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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem IIIPLAN COMMISSION STAFF REPORT JULY 5, 2016 ITEM III: APPROVAL OF STEVENS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN BACKGROUND Staff requests approval of the Stevens Park Neighborhood Plan, which focuses on the neighborhood bounded by Washington Avenue (south side) on the north, Bowen Street (east side) on the west, the Fox River on the south and Lake Winnebago on the east. Over the last few years the neighborhood has begun to see signs of transition as long term residents move out and new homeowners move in. Recent efforts by residents, the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association, City of Oshkosh and partner organizations have centered on enhancing existing assets to provide stability and ensure the Stevens Park neighborhood continues to be one of choice in Oshkosh. The purpose of this review is for the Plan Commission to make a determination that the proposed goals and objectives within the Stevens Park Neighborhood Plan are consistent with the City’s 2005- 2025 Comprehensive Plan, official maps, or other planning objectives of the City. ANALYSIS The City of Oshkosh-Planning Services Division in partnership with the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association have worked together to develop the Stevens Park Neighborhood Plan. The Plan serves the following purposes:  Educate both city government and neighborhood residents about each other’s concerns and visions for the future.  Promote collaboration between the City, the neighborhood, and local public, private and non- profit organizations in order to achieve mutual goals to enhance the neighborhood.  Create “pride of place” within the community by identifying and developing the assets within each neighborhood.  Initiate change, rather than simply reacting to it, by addressing specific issues and opportunities.  Strengthen the city by improving the quality of life in neighborhoods. This plan is prepared for the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association with the intent to support their efforts in addressing neighborhood challenges and promoting reinvestment. Created during a yearlong resident led planning process; the plan may be used by the Stevens Park Neighborhood Association, the City of Oshkosh, and partner organizations to ensure neighborhood improvements and activities are implemented to meet the needs of residents. The plan first offers a brief neighborhood history, followed by a snapshot of current conditions, including both assets and concerns identified throughout the planning process. The plan then outlines eight priority areas: Community Building, Housing, Land Use, Transportation, Economic Development, Utilities and Community Facilities, Natural and Cultural Resources and Intergovernmental Cooperation. Individual sections explore each focus area, assess current conditions, and provide goals, objectives and specific action items to help achieve the intended goals. Item III - Approval of Stevens Park Neighborhood Plan 2 Prior to Council consideration, this plan is reviewed by the Plan Commission for consistency with the City’s 2005-2025 Comprehensive Plan, official maps, and other planned activities of the City. Staff has reviewed all proposed goals and objectives and believes they do not conflict with the City of Oshkosh’s Comprehensive Plan, official maps, or other planning objectives of the City. RECOMMENDATIONS/CONDITIONS Staff recommends approval of the Stevens Park Neighborhood Plan, together with a finding that the identified goals and objectives are not in conflict with the City of Oshkosh’s Comprehensive Plan.