment! We will be using this data to craft an introduction statement to the plan, which we plan to present to the Commission in May. Community Identity
What contributes to the best qualities of the identity of Ashland?
Support of friends, neighbors and the community
Community events – parades, black history event, street parties, etc
Tolerant community
Train
1940’s physical atmosphere
Architecture and Town layout
Historic Town
Town services – leaf removal, street clearing, trash collectionSafe town, good police service
Sense of place
Prettiest place on Amtrak
Being able to walk to the train station
What makes Ashland different from other communities around Central Virginia?
Train in the middle of Town
Sense of self “center of the universe” “full of ourselves”
Traditions: Christmas House Tour, Variety Show, Railroad Run
Low crime rate
Good Town services
Diversity in housing, not so many “cookie cutter” subdivisions
Know your neighbors
What are the threats to the identity of the Town?
Identity of Town is lost the farther you go away from the center core
Introduction of street names that have no connection or bearing on the Town
Surrounding County development
Too much rental
Drug related crime
Loss of Amtrak – do not want to become a freight town
Not thinking creatively about change
Thinking we can stay the same
Traffic brought from outside development
Lack of interest on the part of much of the public
New development out of character with the Town
Need design standards for businesses along Route 1
You don’t want big retail but that’s who has the money to pay for the improvements (i.e. tax revenue)
Sizeable housing developments
What can we do to maintain or get to the desired identity of Ashland?
Preserve neighborhoods
Positive open communication
Define the Town center – pump life into it
Gateways
A good Comprehensive Plan
Leadership programs for youth and young adults
Responsible growth
Keep Ashland from being a “cut-through” area
Transportation next to uses, not residential
Design standards
More community involvement in local government – make people understand that their opinion counts
Redevelopment of vacant properties
Continue cultural events such as Strawberry Faire; Bluemont Concerts; Train Day, Variety Show
How do neighborhoods, college, the railroad, etc. contribute to Ashland's identity?
Immensely!
Cultural events
Railroad makes commuting possible
Collectively they define the Town
Natural, Historic, Cultural, Educational Resources
What are our key resources?
Schools
College
Walkability
Diversity of People, Housing
History
Architecture
Rural surroundings
Trees/Parks/Open Space
Preservation of mature trees
Library
Live music (Coffee/Tea; Iron Horse; Hanover Arts and Activities Center)
Free Clinic
Hanover Arts and Activities Center
Book Store
Natural resources
Pool
Street grid network
Town Hall
What resources are missing, and needed?
Open Air amphitheater
Community gardens
Passive Parks
Diversity of jobs; need more professional jobs
Museums
Conference Center
Cultural entertainment for young people
Community Center
Hospital
Retirement community and health care for seniors
Children’s venue to rival the college “draw” for kids to return
Strict controls of the size of houses
What features do you value, and why?
Victorian Architecture
The train
Cross Bros Grocery
Library
Trees, sidewalks, walkability
Hanover Arts and Activities Center
Library
Parks
What are the threats to these resources?
CSX bypass
Internet – people not relating to each other
Too much development
Loss of elementary schools
Traffic is a threat to walkability
Crime
Not shopping locally
Lack of diversity
Age of existing schools
Too many rental units
How can we best utilize these resources?
Open up the college to more types of students and the community
Empty nester courses at RMC
Better publicity of college cultural events
More publicity for all of the Town’s cultural events both internally and externally
Improving walkability to cultural sites
Economic Vitality
What types of commerce - including retail, offices, and industrial - do we already have throughout Ashland?
Retail, Restaurants, Banks, Auto dealers, Auto repair, Hair salons, Real Estate, Bike shop, Wine shop, Photographer, College, Motels, Warehouses, Mini storage, Insurance companies, Pet supplies, Used books, Agricultural supplies, Coffee houses, Custom cabinetry, Dentists and Doctors offices, chiropractor, physical therapist, Dry cleaners, Lumber supply, Jewelry, Landscape design, Pharmacies, Boat sales/service, Gas stations, Consignment shop, Mail service, Lawyers, Nail salons
What types of commerce would you like to see occur in Ashland?
