Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Kentucky Planning and Zoning Statutes (KRS 100) require that the planning commission of each planning unit prepare a Comprehensive Plan. This plan serves as a guide for public and private actions and decisions to assure the development of public and private property in the most appropriate relation-ships. A principal element of the Comprehensive Plan is the establishment of the statement of goals and objectives. This chapter serves as a guide for the preparation of the remaining elements of the plan. In addition, the goals and objectives provide the planning commission and its staff with the direction necessary to prepare a plan that accurately represents the vision and overall goals of the community.

The following statement of goals and objectives is intended to provide direct guidance for decisions made by the planning commission and local legislative bodies as related to future physical development. These statements are presented in two levels of specifi city. Goals are very broad and abstract ideals that the community desires. Objectives are more specifi c and concrete concepts which when achieved contribute to goal attainment. KRS 100.193 requires the planning commission to adopt the goals and objectives and to submit them to the legislative bodies of each governmental unit in the planning area for their adoption. The Henderson City-County Planning Commission, Henderson County Fiscal Court, Henderson and Corydon City Councils have offi cially adopted the comprehensive plan goals and objectives as follows:

Henderson City-County Planning Commission Adoption: 6/7/05Henderson County Fiscal Court Adoption: 6/21/05

Henderson City Council Adoption: 7/12/05

The bold text in the following Goals and Objectives represents additional or alternative language adopted by the Corydon City Council on July 21, 2005. Italicized bold text used for each overall goal, applies to all jurisdic-tions in Henderson County except where shown in bold text only.

Corydon City Council Adoption: 7/21/05

1-1

Goals & Objectives

OVERALL GOALOVERALL GOAL

Promote a sustainable natural and man-made environment that balances Promote a sustainable natural and man-made environment that balances environmental protection and preservation with the physical, social and environmental protection and preservation with the physical, social and economic needs of the population for the long-term benefi t of both.economic needs of the population for the long-term benefi t of both.

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT

GOAL: Protect and enhance the quality of the natural environment while GOAL: Protect and enhance the quality of the natural environment while permitting appropriate development on suitable lands. Also, to promote the permitting appropriate development on suitable lands. Also, to promote the most effi cient and reasonable use of the area’s physical resources by ensur-most effi cient and reasonable use of the area’s physical resources by ensur-ing that short-term use of the environment will be to the long-range benefi t ing that short-term use of the environment will be to the long-range benefi t of all.of all.

OBJECTIVES:OBJECTIVES:

1. Require appropriate drainage facilities for all new development and 1. Require appropriate drainage facilities for all new development and signifi cant redevelopment in order to control fl ooding, erosion and additional signifi cant redevelopment in order to control fl ooding, erosion and additional post-development runoff.post-development runoff.

2. Reduce soil erosion by requiring and enforcing erosion control measures 2. Reduce soil erosion by requiring and enforcing erosion control measures during construction and mining activities.during construction and mining activities.

3. Minimize air, water, soil, light, odor and noise pollution by encouraging 3. Minimize air, water, soil, light, odor and noise pollution by encouraging the preservation of open spaces, green areas and requiring adequate landscape the preservation of open spaces, green areas and requiring adequate landscape buffers and berms. When appropriate, require the dedication of green areas.buffers and berms. When appropriate, require the dedication of green areas.

4. Prevent pollution by upgrading and providing appropriate collection 4. Prevent pollution by upgrading and providing appropriate collection and distribution facilities for the proper treatment and handling of water, storm and distribution facilities for the proper treatment and handling of water, storm water, sewage and solid waste.water, sewage and solid waste.

5. Preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas by requiring 5. Preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas by requiring developers to identify and map these areas (i.e. lands containing fl oodplains, developers to identify and map these areas (i.e. lands containing fl oodplains, wetlands, karst topography, steep slopes, endangered habitats, wooded and wetlands, karst topography, steep slopes, endangered habitats, wooded and

1-2

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

scenic areas) during the site planning and zone change processes. Develop-scenic areas) during the site planning and zone change processes. Develop-ments that are proposed in any of these areas shall be carefully reviewed to ments that are proposed in any of these areas shall be carefully reviewed to insure that any potentially negative impacts are minimized. insure that any potentially negative impacts are minimized.

6.6. Encourage conservation through the reduction, reuse and recycling of Encourage conservation through the reduction, reuse and recycling of solid waste.solid waste.

7. Recognize and support state and federal environmental regulations.

8. Monitor surface mine activities for compliance with county permit requirements and applicable surface mining regulations.

9 Discourage the development of noise sensitive land uses near major noise generating land uses such as airports, railroads, highways with high traf-fi c counts, heavy industry, etc.

10. Support policies and regulations which prohibit industrial and surface mining activities from discharging pollutants and excess sediment into our groundwater, rivers and ponds.

11. Encourage reclamation efforts that include replacement of the county’s hardwood reserves and agricultural lands.

12. Recognize and support all state and federal requirements for the pro-tection of fi sh and wildlife; especially endangered species.

13. Promote public awareness of the need to protect Henderson County’s natural resources.

1-3

Goals & Objectives

1-4

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

GOAL:GOAL: Encourage and promote the development of a stable and diversi-Encourage and promote the development of a stable and diversi-fi ed economic base that fosters employment opportunities in Henderson fi ed economic base that fosters employment opportunities in Henderson County.County.

COMMERCIAL & SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

GOAL: GOAL: Encourage Encourage and support the development of small business-es. Meet the commercial needs of Henderson County while requir- Meet the commercial needs of Henderson County while requir-ing adequate, attractive and accessible shopping and service areas. ing adequate, attractive and accessible shopping and service areas.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Encourage small business development, entrepreneurship and growth 1. Encourage small business development, entrepreneurship and growth by providing adequate areas for commercial development and professional by providing adequate areas for commercial development and professional offi ces.offi ces.

2. Encourage the provision of support services and technical assistance 2. Encourage the provision of support services and technical assistance for small businesses and the local workforce through local development agen-for small businesses and the local workforce through local development agen-cies. cies.

