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Home My WebLink AboutCOMMUNITY ASSESSMENT AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PLAN RESOLUTION OF TRANSMITTAL CITY OF AUGUST A RESOLUTION OF TRANSMITTAL Transmittal of the Community Assessment and Community Participation Plan sections of the Augusta-Richmond County Comprehensive Plan Update to the Central Savannah River Area Regional Development Center. WHEREAS, the City of, Augusta, Georgia, has completed the Community Assessment and . , ' Community Participation Plan sections ofthe Comprehensive Plan Update, " WHEREAS, the City of Augusta certifies that these documents were prepared according to the Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning effective May 1,2005, and established by the Georgia Planning Act of 1989, and that the required public hearing was held on Thursday, February 28, 2008. BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the Augusta Commission does hereby transmit' the Community Assessment and Community Participation Plan sections of the Comprehensive Plan Update to the Central Savannah River Area Regional Development Center for review under the Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning. . Adopted this ij day of 'Il7 ~~ ,2008 _ 'A . "':: "'~ ATTEST: I ~ ~ ayor, City of Augusta ~. . t~ " :; ~ ," -" '1 erk of Comfn~Slon'~\ i ~: 44'7; ..... e .. 11 '...... e. v.s'" ..... ;, 't ~ GG \9'lf> .",:' AT ~ll.""" 0" AI' V'l' -........... _ -~\ GEO\lG~~- ~",-....,,-,,- Attachment number 2 Page 1 of 16 AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY JANUARY 2008 INTRODUCTION Augusta-Richmond County is updating the Comprehensive Plan adopted in February 2004. According to the state's schedule, the Augusta-Richmond County Comprehensive Plan must be updated and adopted by October 31,2008. The city is taking this opportunity to update the Comprehensive Plan in accordance with the latest state standards and, more importantly, to incorporate new information into the plan and generate as much public involvement as possible in shaping the city's future. State standards mandate that a community's comprehensive plan include three elements: 1. The Community Assessment - consists of an objective and professional assessment of data and information about the community. 2. The Community Particioation Prol!ram - describes the local government's strategy for ensuring adequate public and stakeholder involvement in the preparation of the Community Agenda. 3. The Community Al!enda - includes a community vision for the future development of the city, a list of issues and opportunities identified for future action and an implementation program for achieving the vision. . This document is an executive summary of the first required element of the Comprehensive Plan, the Community Assessment. The Community Assessment is an objective assessment of data and information about the city. Summary information is included about the city's population, housing, economic development, transportation. community facilities and services, natural and cultural resources, and land use. The existing conditions, trends and needs highlighted herein provide a foundation for developing the Community Agenda. The city wants the public to make sure that the public and other stakeholders have an opportunity to provide input, feedback and suggestions for the Comprehensive Plan. Some of the ways the city is seeking public input include the following: 1. Community Meetinl!s - a series of public meetings will be held during the course of updating the Comprehensive Plan to obtain feedback on draft documents, obtain input on the issues and opportunities facing the city and identifY the strategies and activities to address community needs. The meetings will be held at locations throughout the city. 2. Stakeholder Interviews - A series of one-on-one and / or small-group interviews will be conducted with community stakeholders. These stakeholders will include representatives from the business community, neighborhood associations, area utilities, environmental and cultural organizations, community development organizations and many others. The purpose of stakeholder interviews will be to identify major community issues and develop a complete understanding of the public opinion, comments, and concerns, including potential sources of conflict and anticipated barriers impeding effective implementation. 3. Website - The Augusta-Richmond County website includes information on the Comprehensive Plan update. The web site address is: http://www.augustaga.gov/departments/planning zoning/comp plan update.asp Item f. 20 Attachment number 2 Page 2 of 16 The information on the website includes the plan update schedule, survey forms and results, public meeting schedules, copies of maps, slide presentations and handouts and copies of project documents. The information on the web site will be updated throughout the planning process. Additional information about public participation is available in the draft Community Participation Program, which IS available from the Planning Commission staff or from the city website. THE CURENT STATUS OF AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLDS Augusta-Richmond County (hereafter Augusta), the county seat for Richmond County, is located in east central Georgia adjacent to the state's border with South Carolina. There are two other incorporated places in Richmond County, the city of Hephzibah and the town of Blythe. Augusta-Richmond County became a consolidated city on January 1, 1996. Augusta is a central city in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). Other counties in the MSA are Columbia, McDuffie and Burke in Georgia and Aiken and Edgefield in South Carolina. Augusta is home to 189,366 of the MSA's 523,249 residents (Census Estimate, 2006). Augusta is by far the largest of the three municipalities in Richmond County, accounting for 97.4% of the county's population (194,398 - Census Estimate) and 93.0% of the county's land area. Augusta's population and household characteristics reflect those of an older central city in a growing metropolitan area. Among the current conditions and trends revealed by demographic data are the following: · Augusta's population growth rate has slowed as suburbanization has increased in the metropolitan area. County level population totals show this trend for Richmond County (see following table). Low population growth, or population decline, is common among the second tier cities in the state of Georgia. POPULATION TRENDS RICHMOND COUNTY, 1950-2000 TOTAL CHANGE YEAR POPULATION NUMBER PERCENT 1950 108,876 - - 1960 135,601 26,725 24.5% 1970 162,437 26,836 19.8% 1980 181,629 19,192 11.8% 1990 189,719 8,090 4.5% 2000 199,775 10,056 5.3% SOURCE, Bureau of the Census, Census of Population . The average household size in Richmond County has declined steadily from 3.21 persons per household in 1970 to an estimated 2.34 persons per household in 2006. The city's population continues to age. The median age of Richmond County's population has risen from 23.9 years in 1970 to an estimated 33.5 years in 2006. . Item i 20 Attachment number 2 Page 3 of 16 · Near-term projections for Augusta indicate a decline in the number of pre-school children, teenagers and young adults, and an increase in the number of middle-age, older adults and the elderly. Population Projections, Richmond County, 2010-2030 225,000 220,000 215,000 210,000 205,000 200,000 195,000 190,000 185,000 2000 2005 219,913 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 . Educational attainment among the city's resident population is improving but continues to lag behind some metro area counties and the state of Georgia. For example, statewide a higher proportion of adults have college degrees, and a lower percentage have less than high school education. Augusta's median household income and per capita income levels have increased in recent years and are projected to continue to rise. However, even with the increases, Augusta figures continue to be lower than comparable averages for the state and metropolitan area. The percentage of Augusta's population living in poverty, 20%, is higher than comparable levels for the Augusta MSA, the state of Georgia and selected counties in the Augusta cMSA. . . HOUSING Augusta's housing reflects the city's history and early development patterns. It also reflects the suburban style development pattern that predominated in recent decades. Residential land uses cover approximately 30,000 acres in the city. This includes a mix of single-family, site- built residences at various densities, duplexes, apartments, manufactured homes, and group quarters. Some of the basic facts about the city's housing include the following: · The detached single-family, site-built home is the