Bowling Alley and similar entertainment
Art Gallery and space for artisans
High end clothing and shoe stores
Larger Ukrops or organic groceries or Co-op for locally grown produce
Boutique style shopping
Outdoor dance and bandstand and more performance space
Medical Clinic
Movie Theater
Shoe Repair
Hobby & Art Supply Store
High-end restaurants
Good Pub or Grill
Diner for Breakfast and Lunch
Are there needs that you have that cannot be met in Ashland?
Appliances/electronics
Cameras
Children’s shops
Medical specialists/urgent care
Specialty Foods
Non-chain family restaurants
Larger bookstore
High-end clothing/shoes
Would like to see the service businesses on the tracks return to retail
Senior Day Care
What do people shop for in Ashland and what do they shop for outside of Ashland, and is that the right mix?
In Town
Basic Groceries
Restaurants
Auto services
Other Services
Out of Town
Furniture
Specialty Grocery
Seafood
Boutique shopping
What types of commerce would you not like to see occur in the Town?
Adult Book Stores
Tattoo Parlors
Cigarette shops
Check cashing businesses
Pawn Shops
Large Malls
Strip development
Heavy traffic producing businesses
Do not want to loose all the trees to development
Named subdivisions
Cul-de-sac developments
What types of industrial uses would be appropriate or not appropriate for the Town?
Appropriate:
Clean industry
High paying jobs
Computer Service
Small energy efficient companies
Inappropriate:
Heavy Equipment
Truck Stops
Heavy polluting companies
What contributes to the best qualities of the identity of Ashland?
Support of friends, neighbors and the community
Community events – parades, black history event, street parties, etc
Tolerant community
Train
1940’s physical atmosphere
Architecture and Town layout
Historic Town
Town services – leaf removal, street clearing, trash collectionSafe town, good police service
Sense of place
Prettiest place on Amtrak
Being able to walk to the train station
What makes Ashland different from other communities around Central Virginia?
Train in the middle of Town
Sense of self “center of the universe” “full of ourselves”
Traditions: Christmas House Tour, Variety Show, Railroad Run
Low crime rate
Good Town services
Diversity in housing, not so many “cookie cutter” subdivisions
Know your neighbors
What are the threats to the identity of the Town?
Identity of Town is lost the farther you go away from the center core
Introduction of street names that have no connection or bearing on the Town
Surrounding County development
Too much rental
Drug related crime
Loss of Amtrak – do not want to become a freight town
Not thinking creatively about change
Thinking we can stay the same
Traffic brought from outside development
Lack of interest on the part of much of the public
New development out of character with the Town
Need design standards for businesses along Route 1
You don’t want big retail but that’s who has the money to pay for the improvements (i.e. tax revenue)
Sizeable housing developments
What can we do to maintain or get to the desired identity of Ashland?
Preserve neighborhoods
Positive open communication
Define the Town center – pump life into it
Gateways
A good Comprehensive Plan
Leadership programs for youth and young adults
Responsible growth
Keep Ashland from being a “cut-through” area
Transportation next to uses, not residential
Design standards
More community involvement in local government – make people understand that their opinion counts
Redevelopment of vacant properties
Continue cultural events such as Strawberry Faire; Bluemont Concerts; Train Day, Variety Show
How do neighborhoods, college, the railroad, etc. contribute to Ashland's identity?
Immensely!
Cultural events
Railroad makes commuting possible
Collectively they define the Town
Natural, Historic, Cultural, Educational Resources
What are our key resources?
Schools
College
Walkability
Diversity of People, Housing
History
Architecture
Rural surroundings
Trees/Parks/Open Space
Preservation of mature trees
Library
Live music (Coffee/Tea; Iron Horse; Hanover Arts and Activities Center)
Free Clinic
Hanover Arts and Activities Center
Book Store
Natural resources
Pool
Street grid network
Town Hall
What resources are missing, and needed?
Open Air amphitheater
Community gardens
Passive Parks
Diversity of jobs; need more professional jobs
Museums
Conference Center
Cultural entertainment for young people
Community Center
Hospital
Retirement community and health care for seniors
Children’s venue to rival the college “draw” for kids to return
Strict controls of the size of houses
What features do you value, and why?
Victorian Architecture
The train
Cross Bros Grocery
Library
Trees, sidewalks, walkability
Hanover Arts and Activities Center
Library
Parks
What are the threats to these resources?
