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Minutes for the Land Use Advisory Committee meeting on November 20, 2014
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Members present: Darren May, Dr. Jim Sanders, Mark Enos, Councilman Todd Burton (arrived at 3:15 p.m.), Rusty Trevathan, Kevan Inboden (arrived at 3:10 p.m.) and Terry Bare
Members absent: Bill Hall (chair), Joey Roach, Pamela Alexander, Steve Smith, Carroll Caldwell, Eric Scarbrough, Jerry Halsey, Jr., Nadine Straitt, Shawnie Carrier and Wixson Huffstetler
Mr. Bare motioned, seconded by Mr. May, to approve the minutes from the November 6, 2014, meeting. All voted aye.
City Planner Otis Spriggs explained in the last meeting there was a lot of discussion concerning nodes. They were asked to come up with title changes and some way in which they can be mapped in order to be less confusing. The smaller nodes were "low intense commercial nodes." He changed them to "residential neighborhood commercial nodes (RNC)". Mixed use will still be promoted in both nodes, residential neighborhood commercial nodes and high intensity commercial nodes. He referred to the new language that was put in the documentation on page 5 (see attached). Discussion was then held regarding whether or not the language on page 5 should read "such development should only be allowed at the intersection of two functionally classified roads" as opposed to "near the intersection of two functionally classified roads." Mr. Bare noted at the last meeting City Engineer Craig Light brought up an issue with having development surround an intersection and its negative impact on traffic flow.
Mr. Enos asked if there was any further discussion at the last meeting about the wedge concept versus nodes. Mr. Spriggs explained at the last meeting there was some concern voiced about the circular nodes not being good for connectivity from a safety standpoint for pedestrians. It was discussed at that meeting to situate a node near an intersection as opposed to at the intersection. Mr. Bare suggested setting parameters for the boundaries of the nodes. Further discussion was held concerning nodes. It was decided to change the documentation so it read "near the intersection" on page 5. It was also decided to change the node circles to dots in order to better reflect the need for commercialization in that area, but not necessary designate size. Dr. Sanders suggested adding language to detail why the nodes should be near an intersection instead of at intersections so that in the future people know why they decided what they decided.
MPO Director Patrick Dennis asked if it would be feasible to establish a relationship between a given point and where the use should be allowed. Mr. Bare agreed, adding the nodes shouldn't be a set amount; rather, for example, there should be a parameter that establishes a buffer between the commercial and residential. Mr. Spriggs stated if that is done, then they will be back to using the concentric circle idea that they are currently trying to get away from. Mr. Enos suggested having circles where the color is darker in the middle and fades out along the edges. Mr. Light recommended changing the nodes to stars so they won't depict a land mass. It was decided to change the nodes to stars.
Mr. Spriggs asked if the committee wanted to limit the size of the neighborhood nodes. Mr. Bare recommended looking at the available ground instead of the distance from an intersection. Discussion was held concerning neighborhood nodes. Mr. Spriggs suggested the nodes should be in areas of high intensity or moderate intensity. Councilman Burton noted the commercial node in northeast Jonesboro on Johnson and Peachtree would not fit that description because it is in a low intensity area.
Mr. Spriggs stated for the neighborhood node they will take out the town center concept and larger developments, but leave planned district. Mr. Light stated he's not sure it's their responsibility to decide where the nodes should be; rather, it should be left to the development community.
Mr. Spriggs suggested waiting until the next meeting to vote on whether or not they should take the nodes off the proposed map. He further stated he would make a new map without nodes so the committee would be able to see the change it would make. Further discussion was held concerning whether or not the nodes should be removed from the map.
Mr. Spriggs stated the committee also asked him to look at the downtown area that was labeled as high intensity, which caused some concern with the committee members as to what may be developed there. He provided the committee with copies of the HyettPalma Study (see attached). He discussed the downtown area and noted he has already updated the map for a Downtown Redevelopment Area. He asked the committee for feedback. He asked the committee to review the documentation pages that discussed the downtown area and let him know of any concerns or questions they may have. Mr. Light noted the area north of the railroad tracks between ASU and the downtown area is the North Jonesboro Redevelopment Incentive District. He asked that area be included in the category. Mr. Spriggs suggested connecting that area with the downtown redevelopment/arts & entertainment area. He stated he will make the changes and bring it back at the next meeting for review.
Mr. Spriggs then suggested bringing the proposed Master Street Plan to the next meeting so they can overlay it and see if there is anything that needs to be adjusted with either plan.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.