Saturday, October 20, 2012

IT IS YOUR FLINT FUTURE THAT IS BEING DEBATED IN THE FLINT MASTER PLAN PROCESS!


Orientation -MP at the Flint Art Institute

The last time the city of Flint wrote a blueprint for its future, Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy were locked in a fierce battle for the White House.[2]


I was invited to serve on one of the Flint Master Planning Steering Committee Advisory Groups, Public Infrastructure and Community Facilities. The Master Plan Steering Committee Advisory Group Roster shows me as a member of this groups Additionally I am listed as a Content Knowledge Adviser with Affiliation listed as attorney. A review of the roster shows no other attorneys that I recognized by name but there could be.

A paradigm for master plan decisions
http://goodmorningflint.blogspot.com/2012/10/lets-make-flint-michigan-sustainable.html



The Master Plan Steering COmmittee has a web site at
www.steeringflintforward.com, contains frequently asked questions, meeting minutes and other information gathered by the master plan steering committee.


The process is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.



In 1911 and the National Conference on City Planning Fredrick Law Olmstead ...defined a City Plan as encompassing all uses of land, private property , public sites and transportation.[1 see 357] In 1928 at the National Conference of City Planners Alfred Betterman envisioned “ the plan as a master design for the physical development of the citys territory including general location and extent of new public improvements . [1 see 357]

The 1928 federal Standard City Planning enabling Act “left many planner confused about the difference between the master plan and a zoning ordinance.[1 at 357]

The 1928 Act reinforced the perspective the current political reform movements with its distrust of politics making the planning commission no the legislative body the principal client of the plan.[1 at 358]

By the 1940’s the separation of the planning function from city government and the plans focus on physical development were being challenged. Some argued “ the scope of city planning is broad as the scope of city government.”

Local government planning grew rapidly in the 1950’s . 1. Surge in population 2.need for capital investment in infrastructure 3.planning authority shifted from independent commission to the legislative bodies. 4.section 701 of the Housing act of 1954 required local governments to adopt long range general plan i n order to qualify for federal grants for urban renewal housing and other programs. [1 at 358]

City Planning kept its land use focus evolving into a more comprehensive planning process and document.

Using federal grant funds, the city has hired a chief master planner at City Hall. Megan Hunter, currently a city planner in Los Angeles, starts March 5 and is charged with guiding the three-year process of writing a new comprehensive plan that will include land use, zoning, roads and potential economic development opportunities.[2]

It will be the first time the city will have a comprehensive look at its former industrial and now-vacant properties, officials said.[2]

At the direction of emergency manager Michael Brown, the master plan will be one of the chief responsibilities of Mayor Dayne Walling, whose administration won the $1.5-million planning grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2010. [2]

The city of Flint has hired a new chief planner to lead the city's comprehensive master planning process. [4]

Megan Hunter, currently a planner for the city of Los Angeles, will begin her two-year contract with Flint on March 5, according to emergency manager Michael Brown's office. [4]



The consulting firm, Houseal Lavigne, was hired this year with a federal grant to help the city complete its first official master plan since 1960.[3]

The three-year planning process is intended to create a comprehensive plan that will address zoning, land use and economic development, among other issues.[3]

The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation awarded Flint $263,804 for one year to "support staff salaries, travel and consulting" in relation to the city's master planning process, according to a resolution signed by emergency manager Michael Brown.[5]

The plan will encompass housing and business needs as well as changes to infrastructure, roads, codes and ordinances.[5]

The Mott grant will serve as the city's required matching funds for the previously awarded $1.57-million master planning grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, according to city records.[5]

Flint was also awarded $13,500 from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to develop a report on local food and urban agriculture for the master plan, including information on existing gardens and farm sites and opportunities for expanding local food efforts.[5]

"The report also will be utilized to facilitate community discussion on the possible integration of food security, urban agriculture and community gardening into neighborhood land use plans," the resolution says.[5]

The city is in the process of developing its first official master plan since 1960. Work was started on a plan in the 1970s, but never adopted.[5]

I argue that MAster planning or Urban Planning should focus on making outr cities sustainable.