3. Encourage condensed, high quality commercial development and re-3. Encourage condensed, high quality commercial development and re-development by discouraging sprawl created by linear shopping areas.development by discouraging sprawl created by linear shopping areas.

4. Encourage the development of commercial locations that are accessible to all segments of the traveling public, including vehicular traffi c, pedestrians, cyclists and public transportation.

5. Encourage professional offi ce development as a transition and/or buffer between residential and commercial uses.

6. Encourage the development of well located and designed commercial areas while considering the traffi c impact on the local transportation system.

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

1-5

6. Encourage the development of well located and designed commer-cial areas and facilities that serve Henderson County’s rural communities while considering the traffi c impact on the local transportation system.

7. Encourage high standards for the physical design of commercial areas in order to make them safe, attractive and functional.

8. Encourage the continued operation and expansion of existing com-mercial facilities that serve Henderson County’s rural communities where appropriate and compatible with adjacent land uses.

8. Encourage the continued operation and expansion of existing com-mercial areas that serve Henderson County’s rural communities where appropriate and compatible with adjacent land uses.

DOWNTOWN HENDERSON

GOAL: GOAL: Preserve downtown Henderson as the city’s central business district Preserve downtown Henderson as the city’s central business district and tourist destination. and tourist destination.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Promote the development of a pedestrian friendly atmosphere within the 1. Promote the development of a pedestrian friendly atmosphere within the downtown area of Henderson by requiring the maintenance of existing walk-downtown area of Henderson by requiring the maintenance of existing walk-ways, benches and green spaces and requiring these amenities in all new and ways, benches and green spaces and requiring these amenities in all new and infi ll development.infi ll development.

2. Support local revitalization, redevelopment and promotional efforts in the downtown area.

3. Encourage and require, where possible, the installation of additional off-street parking and redevelopment of existing parking areas in order to en-hance commercial and tourist activities in downtown Henderson. Emphasis should be placed upon compatibility with the architectural character of the

Goals & Objectives

1-6

general vicinity, the provision of aesthetic landscaping and street furniture, interior block location and safety.

4. Encourage the redevelopment of existing retail space in the central business district and encourage infi ll development that will provide more opportunities for tourism and a variety of uses for the local community such as speciality shops, sidewalk cafes and food vendors, bed and breakfast inns, farmers’ markets, etc.

5. Encourage and facilitate the continued redevelopment of the Riverfront emphasizing its importance as a community resource and its valuable relation-ship to the continued vitality of Henderson’s downtown.

6. Facilitate the aesthetic and physical improvement of properties located on primary and secondary corridors such as Second Street and Green Street leading into the downtown area. Consider a small area redevelopment plan to address these areas.

7. Encourage the development of both residential and offi ce space within the Central Business District, particularly in the vacant upper level fl oors of downtown businesses.

8. Encourage the development of a variety of uses to keep the downtown active beyond traditional work and retail hours.

HENDERSON COUNTY’S RURAL COMMUNITIES

GOAL: Encourage and promote the economic development of Henderson County’s Rural Communities. Objectives:1. Support local revitalization, redevelopment and promotional efforts in Henderson County’s Rural Communities.

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

1-7

2. Encourage the provision of support services and technical assistance for small businesses in Henderson County’s Rural Communities through development agencies.

3. Encourage the provision of support services and technical assis-tance for the local workforce of Henderson County’s Rural Communities through development agencies.

4. Support the efforts of Henderson County’s Rural Communities in obtaining community development funds, grants and low interest loans.

5. Research and plan for the possibility of increased law enforcement in Henderson County’s Rural Communities.

6. Research alternative forms of county government which shall pro-vide more effective and accountable means of government action for the residents of Henderson County’s Rural Communities.

7. Research alternative forms of county government which shall provide more effective and accountable means of representation of the residents of Henderson County’s Rural Communities within the county government.

8. Strive to involve more citizens of Henderson County’s Rural Com-munities in the government and community evolution of the county as a whole.

9. Provide support and services for the fi re protection of Henderson County’s Rural Communities.

10. Provide for the adequate and appropriate representation of the citizens of Henderson County’s Rural Communities on established boards and departments involved in the operation of countywide services and utilities.

Goals & Objectives

1-8

11. Research grants for the procurement of development of property for recreational development in Henderson County’s Rural Communities.

12. Develop and implement an incentive plan to attract residential developers and builders to Henderson County’s Rural Communities.

13. Develop and implement a plan of action that will create residential and commercial demand within Henderson County’s Rural Communi-ties.

14. Develop and implement a plan and/or incentive program that promotes the redevelopment of the existing commercial areas and the development of new businesses and commercial areas within Henderson County’s Rural Communities.

15. Attract and encourage business development, redevelopment and expansion within Henderson County’s Rural Communities.

TOURISM

GOAL: Support and enhance local tourism efforts as part of Henderson County’s overall economic development strategy.

OBJECTIVES:

1.1. Support efforts to promote local tourist attractions and events such Support efforts to promote local tourist attractions and events such as festivals, accommodations, shopping, dining, entertainment and sporting as festivals, accommodations, shopping, dining, entertainment and sporting events. events.

2. Recognize and continue to encourage the efforts of local organizations 2. Recognize and continue to encourage the efforts of local organizations to provide a wide array of arts and humanities programming at affordable to provide a wide array of arts and humanities programming at affordable prices. prices.

3. Encourage the development of aesthetic gateways and entrance cor-3. Encourage the development of aesthetic gateways and entrance cor-

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

1-9

ridors into Henderson and Henderson County in order to promote economic ridors into Henderson and Henderson County in order to promote economic development and enhance the community as a tourist destination and assist development and enhance the community as a tourist destination and assist with wayfi nding.with wayfi nding.

3. Encourage the development of aesthetic gateways and entrance 3. Encourage the development of aesthetic gateways and entrance corridors into Henderson County, including but not limited to gateways corridors into Henderson County, including but not limited to gateways and corridors that pass through the City of Henderson and Henderson and corridors that pass through the City of Henderson and Henderson County’s Rural Communities, in order to promote economic development County’s Rural Communities, in order to promote economic development and enhance Henderson County as a tourist destination and assist with and enhance Henderson County as a tourist destination and assist with wayfi nding.wayfi nding.

