Video Report - Planning Commission April 22

The video report about the first phase findings has been posted (22 min). It shows the presentation I made to the Planning Commission on April 22. The complex urban design principles are explained with visually interesting and insightful images generated through an innovative mapping technique called delayering.

The information is also available, and can be commented on, at www.cohdelayered.blogspot.com.

First Phase Findings

A companion site ( www.cohdelayered.blogspot.com ) detailing the findings of the first phase of subdivision analysis has been set up. This outlines the general characteristics of “existing conditions”, in terms of how our subdivisions look and function. The intent is to provide information on this major component of the project in a cohesive way and facilitate discussion.

The information on the companion site is essentially the same as presented to the Planning Commission on April 22, 2008. Some changes have been made to suit the blog format. Also, unlike a typical blog this second site is meant to be read from top to bottom as a single report. (see video of presentation)

Video Report - Parks Board March 10

The next video report will be posted this evening and outlines the Park Board meeting held March 10.

The discussion focused on pedestrian/bicycle connections and trails within our neighborhoods. The Chair of the Board also suggested that the City use the local radio station to get the word out on this project. That idea is being added to out "to do" flip chart. Feel free to leave comments about the content of the video under this posting.

The park board also discussed the current Comprehensive Park Plan update (see blog at www.cohparkplan08.blogspot.com). The issues of interconnectedness of neighborhoods and trials throughout the community were also part of that discussion. One aspect of how both projects are interrelated was the conversations about pedestrian/bicycle connections in neighborhoods and how that impacts park use and access to parks and open space. I will be explaining this more extensively at the Planning Commission meeting on April 22.

Planning Commission Meeting April 22

The Planning Commission meeting on April 22 is designed to provide staff and the Commission with an opportunity to discuss, and provide direction on two aspects of this project, specifically:

A. an outline of the analysis I have completed on past subdivisions, and how their characteristics influence the livability of our neighborhoods; and,

B. an introduction of issues associated with short plat requirements and how they impact opportunities for infill development.

Evolution of City and Plat History

The city has developed through the incremental change represented by over 176 individual plats (subdivisions) beginning in 1889 with the original Town of Oak Harbor plat. It is interesting to note that the first plat of the community included park space, Smith Park.

I have just completed an extensive analysis of the historical plats for Oak Harbor where I examined 50 plats looking at a variety of characteristics to better understand the way subdivisions have influenced the look and function of our city, including:

• number of intersections;
• connections to neighboring areas;
• lot size;
• dead end streets;
• block and street patterns; and,
• open space or parks.

The relationship of these characteristics affect our way of life and livability in a host of ways:

• how easily we can move around our neighborhoods;
• our access to open space or parks;
• traffic management; and,
• urban sprawl.

By examining these we will be better able to determine how to best achieve the neighborhoods we desire for our city. This will be the subject of the discussion I will be having with the Planning Commission at their meeting on April 22.

I will also be posting these findings and other analysis of current conditions to the blog shortly.