Good planning helps create communities that offer better choices for where and how people live. Planning helps community members envision the direction in which their community grows and find the right balance of new development and essential services, protection of the environment, and innovative change.

Carbondale’s Future – Comprehensive Plan

The City’s existing Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1997 and has not been updated. Over the past ten years there has been many changes on the community landscape and environment that are being addressed through a new Comprehensive Plan.

Drafting of a new Comprehensive Plan is underway and is being completed with the assistance of Kendig-Keast Collaborative a professional planning consultant firm.

Principal Components in Developing the Comprehensive Plan

1. Community plans must be citizen driven; 2. The plan must be grounded on realistic

assumptions about the future; 3. The plan must serve as an effective aid to land

use decision making, which means that it must have an end-user orientation;

4. The plan must help to preserve and protect community character; and

5. The plan must include sufficient detail and policy direction to be effectively implemented

 

There are five principal components to the Kendig Keast Collaborative approach in developing a comprehensive plan:

What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A statement of the community'svision for the future.

Strategic direction to guide change while providing for economic growth and a high quality of life.

The guiding policy document for decisions made on behalf of the community.

What is the Plan’s intent?

Improve the physical environment

Promote broader public interest

Facilitate democratic determination and implementation of policy

Inspire coordination for future development

Ensure consideration of long-range and cumulative impacts

Utilize professional knowledge for making decisions

Plan Development Process

• Consultant working directly with City staff and Comprehensive Plan Review Committee established by the Mayor & City Council to serve in an advisory capacity.

• Consultants have been working on the Plan for nearly one year.

• Public interaction and input from stakeholder interviews, round table discussions and community symposium.

• Draft sections of the Plan are being posted on the City’s website www.explorecarbondale.com as they are finalized.

Community Symposium

150-175 in attendance

Early involvement set tone and plan values

Written comments used as basis for determining policies and plan initiatives

How were residents involved?

What we are HEARING

-- Housing needs-- Aging neighborhoods (service demands)-- Redevelopment needs-- Regional center (education/medical/retail)-- Employment growth (gainful employment)-- Sustainable development-- Downtown enhancement-- Community appearance

From the community forum, stakeholder interviews and public interaction a common theme on important community issues have been identified as follows:

Developing A Vision for Carbondale

Strong Economic Base & Regional Hub

Continued partnership with SIU to enhance it’s position to attract students

Capitalize on our location near Shawnee National Forest and natural surroundings

Transform downtown as center for culture, arts and entertainment

Become a Model City for sustainable and smart growth

Vibrant neighborhoods providing diversity of housing choices

Highly educated and involved citizenry

A Vision for Carbondale How do we see Carbondale in 2025

By the year 2025 Carbondale will BROADEN and DIVERSIFY its economic base and continue to be the REGIONAL HUB for business, commerce, and cultural activities. Carbondale will be the leader in specialized medical facilities and rehabilitative services.  Carbondale will be recognized as the home of a major research university. It’s identity as a “UNIVERSITY TOWN” will guide its growth and development over the next decades.

The community will capitalize on its location as the gateway to Shawnee National Forest to become a destination spot for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.  The rural, less congested location provides a relaxed atmosphere that will serve as a backdrop to attract retirees desiring to relocate. Residents will take advantage of the NATURAL SURROUNDINGS and beauty of the region and the wide range of cultural and intellectual offerings through the University and community. 

Carbondale will be home to one of the most vibrant downtowns in the region with many cultural activities, art studios and entertainment venues. In addition, the downtown will provide a variety of retail services, professional uses, and restaurants that attract residents at all times throughout the day. The City’s low crime rate and excellent student housing, coupled with the University’s many educational, research, and sport programs, will attract an increasing number of students.

Carbondale will be a “MODEL COMMUNITY” recognized nationally for its programs, policies and initiatives in SUSTAINABLE growth and development.  FAMILIES will be attracted by the City’s overall QUALITY OF LIFE, affordable and diversified housing, and commitment to diversified citizenry. Strong neighborhoods with active neighborhood associations will provide an ideal setting for all residents. The excellent public education system will become a model for creating high achievement and high morale.

