City launches SmartCode Plattsburgh

PLATTSBURGH | An upcoming community workshop will soon present the early findings of SmartCode Plattsburgh- a holistic review and update of the City of Plattsburgh's codes to foster improvements in zoning, subdivision, and related land use regulations. The project is still in its early stages, but is expected to be completed by August 2024. This is a major effort by Planning Staff in coordination with a public advisory committee, and a team of consultants. Project updates, workshop dates and more information can be found at my.cityofplattsburgh-ny.gov/en/projects/2023-zoning-update-process. Officials said this is the first action in implementing the city's Comprehensive Plan and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The recently adopted Comprehensive Plan focuses on ways to help existing residents, business owners, and newcomers thrive. The LWRP seeks to balance liveability, economic development, and environmental protections along Plattsburgh's waterfront area and is expected to be finalized by the end of this year with an anticipated adoption date in February 2024. A consulting team, LaBella Associates, along with subconsultants ZoneCo and SideKick Creative, is assisting the city to align the zoning update with these two major planning documents. To further assist with this effort, the city assembled a diverse, 18-member Public Advisory Committee to represent each of the six City Wards, Planning and Zoning functions, area businesses, Clinton County, SUNY Plattsburgh, the Town of Plattsburgh, and North Country Chamber of Commerce. The first Public Advisory meeting was held virtually March 14. Elisha Bartlett, Senior Planner, said, "This is a prime opportunity to bring Plattsburgh into alignment with current and anticipated future trends which will set Plattsburgh up for true success". Mayor Rosenquest added, "The complete revision of our zoning code will transform our community for the next several decades. It's critically important that these codes are brought up-to-date and are much more in line with development trends for future growth. This will be transformational." A second, longer meeting was held on April 25, and included a walking and driving tour of key areas of the city for the group to hone in on. Additional check-in meetings were held throughout the summer as the consulting team gathered and compiled existing conditions data and direction from the team. The Public Advisory Committee will continue to meet every month through to the finalization of this effort. From now through the end of October, the LaBella Consulting team will work to complete an analysis of the City's existing Code, evaluate appropriate best practices and research emerging trends and development approaches to guide potential solutions, and wrap up a series of focus group stakeholder meetings. Results of their analysis will be turned into a findings report. On Oct.18, from 5-7 p.m. at City Hall, a Community Workshop will be held to present the initial findings to the public. From November to February, a series of design workshops will be announced for additional public participation. A Final Workshop in the spring will provide a presentation of the final draft updates and another opportunity for public comment. The final drafts will then be shared with the County Planning Board for review. Final Zoning and Subdivision Law Revisions will be completed, subjected to SEQRA Compliance, and expected to undergo Public Hearings, with the ultimate hope to provide a proposal for adoption to City Council by August 2024. Residents and members of the community are encouraged to follow along with this process and stay informed about the project by joining the city's new online engagement platform; My.CityofPlattsburgh.

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City launches SmartCode Plattsburgh

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