CSX bypass
Internet – people not relating to each other
Too much development
Loss of elementary schools
Traffic is a threat to walkability
Crime
Not shopping locally
Lack of diversity
Age of existing schools
Too many rental units
How can we best utilize these resources?
Open up the college to more types of students and the community
Empty nester courses at RMC
Better publicity of college cultural events
More publicity for all of the Town’s cultural events both internally and externally
Improving walkability to cultural sites
Economic Vitality
What types of commerce - including retail, offices, and industrial - do we already have throughout Ashland?
Retail, Restaurants, Banks, Auto dealers, Auto repair, Hair salons, Real Estate, Bike shop, Wine shop, Photographer, College, Motels, Warehouses, Mini storage, Insurance companies, Pet supplies, Used books, Agricultural supplies, Coffee houses, Custom cabinetry, Dentists and Doctors offices, chiropractor, physical therapist, Dry cleaners, Lumber supply, Jewelry, Landscape design, Pharmacies, Boat sales/service, Gas stations, Consignment shop, Mail service, Lawyers, Nail salons
What types of commerce would you like to see occur in Ashland?
Bowling Alley and similar entertainment
Art Gallery and space for artisans
High end clothing and shoe stores
Larger Ukrops or organic groceries or Co-op for locally grown produce
Boutique style shopping
Outdoor dance and bandstand and more performance space
Medical Clinic
Movie Theater
Shoe Repair
Hobby & Art Supply Store
High-end restaurants
Good Pub or Grill
Diner for Breakfast and Lunch
Are there needs that you have that cannot be met in Ashland?
Appliances/electronics
Cameras
Children’s shops
Medical specialists/urgent care
Specialty Foods
Non-chain family restaurants
Larger bookstore
High-end clothing/shoes
Would like to see the service businesses on the tracks return to retail
Senior Day Care
What do people shop for in Ashland and what do they shop for outside of Ashland, and is that the right mix?
In Town
Basic Groceries
Restaurants
Auto services
Other Services
Out of Town
Furniture
Specialty Grocery
Seafood
Boutique shopping
What types of commerce would you not like to see occur in the Town?
Adult Book Stores
Tattoo Parlors
Cigarette shops
Check cashing businesses
Pawn Shops
Large Malls
Strip development
Heavy traffic producing businesses
Do not want to loose all the trees to development
Named subdivisions
Cul-de-sac developments
What types of industrial uses would be appropriate or not appropriate for the Town?
Appropriate:
Clean industry
High paying jobs
Computer Service
Small energy efficient companies
Inappropriate:
Heavy Equipment
Truck Stops
Heavy polluting companies
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tonight's Meeting
We hope everyone is looking forward to tonights Community Forum at St. James The Less Episcopal Church at 7PM. Attached is a map of the church grounds, as it might be a little confusing getting to our meeting space if you are not familiar with the church.
Friday, April 4, 2008
April 9th Planning Commission Meeting: Community Facilities
At the April 9th Commission meeting, staff will present its draft Community Facilities Chapter to the Commission. Click here for the Community Facilities Chapter. Please feel free to comment!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
April 10 Community Input Session
A meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall of St. James the Less Episcopal Church, at 125 Beverly Road, Ashland, Virginia.
The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from the community to assist with developing a vision statement for the introduction to the Comprehensive Plan. A group exercise will be conducted to engage participants to state what they value about Ashland, and how they would like Ashland to be in the future.
Former Planning Director Neil Holthouser will facilitate this session.
The comments and input gathered from this meeting will help Town staff and Planning Commissioners understand the values and priorities of the community, and how to address these within the Comprehensive Plan document.
Potential Questions to be asked on April 10 - please feel free to respond, comment, or make suggestions now on the blog!
The purpose of the meeting is to gather input from the community to assist with developing a vision statement for the introduction to the Comprehensive Plan. A group exercise will be conducted to engage participants to state what they value about Ashland, and how they would like Ashland to be in the future.
Former Planning Director Neil Holthouser will facilitate this session.
The comments and input gathered from this meeting will help Town staff and Planning Commissioners understand the values and priorities of the community, and how to address these within the Comprehensive Plan document.
Potential Questions to be asked on April 10 - please feel free to respond, comment, or make suggestions now on the blog!