4. Promote downtown walking tours which highlight Henderson’s historic 4. Promote downtown walking tours which highlight Henderson’s historic central business district with interpretative signage, and public art as a tourist central business district with interpretative signage, and public art as a tourist attraction. attraction.

5. Actively market Audubon State Park, Henderson’s downtown and 5. Actively market Audubon State Park, Henderson’s downtown and riverfront as tourist attractions. Encourage the efforts of local groups to seek riverfront as tourist attractions. Encourage the efforts of local groups to seek additional funding for the maintenance and improvement of these vital com-additional funding for the maintenance and improvement of these vital com-munity assets. munity assets.

5. Encourage, support and promote the efforts of groups within Hen-5. Encourage, support and promote the efforts of groups within Hen-derson County’s Rural Communities to seek funding for the maintenance derson County’s Rural Communities to seek funding for the maintenance and improvement of their vital community assets.and improvement of their vital community assets.

6. Promote Henderson County as a tourist destination by developing a 6. Promote Henderson County as a tourist destination by developing a tourism plan and increasing marketing activities for the area.tourism plan and increasing marketing activities for the area.

7. Recognize Ellis Park as a tourist attraction and major recreational facil-ity.

Goals & Objectives

1-10

AGRICULTURE

GOAL: Protect prime farmland from urban development in order to pre-serve the rural character of these areas and ensure that agriculture remains a mainstay of the local economy.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Map the location of and encourage preservation of prime farmland by supporting the development of agricultural districts and conservation ease-ments.

2. Encourage agricultural related industries and businesses to locate in suitable areas of the county in order to provide adequate services to outlying agricultural operations.

3. Promote the diversifi cation of the agricultural economy by encouraging new agricultural products and industries.

4. Promote and encourage farmers’ markets in the community.

5. Encourage the development of equine related uses such as horse trails and rural estate development with equine related facilities.

INDUSTRIAL

GOAL: Promote the diversifi cation and expansion of the county’s indus-trial base through recruitment of new industry and retention of existing industries.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Develop an economic development strategy to retain existing indus-1. Develop an economic development strategy to retain existing indus-try, increase economic diversity and create better employment opportunities try, increase economic diversity and create better employment opportunities in order to ensure that the county is a vital part of a strong local and regional in order to ensure that the county is a vital part of a strong local and regional economy.economy.

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

1-11

2. Participate in local and regional economic efforts by encouraging the 2. Participate in local and regional economic efforts by encouraging the recruitment of nonpolluting, self-supported and diversifi ed industries. recruitment of nonpolluting, self-supported and diversifi ed industries.

3. Identify and reserve lands suitable for industrial development in the 3. Identify and reserve lands suitable for industrial development in the land use plan. Access to adequate infrastructure, emergency services, rail, land use plan. Access to adequate infrastructure, emergency services, rail, river, highway and airport transportation shall be considered when identifying river, highway and airport transportation shall be considered when identifying such lands.such lands.

4. Actively recruit industries that will insure long-term, high paying job opportunities for Henderson County residents while minimizing adverse im-pacts to the environment and quality of life.

5. Promote the retention and expansion of existing industries and the recruitment of new industries through community programs and the equitable provision of fi nancial incentives.

6. Promote education and training of the local labor force.

7. Review proposals for industrial development for compatibility with adjoining land and air space uses, provision of adequate infrastructure includ-ing utilities and roads and access to adequate emergency services.

8. Prior to developing new industrial sites, encourage the use of existing industrial parks and riverport facilities.

9. Consider fully reclaimed surface mine lands in close proximity to the river and transportation facilities for future industrial use.

10. Obtain additional funding to promote economic development in Hen-derson County, including the use of coal severance funds.

10. Obtain additional funding to promote economic development in Hen-derson County’s Rural Communities, including but not limited to the use of coal severance funds.

Goals & Objectives

1-12

11. Recognizing that the Henderson County Riverport, and Henderson City-County Airport play critical roles in fostering business growth and economic development, adopt policies and regulations that are compatible with safe and effi cient operation and growth of these facilities.

SURFACE MINING

GOAL: Prevent or minimize the injurious effects of surface mining on the citizens and resources of Henderson County.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Defi ne areas with strippable coal reserves using the depth of coal seam and feasibility of surface mining as a basis.

2. Defi ne growth areas of the county and discourage surface mining ac-tivities in close proximity to these areas.

3. Discourage residential growth in areas not otherwise defi ned as resi-dential growth areas in close proximity to strippable coal reserves.

4. Continue the Surface Mine Committee to oversee surface mine activi-ties and make recommendations to the Henderson County Fiscal Court.

5. Encourage enforcement of county surface mine regulations.

6. Work closely with state agencies to keep public road crossings main-tained in a safe condition.

7. Discourage dust generation from both mining activities and the trans-portation of mine products.

8. Encourage reclamation for maximum aesthetics, forestry, agricultural and/or wildlife uses.

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

1-13

GOAL: Allow the coal resources of Henderson County to be removed with the least adverse impact to the environment, citizens and resources of the county.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Encourage the use of development plans for surface mine zonings and encourage the enforcement of conditions set forth in the plan.

2. Continue to promote the use of limited access points, private access, and haul roads to preserve and protect the public road system in the county and the safety of its citizens and adhere to those objectives in the transportation section of these goals and objectives.

3. All mining zones shall be subject to adherence to all local, state and federal regulations.

4. All lands shall be re-established to a condition that shall provide for the conservation of land values, the agricultural economic base and productivity based on soil types.

5. Review mining activities to assure they are environmentally correct, yet remain competitive in the greater scope of mining activities in the region.

