Report Prepared by: Jonnie Lan, AICP, Acting Planning Manager, Development Services Department
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SUBJECT: Merced Comprehensive General Plan Update and Downtown Station Area Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City of Merced is undertaking a Comprehensive General Plan Update and the creation of a Downtown Station Area Plan. A comprehensive General Plan update is a periodic revision and update of the City's long-term planning document, which serves as a blueprint for future development and conservation.
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DISCUSSION
The last General Plan was adopted in 2012. Over the past several years, individual chapters have been revised as needed. However, due to changes in State law among other things, it has been determined that it is time for the General Plan to be comprehensively updated. A General Plan addresses a broad range of issues related to land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and community well-being. Updating it at regular intervals ensures the plan remains relevant and effective.
Through the process the community will define the Planning Area, the long-term community vision for the future (spanning about 20 years or more), establish goals, objectives, policies, and establish implementation measures to achieve that vision.
Mandatory elements or chapters include Air Quality, Land Use, Circulation, Housing, Conservation, Open Space, Noise, Environmental Justice and Safety. The City of Merced will also consider other chapters like Economic Development and Public Facilities.
This process will involve extensive public participation. This engagement began this summer. The City has held stakeholder meetings (Transportation, Developer and Real Estate and Downtown Merchant focus groups), an interactive meeting for Citizen Based Organizations and a couple of Citizens Advisory Focus Group (CAFG) meetings. As mentioned last meeting, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission is represented on the CAFG by Ex-Officio Member Curtis Thomas. The ne...
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