JCC Notebook: Supes to Talk About EO Zone, Zoning Ordinance Update, Mid County Park,

Sunday, June 26, 2011

County news this week includes a Board work session covering the zoning update and the Economic Opportunity ordinance and a public hearing on Mid County Park changes.

The Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday afternoon for a work session to discuss the zoning ordinance update as well as the draft of the Economic Opportunity ordinance.

Last year, the county started the process of revamping some of its ordinances to better line up with the most recent Comprehensive Plan and the needs of the county. The public has had opportunities to share input at different intervals in the process, and supervisors will get another update on the process Tuesday.

The supervisors will also get a chance to review the first draft of the Economic Opportunity ordinance. The EO zone designation is mentioned in the Comprehensive Plan, and so far it includes the area around Hill Pleasant Farm.

The EO zone is intended to “facilitate economic development, non-residential tax-base and encourage the creation of jobs,” according to the draft (read the draft here). Supervisors envision the area to be a research and development hub, based on previous conversations they have had about it, and there will be a mix of housing and commercial space similar to a mixed use development.

The Board will have its work session at 4 p.m. in building F of the county government complex on Mounts Bay Road.

Supervisors Meeting

The Board will hold a few public hearing at their Tuesday evening meeting, including one on the new Mid County park master plan.

Mid County Park, home to Kidsburg playground, has been having problems with parking, safety, and proximity of amenities to each other. Staff has created a proposed $1.8 million renovation that would remove the baseball fields, move the volleyball field, move and rebuild the playground, expand parking and improve shelter facilities and the on-site building.

Staff held two public meetings this spring to gather input on the plan from the community. More than 75 residents gave feedback that included a desire to keep a playground, add more open space, and create an onsite environmental education garden.

Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the plan Tuesday evening. To read the rest of the agenda, visit the county website.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in building F of the county government complex on Mounts Bay Road.