dominant type of housing unit in the market, representing an estimated 66.7% of the total units in the city. Apartments (structures with 3 or more units) comprise an estimated 18% of the housing stock. Manufactured homes account for another 7.7% of the housing units. · Between 2000 and 2006, an estimated 3,963 units have been added to the county's housing stock. This represents a 4.8% increase in the number of housing units. While low Item # 20 Attachment number 2 Page 4 of 16 . by comparison to housing unit growth in the MSA, it is comparable to housing unit growth rates for other second tier cities in Georgia. Augusta has a higher percentage of renter-occupied housing units, 42% of total occupied units, than does the Augusta MSA (30%). Factors contributing to the higher percentage of renter-occupied units in Augusta include the age of the housing stock and the presence of facilities that cater to more transient populations. The age of Augusta's housing stock reflects the comparatively rapid growth that took place in the decades after World War II. Over half (54.8%) of the housing units were constructed between 1940 and 1979. Another 30% of the units were constructed between 1980 and 1999. The cost of housing in Augusta, both owner and renter, has increased steadily over the decades. Even with the increase, the cost of housing remains lower than regional and state levels and contributes to the area's lower than average cost of living index. . . Household Projections, Richmond County, 2010-2030 100,000 90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 2000 90,417 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 Some ofthe challenges that the city faces with regard to population and housing include: . Increasing the population growth rate . Remaining an attractive community for a variety of household types: young and old, large and small. . Providing a variety of housing types and styles . Attracting more residents to inner-city neighborhoods . Meeting the housing needs of the homeless and those in need of affordable housing ECONOMUCDEVELOPMENT Augusta is at the heart of a metropolitan area that spans six counties and including over 523,000 residents (Census Estimate, 2006). Total non-farm employment in the Augusta MSA is approximately 215,000 (Georgia Department of Labor, October 2007, unadjusted). In Item #- 20 Attachment number 2 Page 5 of 16 terms of private sector employment, major industries in the ~egion include manufacturing, retail trade, professional and business services, educational and health services, and leisure and hospitality services. Government accounts for 19.5% of total employment, with state and local government employment averaging a total of35,000. Augusta has a diversified economy that mirrors the MSA economy in many respects. Employment is highest in the service, retail trade and manufacturing sectors. Manufacturing facilities in the city produce textiles, paper products, chemicals, transportation equipment, and food products. Retail trade establishments are located in the downtown, in shopping centers on major roads and on individual sites. Large facilities such as Augusta Mall and Augusta Exchange draw customers from throughout region. Major employers in the service sector include health care and related facilities, educational institutions and business service establishments. Nine hospitals are the most visible component of the city's health care industry. Additional health care jobs are provided at clinics, nursing homes, laboratories, and the offices of doctors, dentists and other health care practitioners. Major educational institutions providing employment include the Medical College of Georgia, Paine College, Augusta State University, Augusta Technical College, and the Richmond County Board of Education. Employment in Richmond County is projected to increase over the next two decades as shown in the following chart. Services, retail trade, government, and manufacturing will continue to be the four largest sectors. Employment Projections, Richmond County,. 201 0-2030 140,000 120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000 0 2000 124,648 2006 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 Year . Wage Levels - Average weekly wages are rising in all employment sectors, but the average weekly wage for city residents, $680.00, is $96.00 less than the average weekly wage statewide. Income - Both median household and per capita income figures continue to rise, but remain below comparable levels for the metropolitan area, the state, and the nation. . Item # 20 Attachment number 2 Page 6 of 16 · Employment and Commuting - Approximately 80% of employed Augusta residents work in Augusta-Richmond County. Another 9% work in Columbia County and an additional 5% commute to jobs in Aiken County. · Unemployment - Historically the unemployment rate has been higher in Augusta than in the state and nation. Augusta and Richmond County have experienced steady economic development and growth in recent years. The local economy went through a period of readjustment during the mid- 1990s as downsizing took place at the Savannah River Site and managed care affected the health care industry. Being a border community, Augusta is sometimes at a competitive disadvantage to neighboring South Carolina communities in the area of industrial recruitment. The local economy has adjusted to the changes in the market and continues to experience new investment and the creation of new jobs. Countless small businesses have been established or expanded, and new retail and office space continues to be added to the market. This investment is but one indicator of how the public and private sectors continue to work together to market the area, plan for future economic development and recognize the contribution of business and industry to the quality oflife in Augusta. Augusta is the economic hub of a market area that extends beyond the metropolitan area to include a number of the adjoining rural counties. The city is projected to remain the regional center of employment and trade in the future. However, the community has several economic development needs to address. These needs include: . Continued diversification of the economic and employment base Offer additional incentives to attract new business and industry Increase wage levels in all sectors currently below the state average Increase household and per capita income levels in relation to state and national averages Decrease the unemployment rate in relation to state and national averages Work to retain and expand existing business and industry . . . . . TRANSPORTATION Augusta-Richmond County is served by a street network that includes two interstate highways, four federal highways, ten state routes, and over 1,000 miles of local roads. A fairly extensive network of sidewalks is present within the old city limits, but there are very few in the neighborhoods and commercial centers of the former county. Sidewalks are located along some sections of the arterial and collector roads, but do not form a network that pedestrians can utilize. Sidewalks also are located adjacent to many of the public schools. Off-road facilities used by walkers, joggers and cyclists include the Augusta Canal towpath, Savannah River levee, and paved trails at some county recreation centers. Designated on-road bicycle facilities include the part of Georgia state bicycle route #50 located in the city, and an extension of the Augusta Canal multi-use trail that connects to Dyess Park and the Augusta Riverwalk via several downtown streets. There are two airports in Augusta: Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field and Daniel Field. Augusta Regional Airport is a 1,500-acre commercial airport located at the inters~ction of Tobacco Road and Doug Barnard Parkway (SR 56 Spur). A new airline passenger terminal is under construction with a final completion date of March 2008. Daniel Field, located on a Item # 20 Attachment number 2 Page 7 of 16 152-acre site at the intersection of Wrightsboro Road and Highland Avenue, is a general aviation airport. Major facilities include two runways, two hangars, a ten bay T -hangar, outdoor tie-down areas, and a control tower. Augusta Public Transit (APT) provides public transportation on 10 fixed routes within the city. The system is primarily radial with 8 routes terminating at the Transfer Facility at 1546 Broad Street. The remaining two routes, Barton Chapel and Lumpkin Road, terminate at a transfer point at K-Mart shopping center located southwest of downtown. APT also provides rural transit and paratransit services to eligible riders. Freight rail service is provided by two railroads: Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation, Inc. A majority of Richmond County residents commute to work