comprehensive plan appendix a - public involvement … · 2020. 7. 10. · the october 11, 2019...
TRANSCRIPT
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUM
MARY
Making Montevallo 1
Making MontevalloCOMPREHENSIVE PLAN
APPENDIX A - PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUMMARY
Making Montevallo2
This project was supported by funding from the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham (RPCGB) and the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Building Communities Program. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Birmingham MPO or the RPCGB. For more information on this program, please visit http://www.rpcgb.org or call (205) 251-8139.
This plan was prepared as a cooperative effort of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), MPO and RPCGB as a requirement of Title 23 USC 134 and subsequent modification under Public Law 114-94 (FAST Act) December 2015. The contents of the plan do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the USDOT.
This contents of this Comprehensive Plan reflect the City of Montevallo’s community values. The Plan serves as a guide to interpreting citizen values into future land use decisions, capital investments and public policies. As such, the recommendations within this Comprehensive Plan are not legally binding upon the City of Montevallo.
Making Montevallo
Making Montevallo 3
ContentsChapter 1: Overview Strategies .........................................................................................5Project Website ....................................................................................................................................... 6Email E-blasts ......................................................................................................................................... 6Steering Committee ................................................................................................................................. 7Online Mapping Tool ................................................................................................................................ 7Visioning Survey .................................................................................................................................... 7Media Coverage ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Chapter 2: Results + Findings ......................................................................................... 11Public Outreach Participation Rates ....................................................................................................... 11Web (www.Makingmontevallo.com) ........................................................................................................ 12Online Mapping Tool ............................................................................................................................. 12Visioning Survey Results ........................................................................................................................ 14Email E-blasts ....................................................................................................................................... 24Print Media ........................................................................................................................................... 25Face-To-Face Meetings .......................................................................................................................... 26
Figures Figure 2.1: Location of comments received via the Online Wikimap Tool ................................................. 13Figure 2.2: Priority Development Activity results from Student Outreach at University of Montevallo ......... 27Figure 2.3: Priority Development Activity results from the October 2019 Kickoff Open House .................. 28
TablesTable 2.1: Participation Rates ............................................................................................................... 11Table 2.2: Results from the Economic and Leadership Issues & Opportunities Banner Activity .................. 29Table 2.3: Results from the Community Development Issues & Opportunities Banner Activity ................... 30Table 2.4: Results from the Quality of Life Issues & Opportunities Banner Activity .................................... 31Table 2.5: Results from the Infrastructure Issues & Opportunities Banner Activity .................................... 32
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EXISTING CONDITION
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OVERVIEW STRATEGIES
1 Robust public involvement is the most critical part of any planning process. Without input from the public and knowledge of their desires, concerns, and vision, the professional knowledge of planners is limited in the ability to create an implementable plan that is tailored to the community. A plan should be a collaboration between locals and the planning team, and as such the purpose is two-fold: for the planners to educate stakeholders on the purpose and process of planning and for the stakeholders to educate planners about their community. This collaborative effort creates a plan that is defensible, attainable, and reflective of the community it serves.
Knowing the importance of public involvement, the RPCGB planning team for this Montevallo Comprehensive Plan used a multifaceted approach utilizing both in-person and online methods to gather as much information from the community as possible. The sections below highlight the outreach methods used by the planning team to inform their development of the Comprehensive Plan.
Making Montevallo6
PROJECT WEBSITEA formal website for the Montevallo Comprehensive Plan was maintained by the RPCGB through the life of the project. This website, www.MakingMontevallo.com, served as an information gateway for the Plan, and provided easy access to plan documents, public meeting details, surveys, project facts and other information.
EMAIL E-BLASTSEmail was the main form of communication used to provide information for the Montevallo Comprehensive Plan events, calls to action, or plan milestones. Recipients included an initial list of stakeholders and residents created by Montevallo City Hall and the RPCGB. Other recipients included those who opted in on the project website and those who attended the October 2019 Mayor’s Hometown Hero’s Breakfast and the Kickoff Open House events. It was the intention of this Plan that the email subscriber list would grow as the Plan progressed.