HISTORIC PRESERVATIONHISTORIC PRESERVATION

GOAL:GOAL: Recognize and preserve the historic and cultural resources of Hen-Recognize and preserve the historic and cultural resources of Hen-derson Countyderson County

OBJECTIVES:OBJECTIVES:

1. Encourage the identifi cation, maintenance and protection of signifi cant 1. Encourage the identifi cation, maintenance and protection of signifi cant historic buildings, structures, fences, archeological resources and other features historic buildings, structures, fences, archeological resources and other features through education and, where appropriate, designation of local historic districts through education and, where appropriate, designation of local historic districts and places.and places.

Goals & Objectives2. Support the efforts of local organizations to inform residents and 2. Support the efforts of local organizations to inform residents and visitors of the unique historic and cultural features of the community through visitors of the unique historic and cultural features of the community through promotional and interpretive activities.promotional and interpretive activities.

3. Encourage efforts to preserve and promote Henderson as John James 3. Encourage efforts to preserve and promote Henderson as John James Audubon’s Kentucky Home.Audubon’s Kentucky Home.

4. Promote Henderson as a regional historic attraction through the con-4. Promote Henderson as a regional historic attraction through the con-tinued revitalization and preservation of the unique historic features of each tinued revitalization and preservation of the unique historic features of each historic district. historic district.

5. Promote the establishment of a local historic preservation program to 5. Promote the establishment of a local historic preservation program to insure that the historical value of Henderson is not diminished by indiscriminate insure that the historical value of Henderson is not diminished by indiscriminate building policies, inappropriate demolition or infi ll construction. building policies, inappropriate demolition or infi ll construction.

6. Encourage efforts to preserve and promote Corydon as the birth-6. Encourage efforts to preserve and promote Corydon as the birth-place of Albert Benjamin “Happy” Chandler.place of Albert Benjamin “Happy” Chandler.

HOUSINGHOUSING

GOAL:GOAL: Promote decent, safe and sanitary housing to meet the needs of all Promote decent, safe and sanitary housing to meet the needs of all citizens of Henderson County,citizens of Henderson County, including Henderson County’s Rural Com- including Henderson County’s Rural Com-munitiesmunities, while maintaining high quality of life in the community. , while maintaining high quality of life in the community.

OBJECTIVES:OBJECTIVES:1. 1. Encourage property owners to maintain and rehabilitate, when neces-Encourage property owners to maintain and rehabilitate, when neces-sary, the community’s existing housing stock and neighborhoods while pre-sary, the community’s existing housing stock and neighborhoods while pre-serving structures of architectural signifi cance and promoting appropriate infi ll serving structures of architectural signifi cance and promoting appropriate infi ll development. development.

2. Encourage and support efforts to construct and maintain affordable 2. Encourage and support efforts to construct and maintain affordable housing for elderly, handicapped and other disadvantaged persons in areas housing for elderly, handicapped and other disadvantaged persons in areas where there is convenient access to recreation, commercial activity and other where there is convenient access to recreation, commercial activity and other services.services.

1-14

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

3. Encourage development of retirement community housing and assisted 3. Encourage development of retirement community housing and assisted living facilities with appropriate services for the elderly.living facilities with appropriate services for the elderly.

4. Encourage quality and diversity of design by developing subdivisions 4. Encourage quality and diversity of design by developing subdivisions and housing that is compatible with existing land uses, transportation patterns, and housing that is compatible with existing land uses, transportation patterns, and spatial arrangement of existing neighborhoods. and spatial arrangement of existing neighborhoods.

5. Provide for the fair, equal and uniform enforcement of building 5. Provide for the fair, equal and uniform enforcement of building codes.codes.

6. Protect the stability of existing neighborhoods by discouraging infi ll 6. Protect the stability of existing neighborhoods by discouraging infi ll housing that is inconsistent with existing neighborhood character, residences, housing that is inconsistent with existing neighborhood character, residences, and property values.and property values.

7. Promote the revitalization and redevelopment of existing neighborhoods 7. Promote the revitalization and redevelopment of existing neighborhoods by recognizing them as irreplaceable resources. by recognizing them as irreplaceable resources.

8. Implement provisions of the International Code Council’s International 8. Implement provisions of the International Code Council’s International Property Maintenance Code and use code enforcement to eliminate deteriorating Property Maintenance Code and use code enforcement to eliminate deteriorating or dilapidated residential structures and littered lots to protect the health, safety, or dilapidated residential structures and littered lots to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents, property values and stability of existing neighbor-and welfare of residents, property values and stability of existing neighbor-hoods. hoods.

9. Encourage diversity in neighborhoods rather than separating individual 9. Encourage diversity in neighborhoods rather than separating individual groups. groups.

10. Encourage the creative design of residential development to promote 10. Encourage the creative design of residential development to promote desired elements including well-planned neighborhoods, landscaped entrances desired elements including well-planned neighborhoods, landscaped entrances with appropriate signage and lighting, protected pedestrian ways, open spaces with appropriate signage and lighting, protected pedestrian ways, open spaces for recreation and preservation of natural features such as trees, waterways, for recreation and preservation of natural features such as trees, waterways, and fl oodplains. and fl oodplains.

11. Provide fl exibility in Planned Unit Developments (PUD) with regard 11. Provide fl exibility in Planned Unit Developments (PUD) with regard to setbacks and lot area while maintaining the safety, health and welfare of the to setbacks and lot area while maintaining the safety, health and welfare of the general public. general public.

1-15

Goals & Objectives12. Allow mixed use and density developments while prohibiting incom-12. Allow mixed use and density developments while prohibiting incom-patible land uses from locating directly adjacent to residential areas. patible land uses from locating directly adjacent to residential areas.

13. Require adequate buffering (distance, tree lines, fences, man-made or 13. Require adequate buffering (distance, tree lines, fences, man-made or natural barriers) to protect residential uses from non-residential uses. natural barriers) to protect residential uses from non-residential uses.

14. Discourage the development of residential housing, schools, and other 14. Discourage the development of residential housing, schools, and other high people-density developments near heavy industry, railroads, Henderson high people-density developments near heavy industry, railroads, Henderson County Riverport and Henderson City-County Airport where compatibility County Riverport and Henderson City-County Airport where compatibility issues exist or may arise. issues exist or may arise.