by themselves. More than 74% of workers drive to work alone. Another 12% carpool to work. Eight (8) percent walk to work and approximately one percent use public transportation. The local bus system is the predominant public transportation mode. Overall, the means of transportation to work remains similar to what it was in 1990 and 2000. Means of Transportation to Work Richmond County, 2006 Means of Transportation to Work Drove alone Carpooled Public transportation: Walked Worked at home Other means Total * Richmond County Residents Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2006 American Community Survey Number of Workers * 60,117 9,903 1,049 6,400 2,646 1,173 81,288 Percent of Workers 74.00% 12.20% 1.30% 7.90% 3.30% 1.40% 100% Augusta is an active participant in the Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS), a continuous planning process designed to identify transportation needs in the region and program projects to address the needs. Over the last 40 years, a variety of transportation improvement projects have been completed through the ARTS. Tobacco Road, Windsor Spring Road, Gordon Highway, Doug Barnard Parkway, Deans Bridge Road, Jimmie Dyess Parkway, Wheeler Road, Riverwatch Parkway, Bobby Jones Expressway (1-520 and 1-20 are some of the major roads that have been either widened or constructed as a result of transportation planning. Planned road widening projects on Alexander Drive, St. Sebastian Way, Greene Street, Mike Padgett Highway (SR 56) and Windsor Spring Road will result in additional improvements to the system. Other types of projects programmed and completed through ARTS include railroad overpass projects, bicycle and pedestrian improvements and the purchase of new transit vehicles. The 2030 ARTS Long Range Transportation Plan includes a number of other transportation improvement projects programmed for implementation over the next 20 years, including several major projects in Augusta. Among the challenges that Augusta faces regarding transportation are the following: Item 1# 20 Attachment number 2 Page 8 of 16 1. Increased congestion on freeways and some major highways 2. Financing and timely implementation of needed road and bridge projects 3. Improving safety on some roads and bridges 4. Making more efficient use of the existing transportation network 5. Long-term financing of public transportation 6. Increasing demand / need for additional bicycle and pedestrian facilities COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES Residents of Augusta depend on and use a variety of community facilities and services found in most cities. Among the major government facilities and services are the following: Law Enforcement - The Richmond County Sheriffs Office an independent public agency headed by an elected sheriff, provides law enforcement and related services and facilities. The office employs 716 people and is divided into four divisions: Administrative, Uniform (or Patrol), Criminal Investigation, and the Jail Division. The Sheriffs Office also staffs and operates a training center. Fire Protection and EMS - The Augusta-Richmond County Fire Department provides full- time professional fire protection to all parts of Augusta and within the city of Blythe. The service area covers approximately 214 square miles (excluding Hephzibah and Fort Gordon), and includes a mix of residential areas, high value districts, and woodlands. The Augusta 9-1- 1 Center is located at 911 Fourth Street in downtown Augusta. The center is fully staffed on each shift with properly trained and equipped Emergency Medical Dispatchers. Recreation and Parks - There are sixty-four (64) public recreation facilities located in Augusta and Richmond County. Generally speaking, the facilities include community centers, neighborhood parks, playgrounds and specialized facilities. The Augusta Recreation and Parks Department is the line agency responsible for recreation facilities and activities. The department has nine (9) divisions: Administrative, Athletics, Aquatics, Golf Course, Marketing, Operations, Planning and Development, Senior Services, and Special Events. Water and Sewer Service - The Augusta Utilities Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the municipal water and sewerage systems. In addition, the Department provides customer service functions including meter reading and customer billing, revenue collection, and inspection of new construction. Augusta owns and operates a water system serving over 60,000 residential and 8,000 commercial and industrial customers. The system's surface water supply is the Savannah River, supplemented by groundwater wells. Water from the Savannah River is treated at either the Highland Avenue Water Treatment Plant or the Max N. Hicks Water Treatment Plant. Water from the wells is treated at one of three ground water treatment plants (GWTP). Water transmission and distribution facilities convey the water from the treatment plants throughout the 210 square mile water service area. The city of Augusta's sanitary sewerage system serves approximately 47,744 residential and 5,900 commercial and industrial customers. The sewer system covers an area of approximately 106 square miles and serves an estimated population in excess of 150,000. Augusta's wastewater collection and conveyance system consists of 8 drainage basins, 28 wastewater pumping stations, and approximately 680 miles of collection sewers. Augusta Item 1# 20 Attachment number 2 Page 9 of 16 owns and operates two wastewater treatment plants: the J. B. Messerly Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located on Doug Barnard Parkway, and the Spirit Creek WWTP on Bennock Mill Road. The Messerly WWTP is the much larger of the two plants in terms of facilities and treatment capacity. Stormwater Management - Augusta's stormwater drainage system includes a variety of inlets, catch basins, drain pipes, open channels, culverts, detention and retention ponds and outlet structures. Generally speaking, in the urban service district stormwater is collected in catch basins and piped to a receiving channel or creek located in one of nine (9) drainage basins. In the suburban service district, storm water from residential and commercial development is usually piped to a retention pond. The retention pond holds the storm water and releases it at a controlled rate either into the city's conveyance system or into a natural drainage area. . The city's stormwater management program includes components designed reduce pollutants in runoff- from commercial and residential development, eliminate all remaining combined storm and sanitary sewers, monitor and control pollutants discharged from the city's stormwater system and educate the public about water quality issues. Solid Waste Management - The Augusta Solid Waste Management Department administers the municipal solid waste program and operates a Subtitle DSolid Waste Facility (landfill) located at 4330 Deans Bridge Road. The landfill operates as an enterprise fund (i.e., it is funded by dollars generated from tipping fees) and receives municipal solid waste generated in Augusta and other parts of the region. The part of the landfill acreage in use at the present time has enough capacity to remain in use for 95 years. Private haulers provide solid waste collection and disposal services to commercial, institutional and industrial customers in the city. Private companies provide dumpsters, compactors and roll-off containers to their customers and dispose of collected solid waste at the landfill. The haulers have contracts with the city to provide these services and equipment. Collection services also include curbside recycling, yard waste and bulky waste collection. The landfill also has a courtesy drop off area for residents to dispose of one to two bags of household waste at no charge. Following consolidation of the city and county in 1996, solid waste collection service was gradually extended from the urban services district (the former city) to parts of the suburban services district. The goal was to provide area-wide solid waste collection service. As of 2007 approximately 90% of the suburban area was served by the city-provided collection services. Collection services will continue to expand with the growth of Augusta. Cultural Facilities and Related Attractions - Augusta is fortunate to have a variety of cultural facilities and related attractions including the following: . Libraries - The Bast Central Georgia Regional Library serves the five counties of Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, Richmond and Warren. The main library is located at 902 Greene Street in downtown Augusta. The Talking Book Center for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is adjacent to the main library. There are five other branches in the city: Appleby Branch, 2260 Walton Way; Diamond Lakes Branch, 101 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah; Friedman Branch, 1447 Jackson Road; Maxwell Branch, 1927 Lumpkin Road, and Wallace Branch, 1237 Laney-Walker Boulevard. . Museums - Art and history museums located in downtown Augusta include the Augusta Museum of History, the Morris Museum of Art, the Lucy Craft Laney House and Museum of Black History and the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art. Item # 20 Attachment number 2 Page 10 of 16 Other house museums include Meadow Garden, the Ezekiel Harris House and the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson. The Joseph Lamar Boyhood Home includes the offices of Historic Augusta, Inc., a gift shop, and space to rent for small gatherings. . Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers - Facilities in this category include the James Brown Arena (formerly the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center), the Bell Auditorium, the Imperial Theatre, the Sacred Heart Cultural Center and the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta State University. . Other Attractions - Facilities in this category include Riverwalk Augusta, Springfield Village Park, the Augusta Common, Fort Discovery, Lake Olmstead Stadium, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park and the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area. Hospitals and Related Health Care Facilities - Augusta has a long history of service in the field of medicine. As a result, medical care, research and education facilities are vital to community life and the area economy. Major facilities in this category include University Hospital, the Downtown Veterans Administration Center, the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center (formerly the V A Uptown Division), Trinity Hospital (formerly St. Joseph Hospital), Walton 'Rehabilitation Hospital, Doctor's Hospital, East Central Regional Hospital - two facilities - (formerly Georgia Regional Hospital and Gracewood Sate School and Hospital), Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center and the Medical College of Georgia and Hospitals and Select Specialty Hospital. Maintaining adequate community facilities and services is critical to the quality of life in the city and to future development. The addition of the Special Local Options Sales Tax, the issuance of bonds, the creation of enterprise funds and the use of other creative financing techniques has made it possible for the city of Augusta, the Richmond County Board of Education, and other boards and authorities, to improve roads, drainage and utility systems, public buildings, recreation facilities, public safety buildings and medical facilities. Even with these added finances, funding all of the needed projects has proven to be challenging and has resulted in delays in the construction of some facilities. A comprehensive Capital Improvements Program (CIP) could be an effective tool in meeting needs in a timely manner, guiding growth to desirable locations and ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to serve both existing areas and new development. A CIP would also spell out how specific infrastructure projects would be financed and when they would be designed and constructed. HISTORIC RESOURCES Augusta is the second oldest city in the state of Georgia. Because of its age and the presence of many historic resources, historic preservation has been a part of community life for many years. Historic preservation in Augusta is marked by a wide variety of activities. From preparation of National Register nominations, to rehabilitation of historic buildings, to local design review, to participation in historic preservation programs, individuals and organizations are interested in preserving the past and at the same time making historic resources a part of the city's future. Augustans have long been involved in a variety of historic preservation programs. The National Register of Historic Places is probably the most well known of the Federal preservation programs. Participation in the program has resulted' in the designation of eight Item1# 20 (8) National Register Historic Districts in Augusta, encompassing approximately 6,200 properties. Thirty-four (34) properties are listed individually on the National Register. These districts and properties represent many aspects of Augusta's history and include the central business district, industrial facilities, urban neighborhoods, institutional buildings, and rural resources. They reflect the significant contributions made by statesmen, businessmen, religious leaders, ethnic groups, racial minorities, and ordinary citizens to the history aud development of the community. Additional districts have been marked as potentially eligihle for listing. Three areas - Downtown, Summerville and aIde Town - have also been designated as local historic districts under the city's historic preservation ordinance. The ordinance specifies that the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission review work affecting the exterior appearance of any property in a local historic district prior to a building permit being issued. Property rehahilitation aud reuse is au integral part of historic preservation in Augusta. Every day property owners aud investors rehabilitate historic structures for use as homes, apartments, offices, and retail establishments. Examples of these private projects are found throughout downtown Augusta aud in several neighborhoods. Most such projects are privately financed, but some owners also take advantage of rehabilitation tax credit and tax abatement programs. For a number of years the city has used federal funds to finance a fayade rehabilitation program. Over the last 25 years, fayade grants have helped finance the rehabilitation of approximately 160 historic commercial and residential structures. Attachment number 2 Page 11 of16 The city has participated in the Certified Local Government (CLG) Program for over 20 years. This federal program recognizes communities that establish historic preservation ordinances and programs that meet certain standards. As a CLG, Augusta receives technical assistance on preservation issues, is part of a nationwide network of local governments involved in preservation, and is eligible to apply for preservation planning grant funds. Over the last 15 years, historic preservation grants have helped fund a variety of preservation planning projects. Examples include historic resource surveys, a draft local historic preservation ordinance, the Augusta-Richmond County Historic Preservation Plan, National Register nominations, aud design guidelines for three historic districts _ Bethlehem, Downtown and aIde Town. People and organizations have long taken action to record historic events and make sure that the rich and varied of Augusta is maintained. Over the years monuments and markers have been erected throughout the community to commemorate notable statesmen, events (e.g. wars, natural disasters), educators, community leaders, religious leaders, and the location of historic events and structures. A number of organizations and institutions are responsible for the maintenance of historic documents, artifacts and records. These include the Augusta Museum of History, Richmond County Historical Society, Historic Augusta, Inc., Augusta Genealogical Society, and libraries at Augusta State University, Paine College and the East Central Georgia Regional Library. In addition, a number of local ethnic organizations and clubs work hard to preserve the rich and varied cultural history of Augusta and Richmond County. Ethnic cultural and arts festivals provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn more about local history arid keep important traditions alive. The community has made great strides in bringing recognition to Augusta's historic resources, restoring and rehabilitating them, and making them a part of daily life. Programs and projects are in place to deal with many historic preservation needs, but some have not been addressed. Some of the remaining needs include: ItemI# 20 Attachment number 2 Page 12 of 16 1. Updating and consolidating the local historic resource surveys that are 20-30 years old. 2. Stabilizing and protecting the resources that continue to be threatened due to neglect or insensitive rehabilitation. 3. Strategies or programs to encourage ordinary maintenance and repair or the mothballing of vacant buildings. 4. Continuing to stress the economic benefits of historic preservation and how it contributes to education, tourism, economic development and neighborhood revitalization. 