Steering Committee Meeting #1Steering Committee Meeting #1
Steering Committee Meeting #1Steering Committee Meeting #1
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STEERING COMMITTEEA 25 person steering committee composed of city staff, boards, non-profits, residents, business owners and others with a stake in the future of Montevallo played a critical role in ensuring that this new Comprehensive Plan is grounded in the values and the aspirations of the people of Montevallo. The members of the diverse steering committee were selected by the Mayor’s office based on their dedicated civic engagement, professional expertise, and knowledge of the City.
This steering committee played an integral role in relaying community needs to the planning team and communicating details of the planning effort to the general public. The steering committee met two times during the development of the Comprehensive Plan. The following steering meetings were held:
• Steering Committee Meeting #1: January 28, 2020.
• Steering Committee Meeting #2: TBD
ONLINE MAPPING TOOLAn online mapping tool, called a Wikimap, was available on the project website and allowed participants to “map” their issues, needs, and ideas on an interactive street map of the City. Participants were able to note locations of community assets, areas that need improvement, opportunity ideas, traffic issue areas, streets needing sidewalks or bike facilities, along with any other issue or idea they wanted to geographically pinpont. The Wikimap was open for answers from September 29 to December 1, 2019 and received 47 comments by 40 unique visitors.
To view the online Wikimapping results see pages 12 -13 in Chapter 2 of this document.
VISIONING SURVEY This 20-question multiple-choice and open-ended survey was open for answers from September 29 to December 1, 2019, and in total 480 responses were received. The purpose of the survey was to assess the City’s perceived strengths, challenges, opportunities, development patterns, and allowed for a satisfaction rating of city services at it pertains to the maintenance of local roads, code enforcement, police protection, the City’s responsiveness to formal complaints, public facilities, fire and rescue services and parks and recreational facilities . The survey was promoted via E-blasts and hard copies were made available at Montevallo City Hall, during City-led events, and at the Kickoff Open House on October 17, 2019. A Spanish translation was also made available.
A summary of the responses to each survey question is shown on pages 14 - 23 of this document.
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FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGSThe following face-to-face meetings were held with the general public:
OCTOBER 17, 2019 KICKOFF OPEN HOUSEThe Kickoff Open House was held on October 17, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Parnell Memorial Library. The Open House was promoted via flyers distributed throughout the City, email e-blasts, the project website and via the City of Montevallo’s website and online calendar. In total there were 26 attendees.
The purpose of the Kickoff Open House was to gather feedback regarding the state of Montevallo today and citizen’s issues and desires regarding future projects and priorities, economic development, transportation, infrastructure, quality of life, and planning and public services. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback to the planning team through the following interactive activities:
• Visioning Survey• Mapping Exercise• Priority Development Activity• Issues and Opportunities Banners
For detailed results of the Kickoff Open House activities, see pages 26-32 in Chapter 2.
UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO STUDENT OUTREACHOn the same date as the Kickoff Open house on, October 17, 2019, the RPCGB Planning Team sought input from University of Montevallo students on campus at the Anna Irvin Dining Hall, from 11am to 1pm. Although college students may be a transient part of Montevallo’s population, they are an integral part of Montevallo’s economy and support local businesses and restaurants just like permanent residents.
Two activities were presented to the University of Montevallo students. These were designed to be taken quickly and easily by students during their lunch break. The first was an abbreviated version of the visioning survey that was made widely available to the general public. The second was a priority exercise, where students were given a “budget” with monopoly money and asked to spend their allocated budget dollars on what they felt should be the highest priorities in Montevallo. Their choices were: additional nightlife and entertainment options, additional restaurants and coffee shops, additional shopping and retail options, additional off-campus housing, new park amenities, and more bike lanes and trails.
The students were offered the opportunity to win a $25 Chevron gas gift card and receive a piece of Halloween candy for completing both the survey and budget activity. Over 100 students participated in the outreach activity.
Student’s responses to the Visioning Survey were included in the Visioning Survey responses on pages 14-23. To view the results of the priority ranking exercise, see page 27 in Chapter 2.
Kickoff Open HouseKickoff Open House
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OCTOBER 11, 2019 MAYOR’S HOMETOWN HEROS BREAKFASTRPCGB Principal Planner Lindsay Puckett was asked by the Mayor to give the keynote speech at the October 11, 2019 annual Montevallo Mayor’s Hometown Hero’ Breakfast. She spoke to a large local audience and took them on a “journey” through the Making of Montevallo – the past, present and future – while highlighting some visionary leaders, who’s efforts shaped the City of Montevallo today.