January/February 2010: Planning Commission Meeting Review and discuss draft plan Public hearing to accept public comments

February/March 2010: City Council Meeting Review and discuss draft plan Consider the plan for adoption

January/February 2010: Planning Commission Meeting Review and discuss draft plan Public hearing to accept public comments

February/March 2010: City Council Meeting Review and discuss draft plan Consider the plan for adoption

Next Steps

On the Web

www.explorecarbondale.con

Background information including draft sections of the new Comprehensive Plan can be found on the City’s website

1. Community Overview

2. Land Use Character and Community Growth (Future Land Use & Growth Plan)

3. Community Mobility (Thoroughfare Plan)

4. Housing and Neighborhoods

5. Economic Development

6. Implementation

1 2 3 4 5 6

The Plan is organized into 5 Chapters.

Who are we and how did we get here.

Focus Areas Managing Future Growth Quality, Sustainable Development Downtown Renaissance Preserving Community Heritage Enhanced Community Character

Managing Future Growth

Key Strategies

Promote infill and reinvest in neighborhoods Pre-zone infill areas; resolve regulatory impediments Fund the infill incentive program

Direct growth to suitable areas Define “preferred growth areas” Adopt utility extension policy

Preserve the rural periphery Increase “AG” district to 10 acres Require conservation development Zone the current unzoned areas

Renovate/replace aging infrastructure Protect integrity of water supply (Cedar Creek)

Growth & Reinvestment Areas

Quality, Sustainable Development

Key Strategies

Coordinate with Park District for system enhancement and expansion Parkland dedication and fee in-lieu program Joint acquisition/development

Protect/preserve environmental resources Create development options within each district Recalibrate and consolidate zoning districts Incorporate site capacity provisions

Pursue sustainable development Amend development ordinances (mixed use, low impact

development, naturalized stormwater management) Promoting water conservation

Agenda for energy conservation U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Incentives for LEED buildings/neighborhoods

Downtown Renaissance

Key Strategies Strengthen economic viability

Establish a redevelopment authority to lead catalytic projects

Establish economic incentives Enhance the downtown market

Define the market potential Create “unique” environment

Re-establish urban character Downtown master plan Amend “BPR” district (building form,

parking, use types) Create design standards

Improve connections Improved street crossings Enhance pedestrian experience Reconnect nearby neighborhoods Establish better Downtown/SIU linkages

Preserving Community Heritage

Key Strategies

Preserve historic character and integrity Collaborate to create formal designations Amend the zoning ordinance

Standards for architecturally significant structures Clarify procedures for landmarks, districts,

neighborhoods Establish neighborhood conservation districts Codify 1996 Architectural Preservation Guidelines

Redevelop Town Square Prepare a small area plan to conceptualize

redevelopment Rewrite zoning standards TIF district to supplement enterprise zone Consider permanent facilities for farmer’s

market

Enhanced Community Character

Key Strategies

Refocus the zoning ordinance Amend dimensional standards to relate them to character Replace the land use intensity system with standards Tie bufferyards to district character

Enhance development appearance Create site design standards tied to character Improve landscaping and screening standards Adopt big box and industrial building standards Adopt standards for multiple family developments Rewrite the sign standards

Future Land Use & Growth Plan

Preferred Growth AreaPreferred Growth Area

Neighborhood RestorationNeighborhood Restoration

Commercial DevelopmentCommercial Development

Neighborhood ConservationNeighborhood Conservation

Rural PreservationRural Preservation

Focus Areas Walkable & Bikeable Community Enhancing Street Environs Improving Mobility Public Transit Service

Improving Mobility

Key Strategies

Improve street continuity Amend subdivision regulations Consider street connectivity index Develop neighborhood traffic calming manual

Preserve traffic carrying capacities Adopt an access management ordinance:

Shared driveways and cross access Limits of access, driveway permits, and restricted

collector access Adopt local thoroughfare classifications and standards,

consistent with IDOT’s Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual

Preserve adequate rights-of-way throughout the City and extraterritorial jurisdiction

Enhancing the Street Environs

Key Strategies

Improve corridor aesthetics Signature gateway improvements Create boulevard street sections (Grand, Giant City