5. Updating the Augusta-Richmond County Historic Preservation Plan (1991) to better reflect the changes in Augusta's preservation activities and establish a comprehensive set of goals for the future. NATURAL RESOURCES AND GREENSPACE Augusta is blessed with natural resources that contribute to progress and enhance the quality of life in the community. The local climate, soils, air quality, water resources, plant and animal habitat, forests and park and recreation areas serve as attractors for new development. As urban development continues it is important to protect these natural resources and enlist public support and participation in protection measures. In recent years, the city of Augusta has taken several steps to protect its water resources and air quality. These steps include: . Adopted ordinances and regulations to protect aquifers and groundwater recharge areas, water supply watersheds, and the Savannah River Corridor. These ordinances were enacted in accordance with environmental standards established by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. . Amendments to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to increase restrictions on developing within the 100-year floodplain of streams and rivers. . Completed the Augusta Watershed Assessment. This two-year project identified areas where surface water is affected by pollution and developed strategies for protecting and improving water quality. . Completed the Augusta-Central Savannah River Basin Source Water Assessment. This two-year project evaluated the susceptibility of public water systems iR the river basin to draw water contaminated by identified sources at concentrations that would pose a health concern. . Implemented a number of water and sewer system improvement projects. Bond- financed projects that impacted water quality and quantity include providing sewer service to unsewered areas, upgrading and expanding water and wastewater treatment facilities, upgrading existing wastewater interceptor lines, and infiltration/inflow reductions in the wastewater collection system. . Developed and implemented a Community Greenspace Program in accordance with state regulations. Adopted by the Augusta Commission in November 2000, and updated in October 2002, the Greenspace Program is designed to preserve up to 20% of the city's land area as greenspace. Areas targeted for protection include lands along the Savannah River, within Phinizy Swamp, and adjacent to local creeks and streams. Iteml# 20 Attachment number 2 Page 13 of 16 . In December 2002, the city of Augusta entered into an Early Action Compact (EAC) with Georgia EPD and U. S. EP A. The EAC is a Memorandum of Agreement for the express purpose of developing and implementing an Early Action Plan (EAP) that will reduce ozone levels in the Augusta area to maintain compliance with federal air quality standards . Adopted a seasonal open burning ban that took effect in 2005. The ban, which is in effect from May 1 - September 30 each year, is designed to limit open burning during the hottest, sunniest time of the year when weather conditions can intensify air quality problems. . Adopted conservation subdivision regulations In 2003 Augusta's zoning regulations were amended to accommodate conservation subdivisions. A conservation subdivision is a subdivision in which a large percentage of the site is set aside as permanently protected greenspace. The remainder of the tract is then developed at a higher density than normally allowed in the use zone. Environmental stewardship is a goal of many people in the community, not just the local government. Educators and non-profit organizations teach children and adults about how the natural environment works and methods to protect natural resources. Hands-on activities and experiences are available at facilities such as the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park and the Spirit Creek Educational Forest. Business and industry support the work of environmental organizations, participate in programs related to air and water quality assessment, and comply with applicable environmental regulations in their own operations. Stakeholders as diverse as farmers, hunters, bird watchers, and environmental engineers are working together to protect our natural resources. A wide variety of initiatives have improved the condition of some natural resources and heightened community awareness of the continuing threats to the natural environment. Still, much remains to be done to correct past mistakes and assure a better future for our remaining natural resources and our quality of life. The city of Augusta intends to continue the following natural resource protection activities. . Administer and Enforce Ordinances - The city will continue to administer and enforce the natural resource protection ordinances outlined in this chapter. The city will amend the ordinances as necessary and respond with new ordinances if the need anses. . Implementation of Best Management Practices - The City will implement structural and non-structural BMPs in order to protect water resources and limit the effect of point and non-point sources of pollution. . Public Outreach / Education - The City will work with stakeholders to develop solutions to environmental problems and to foster the sharing of information related to environmental quality and protection. . Expand Community Greenspace Program - The City will build on the initial success of the Community Greenspace program. Working with the Savannah River Land Trust and others, the city will aggressively pursue the protection of additional lands through fee simple acquisition, purchase of easements, restrictive covenants and donation of land. Item1# 20 Attachment number 2 Page 14 of 16 LAND USE Augusta land use patterns reflect an older city combined with newer suburbs and semi-rural areas. Land use within the old city limits includes neighborhoods of varying ages, a central business district, concentrations of public / institutional uses, commercial uses in shopping centers and on individual sites, and industrial uses on scattered sites. These uses are connected by a series of streets and highways, most of which are laid out on a grid pattern. In many cases, residential, commercial and industrial uses are in close proximity to one another, reflecting development that occurred prior to enactment of the local zoning ordinance. In contrast, that part of the city formerly in unincorporated Richmond County is characterized by a land use pattern more like a community that developed after ,World War II. Major urban land uses (residential, commercial, industrial and institutional) are separated from one another. Detached, single-family residences in subdivisions, apartment complexes, and manufactured homes are the predominant residential uses. Strip commercial development is prevalent along all of the major arterial highways and consists of shopping centers, office complexes, and businesses on individual sites. Major manufacturing plants are situated in industrial parks or on individual sites in close proximity to highways and railroad lines. At the fringe of the urbanized part of the city, development becomes sparse and gives way to more open space, the occasional farm, residences on larger lots, and woodlands. Augusta's land use pattern has many impacts on the community. The impacts vary by type, location and intensity. For example, the impact of growth on downtown and older neighborhoods is different from those in the suburbs and semi-rural areas. These impacts can be grouped into four categories: 1. Blight and lack of investment, particularly in downtown Augusta and several inner- city neighborhoods 2. Demand for additional public facilities and services, especially in suburban and semi- rural parts of the city 3. Impacts on the natural environment, including an increase in the amount ofimpervious surfaces in the community, an increase in point and non-point sources of water pollution, alteration of floodplains and wetlands, soil contamination, alteration of plant and animal habitat, and an increase in noise and air pollution 4. Changes in land use also affect the quality of life. In an urban setting a good quality of life usually means that a community has advantages in such areas as climate, employment opportunities, housing price and choice, schools, transportation facilities and cultural and recreational amenities. The quality of life can be adversely affected by changes in land use that result in such things as overcrowded schools, traffic congestion or the conversion of open space or woodlands to an urban use. Future land use will be influenced by such factors as current development patterns and trends, the presence of utilities and improved roads, environmental constraints, the availability of land, proximity to complementary land uses, and the application of land use policies and regulations. The increase in