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICESCOMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES

GOAL:GOAL: Ensure that adequate community facilities and services are avail- Ensure that adequate community facilities and services are avail-able and provided in an effi cient manner to conserve human and natural able and provided in an effi cient manner to conserve human and natural resources.resources.

GOAL: Ensure that adequate community facilities and services are avail-GOAL: Ensure that adequate community facilities and services are avail-able and provided to all residents of Henderson County in an effi cient able and provided to all residents of Henderson County in an effi cient manner to conserve human and natural resources. manner to conserve human and natural resources.

OBJECTIVES:OBJECTIVES:

1. Establish an Urban Service Area to ensure that adequate community 1. Establish an Urban Service Area to ensure that adequate community facilities such as utilities, including sewers, transportation and other infrastruc-facilities such as utilities, including sewers, transportation and other infrastruc-ture exist or will be provided in the future for proposed development.ture exist or will be provided in the future for proposed development.

2. Establish policies for development in the Rural Service Area that in-2. Establish policies for development in the Rural Service Area that in-cludes all lands lying outside of incorporated cities and the Urban Service Area cludes all lands lying outside of incorporated cities and the Urban Service Area to insure that development does not occur without adequate infrastructure. to insure that development does not occur without adequate infrastructure.

3. Coordinate the rehabilitation, development and expansion of com-3. Coordinate the rehabilitation, development and expansion of com-munity facilities with land development activities by requiring, at the time of munity facilities with land development activities by requiring, at the time of development, infrastructure suffi cient to accommodate projected growth.development, infrastructure suffi cient to accommodate projected growth.

1-16

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

4. Encourage inter-local and regional cooperation and coordination in the 4. Encourage inter-local and regional cooperation and coordination in the provision of regional community services.provision of regional community services.

5. Research creative ways of funding the expansion and improvement of 5. Research creative ways of funding the expansion and improvement of public services and facilities to ensure that costs are fairly distributed. Co-public services and facilities to ensure that costs are fairly distributed. Co-operative funding agreements between the private and public sectors shall be operative funding agreements between the private and public sectors shall be encouraged to fund future utility extensions.encouraged to fund future utility extensions.

6. Encourage an overall combination of land uses (residential, commer-6. Encourage an overall combination of land uses (residential, commer-cial, industrial, public, etc.) that yields a balance between the public revenues cial, industrial, public, etc.) that yields a balance between the public revenues generated from those uses and the public expenditures required to support those generated from those uses and the public expenditures required to support those uses.uses.

7. Ensure that adequate water, storm water, sewer, solid waste services 7. Ensure that adequate water, storm water, sewer, solid waste services and other utilities are provided in an effi cient, safe and environmentally sound and other utilities are provided in an effi cient, safe and environmentally sound manner.manner.

8. Require the dedication of easements and rights-of-way to meet future 8. Require the dedication of easements and rights-of-way to meet future infrastructure needs when development or redevelopment occurs.infrastructure needs when development or redevelopment occurs.

9. Redevelop and encourage the extension of existing sidewalks and al-9. Redevelop and encourage the extension of existing sidewalks and al-ternative pedestrian systems to create linkages between existing and proposed ternative pedestrian systems to create linkages between existing and proposed developments.developments.

10. Require developers to conduct impact studies where existing infra-10. Require developers to conduct impact studies where existing infra-structure, services and the public school system are not adequate. Developers structure, services and the public school system are not adequate. Developers shall be encouraged to phase construction to ensure that the provisions of these shall be encouraged to phase construction to ensure that the provisions of these available services are adequate to support their developments.available services are adequate to support their developments.

11. Require developers to provide adequate facilities such as sidewalks, 11. Require developers to provide adequate facilities such as sidewalks, proper drainage, utilities and landscaping in new developments. In addition, proper drainage, utilities and landscaping in new developments. In addition, encourage the installation of underground utilities and innovative street light-encourage the installation of underground utilities and innovative street light-ing in all new developments.ing in all new developments.

1-17

Goals & Objectives12. Ensure effi cient public safety services including police, fi re and ambu-12. Ensure effi cient public safety services including police, fi re and ambu-lance by coordinating the addressing of all new development during subdivision lance by coordinating the addressing of all new development during subdivision review.review.

13. Maintain a low crime rate in the community through education, enforce-13. Maintain a low crime rate in the community through education, enforce-ment and other social programs.ment and other social programs.

14. Encourage and support affordable local health facilities, nursing homes 14. Encourage and support affordable local health facilities, nursing homes and child care establishments.and child care establishments.

15. Encourage the elimination of overhead utilities within Henderson’s 15. Encourage the elimination of overhead utilities within Henderson’s historic districts.historic districts.

16. Encourage the development of facilities to provide high speed internet 16. Encourage the development of facilities to provide high speed internet access to all citizens.access to all citizens.

16. Encourage the development of facilities to provide high speed in-16. Encourage the development of facilities to provide high speed in-ternet access to all citizens of Henderson County.ternet access to all citizens of Henderson County.

17. Continue to develop and enhance a local Geographic Information Sys-17. Continue to develop and enhance a local Geographic Information Sys-tem to provide up-to-date information on all aspects of local land use to insure tem to provide up-to-date information on all aspects of local land use to insure the coordinated and effi cient use of resources. the coordinated and effi cient use of resources.

18. Encourage the development of public and private recreational facilities 18. Encourage the development of public and private recreational facilities to meet local needs in the cities and county.to meet local needs in the cities and county.

19. 19. Henderson County, while recognizing the need to provide essential Henderson County, while recognizing the need to provide essential utilities to its citizens, shall encourage that all proposed cellular towers, anten-utilities to its citizens, shall encourage that all proposed cellular towers, anten-nas and other wireless facilities (wireless facilities) be developed in a manner nas and other wireless facilities (wireless facilities) be developed in a manner which retains the integrity of neighborhoods and the overall character, property which retains the integrity of neighborhoods and the overall character, property values and aesthetic quality of life of the community at large. Future develop-values and aesthetic quality of life of the community at large. Future develop-ment policies for the location of wireless facilities within the county shall:ment policies for the location of wireless facilities within the county shall:

a. Ensure that wireless facilities are constructed in practical locations by a. Ensure that wireless facilities are constructed in practical locations by encouraging facilities that minimize the impact to residential neighbor-encouraging facilities that minimize the impact to residential neighbor-hoods.hoods.