In the new and competitiveness of regions and cities is determined

Population growth, environmental constraints and the new communications technologies are widely seen as the key determinants of urban future. [1 at 496]
We must make our city more sustainable, but what does that mean. “ Sustainable urban development might be defined as development that improves the long term socio and economic health of cities and town “[1 at 490]
1.Compact efficient land use.
2.Less automobile use and better access
3.Efficient resource use, less pollution and waste
4.Restoration of natural systems
5.Good housing and living environments
6.A healthy social ecology
7.sustainable economics
8.Community participation and involvement
9.Preservation of local culture and wisdom [1 491 to 494]
Required is an attention to the natural environment on planet earth [1 at 486]

Planning for urban sustainability is still in very early stages shifting emphasis from economics to culture. [1 at 495]



03/21/11 A memorandum of understanding was created : in an between the administration of the City of Flint, a Michigan Corporation, City of Flint Planning Commission and the Flint City Council. TO:
A. The branches wish to work together to develop a master plan pursuant to 2008 PA 33 being MCL 125.3801
B. The Master Plan shall fulfill the role of Comprehensive Plan required by section 4-504 of the Flint City Charter.

*The Plan refers to a plan adopted or amended under the Act and used to satisfy the requirement of section 203 (1) Enabling Act, 2006 PA 11, MCL 25.3203

* The Planning Commission of the City of Flint
iii Ensure that guiding principles identified in the initial steps of the planning process are adhered to throughout the Master Planning initiative.
V. Convene a steering committee of no more than 21 members
1.Led with 2 co chairs consisting of 1 Planning Commission member and 1 community leader.
3....role to channel community resources toward the master planning effort to ensure the broadest possible community ownership of the master planning process

MASTER PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE ADVISORY GROUP

The purpose is to enable additional residents and community stakeholders to provide more focused recommendations around specific components of the Master Plan. The ADVISORY GROUPS have been formed based upon a memorandum of understanding adopted by the City Council which outlines the establishment of the Master Plan steering committee. The six advisory groups closely follow the core components of a typical master plan . Each Advisory Group is to incorporate social equity and sustainability into their recommendations and include guidance on urban design& community character and .....PLAN IMPLEMENTATION specific to their particular category. After the groups are established it may be necessary to create smaller working subgroups within an advisory group to delve further into the broader topic area.

Each group is 2/3 residents of the City of Flint with 2 spots per ward. People were sought who are passionate about the subject matter and willing to fully participate.
Contact people
Kevin Schronce kschronce@cityofflint.com
810-766-7426 ext 3028
Housing, Natural Resource, Public Saftery
Matthew Williams mwilliams@cityofflint.com
810-766-7426 ext 3027
Economic development , education, , transportation, infrastructure

MASTER PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE
11/20/12 Flint Institute of Arts at 5:30 pm

Advisory Group & Meetings

ROLE: The advisory groups will have an opportunity to review data and document in depth at a level not possible during steering committee meetings. The Advisory Groups will be able to provide assistance on data collection and more detailed feedback on planning documents.

THE INTENT OF THE ADVISORY GROUPS

1. REVIEW DATA AND DOCUMENTS AT AN IN DEPTH LEVEL
2. PROVIDE ASSISTANCE ON DATA COLLECTION
3. PROVIDE DETAILED FEEDBACK ON PLANNING DOCUMENTS
4. ONGOING CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE CONTENT BEING DEVELOPED
5. ENSURE THAT INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY IS REFLECTED IN THE RESULTING DOCUMENT
6. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEES ARE NOT TASKED WITH GENERATING CONTENT
7. The Advisory Groups help gather community feedback and review Master Plan Documents related to core components and report back to the Steering Committee with their recommendations.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Advisory Group meetings are true working sessions and therefore all members participate. No more than three unexcused absences, be on time, read materials thoroughly before meetings and contribute to the discussions.
FUNCTION: The Advisory Groups report recommendations back to the steering committee
for further discussion. At least one Steering Committee Member and Planning Commissioner will serve on an Advisory Committee.

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANNING ENTITIES:
The Advisory Groups help gather community feedback and review MAster Plan Documents related to core components and report back to the Steering Committee with their recommendations.

The Steering Committee considers the recommendations of the Advisory Groups and reviews all MASTER PLAN DOCUMENTS HOLISTICALLY in order to craft their own recommendations. The Steering Committee is tasked with helping to build community consensus around a single land use/development plan for the city. The steering committee reports to the planning commission which ultimately makes the decision on the content of the master plan.

Advisory Groups may request assistance from technical groups.

ADVISORY GROUP MEETINGS
They are an extension of the Steering Committee. Recommendations will be formed on the basis of consensus, meaning everyone can live with the outcome. If the Advisory Group cannot reach a consensus then the Steering Committee will be asked to weigh in.

GENERAL ADVISORY GROUP AGENDAS

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER
At the first meeting the Advisory Committee in conjunction with planning staff will establish a meeting calendar for 2013 based upon a six week rotation , one meeting every 6 weeks. Meeting times dates and special meeting derived by consensus.

