Chart: Breakdown of topics brought up during DMC public comment period
Note: Some speakers commented on more than one topic.
The Rochester-Olmsted Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the DMC development Plan Monday night. The commission also approved the following nine recommendations from the planing and zoning department:
- Action on the Plan: a. Is limited to a conceptual framework for physical development, transportation solutions, and financing; b. Does not change public policy, procedures, or the Comprehensive Plan, nor does it commit entities to financial contributions outside of that specified in legislation; c. Does not establish zoning, or prescriptive land use limitations; City zoning and development policies apply as approved by the Rochester City Council; d. Will not determine the design of integrated transportation, parking and land use solutions.
- The proposed District boundaries are adjustable, and should be considered nimble enough to be expanded to include infrastructure projects needed to support the DMC growth and transportation management objectives.
- Prescriptive land uses identified in the DMC Plan are reflective of a concept of how the District could develop; the specificity of uses is not being approved by the City with action on the Plan.
- As development proceeds and the Plan is refined, projects near edges of the District should be carefully designed to provide transition from the District to areas outside the District, to avoid creating barriers at the edge, and to incorporate inviting corridors for non-motorized travelers.
- Comprehensive and coordinated transportation solutions will need to be defined, committed to, and strategically implemented by public and non-public partners. Additional studies (see #9) should be pursued in Phase I since resolution and movement on these items is needed to support anticipated growth.
- Investments identified in Phase I that are intended to implement transit improvements or other investments that require further study should be postponed until after completion of further study that verifies route(s), modes, design needs, etc.
- Strategies supporting modification of existing building façade’s to be more pedestrian friendly and supportive of vibrant urban spaces should be included in Phase I of the DMC implementation.
- District boundaries can be amended, and should be considered for amendment when/where there are public infrastructure projects needed to support the DMC development, utility or transportation needs.
- It is recommended that moving forward, a number of studies and analysis will need to be undertaken to carefully and prudently move forward with consideration of the proposed transportation plan and alternatives for streets, transit and parking in the DMC project area.
A full recap of the meeting is available on the DMC website. The Rochester City Council will host a second public input session on March 23.
(Cover photo: DMC Development Plan)