1-18

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

b. Minimize the number of wireless facilities by requiring the use of exist-b. Minimize the number of wireless facilities by requiring the use of exist-ing structures and co-location when feasible.ing structures and co-location when feasible.

c. Ensure that there is a minimal impact upon the visual environment by c. Ensure that there is a minimal impact upon the visual environment by requiring adequate screening and/or aesthetically pleasing design.requiring adequate screening and/or aesthetically pleasing design.

d. Protect the public health, safety and welfare by requiring that the wire-d. Protect the public health, safety and welfare by requiring that the wire-less facilities are adequately secured and encouraging the timely mainte-less facilities are adequately secured and encouraging the timely mainte-nance of the structures. In addition, require provisions for the removal of nance of the structures. In addition, require provisions for the removal of abandoned facilities.abandoned facilities.

e. Establish an administrative process for the approval/disapproval of e. Establish an administrative process for the approval/disapproval of wireless facilities.wireless facilities.

f. Ensure that wireless facilities (and all other communication, microwave f. Ensure that wireless facilities (and all other communication, microwave and broadcasting towers ) are constructed in locations that will not encroach and broadcasting towers ) are constructed in locations that will not encroach on the airspace requirements of the Henderson City-County Airport, as de-on the airspace requirements of the Henderson City-County Airport, as de-fi ned by the Federal Regulations and Standards, and depicted on the Airport fi ned by the Federal Regulations and Standards, and depicted on the Airport Zoning Maps approved by the Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission.Zoning Maps approved by the Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission.

TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION

GOAL: GOAL: Develop and maintain an accessible, safe and effi cient multi-modal Develop and maintain an accessible, safe and effi cient multi-modal transportation system transportation system that effectively addresses regional and local develop-that effectively addresses regional and local develop-ment patterns. ment patterns.

GOAL: Develop and maintain an accessible, safe and ef-GOAL: Develop and maintain an accessible, safe and ef-f ic ient mult i -modal transportat ion system that effect ive-f ic ient mult i -modal transportat ion system that effect ive-ly addresses regional, county, and city development patternsly addresses regional, county, and city development patterns

1-19

Goals & Objectives

OBOBJECTIVES:JECTIVES:

1. Promote the coordination between city, county, regional and state 1. Promote the coordination between city, county, regional and state agencies for agencies for transportation improvements.transportation improvements.

2. Provide a balanced multi-modal transportation system by encouraging 2. Provide a balanced multi-modal transportation system by encouraging citizens to walk or bicycle whenever possible by providing safe sidewalks, citizens to walk or bicycle whenever possible by providing safe sidewalks, street crossings, bike paths and other alternatives to vehicular transporta-street crossings, bike paths and other alternatives to vehicular transporta-tion.tion.

3. Require the installation of pedestrian and bikeways in conjunction 3. Require the installation of pedestrian and bikeways in conjunction with any major state and federal transportation improvements (roadways and with any major state and federal transportation improvements (roadways and bridges) in Henderson County. bridges) in Henderson County.

4. Study and implement ways to improve traffi c fl ow in the commercial 4. Study and implement ways to improve traffi c fl ow in the commercial areas and along streets within Henderson County.areas and along streets within Henderson County.

5. Encourage the provision of additional safe and aesthetically pleas-5. Encourage the provision of additional safe and aesthetically pleas-ing parking areas within downtown Henderson with appropriate locational ing parking areas within downtown Henderson with appropriate locational signage.signage.

6. Review all development plans to ensure that they meet current speci-6. Review all development plans to ensure that they meet current speci-fi cations in terms of adequate off-street parking, rights-of-way and paved fi cations in terms of adequate off-street parking, rights-of-way and paved travel surfaces.travel surfaces.

7. Limit the number of direct access points along arterial streets by 7. Limit the number of direct access points along arterial streets by encouraging the use of frontage roads and implementation of other access encouraging the use of frontage roads and implementation of other access management techniques.management techniques.

8. Highway commercial uses shall be in close proximity to highway in-8. Highway commercial uses shall be in close proximity to highway in-terchanges for maximum convenience and economy to the travelling public, terchanges for maximum convenience and economy to the travelling public, while minimizing the impact to the community in terms of traffi c congestion, while minimizing the impact to the community in terms of traffi c congestion, local commuting patterns and access.local commuting patterns and access.

1-20

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

9. The interior street system of new residential developments shall insure 9. The interior street system of new residential developments shall insure continuity with adjacent built or planned neighboring areas. Residential devel-continuity with adjacent built or planned neighboring areas. Residential devel-opments shall be encouraged to provide interconnections between sections of opments shall be encouraged to provide interconnections between sections of their developments and with adjacent developments to promote safe and easy their developments and with adjacent developments to promote safe and easy transportation access and a sense of neighborhood interaction. Street exten-transportation access and a sense of neighborhood interaction. Street exten-sions shall be developed where needed and feasible. The interior street system sions shall be developed where needed and feasible. The interior street system shall also coordinate with and continue the evolving multi-modal transportation shall also coordinate with and continue the evolving multi-modal transportation system (pedestrian and bicycle facilities).system (pedestrian and bicycle facilities).

10. Continue to work with the Evansville Urban Transportation Study in 10. Continue to work with the Evansville Urban Transportation Study in the implementation of the the implementation of the 2030 Transportation Plan 2030 Transportation Plan and and Greater Henderson Greater Henderson Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and subsequent updates to these plans. and subsequent updates to these plans.