Rd, Walnut, Main, U.S. 51) Corridor art display program Prepare streetscape design plans

Adopt Context Sensitive Streets Adopt street design standards consistent with the

adjacent development character Tie local street standards to development density

Greening the Street Environment

Greening the Street Environment

Becoming a Walkable and Bikeable Community

Key Strategies

Interconnect citywide destinations Extend Piles Fork Creek trail Create neighborhood “walkability” standards Pursue off-street rails-to-trails and nature trail projects

Enhance bicycle and pedestrian accessibility Prepare a trail and pedestrian system master plan Restore funding to the sidewalk improvement program Adopt bike parking standards Develop pedestrian site design standards

Enhancing Public Transit

Key Strategies

Improve propensity of transit use Study downtown multimodal transportation center Explore ways to expand local transit (Saluki Express) Commission a joint City-SIU transit study Expand Saluki Express for other trip purposes Establish a capital program for street-wide transit

improvements, e.g. bus pullout bays Create site design standards for transit access Seek joint training and vehicle procurement and

maintenance with SIUC, John A. Logan College, Harrisburg Rides Mass Transit District, Greyhound, Carbondale School District, Brehm Prep School, etc.

Thoroughfare Plan

Trail Opportunities

Focus Areas Rehabilitating the Existing Housing Stock Defending Neighborhood Integrity Ensuring Sufficient, Affordable Housing Designing Livable Neighborhoods

Conditions & Needs

Mixture of housing types Narrow range of neighborhood/housing types

88% single family detached 12% duplex, multiplex, and apartments

Future lifecycle housing needs, e.g. retirees Jobs-Housing Balance

Essential to economic development program Market must offer adequate housing and

neighborhood choices Housing Conditions

92% of housing units needed in 2030 are existing Unsightly properties compound poor housing

conditions Housing Age

6,242 units constructed during 1960s and 1970s > 10,000 units 20+ years of age

Rehabilitating the Housing Stock

Key Strategies

Neighborhood renewal and housing rehabilitation Form a target area capital investment program Ease the process for infill development Reinvest in new public spaces and facilities Organize a code enforcement advocacy program Expand the rental housing conversion program

Build the capacity of local organizations Initiate a City-sponsored Housing Action Plan Develop a local housing organization as a “lead agency” Expand Rebuild Together Strengthen the ties with Crosswalk (in Murphysboro) Collaborate with SIU on student education on housing

and building codes Leverage the work of “Map Your Neighborhood”

Defending Neighborhood Integrity

Key Strategies

Improve housing and site conditions Help form neighborhood associations and plans Initiate re-assessment procedures for multi-tenant units Re-establish the Infill Program ($3,500 per lot) Amortize nonconforming accessory units Create a model lease agreement Evaluate down-zoning options Establish new “triggers” for Rental Inspection Program

Columbus and Ohio State University urban redevelopment partnership

Ensuring Affordable Housing

Key Strategies

Housing options and assistance Continue seeking state grant assistance Continue support of rehabilitation program Create new housing choice through TIF (Washington

Ave) Acquire and assemble land for infill projects Expand the rental housing conversion program

Encourage moderate income housing Provide for average rather than minimum lot sizes Create a housing bonus for subsidized housing Allow in-home accessory dwelling units Establish a sliding scale for parking requirements Strengthen the “abandonment” provisions

General Axioms

Regionalism is critical

Community development is economic development

Play to strengths (asset-based economic development)

Business development > attraction

Maximize and leverage SIU

Leadership in regional economic development efforts

Expand economic development tools

Bolster entrepreneurial activity

Expand/improve broadband service

Revitalize/redevelopment downtown

Re-brand the City

Encourage non-governmental leadership

Improve the business friendliness

Focus Areas

Maximize Economic Potential of SIU

Key Strategies

Improve the physical setting Redevelop campus town as mixed use, transit-served,

urban neighborhood facing Grand Avenue Establish a coordinated “Go Green” agenda Build the City’s/region’s broadband infrastructure Make downtown a WI-FI district Expand transit service to/in downtown