The keynote speech also highlighted the importance of placemaking - What is the difference between a “Space” and a “Place”? and urged the audience to think about what places in Montevallo should be more meaningful and need investment. A hard copy of the visioning survey was available for the Mayor’s Breakfast attendees to complete, and in addition the attendees were encouraged to sign-up for updates regarding the Montevallo Comprehensive Plan process.
MEDIA COVERAGEThe Comprehensive Plan was featured in the following media sources:
SHELBY COUNTY REPORTER:• August 20, 2019: “Montevallo approves
RPCGB contract for Comprehensive Plan update”
• October 17, 2019: “Montevallo celebrates ‘Hometown Heroes’ at 10th annual breakfast”
• October 24, 2019: “Residents’ input wanted for Montevallo Comprehensive Plan”
• January 27, 2020: “ Montevallo Mayor shares updates in State of the City address”
WBRC:• June 28, 2018: “Montevallo mayor seeks
citizens’ vision for future changes to the City”
• August 26, 2019: “Montevallo works with commission on new Comprehensive Plan”2019 Mayor’s Hometown 2019 Mayor’s Hometown
Hero’s BreakfastHero’s Breakfast
2019 Mayor’s Hometown 2019 Mayor’s Hometown Hero’s BreakfastHero’s Breakfast
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RESULTS + FINDINGS
2 PUBLIC OUTREACH PARTICIPATION RATESTable 2.1: Participation Rates
Face-to-Face Meetings Date # of
ParticipantsKickoff Open House 10/17/2019 26
Draft Plan Reveal Open House TBD
Steering Committee MeetingsMeeting #1 1/28/2020 14Meeting #2 TBD
Survey and Mapping ToolsVisioning Survey –
hard copy and online9/29/2019 – 12/1/2019 480
Online Mapping Tool - Wikimap
9/29/2019 – 12/1/2019
40 unique visitors and 47
commentsWeb Content
Making Montevallo Website - Unique
VisitorsAs of 3/23/2020 677
EXISTING CONDITION
Making Montevallo12
WEB (WWW.MAKINGMONTEVALLO.COM)To date the Making Montevallo Plan website has been visited by 677 unique visitors.
ONLINE MAPPING TOOL (WIKIMAP) The online mapping tool, called the Wikimap, proved to be a valuable tool for participants to geographically pinpoint their perception of Montevallo’s issues, needs and desires. Participant comments were sorted into the following categories:
ASSETS – 6 COMMENTS • Downtown Montevallo • University of Montevallo • Parnell Library • Parks and greenspace opportunities • Great Farmers Market!
OPPORTUNITIES – 15 COMMENTS• Revitalize vacant downtown buildings • Bring a hotel to Downtown Montevallo• Equestrian center/ conference facility/
lodging/ RV park at old Horse Farm• Update gateways • Provide safe pedestrian crossings • Create a dog park at Shoal Creek Park• Create retail destinations along Highway 25
and Highway 11
TRAFFIC ISSUES – 11 COMMENTS • Enforce carpool lines at schools – many
people cut in line• Enforce the “no left turn” policy along Highway
119• Ticket those who park illegally along Middle
Street• Prohibit U-turns along Main Street • Provide at crosswalk at Selma Road and
Highway 25• Provide at crosswalk at Gardner Street and
Highway 25• Provide at crosswalk at Overland Road and
Highway 119
• Dangerous intersection at Bloch Street and Main Street
• Enforce one-way designation on Bloch Street
GENERAL ISSUES – NEEDS IMPROVEMENTS – 12 COMMENTS
• Dailey Park – restroom and face-lift needed • Fred’s Shopping Center needs a face-lift• Improve broadband Internet availability• Provide lights in Orr Park • Provide an area for businesses to bring their
recycling at City Hall. The recycling center isn’t convenient.
• Complete the park at the Old Mill Site• Restore or demolish the Mahler House in
Shoal Creek Park• Preserve historic structures like the Cary-
Calkins House • Additional park lighting is needed
OTHER COMMENTS – 3 COMMENTS
• Ensure that cars only drive in designated areas at parks, especially at Orr Park.
