City of Suwanee

2030 comprehensive plan

TODAY’S AGENDA

•Process Update

•Community Agenda

Framework

•“Compass” Review Images and Questions

Comp Plan Categories

•Breakout Sessions

•Next Steps

PROCESS AND SCHEDULE

•Currently in Phase

Three•Validation of Character

Areas

•Defining Character Area

issues, visions, priorities

•Begin draft Community

Agenda document

•Plan process to wind

down in November with

document review, work

program creation

PLANNING STRUCTURE

•Community Assessment With county - Completed

“Where we are now”

•Community Agenda The “meat” of the Comp Plan

Stakeholders and community

input

“Where we want to be”- Vision

Implementation steps

COMMUNITY AGENDA STRUCTURE

•Based on Character Areas Dedicated chapter for each Area

Narrative description of Area vision, including long-term growth

policy

Quality community objectives addressed in vision for Area

Specific implementation measures to achieve objectives

•Chapter on community-wide issues and objectives Addresses places not covered by Character Areas

•Chapter on implementation

Short-term work program

Goals / policies to support program

SUWANEE CHARACTER AREAS

•Emerging, but need more discussion

•Can focus on promoting growth, or enhancing what

is already there, or a blend of both

•Stresses physical form, design, program

•Must consider the role of the Character Area in the

future of the entire city

•Must take into account a long-term future (25

years or more)

City of Suwanee

SUMMARY OF COMPASS RESULTS

Strongest sense of “Suwanee Identity” – Town Center and park (43%)

Most progress on “liveability” made in civic interaction opportunities and creation of a strong town center (4.41)

In terms of population growth and diversity, need to create and maintain a strong civic spirit in the next 20 years (4.50)

Highest priority to improve future quality of life:

• Balancing land uses (4.42)

• Protecting natural environment (4.29)

Housing

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#4: 3.72

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#10: 3.60

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#2: 3.53

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#23: 1.67

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#9: 1.55

Critical housing priority: Quality of design and construction (47%)

Senior housing is most lacking (2.40)

Most desirable neighborhoods:

• Village Grove

• Settles Bridge

• Shadow Brook

Preference for single family homes on large lots and a suburban environment

Economic Development

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#43: 3.35

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#37: 3.33

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#28: 3.31

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#29: 1.63

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#38: 1.40

Healthcare and service jobs lacking (2.37)

Special programs should be instituted for business attraction (47%)

Preference for low density structures, one or two stories high and traditional architectural styles.

Transportation

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#57: 4.17

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#68: 4.10

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#67: 4.06

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#70: 1.65

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#61: 1.44

Critical transportation issues:

• Interchange congestion (4.85)

• Pass through traffic (4.60)

Other traffic problems that need to be addressed:

• General congestion (69%)

• Pedestrian safety (65%)

Two Best ways to improve and manage parking:

• Small, dispersed parking lots (59%)

• Municipal parking decks (51%)

Community Facilities

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)

The overall highest ranking image!!

#84: 4.30

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#86: 4.21

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#85: 3.98

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#82: 3.91

Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#94: 2.19

Pressing healthcare issues:

• Promoting general wellness (3.96)

• Providing for the special needs of seniors (3.91)

Most valuable service by police force: Neighborhood watch (75%)

Preferences evenly distributed for active recreational amenities. Least preference for skate park and extreme sports

Desired passive recreational amenities:

• Performing arts center (59%)

• Cinema (55%)

Natural & Historic Resources

Environmental issues for the future:

• Loss of tree canopy / vegetation (4.42)

• Water supply (4.28)

Most pressing historic preservation issue is landscape preservation (4.10)

People would support any incentives offered towards historic preservation (4.19)

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

•Three areas for

discussion North Suwanee – PIB

Corridor and north

Central Suwanee – Old

Town, Town Center, Buford

Highway corridor

South Suwanee – Area

south of Suwanee Creek,

including I-85 Gateway

•Three groups, 20

minutes of discussion

per area

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

•Address strategic

questions: What are the major issues

affecting the area?

Do you think the area will

change in 5 years? 10

years? 25 years?

Should the area change in

the future? In what ways?

Should the area stay the

same in any ways?

NEXT STEPS• Upcoming Meeting:

September 27 – Task Force – Character Area

Workshop

• Project web site

Please visit for more information:

www.suwanee.com (under “City & Other

Services”)