Community Identity
What contributes to the best qualities of the identity of Ashland?
What makes Ashland different from other communities around Central Virginia?
What are the threats to the identity of the Town?
What can we do to maintain or get to the desired identity of Ashland?
How do neighborhoods, college, the railroad, etc. contribute to Ashland's identity?
Natural, Historic, Cultural, Educational Resources
What are our key resources?
What resources are missing, and needed?
What features do you value, and why?
What are the threats to these resources?
How can we best utilize these resources?
Economic Vitality
What types of commerce - including retail, offices, and industrial - do we already have throughout Ashland?
What types of commerce would you like to see occur in Ashland?
Are there needs that you have that cannot be met in Ashland?
What do people shop for in Ashland and what do they shop for outside of Ashland, and is that the right mix?
What types of commerce would you not like to see occur in the Town?
What types of industrial uses would be appropriate or not appropriate for the Town?
How would - and should - economic growth relate to the citizens of the Town?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Planning Commission Update
Upcoming Work Session
The next work session of the Planning Commission will be on Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 PM. On the agenda that evening, Randolph-Macon College will present their draft Campus Master Plan, which will guide improvements to the campus over the next several years, very similar to our Comprehensive Plan.
The Town will need to study the College's plans as part of our Plan process to help develop recommendations on how the Town will interface with the R-MC campus.
Recap of the last meeting
At the last meeting on March 12, 2008, the Planning Commission:
The next work session of the Planning Commission will be on Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 PM. On the agenda that evening, Randolph-Macon College will present their draft Campus Master Plan, which will guide improvements to the campus over the next several years, very similar to our Comprehensive Plan.
The Town will need to study the College's plans as part of our Plan process to help develop recommendations on how the Town will interface with the R-MC campus.
Recap of the last meeting
At the last meeting on March 12, 2008, the Planning Commission:
- generally agreed to holding the upcoming public input session to develop the Comprehensive Plan session. (see earlier post)
- agreed to utilize a consultant to assist with the remainder of the plan process (see earlier post)
- Agreed on revisons to the Environment Policy Chapter. Further discussions will continue regarding LEED/Green Development policies in this chapter.
Comprehensive Plan Consulting Services
On Tuesday, March 18, the Town Council authorized staff to search for a consultant to assist the Town with completing the Plan. Also that evening, they agreed to utilize a firm for the economic study for the Plan.
Comprehensive Planning Services Consultant
The Planning Commission has been working with staff on the Plan update since September 2007. With the recent departure of the Planning Director, it has been recognized that the schedule for the Plan process cannot be adhered to without seeking additional assistance.
A structure and process for the Plan update has been well thought out, and many staff hours have been spent. Also, three of the ten policy chapters have been drafted.
Originally, it was anticipated that consultants would be used in three areas:
(1) Economics (2)Transportation (3) Urban Design.
Now, we propose to utilize two consultants – Economics and General Comprehensive Planning Services. The Comp Plan consultant will need to demonstrate the ability to concentrate in Transportation and Urban Design.
Staff intends for this consultant to work with staff to fulfill the process and framework that has been adopted. The firm selected would draft policy chapters, develop land use scenarios, facilitate neighborhood meetings, develop graphics and maps.
Most data collection will be completed by the Economic analyst, and staff is still planning to undertake tasks that can be managed in-house.
This proposal will help ensure that the Comp Plan process is as seamless as possible throughout this time of staff transition, as well as ensure that the schedule is adhered to. Given the weakness of direction in our current comprehensive plan, and growing development pressure in the area we believe that staying on this schedule is extremely important.
Economic & Demographic Analysis Consultant
Response to the Economic and Demographic Analysis Request for Proposals was excellent. Sixteen well qualified proposals were recieved, and four of those firms scored an interview.
The selection panel agreed that Urban Partners of Philadelphia was the right choice.
Ultimately, that firm demonstrated a clear understanding of how we plan to integrate their work into the Comprehensive Plan process.
The study will begin by meeting with Town officials and community leaders to go over the scope of the project.
Followed by a data collection and analysis period. A small number of interviews will be conducted with local business owners.
Urban Partners states that the study will concentrate on these economic sectors: Retail – Residential – Office – Industrial – Cultural Arts & Entertainment - Hotel
Sometime early this summer, they will present a preliminary report to the Planning Commission for review.