population and households forecasted over the next two decades gives the community an opportunity "to shape community character and adjust existing policies and activities to meet changing needs. Over the next twenty years new residential development in Augusta will include a mix of housing types in a variety of settings. The majority of new units will be single-family detached units built in conventional suburban subdivisions. Areas in south Augusta and west Item1# 20 Attachment number 2 Page 15 of 16 of Augusta Mall are the most likely locations for both new site-built units and manufactured housing units. Higher-density single-family residences (townhouses, patio homes) and apartments will be sited where land is in short supply and where proximity to employment and commercial centers is important. Infill residential development will continue in older neighborhoods and additional downtown buildings will be converted to residential use. The continued diversification of the area's economy and employment will generate additional commercial and industrial development over the next two decades. The majority of new commercial development will be attracted to sites located in the suburbs and transitional urban/rural areas. Sites on roads and intersections with high vehicle traffic counts will continue to be especially attractive. Additional commercial and office development will be attracted to the revitalized downtown and inner city neighborhoods. New industrial development will be located in established industrial parks and on other suitably zoned sites with good connections to the surface and air transportation networks. Expansion of existing manufacturing and warehousing operations will account for a significant amount of investment, but probably not consume a great deal of additional land. These changes in land use give the community an opportunity to influence future land use in the city. City government, community stakeholders and the general public are in fact actively working on a variety of initiatives that impact future land use. Among the major opportunities the community has for shaping future land use are the following: 1. Encouraging Infill Development - Infill development projects use vacant or underutilized land or buildings in previously developed areas for buildings, parking and other uses. Examples of infill development initiatives ongoing in Augusta include downtown redevelopment, neighborhood revitalization and redevelopment of older commercial centers. These and related activities reuse existing resources to facilitate a mix of land uses, create an attractive environment for private investment, increase housing choice and make efficient use of existing public facilities and services. 2. Implementing Smart Growth Policies and Programs - The "smart growth" movement is a nationwide movement in which communities are adopting policies and programs that result in development that serves the economy, the community and the environment. The existing Comprehensive Plan includes several land use policies patterned after smart growth principles. These policies are factored in when land use decisions are made. In addition stakeholders throughout the city are working on projects to create more walkable neighborhoods, preserve open space and environmental areas and creating a range of housing choices and opportunities. 3. Identifying Character Areas - A character area is a specific geographic area within the community that has unique or special characteristics to be preserved or enhanced, has potential to evolve into a unique area with more intentional guidance of future development, or requires special attention due to unique development issues. Examples of character areas include downtown Augusta, a suburban commercial corridor in need of redevelopment or a rapidly developing interstate interchange. . Each character area is a planning sub-area within the city where more detailed, small- area planning and implementation of certain policies, investments, incentives, or regulations may be applied in order to preserve, improve, or otherwise influence its future development patterns in a manner consistent with the city's vision for future development. The ongoing update of the Comprehensive Plan provides the Item1# 20 Attachment number 2 Page 16 of 16 opportunity to identify character areas throughout the city and plan for the future use and treatment of these areas. Item1# 20 Attachment number 3 Page 1 of? DRAFT COMMUNITY P ARTICIP ATION PROGRAM FOR AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS UPDATED FEBRUARY 14,2008 A. INTRODUCTION The purpose of the Community Participation Program for Augusta-Richmond County is to insure that citizens and other stakeholders are aware of the planning process and are provided opportunities to comment on the update of the City's comprehensive plan, the individual plan components, and any plan amendments. More importantly, citizens should have the ability to participate actively in the process of defining the community's vision, goals, policies, priorities and implementation strategies. B. LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS The Augusta Commission, the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission and Planning Commission staff will work together to identify those individuals and groups that have a special interest in the' development of the Community Agenda for Augusta-Richmond County. The stakeholders include representatives of the various organizations as listed in the table below. Stakeholders will be called upon to assist with the development of the Community Assessment, identifying issues and opportunities that should be addressed and recommending strategies to be included in the Community Agenda. As the planning process moves forward, additional stakeholders are likely to be identified and will be added to the list. AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE STAKEHOLDER LIST NAME OF ORGANIZATION / AGENCY NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE* PLANNING COMMISSION · Comprehensive Plan Committee Members Pete Fulcher, Margaret Armstrong, Gene Hunt, Robert Anderson CITY DEPARTMENTS · City Administrator · Utilities · Engineering / Traffic Engineering · Recreation and Parks · Housing & Community Development · Transit Fred Russell Max Hicks Abie Ladson Tom Beck Chester Wheeler Heyward Johnson 1 Item # 20 Attachment number 3 Page 2 of7 AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE STAKEHOLDER LIST NAME OF ORGANIZATION / AGENCY NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE* . License and Inspection Rob Sherman . Sheriff Sheriff Ronnie Strength . Fire and EMS Chief Howard Willis . Solid Waste Mark Johnson . Environmental Engineer Garrett Weiss AUTHORITIES AND COMMISSIONS . Housing Authority Jake Oglesby . Augusta Canal Authority Dayton Sherrouse . Aviation Commission Tammy Strange . Convention and Visitors Bureau Barry White . Land Bank Authority Rob Sherman NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS See contact list on file at Planning Commission EDUCATION . Board of Education Supt. Dana Bedden . Medical College of Georgia Dr. Michael Ash . Paine College Dr. George A. Bradley . Augusta State University Dr. Kathy Hamrick . Augusta Technical College Mr. Terry Elam DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY . Homebuilders Association Ernie Blackburn . Board of Realtors Beverley Pardue . Commercial Developers Mark Senn ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT . Chamber of Commerce Sue Price . Development Authority Walter Sprouse . Downtown Development Authority Margaret Woodard . Augusta Tomorrow, Inc Camille Price . Destination 2020 Jan Wiggins . CSRA Regional Development Center Andy Crosson . CSRA Business League Todd Gaines . South Augusta Pride and Progress Jimmy Smith . Fort Gordon Co!. John Holwick 2 Item # 20 Attachment number 3 Page 3 of? AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE STAKEHOLDER LIST NAME OF ORGANIZATION / AGENCY NAME OF REPRESENTATIVE* UTILITIES . Postal Service Karin Knight . Georgia Power Tim McGill . Georgia Power Transmission Anita Kattegate . Georgia Natural Gas Greg Flanagan . AT&T Calvin Hamby . Com cast Cliff Esposito . Knology ENVlRONMENTAL/CULTURAL . Savannah Riverkeepers Frank Carl . Briar Creek Soil & Water Conservation Gary McFerin . Sierra Club - Savannah River Group Sam Booher . Southeastern Natural Sciences Dr. Gene Eidson Academy . CSRA Land Trust Derek Vanover . Historic Augusta, Inc. Erick Montgomery . UGA Extension Service Sid Mullis SOCIAL SERVICE NONPROFITS See Planning Commission Outlook distribution list labeled Community and Economic Development CHDOS AND RELATED . Promise Land CDC Sheila Boazman . East Augusta CDC Charlene Watkins . Antioch Ministries, Inc. Scylance Scott . Laney Walker Development Corp Anthony Chandler . Sand Hills UDC Tim Wilson . 