The advisory committee will select one or two co-conveners to facilitate future meetings. Its is recommended that one co convener be a steering committee member. The co conveners will work with planning staff to create the agenda.

NATURAL RESOURCES, OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION
(urban gardening, urban agriculture, Flint River, community parks, vacant land, economic conservation)
Monday 10/29/12
5:30 pm Salem Housing 3216 M.L.King

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
(utilities, storm/waste water, recreational facilities, library, fire/police stations, public art, city wide wide wireless communications)
Tuesday, October 30 2012
5:30 pm
Tentative- Brennan Park Community Center
1301 Pingree Ave

HOUSING
(affordable housing, neighborhood blight, residential demolition, housing rehabikitation, multi-family housing, reuse of vacant buildings for housing)

Meetings.
Monday, November 12 2012
5:30 pm
Genesee Habitat for Humanity
101 Burton St.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
(job training, expansion of small business, literacy, pre k education, community schools, commercial demolition, industrial park development)

Wednesday November 14 2012
5:30 pm
Great Lakes Baptist Center
5905 N. Saginaw St

PUBLIC SAFETY HEALTH AND WELFARE
(police/fire services, health and social services
Monday November 19 2012
5:30 pm
Hamilton Health-Main Center
2900 N. Saginaw

TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY
(complete streets, bicycle paths, bus transportation)
Monday November 26 2012
5:30 pm
MTA Center Room TBD
1401 S. Dort HWY

[TRB- PLAN IMPLEMENTATION LOCAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION & CHARTER REVISION]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1) What is a Master Plan?
A Master Plan is a blueprint for the future. It is a comprehensive, community vision that is intended
to guide the City for the next 20 years. The Master Plan results in a set of policies that direct future
growth and development. These policies, required by state law, lay the ground work for future
zoning regulations. Additionally, the creation of a Plan can lead to potential strategies that will help effectively guide City leaders with making substantive and thoughtful decisions for the community.[7]

2) What are the contents of a Master Plan?
A typical Master Plan outlines the existing conditions of the City, describes future goals and
objectives for development, and includes an action plan on how to achieve these goals and
objectives. Flint’s Master Plan will include sections on economic development, educational and public facilities and services including public safety, transportation and mobility, infrastructure, environmental features and open space, and housing. [7]


3) Why is Flint creating a Master Plan?
The last City of Flint Master Plan, created over fifty years ago forecasted continued population
growth and a robust economy. The current zoning code is based on this forecasted growth and contains an outdated zoning code, which has led to poor planning and missed development opportunities. In addition, the Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires that local governments develop a Master Plan that is regularly updated and that its zoning be based upon this pla[7]
n.

4) Who is involved in creating the Master Plan?
As the blueprint for the City, it is critical that all of Flint’s stakeholders are involved in the
development of the Master Plan. The City is committed to involving residents, businesses, and workers in the process in order to craft a common community vision for Flint’s future. Ultimately, the Master Plan will be approved by the City of Flint Planning Commission and City Council. [7]


5) My Neighborhood already has a plan. What will happen to that?

Existing neighborhood plans are an important part of the Master Plan process. These Plans will inform the Master Plan and in some cases will be incorporated into sub-area plans with more specific land-use guidance. [7]


6) How can I get involved in the process?
It is important to get involved in all the Master Plan activities from data collection, community
visioning and mapping, and creation of community goals and objectives. Contact Flint Planning Staff and make sure that you are on the mailing list so you can be informed of upcoming meetings. [7]


In addition, the City of Flint convenes a Master Plan Steering Committee meeting on the first
Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. These meetings are open to the public. Materials from
meetings and more information detailing the Master Plan process can be found at
www.steeringflintforward.com, or visit the Flint Public Library Master Plan resource collection. [7]



7) When will the Plan start and when will it be completed?
The initial phases of the Plan have begun with anticipated completion in June 2014.


8) Who is paying for the Plan?
The Plan is being funded by a 1.57 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development (HUD) and includes matching funds from various community stakeholders.The money from the HUD grant can only be spent on the Master Plan. [7]

-- END THIS DRAFT

Outside source. Without attribution handout material fro meeting is incorporated

[1]
The City Reader, 3rd edition, edited by Richard T. LeGates and Frederic Stout 1996 Routledge

[2]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2012/02/flint_poised_to_craft_first_ma.html

[3]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2012/07/newly_hired_consulting_firm_to.html

[4]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2012/02/flint_hires_new_chief_planner.html

[5]
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2012/07/flint_awarded_two_grants_for_m.html

[6]
http://steeringflintforward.com/

[7]
http://steeringflintforward.com/FAQ

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