At its meeting on November 7, 2006, the Burlington City Council held a public hearing to consider amendments to the future land-use component of the western loop corridor plan. The Council approved amendments that will guide growth and development within this fast growing area of the City. Protecting the integrity of the elementary school and Davidson Park were also considered in their decision.
City Council had discussed basic land use within this area at its annual retreat last February. Council members agreed that a public hearing should be held on the matter and a hearing was scheduled for April 4, 2006.
At the April public hearing, City staff presented future land uses within the area and Council heard from several citizens regarding various aspects of land planning within the University Drive area.
Subsequent to this meeting, City Council asked City staff to present the proposal to the Burlington Planning and Zoning Commission for its review and comment. The commission did so on July 24, 2006 and August 21, 2006 and its recommendations were forwarded to the City Council.
City Council then scheduled a second public hearing to discuss future land use on November 7, 2006. After considerable discussion and hearing from citizens and interested parties, the Council approved a new future land use map for the area. “With the action tonight by the Council, a good basic foundation for future land use has been established within what is the fastest growing area of our city, ” said Planning and Economic Development Director Bob Harkrader. Having a solid growth plan that recognizes the rapid changes in the development of road and utility infrastructure as well as the proximity of his area to the Interstate will be a great help to staff and potential development of property.”
Harkrader indicated that revised maps showing the changes by City Council would be available soon from the Planning Department.