30901 Development Corp. Francine Cayruth . Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Robert Cooks Corp. *Note: Actual representative may be another person designated by the person listed. 3 Item # 20 Attachment number 3 Page 4 of 7 C. SUMMARY OF PARTICIPATION TECHNIQUES The Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission will guide the Citizen Participation Program associated with the plan update on behalf of the Augusta Commission. A variety of tools and techniques will be used to build consensus for the plan and ensure that the planning process is open, inclusive and interactive. The Community Participation Program tasks are derived from the need to educate the public and media regarding the Comprehensive Plan and to ensure broad participation by the public. The following tasks will aid the planning, assessment, evaluation and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. 1. Comorehensive Plan Committee The Comprehensive Plan Committee of the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission will coordinate the entire Community Participation Program with the assistance of the Planning Commission staff. The Comprehensive Plan Committee is a standing committee of the Planning Commission and includes the chair of the Planning Commission and three other board members. 2. Public Meetinl!s The Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission will host public meetings at three times during the plan update process. . First Round of Meetings - The first round of meetings will kick-off the plan update. The purpose of the first round of meetings will be to outline the plan requirements, review the summary of the Community Assessment and present the draft Public Participation Program and plan update schedule. An initial opinion survey will be available at the kick-off meetings. Maps, handouts and a PowerPoint slide presentation will also be used to convey information. This round of meetings is a prelude to submission. of the Community Assessment and Public Participation Plan to the CSRA RDC and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). . Second Round of Meetings - The purpose of the second round of meetings will be to obtain input on the collective vision for the future of the city, obtain input on community character areas and the issues and opportunities to be addressed in the plan, and solicit ideas for strategies and projects to include in the draft implementation program. Opinion surveys will be used to obtain the desired input. This round of meetings is a prelude to the development of the draft Community Agenda. . Third Round of Public Meetings - The purpose of the third round of public meetings will be to present the draft Community Agenda and obtain input on its contents. The draft Community Agenda will be modified based on the 4 Item # 20 Attachment number 3 Page 5 of 7 input received during the meetings. This round of meetings is a prelude to submission of the Community Agenda to the CSRA RDC and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). 3. Comprehensive Plan Committee Meetin2s The Comprehensive Plan Committee will provide guidance and feedback throughout the planning process. Meetings will be scheduled at appropriate benchmarks to coincide with project deliverables and in advance of all public meetings and hearings. 4. Bi-Weeklv Staff Meetinl!s Bi-weekly meetings of the Planning Commission staff will be scheduled to maintain the desired timelines, benchmarks and overall direction of the plan update process. 5. Stakeholder Interviews The Comprehensive Plan Committee will conduct stakeholder interviews at times to coincide with the three rounds of public meetings. Identified stakeholders include those on the list included under Section B of the Community Participation Program. As the planning process moves forward, additional stakeholders are likely to be identified and will be added to the list. The purpose of stakeholder interviews is to identify major community issues and develop a complete understanding of the public opinion, comments, and concerns, including potential sources of conflict and anticipated barriers impeding effective implementation. The Planning Commission staff will use prepared survey questions and solicit general opinions as well. The results will be incorporated into the development of the community vision and the Comprehensive Plan and used to illustrate the impact that the feedback has had on the progress of the plan. , 6. Proiect Website The home page of the Augusta-Richmond County website will include a link to information on the Comprehensive Plan Update. The information on the website will include the plan update schedule, survey forms and results, public meeting schedules, copies of maps, slide presentations and handouts and copies of project documents. The information on the website will be updated throughout the planning process. A dedicated e-mail address will be assigned to the Comprehensive Plan project and will be managed by the Planning Commission staff. 5 Item # 20 Attachment number 3 Page 6 of 7 7. Project Newsletter A newsletter will be published at least four times during the development of the Comprehensive Plan. Each issue of the newsletter will include summary information about the status of the plan update, the results of public meetings and hearings, information on the project web site, information about how the general public can become involved in the project and contact information for the . Planning Commission. The newsletter will be accessible on the project website, distributed via e-mail and hard copies will be placed at community centers and public libraries. 8. Public Information / Outreach Plan The Planning Commission staff will coordinate the development of an effective media plan to publicize information on the planning process to citizens and other stakeholders. The following methods will be used to inform the Citizens and media about the plan progress. . Media Education - Media outlets (print, radio and television) will be educated about the plan using briefings, press releases and interviews. Feature stories, columns and interviews will be used to inform the public about plan details. . Public Information Materials - Outreach materials will be created and used to help the public understand the Comprehensive Plan. These materials will be distributed at public meetings and other locations to educate and establish visible, continuous public feedback. Examples of public information materials to be used include fact sheets, comment forms and project documents. 9. ReQuired Public Hearinl!s In addition to the public meetings outlined in Section C (2) of the Community Participation Program, Augusta-Richmond County will advertise and hold the two public hearings required under the Georgia Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning: The first public hearing will be held after addressing public comments on the draft Community Assessment the draft Community Participation Program, but prior to their transmittal to the CSRA Regional Development Center (RDC). The second public hearing will be held once the Community Agenda has been made available for public review, but prior to its transmittal to the RDC. D. PLAN DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE The following table identifies time frames for completion of the various steps ofthe plan development process and the procedures for actively involving citizens and other stakeholders in all phases of the planning process. 6 Item # 20 Attachment number 3 Page? of? 7 Item # 20 so- Q Q M ~ t' ~ ;::I = ~ ... .... o '" ~ QO Q Q M ~ r"'l =:i o Eo .... l:ll Z r"'l == r"'l ~ j:l., ~ o u - Eo- ...l t:; Atlachmen numb 'He TUI Z ~ ~ t:; :>- -< ~ ~ ~ ~ = ~ ~ ~ ~ ::=j:l., Eo<-< Z 0= ~-< ~ ~ ~ ~ ll:l ~ ~ ~ ~ f;o;1 '" Z ~ ~ ~ -< .... U ~ f;o;1 Q > 0 ~ Z Eo. ... I1.l I1.l ..0 - ~ c::: c::: I1.l ~ .s I1.l ~ .S2 0 I1.l 4:: I1.l 8 ~ "0 "s t:: .c 's ~ I1.l ~ Clo '" .- '" .~ Cd "S I- 0:1 's ~ 8 -0 'c ~ c::: "S ... 8.9- 8 0 bl) 0 a 8 ;::I 1::: c.. 0 8 = U 8 .;l S 0 = '" 8 ... ~ 0 .;:l U 0.. 0 ot: E U 0 I1.l 0 i5: a s '" ... 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E~ o c:: u'~ ~ E u u c.:::.::: -<-g tU 0. ..c::,+-< r- 0 :l\g Z 8 ;,; = .S! - ~ .