• Preserve Highway 119. Ensure that it remains a scenic corridor.
• Concentrate commercial development along Highway 25
In total, 40 unique users provided 47 comments. Figure 2.1 shows the geographical locations of the comments received via the online Wikimap tool.
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Figure 2.1: Location of comments received via the Online Wikimap Tool
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OVERLAND RD
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City Limits Parks & Openspace
WaterwaysLakes
Railroads
University of Montevallo
WikiMap Comments
Opportunities
General Issue - Needs Improvement Traffic Issue
Asset
Other Comment
Making Montevallo14
VISIONING SURVEY RESULTSIn total, 480 people completed the Visioning Survey associated with this Plan. The following pages outline the results of the Visioning Survey.
SURVEY RESULTS
Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan2
What is your vision for the future of Montevallo?
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3
To find out, we asked you to take a quick survey.
From September 27 to December 03, we received 480 responses.Here are the results.
Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
4
QUALITY OF LIFEHow would you rate your quality of life in Montevallo?
Excellent
19%
Good
63%
Poor
2%
Fair
17%
Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
Making Montevallo16
TOP STRENGTHSWhat are the top 2 strengths of the City of Montevallo?
Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
34.1%
20.7%
17.7%
6.0%
3.3%
1.3%
14.4%
Its small town feel and unique identity
The walkable Downtown
The presence of the University
Low cost of living
Quality of public schools and governmentservices
Healthy business community
Access to parks, recreation and sportsprograms
5
6
TOP CHALLENGESWhat are the greatest challenges facing the City of Montevallo?
Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
9.8%
5.8%
31.5%
19.3%
9.1%
17.9%
6.6%
Lack of housing variety and prices
Lack of pedestrian and bicycle connections
Limited variety of shopping and dining options
Presence of vacant businesses
Parks and recreational facilities that needimprovement
Limited local job opportunities
Please elborate if you wish...
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7
PreferredDevelopmentWhat types of development would you like to see more of in Montevallo?
Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
10.2%
3.8%
18.2%
33.5%
6.3%
3.6%
6.7%
6.0%
7.9%
3.7%
Retail and boutique shopping options
Business and professional offices
Full service (“sit-down”) restaurants
Entertainment and cultural options
Variety of housing choices (e.g., estates,…
Mixed-use developments (a mix of retail,…
Medical services
Parks and recreational outlets
Small footprint or specialty grocery
Please elaborate if you wish...
8
Rate of GrowthMontevallo is growing…
Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
4.7%
58.8%
24.1%
12.4%
Too fast
At an acceptable rate
Too slowly
Unsure
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Police ProtectionHow satisfied are you with police protection
13Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
20.7%
49.4%
19.1%
6.4%
0.8%
3.6%
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Not applicable to me
Fire and RescueHow satisfied are you with fire and rescue services?
14Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
32.0%
41.6%
15.4%
1.7%
0.6%
8.8%
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Not applicable to me
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GovernmentResponsivenessHow satisfied are you with the responsiveness by the City to formal complaints?
15Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
7.2%
23.1%
37.7%
7.4%
2.2%
22.3%
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Not applicable to me
Public FacilitiesHow satisfied are you with public facilities (e.g., Senior Center, Library, Community Center)?
13.9%
53.6%
22.5%
3.6%
1.4%
5.0%
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Not applicable to me
16Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
Making Montevallo20
Parks and RecreationHow satisfied are you with parks and recreation facilities?
17Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
24.2%
47.4%
14.6%
8.8%
2.8%
2.2%
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Unsatisfied
Very unsatisfied
Not applicable to me
34.7%
22.3%
45.0%
50.9%
37.1%
Additional ball sports fields(baseball, football, soccer, etc.)
Tennis courts and pickleballcourts
Neighborhood playgrounds
Walking trails
Nature study and conservationareas
Recreation ProgramsWhat improvements would you suggest to parks or recreation programs in Montevallo?
18
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Recreation ImprovementsPlease elaborate on any suggested parks improvements or new types of programs that you would like to see at the following parks.
19
38.3%
20.4%
25.2%
16.0%
Orr Park
Stephens Park
Shoal Creek Park
George Daily Park
Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
Relationshipto MontevalloWhat is your relationship to Montevallo?
20Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
54.6%
4.6%
10.3%
3.3%
20.5%
6.8%
Resident
Business Owner
Employee
Visitor
Student
Other (please specify)
Making Montevallo22
Age BreakdownWhat is your age group?
21Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
19.5%
13.6%
10.2%
13.6%
18.1%
13.9%
11.0%
Under 18
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
So what do we do with these results?
We craft policy recommendations that will address the concerns and realize the goals specified in the
survey results.
22Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
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23
WikiMap Results
Comprehensive Plan Recommendations
Survey Results
Stakeholder Input
23Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan
For more information, contact:Lindsay Puckett, AICP
Making Montevallo24
EMAIL E-BLASTS During the planning process, e-blasts were used to announce events such as the Kickoff Open Houses, the visioning survey results, and draft plan documents. The following e-blasts were sent:
• October 1, 2019: It’s Kickoff month for the Montevallo Comprehensive Plan – we need your input! • October 14, 2019: Reminder - We need your input this Thurs Oct 17 at the Montevallo Comprehensive
Plan Kickoff Open House• October 24, 2019: Thanks for a successful Comprehensive Plan kickoff meeting! There’s still time to
give online input.• January 06, 2020: Making Montevallo Comprehensive Plan - View the Kickoff Phase public input
results• TBD
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PRINT MEDIAAll public meeting flyers were emailed to Steering Committee members, Montevallo citizens who provided their email address at face to face events, and RPCGB’s initial stakeholder list. Recipients were urged to print the flyer and display it at key locations across the city. In addition, flyers were also posted on Facebook to promote the events using social media. A copy of the Kickoff Open House flyer can be found below.
Making Montevallo26
DRAFT PLAN REVEAL OPEN HOUSE - SPRING 2020TBD
FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGSThe following face-to-face meetings were held with the general public:
OCTOBER 17, 2019 KICKOFF OPEN HOUSEThe Kickoff Open House was held on October 17, 2019 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Parnell Memorial Library. The Open House was promoted via flyers distributed throughout the City, email e-blasts, the project website and via the City of Montevallo’s website and online calendar. In total there were 26 attendees.
The purpose of the Kickoff Open House was to gather feedback regarding the state of Montevallo today and citizen’s issues and desires regarding future projects and priorities, economic development, transportation, infrastructure, quality of life, and planning and public services. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback to the planning team through the following interactive activities:
• Mapping Exercise - see pages12-13 for the results that were combined with the online mapping activity.
• Visioning Survey - see pages 14 - 23 for the results.
• Priority Development Activity - see page 28 for the results.
• Issues and Opportunities Banners Activity - see pages 29-32 for the results.
Kickoff Open HouseKickoff Open House
University of Montevallo University of Montevallo Student OutreachStudent Outreach
University of Montevallo University of Montevallo Student OutreachStudent Outreach
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PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY This activity asked both University of Montevallo students and Montevallo citizens the following question: “What types of development do you want to see more of in Montevallo?”. The results of this activity are included in Figures 2.2 - 2.3.
What types of development would you like to see more of in Montevallo?
UM Student Responses
Additional shopping and retail options
17%
Bike lanes and trails
9%
New park amenities
9%
Nightlife and entertainment
28%
Off-campus housing
13%
Restuarants and coffee shops
24%
17 October 2019
Figure 2.2: Priority Development Activity results from Student Outreach at University of Montevallo
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ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES BANNERS ACTIVITYFor less place specific comments, the Kickoff Open House attendees were encouraged to write what they liked, didn’t like and what they would like to see in Montevallo in the future. These “Issues & Opportunities Banners” were broken down by topic, and the results are included in Tables 2.2 - 2. X.
Additional shopping and retail options
23%
Bike lanes and trails
16%
Mixed-use housing
7%
New park amenities
10%
Nightlife and entertainment
21%
Restuarants and coffee shops
23%
What types of development would you like to see more of in Montevallo?
Public Meeting Responses 17 October 2019
Figure 2.3: Priority Development Activity results from the October 2019 Kickoff Open House
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Table 2.2: Results from the Economic and Leadership Issues & Opportunities Banner ActivityELEMENTS FEEDBACK
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
(WHAT ADDITIONAL
TYPES OF BUSINESSES WOULD YOU
LIKE TO SEE?)
