Comprehensive Plan Update - It's Really Happening! By Vicki Sanville, DPPA steering committee member Twelve Governing Principles, comprehensive plan guidelines now available on the Duluth web site, were recently approved by the Duluth Planning Commission and the City Council. This is great news! During the first round of area-wide public meetings held in October, residents studied draft alternative land use scenarios while focusing on the opportunities and risks that might be involved in bringing about change. Planning from this perspective encouraged community members to think about priorities as well as how a change in land use could impact factors such as future transportation needs, natural systems, city services, or the city budget. As an example, when projected demographic numbers are considered, other necessities may become more evident. Attendees submitted comments and land use ideas that will be discussed at future Comprehensive Plan Committee meetings. For example, one land use idea focused on creating bicycle paths for commuters. City-wide goals, quite neglected during the previous process, will then be considered along with policy language. Once an area where several small communities co-existed, Duluth now is one large urban area geographically with unique neighborhoods representing diverse cultural values and traditions. With spectacular natural features, interesting and successful commercial ventures, and a population that is working toward respectfully supporting its people and the place they have chosen to live, an environment is created where a healthy community can thrive. A second round of area-wide public meetings scheduled for February will present goals and policies in the context of neighborhood plans. Input from these meetings will be incorporated into a future land use scenario and followed by public facility and capital improvement planning by the CPC. After creating implementation strategies and formulating priorities, the plan will be discussed, finalized, and likely sent forward for approval by the City's Planning Commission and the City Council in June of 2006. Hooray! These articles are retained on the web for historical interest and do not necessarily reflect the views or goals of DPPA today.

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