By Joey Chenoweth
Coolidge Examiner
After meeting with the Planning and Zoning Committee on Wednesday, Alton Bruce, the city’s growth management director, brought a 420-page report to the City Council detailing the aspects of the city’s general plan and zoning ordinance that need to be reconsidered as the city works to update the plan in 2013.
During the council’s meeting on July 31, Bruce requested permission to advertise for a consulting firm that would work with the city in developing a new plan. Hiring the firm could cost up to $100,000, which did not sit well with some council members, who asked Bruce to come back to the council with a detailed report on what needed to be fixed.
“I have to be honest. In reviewing the general plan after the meeting two weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the document,” Bruce said. “It’s not like you can look at this plan and say, ‘This is garbage and should be done away with.’”
However, Bruce highlighted some aspects of the plan that need to be worked on. The committee identified the land use portion of the plan as most in need of an update, specifically how the plan is not broad enough to allow for a changing city. Other areas that need work include energy and water policy — which is not covered in detail under the current plan and which Bruce said he is not qualified to study — and more details for transportation and housing.