WHAT’S WORKING• New restaurants/ businesses• Progress on main street• Great small town college feel
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Lack of retail and dining options• No activity-based business for families (bowling, laser tag, etc.)
WHAT’S NEEDED• More sit down restaurants (3), BBQ was mentioned specifically• More entertainment options Downtown - live music, breweries• More retail options - hardware store (3), bike shop, and additional family friendly businesses• Direct growth towards Highway 25, and give it the attention it deserves• More single family homes
PARTNERSHIPS + ORGANIZATIONS
WHAT’S WORKING• Community organizations do a good job of partnering with each other to do events and initiatives• MCDC
WHAT’S NOT WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVED
WHAT’S NEEDED• Draw industry from Alabaster and Calera to support clients to local businesses in Montevallo• Tech services
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
SUPPORT (FINANCIAL INCENTIVES, TAX CREDITS, REGULATORY ASSISTANCE,
ETC.)
WHAT’S WORKING• Existing government support...the County, City, and University of Montevallo Cooperative is working well
WHAT’S NOT WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVED
WHAT’S NEEDED• Higher property taxes• Incentives to attract business
BUSINESS RECRUITMENT /
RETENTION EFFORTS
WHAT’S WORKING- NO COMMENTS RECEIVED
WHAT’S NOT WORKING • Low property taxes and vacant houses and businesses
WHAT’S NEEDED• More incentives to attract additional businesses - more businesses, more sales tax• Attract tech-based industries• Improvements should be focused in other areas of the City, not just Main Street
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WHAT’S WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVED
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Limited opportunities in the area (2)• Lack of local workforce housing• Workforce will likely commute 15+ miles
WHAT’S NEEDED• Additional support from partners and community members (mentoring, etc.)
Making Montevallo30
Table 2.3: Results from the Community Development Issues & Opportunities Banner ActivityELEMENTS FEEDBACK
DIVERSITY OF HOUSING STOCK (HOUSING AND
LOT SIZES, PRICES, ETC.)
WHAT’S WORKING• Affordability (2)
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Too many apartments (2)• Lack of homes in higher price points• Limited options for new construction and resale
WHAT’S NEEDED• Low income housing• Assisted living and retirement communities
AVAILABILITY OF SENIOR HOUSING (NURSING HOMES,
ASSISTED LIVING
FACILITIES)
WHAT’S WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVED
WHAT’S NOT WORKING • This is difficult because can be a strain on emergency services unless there are adequate staff there.
WHAT’S NEEDED• Planned retirement communities/ assisted living communities (4)
CONCENTRATIONS OF DISTRESSED
HOUSING / PROBLEM AREAS
WHAT’S WORKING• Identified and corrected efficiently.
WHAT’S NOT WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVEDWHAT’S NEEDED
• Property maintenance assistance programs
CODE ENFORCEMENT
WHAT’S WORKING• In general Montevallo looks pretty good.• Staff is accessible and responsive!
WHAT’S NOT WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVEDWHAT’S NEEDED
• Trash maintenance at appointed pickup• Additional regulations for multifamily dwellings
WAYFINDING (LANDSCAPED
GATEWAYS, NEIGHBORHOOD SIGNAGE, ETC.)
WHAT’S WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVEDWHAT’S NOT WORKING
• Inconsistent wayfinding elements WHAT’S NEEDED
• More uniformed and comprehensive wayfinding elements downtown and at City Parks (2)
PUBLIC SAFETY, FIRE, & EMS
WHAT’S WORKING • Services are excellent (5)• Partnerships with local industrial facilities is fantastic!