~ ... .c .c ~ c:: .S '" '" .S E o U I:lIl c:: 'a 8 i5: .0 c:: :l o U -0 c:: o E ..c:: u 2 .El '" :l I:lIl :l -- tU Cl -a c:: o .5iJ tU c.:: ~ CI:l U I U ~ '" .... ;IS ""' -< .0 'a :l E E o U '+-< o E tU B .... t<:l 0. tU Cl t<:l '5iJ .... o tU " I -< U Cl Item # 20 Attachment number 5 Q: What is a comprehensive plan? A: A comprehensive plan documents the vision for the future development of a community and outlines how the community proposes to achieve the vision. Q: What is the mandate for preparation of a comprehensive plan? A: The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 established a coordinated planning program for the state of Georgia. The cornerstone of the program is the preparation of a long-range comprehensive plan by each local government in the state. Q: Does Augusta have a comprehensive plan? A: Yes. In 1992, Augusta and Richmond County adopted a joint comprehensive plan to meet the requirements of the Georgia Planning Act. The consolidated government of Augusta-Richmond County adopted an updated version of the comprehensive plan in February 2004 Q: Why is the comprehensive plan being updated now? A: State law requires that comprehensive plans be updated in accordance with a schedule developed by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The deadline for Augusta-Richmond County to complete and adopt an updated comprehensive plan is October 31, 2008. Q: What happens if Augusta doesn't update the comprehensive plan? A: If the comprehensive plan is not updated then the city will lose its designation as a Qualified Local Government (QLG). Losing QLG status means the city will not be eligible to apply for certain loan and grant programs administered by the state. . Q: What has to be included in a comprehensive plan? A: The comprehensive plan must include the following three (3) components 1. Community Assessment - consists of an objective and professional assessment of data and information about the community. 2. Community Participation Pro2ram - describes the local government's strategy for ensuring adequate public and stakeholder involvement in the preparation of the Community Agenda, 3. Community A2enda - includes a community vision for the future development of the city, a list of issues and opportunities identified for future action and an implementation program for achieving the vision. Q: What opportunities will there be for public involvement? A: The Community Participation Program spells out the details of public and stakeholder involvement in the plan update. Q: Where can I get more information? A: For information about the update of the Augusta-Richmond County Comprehensive Plan, contact the Augusta- Richmond County Planning Commission, 525 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901. Phone (706) 821-1796, Web site - http://www.augustaga.gov/departments/planning_ zoning/comp jllan _ update, asp For more information about the Georgia Coordinated Planning Program, contact the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, 60 Executive Park South, N.E., Atlanta, GA. Phone (404) 679-4940, Web site - htm:/ /www.dca.state.ga.us/deve! opmentlPlanningOuali tvGrowth/programs/p!anning.asp Item # 20 Attachment number 6 Page 1 of2 VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 FEBRUARY 4 2008 AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE The Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission has initiated the process to update the Augusta-Richmond County Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a plan for managing and guiding Augusta's development over the next 20 years. The existing Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Augusta Commission in February 2004, Since then many changes have taken place in the city and many community improvement pro- jects have been completed, The updated Plan must be adopted by October 31, 2008, CONTACTS Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission 525 Telfair Street Augusta, GA 30901 Phone: 821-1796 Fax: 821-1806 The Planning Commission invites you to become involved in updating the Comprehensive Plan. Public participa- . tion methods have been specifically de- signed to aid your understanding of the plan update process, keep you informed as the project advances and solicit your input. You can become involved in sev- eral ways: feedback from the public re- ceived during the initial meet- mgs. Complete a Survey- The is- . sues and Opportunities Survey is designed to obtain input on the vision for the future of Au- gusta and the issues that resi- dents want to address in the Comprehensive Plan. Provide Feedback on Plan Documents- The Community Assessment, Community Par- ticipation Program and the Community Agenda are the three basic elements of the . Attend a Public Meeting or Hear- . ing-An initial round of public meetings was held during the month of January. Additional public meet- ings will be held within the next 60- 75 days. This newsletter includes Comprehensive Plan. The draft Community assessment and draft Community Participation Program are already available for review and comment. The Community Agenda will be developed at a later stage in the plan update process. Visit the Project Web site-The project website includes basic infor- mation about the Comprehensive Plan, the project schedule, survey forms, public meeting information, and project documents. The website will be updated as the project pro- gresses. Contact the Planning Commis- sion- The Planning Commission staff will answer your questions about the project, solicit your input / and provide you with project up- dates. "In the next ten (i 0) years, Augusta should become a city of fairness for all people regardless of race or age" - Gracewood Community Center Resident Visit our website for additional information http://www,augustaga,gov/deQ9rtments/planning zoning/como dl~ffd6&!.asp Attachment number 6 Page 2 of 2 "One. thing about Augusta Twouldliketo . change/improve is people taking pride in their . · property andcity." ~Garrett Elementary Population Issues: , · . Improving educational attainment fig- ures to a level that is consistent with state-level education figures, . Increasing employment and housing options for Augusta's young adult population to remain in town. . Decreasing the consistently high per- centage of Augusta families living in poverty. Economic Development Issues: . Collaborating with local and regional economic development agencies to develop a diverse economy based on multiple industry sectors and ensure employment opportunities in the city. . Attracting new businesses that com- plement the existing mix of business and take advantage of our strengths. "In the next 10 years, Augusta should become a city that will have more housing and job opportunities for all Augustans"-Carrie Mays Community Center Removing dilapidated housing to pro- .. tect health, safety and welfare of resi- dents and to facilitate the construction of new housing. Meeting the housing needs of the home- less, the disabled and others in need, Providing flexibility in standards and regulations to permit a mix of housing ~. types and densities in a single develop- ment. , "One thing about Augusta I would like to change! [improve is demolish abandoned structures, a . ,cleaner Augusta" - Laney~Walker,Comlt1lJ1"Iity , Resident . . . 'Natural Resources Issues: :. Protecting the quality of surface drinking water sources (i.e. rivers, creeks, ponds, etc.) from the effects of new develop- ment. . Continuing to diversify the economic I Community Facilities Issues: base of the city and ensure employ- ment opportunities are available for ,. Providing adequate public safety (law the varying income levels of Augusta's enforcement, fire protection and emer- population, gency services) facilities and services. Supporting new and / or improved cultural and entertainment facili- ties that enhance the quality of life and contribute to tourism and eco- nomic development. Eliminating drainage problems within the city. ,;'In the next 1O.years, Augusta should 'become a city that will. have ample [entertainment ofall'. types. coming to the . City and surrounding areas "- Henry I Brigham Senior Center , Transportation Issues: Increasing access to, and financ- ing of public transportation. , . Implement the on-street and off- street bicycle projects listed in the regional bicycle and pedestrian plan. , . Increasing pedestrian safety and access to all portions of the city. :"Onething about AUgUstalwould like to .' change/improve.. is IntercOnnectivity of 'lleighbi:fl'"h()Odsdwith walking" trails/ .sidel1lalkS:'~FlowingWells Fire Stati()/1 1#15 I Land Use Issues: , . Improving the appearance of gate- ways and commercial corridors. : . Promoting infill development as a priority over development on the urban fringe. . -, . "One thing about Augusta I would like to . change/improve innore retail services in I South Augusta, like grocery shopping, '. banking, and good restaurants" - McBean iCommunity Resident WH AT'S NE X . February - Hold public hearing and transmit Community Assessment and Community Participation Program to the Regional Development Center (RDC) . February / March - RDC review of Community Assessment and Community Participation Program . March / April - Hold second round of public meetings Item # 2Dpage 2