11. Consider the provision of multi-modal transportation facilities early 11. Consider the provision of multi-modal transportation facilities early in the planning and development process for all locally funded transportation in the planning and development process for all locally funded transportation construction, reconstruction, maintenance or intersection improvement projects. construction, reconstruction, maintenance or intersection improvement projects. In addition, require developers to install bicycle and pedestrian facilities as In addition, require developers to install bicycle and pedestrian facilities as identifi ed in the identifi ed in the Greater Henderson Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Greater Henderson Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and subse-and subse-quent updates to the plan.quent updates to the plan.

12. Ensure that each roadway continues to function at its designated Level of Service (LOS) with adequate routing for emergency services byrequiring traffi c impact studies for uses that have the potential to adversely impact traffi c volume and fl ow. 13. Encourage the location and design of new high speed arterials while minimizing negative impacts on existing residential areas, prime farmlands, and north and central portions of the Canoe Creek drainage basin.

13. Encourage the location and design of new high speed arterials, as well as the renovation, restoration and maintenance of existing roadways, while minimizing any negative impact on existing residential areas, prime farmlands, and north and central portions of the Canoe Creek drainage basin.

1-21

Goals & Objectives

14. Encourage high intensity commercial and industrial land uses along the KY 425 by-pass to include secondary arterial construction and intersections at pre-determined allowable access points. Major growth in this area should not impact the major arterial routes in the county or increase fl ooding from Canoe Creek.

15. Support the location and planning of the proposed I-69 interstate on the eastern periphery of Henderson County.

16. Promote the use of Henderson County’s existing river, air and trans-portation systems.

16. Develop, support and promote countywide public transportation systems, including but not limited to Henderson County’s existing river, air and public transportation systems.

17. Encourage improvements to U.S. Highway 41 North including, but not limited to, greater access restrictions, development of frontage roads with sidewalks, additional landscaping and redevelopment of abandoned parking lots.

18. Encourage proposals for new development and redevelopment of ex-isting areas to include the provision of aesthetic transportation improvements such as greater right-of-way widths (with the exception of Traditional Neigh-borhood Developments (TNDs), boulevard streets, theme lighting, attractive street furniture and other innovative concepts.

19. The county road and highway networks should not only provide an adequate radial system serving Henderson County cities, but also an effective lateral system linking the radial system to all areas of the county.

20. Encourage adherence to the Access Standards Manual in the design of 20. Encourage adherence to the Access Standards Manual in the design of roadway entrances in future developments. roadway entrances in future developments.

21. Work with rail companies and state agencies to maintain all railroad crossings.

1-22

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

22. Recognize the importance of accessible sidewalks as thoroughfares for the safe movement of pedestrians for the purpose of: -Access to nearby public or private facilities, whether existing or in the foreseeable future. -Recreational buffer for children, joggers and walkers. -Routing children between schools and bus stop areas and individual residences. -As an alternative to vehicular traffi c.

23. Encourage the development of sidewalk construction and replacement programs in Henderson County. Retrofi t existing developed areas to include sidewalks.

24. Allow for the waiver of sidewalk requirements in rural areas outside the urban service area where the proposed development is not located on a collector, primary, or secondary arterial, where lots are two acres more in size and it can be shown that sidewalks would not serve an essential purpose such as access to nearby existing or proposed public or private facilities. However, developers should be required to dedicate rights-of-way and/or provide con-nections via sidewalks, pedestrian and/or bike trails in areas identifi ed in the Greater Henderson Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and subsequent updates of this plan.

25. Promote the extension of the river walk from 12th Street south to Sunset Park.

26. Promote safe multi-modal access to existing or future recreational facilities.

27. Encourage the provision of well-located bus stops and turnarounds to increase accessibility for disabled persons and encourage the use of public transportation for those who commute.

1-23

Goals & Objectives

28. Recognizing that riverports and airports are key components in the transportation infrastructure of this region and play key roles in retaining busi-ness as well as making the community more attractive to companies currently operating outside the areas and to those looking for business or industrial sites in the future, the Henderson City-County Planning Commission shall assist in encouraging policies and regulations promoting safe and effi cient operations and growth at the Henderson County Riverport, and Henderson City-County Airport.

LAND USELAND USE

GOAL:GOAL: Designate adequate land uses in appropriate locations while encour- Designate adequate land uses in appropriate locations while encour-aging quality design and minimizing the adverse impacts of development.aging quality design and minimizing the adverse impacts of development.

OBJECTIVES:OBJECTIVES:

1.1. Promote development patterns that follow guidelines for planned Promote development patterns that follow guidelines for planned growth, respect urban service areas and frame development with open space.growth, respect urban service areas and frame development with open space.

2. Identify, establish and maintain open space and greenway corridors 2. Identify, establish and maintain open space and greenway corridors to enhance the natural environment, increase linkages between various rec-to enhance the natural environment, increase linkages between various rec-reational opportunities, protect environmentally sensitive areas and provide reational opportunities, protect environmentally sensitive areas and provide buffers between varying land uses. buffers between varying land uses.

3. Provide guidelines for residential development that stresses fl exibility 3. Provide guidelines for residential development that stresses fl exibility and creativity in neighborhood design, focuses on neighborhood character, and creativity in neighborhood design, focuses on neighborhood character, landscaped streets, open spaces and the preservation of natural features.landscaped streets, open spaces and the preservation of natural features.

4. View development issues in terms of promoting overall quality of life. 4. View development issues in terms of promoting overall quality of life. Mixing of residential and other land uses shall be encouraged, but only in ap-Mixing of residential and other land uses shall be encouraged, but only in ap-propriately planned and designed neighborhood developments.propriately planned and designed neighborhood developments.

5. Balance developmental needs with the preservation and protection of 5. Balance developmental needs with the preservation and protection of the Henderson’s existing assets and character.the Henderson’s existing assets and character.

1-24

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

5. Balance developmental needs with the preservation and protection 5. Balance developmental needs with the preservation and protection of Henderson County’s existing assets and character.of Henderson County’s existing assets and character.

6. Restrict development in physically restrictive areas.6. Restrict development in physically restrictive areas.

7. Require adequate preventive measures to minimize environmental 7. Require adequate preventive measures to minimize environmental degradation during construction in all areas.degradation during construction in all areas.