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Lack of education about what constitutes an emergency - people don’t know when to call 911 (2)
WHAT’S NEEDED• Education on when to use public safety services (2)• Additional paid fire/ems/police officers • Raise taxes - consider a full-time paid fire department if the budget allows for it ($3 million)• Mobile health clinics• Full-time RN/EMS to make medical calls (look at the City of Pelham’s program)
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Table 2.4: Results from the Quality of Life Issues & Opportunities Banner ActivityELEMENTS FEEDBACK
K-12 EDUCATION AND FACILITIES
WHAT’S WORKING• Overall form and character of the City - proximity to other cities, historic aesthetics, and walkability (4)
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Bullying at the elementary and middle schools• Hesitancy by families to move to Montevallo due to the school system
WHAT’S NEEDED• Improved test scores at county schools (2)• Recycling policy @ MES• Updated school buildings - facade improvements needed for schools and out buildings• Improved sports facilities
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
(LIBRARY, SENIOR CENTER)
WHAT’S WORKING • Fabulous multi-use library facility (4)• Boys and Girls Club• Fantastic Senior Center
WHAT’S NOT WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVED
WHAT’S NEEDED• A Teen Center• Community Event Center
PARKS + RECREATION FACILITIES
(MAINTENANCE, RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMING, WHAT’S NEEDED)
WHAT’S WORKING• Park facilities (3)• Montevallo Trail
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Maintenance at Shoal Creek Park• Bathroom facilities at Orr Park
WHAT’S NEEDED• Orr Park - additional lighting, expanded hours, paved walking trails, and improved bathrooms• More areas for open air activities for children - bike riders, skateboarders, etc.• Expand the Montevallo Trail to connect all existing parks and greenspaces. Explore the feasibility of
expanding the trail to Alabaster• Additional park and recreational facilities for residents near Highway 25• Yearly park cleanup campaigns• Shoal Creek Park - provide trail-heads, repair the Malher House, and improve the trails
ENTERTAINMENT OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT’S WORKING• Additional businesses and pocket parks
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• No formal “entertainment district” policy for Downtown - allow open containers for special events (2)
WHAT’S NEEDED• Additional live entertainment opportunities and weekend activities - music, festivals, etc.
ACCESS TO CHILDCARE AND
HEALTHCARE SERVICES
WHAT’S WORKING - NO COMMENTS RECEIVEDWHAT’S NOT WORKING
• Limited options locally (3)WHAT’S NEEDED- NO COMMENTS RECEIVED
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Table 2.5: Results from the Infrastructure Issues & Opportunities Banner ActivityELEMENTS FEEDBACK
MOBILITY CHOICES (SIDEWALKS,
BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE,
ETC.)
WHAT’S WORKING• Downtown and Main Street (4)
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Lack of sidewalks on the outskirts of town• Crosswalks across 119 at Arden / Overland• Lack of connection to Downtown from Overland / Indian Highlands • Elementary students cannot walk or bike to school• Lack of pedestrian connection from Highway 25 to Downtown
WHAT’S NEEDED• Accessible and improved sidewalks along Highway 119, Highway 25, and residential neighborhoods
(3)• Additional multi-use paths crosswalk across 119 @ Milestone / Pineview• Additional bike lanes and trails(2)• Additional bike racks
MOBILITY CHOICES (SIDEWALKS,
BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE,
ETC.)
WHAT’S WORKING • Streetscape improvements Downtown
WHAT’S NOT WORKING • The landscape islands that jet out on Main Street are dangerous• Truck traffic on Middle Street, very long light with no turn option
WHAT’S NEEDED• Improved infrastructure (sidewalks, roads, etc.) on Highway 119, Selma Road, and residential areas• Replace storm sewers covers - Shoal Creek Circle• Dedicated turn lane and signal needed on Middle Street
TRAFFIC ISSUES AND SPEEDING
WHAT’S WORKING• Police patrolling traffic
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Speeding and failure to stop at stop signs along Pineview Road, Overland Road, Spring Creek Road,
Shelby Street, and generally in the Arden neighborhood• Failure to stop at pedestrian crossings on Main Street and near Jacks• Truck traffic Downtown (2)• Parking violations -cars are often parked the wrong way or in non-parking spots • People parking and leaving their cars for extended periods Downtown
WHAT’S NEEDED• Police enforcement - issue tickets to speeders and people ignoring stop signs• Education on being courteous to bicyclists and pedestrians• Parking enforcement - students should park in university parking, there should be designated lots for
residents vs commutes
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUM
MARY
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ELEMENTS FEEDBACK
UTILITIES
WHAT’S WORKING• Garbage service
WHAT’S NOT WORKING• Drainage in some areas
WHAT’S NEEDED• Water Department should modernize their billing system• Pole maintenance• Tree limb trimming• Curbside recycling(3)• More reliable garbage service
Table 2.5: Results from the Infrastructure Issues & Opportunities Banner Activity Continued
Making Montevallo34