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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem VIIPLAN COMMISSION STAFF REPORT OCTOBER 17, 2017 ITEM VII: APPROVAL OF RIVER EAST NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN BACKGROUND Staff requests approval of the River East Neighborhood Plan, which focuses on the neighborhood bounded by Washington Avenue on the north, Bowen Street (west side) on the west, the Fox River on the south and Main Street on the west. 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 River East Neighborhood Association, City of Oshkosh and partner organizations have centered on enhancing existing assets to provide stability and ensure the River East 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 River East 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 River East Neighborhood Association have worked together to develop the River East 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 River East 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 River East 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 Item VII - Approval of River East Neighborhood Plan 2 outlines four priority areas: Image, Market, Physical Conditions and Neighborhood Management. Individual sections explore each focus area, assess current conditions, and provide goals, objectives and specific action items to help achieve the intended goals. Prior to Common 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 River East Neighborhood Plan, together with a finding that the identified goals and objectives are not in conflict with the City of Oshkosh’s Comprehensive Plan.