Maximize SIUs potential to spawn new business Recruit business incubator occupants Encourage SIU to create entrepreneurial curriculum Create business accelerator facilities Assist with expansion of University Research Park Solicit development of a downtown hotel

Regional Leadership / Tools

Key Strategies

Sponsor cross-governmental campaign of JCGA Be a leader in Connect SI Encourage local participation in regional

entrepreneurship task force Form a University/Business alliance Organize annual workforce development conferences

Retool the City’s economic development programs Create a redevelopment authority/corporation Expand the use of TIF districts and seek creative ways to

apply funding (capitalizing loan funds) Tap Federal New Markets Tax Credits Regularly outreach to local employers Consider land banking blighted redevelopment properties Urge forgivable home loan/down payment assistance

employer bonus program

Cultivate Entrepreneurship

Key Strategies

Build entrepreneurship support structures Introduce entrepreneurship education modules Sponsor an annual business plan competition Create a loan pool to assist start-ups Reevaluate the underwriting guidelines and capitalization

strategy of the revolving loan fund

Revitalize downtown Create a redevelopment authority to lead catalytic projects Conduct developer/broker roundtable discussions Assemble larger redevelopment sites and then

Expand the TIF district Solicit proposals for a downtown hotel

Try a peak-time shuttle loop

Revitalize Downtown

Key Strategies

Restore downtown and connect core institutions Create a redevelopment authority to lead catalytic projects Conduct developer/broker roundtable discussions Assemble larger redevelopment sites Expand the TIF district

Solicit proposals for a downtown hotel Try a peak-time shuttle loop

Retain and expand existing storefront businesses Co-market and promote special events Expand the façade loan program Connect businesses to business development resources Launch a “buy local” campaign

Expand the arts, culture and tourism markets Establish an arts guild, co-op, incubator Sponsor an art walk and gallery night events

Branding / Leadership / Friendliness

Key Strategies

Create an “edgier” image of Carbondale Define common themes to market the region Create a branding campaign Convene creative professional to generate ideas

Mobilize non-governmental leadership Promote development of the 13Pro young professionals Convene regular leadership roundtables Form a future leaders academy Participate in the Jackson County Growth Alliance

Improve the business friendliness Implement a single-point-of-contact protocol Consider customer service training Rewrite the development regulations to increase flexibility

and improve certainty Establish a one-stop-shop

Content Areas Plan implementation methods Plan administration Action plan Plan amendment process

The Plan may be used to:

frame potential amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and related code elements.

review proposed developmentand redevelopment applications;

consider zone change requests andother zoning-related actions; and

decide the timing and availabilityof infrastructure improvements;

pursue intergovernmental coordination and agreements; and

determine priorities and annual work programs.

Policy-Based Decisions

Plan should be consulted for guidance with regard to:Infrastructure timingAnnexationProposed developmentSpecial use permitsZone change requestsExpansion of public programsIntergovernmental agreementsBudgeting

LDRs and Engineering Standards

Implementation fundamentals Currently, the Land Development

Regulations (zoning and subdivision ordinances) are not in accordance with the Plan requiring: Substantive amendment Zoning map amendments

Engineering standards should be updated to reflect sustainability objectives

Capital Improvements

5-year plan for capital projects Capital project priorities should be in

context with the policy guidance of the Plan, specifically regarding: Growth pattern and timing Facilitation of infill and redevelopment

Should include as criteria the conformance with the Plan

Specific Plans and Studies

Address “finer grain” detail in specific areas

Examples of special projects include: Downtown master plan Individual neighborhood plans Redevelopment plans Parks, recreation and open space master

plan Pedestrian and trail system master plan

Priority Action Plan

Planning Commission serves as guardian Annually reviewed and amended by the

City Council, with “checks and balances” input by the Planning Commission

Recommended quarterly status reporting to the City Council

Intended to help prioritize capital program and budget

Plan Monitoring and Amendment

Annual progress report Planning Commission to City Council

Annual review / amendment process 5-year Evaluation Report and interim plan

update Thoroughfare plan update at least every 10

years Ongoing community outreach and engagement.

Thank you!

Further information on the Comprehensive Plan including draft of work completed to date can be found on the City’s website

www.explorecarbondale.com