8. Encourage quality and aesthetically pleasing development and redevel-8. Encourage quality and aesthetically pleasing development and redevel-opment through fair, equal and uniform review processes, land use designations, opment through fair, equal and uniform review processes, land use designations, subdivision regulations and other activities relating to planning.subdivision regulations and other activities relating to planning.

9. Keep existing infrastructure effi cient by promoting restoration and 9. Keep existing infrastructure effi cient by promoting restoration and redevelopment of property already in commercial areas. New commercial, redevelopment of property already in commercial areas. New commercial, multi-family housing and other high-density land uses should be located near multi-family housing and other high-density land uses should be located near similar existing uses.similar existing uses.

10. Promote aesthetically pleasing commercial development with appropri-10. Promote aesthetically pleasing commercial development with appropri-ate access, signage and landscaping ate access, signage and landscaping throughout Henderson County.throughout Henderson County.

11. Encourage effective site placement, architectural and landscape design 11. Encourage effective site placement, architectural and landscape design for commercial and industrial uses to facilitate aesthetically pleasing devel-for commercial and industrial uses to facilitate aesthetically pleasing devel-opments while eliminating adverse impacts to adjacent land uses. Nuisances opments while eliminating adverse impacts to adjacent land uses. Nuisances such as smoke, dust, noise, light and odor shall be kept at a minimum. Site such as smoke, dust, noise, light and odor shall be kept at a minimum. Site development and enforcement of such nuisances shall be carefully coordinated development and enforcement of such nuisances shall be carefully coordinated and require the necessary approvals of other regulatory agencies.and require the necessary approvals of other regulatory agencies.

12. Revise and enforce sign regulations that enhance the natural environ-12. Revise and enforce sign regulations that enhance the natural environ-ment and minimize visual clutter.ment and minimize visual clutter.

13. Encourage coordination and cooperation between the planning com-13. Encourage coordination and cooperation between the planning com-mission and various other government entities.mission and various other government entities.

1-25

Goals & Objectives13. Encourage coordination and cooperation between the planning 13. Encourage coordination and cooperation between the planning commission and the other governmental entities throughout Henderson commission and the other governmental entities throughout Henderson County.County.

14. Require appropriate transitions between land uses of varying density 14. Require appropriate transitions between land uses of varying density or intensity.or intensity.

15. Plans for future land development should create a compact pattern 15. Plans for future land development should create a compact pattern rather than a decentralized sprawl pattern.rather than a decentralized sprawl pattern.

16. Locate higher intensity land uses on roads capable of handling high 16. Locate higher intensity land uses on roads capable of handling high traffi c volumes. Require the provision of traffi c impact studies and upgrading traffi c volumes. Require the provision of traffi c impact studies and upgrading of roadways where the Level of Service (LOS) of the roadway is effected by of roadways where the Level of Service (LOS) of the roadway is effected by a proposed development or land use.a proposed development or land use.

17. Update zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations as necessary to 17. Update zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations as necessary to ensure consistency with the comprehensive plan, new legislation and changing ensure consistency with the comprehensive plan, new legislation and changing community conditions.community conditions.

18. Require the dedication of well-designed and usable open spaces in all 18. Require the dedication of well-designed and usable open spaces in all types of development through provisions in the subdivision regulations and types of development through provisions in the subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances. zoning ordinances.

19. Support the use of community development funds to build new struc-19. Support the use of community development funds to build new struc-tures/facilities, rehabilitate existing structures, redevelop neighborhoods and tures/facilities, rehabilitate existing structures, redevelop neighborhoods and extend services and/or facilities to underserved areas extend services and/or facilities to underserved areas throughout Henderson throughout Henderson County. County.

20. Analyze ongoing and potential development in rural areas to determine 20. Analyze ongoing and potential development in rural areas to determine the impacts of encroaching non-rural uses on preservation of farmland, cost of the impacts of encroaching non-rural uses on preservation of farmland, cost of utility extensions and the orderly growth of Henderson County. utility extensions and the orderly growth of Henderson County.

20. Analyze ongoing and potential development throughout Henderson 20. Analyze ongoing and potential development throughout Henderson County to determine the impact of encroaching non-rural uses on preser-County to determine the impact of encroaching non-rural uses on preser-vation of farmland, cost of utility extensions and orderly growth.vation of farmland, cost of utility extensions and orderly growth.

1-26

Goals & Objectives

H e n d e r s o n C i t y - C o u n t y

C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n

21. Reduce the cost of urban sprawl by creating development policies which 21. Reduce the cost of urban sprawl by creating development policies which promote orderly, cost effective growth promote orderly, cost effective growth throughout Henderson County.throughout Henderson County.

22. Provide guidance for future growth in Henderson County through an-22. Provide guidance for future growth in Henderson County through an-nexation studies and implementation. nexation studies and implementation.

22. Provide guidance for future growth throughout Henderson County 22. Provide guidance for future growth throughout Henderson County through annexation studies and implementation.through annexation studies and implementation.

23. Promote the redevelopment of vacant or abandoned properties 23. Promote the redevelopment of vacant or abandoned properties through-through-out Henderson County. out Henderson County.

24. Require all future land uses to be in compliance with local and Kentucky 24. Require all future land uses to be in compliance with local and Kentucky Airport Regulations. Airport Regulations.

25. Encourage each legislative body to follow local development standards.

26. Require that current accessibility standards be met in the design and 26. Require that current accessibility standards be met in the design and construction of new buildings and developments including sidewalks and construction of new buildings and developments including sidewalks and walkways. Require appropriate modifi cations to meet accessibility standards walkways. Require appropriate modifi cations to meet accessibility standards when buildings are renovated including compliance with the Americans with when buildings are renovated including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.Disabilities Act of 1990.

27. Establish a zoning district outlining community compatibility standards 27. Establish a zoning district outlining community compatibility standards and aesthetic regulations to accommodate big box and higher intensity devel-and aesthetic regulations to accommodate big box and higher intensity devel-opments. opments.

1-27