This report will contain specific economic policy recommendations that will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan document, and much of the information collected will be used to help at the stage of the plan when land uses are allocated on the Plan map.
Comprehensive Planning Services Consultant
The Planning Commission has been working with staff on the Plan update since September 2007. With the recent departure of the Planning Director, it has been recognized that the schedule for the Plan process cannot be adhered to without seeking additional assistance.
A structure and process for the Plan update has been well thought out, and many staff hours have been spent. Also, three of the ten policy chapters have been drafted.
Originally, it was anticipated that consultants would be used in three areas:
(1) Economics (2)Transportation (3) Urban Design.
Now, we propose to utilize two consultants – Economics and General Comprehensive Planning Services. The Comp Plan consultant will need to demonstrate the ability to concentrate in Transportation and Urban Design.
Staff intends for this consultant to work with staff to fulfill the process and framework that has been adopted. The firm selected would draft policy chapters, develop land use scenarios, facilitate neighborhood meetings, develop graphics and maps.
Most data collection will be completed by the Economic analyst, and staff is still planning to undertake tasks that can be managed in-house.
This proposal will help ensure that the Comp Plan process is as seamless as possible throughout this time of staff transition, as well as ensure that the schedule is adhered to. Given the weakness of direction in our current comprehensive plan, and growing development pressure in the area we believe that staying on this schedule is extremely important.
Economic & Demographic Analysis Consultant
Response to the Economic and Demographic Analysis Request for Proposals was excellent. Sixteen well qualified proposals were recieved, and four of those firms scored an interview.
The selection panel agreed that Urban Partners of Philadelphia was the right choice.
Ultimately, that firm demonstrated a clear understanding of how we plan to integrate their work into the Comprehensive Plan process.
The study will begin by meeting with Town officials and community leaders to go over the scope of the project.
Followed by a data collection and analysis period. A small number of interviews will be conducted with local business owners.
Urban Partners states that the study will concentrate on these economic sectors: Retail – Residential – Office – Industrial – Cultural Arts & Entertainment - Hotel
Sometime early this summer, they will present a preliminary report to the Planning Commission for review.
This report will contain specific economic policy recommendations that will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan document, and much of the information collected will be used to help at the stage of the plan when land uses are allocated on the Plan map.
Public Input Session Coming Soon!
The commission determined that prior to putting much more effort into policy chapters, that it would be best to develop an introduction statement, to state the overall mission of the Plan, and to have a statement in place to help provide guidance on how the policy chapters would be developed.
The Commission has decided to hold a public input session to gather comments. Several questions will be asked of the community to assist in developing this introduction statement to the Plan. The session will be held in early April, and will be facilitated by Neil Holthouser. The time, date, and place will be forthcoming. As soon as the details are finalized, they will be posted here, as well as the questions so the public may also comment on this blog if they are unable to attend.
The Commission has decided to hold a public input session to gather comments. Several questions will be asked of the community to assist in developing this introduction statement to the Plan. The session will be held in early April, and will be facilitated by Neil Holthouser. The time, date, and place will be forthcoming. As soon as the details are finalized, they will be posted here, as well as the questions so the public may also comment on this blog if they are unable to attend.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Summary of the Feb 25th Worksession
Final discussion of the Administrative Policies Chapter. The Commission had minor edits.
Further discussion regarding the "planning area" and purpose of the areas of interest in the surrounding non-incorporated areas. 
Presentation & Discussion of the Environment Chapter. Most notably, staff has suggested the implementation of LEED Green Building Standards by:
- Encouraging private developers to engage in these standards.
- Having the Town seek Green Building Certification for all future public projects, where feasible.
- Studying the LEED for Neighborhood Development Standards. This is a pilot program, and it should be noted that high density is a key component. Staff is suggesting that the Commission consider some of the standards suggested by these standards, as some of these may not be appropriate to Ashland.
(for a really quick overview of LEED - see what Wikipedia says by clicking here.)
Presentation & Discussion of the Parks and Recreation Chapter. The Town's Parks and Recreation Committee will also review this chapter.
Set the meeting date of March 27th, at 7PM for the Planning Commission worksession. The next regular meeting will be on March 12 at 7PM.
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