Council to hear downtown master plan Monday night
By Anessa Myers
Published in News on August 5, 2007 2:01 AM
Urban designer Allison Platt's proposed $178 million master plan for downtown Goldsboro is on the Goldsboro City Council agenda, and officials said the plan is likely to be adopted at Monday's meeting.
The plan was unveiled in February, and many residents saw what downtown Goldsboro could look like -- and they were amazed.
Building restorations, revitalized residences and improved roads made the outlook of downtown's future very bright. Changes in zoning and usage of certain buildings were among the plan, with suggestions of certain design guidelines also included.
At the plan's reveal, Platt said, "Of all the towns that I've worked on in the Carolinas, I think your community has the most potential."
Platt continued, "You have some beautiful buildings, commercial and residential, downtown.
"Whatever you do, hold onto them with both hands. They are your history."
The council plans to maintain that history but improve the present, starting at Monday's meeting.
The plan for downtown for the next 10 years will address a need for more signs around the area, appealing streets and store-fronts, additions of green and open spaces and the character and image of a historic town.
The council has a few other items to consider Monday night and is recommended to approve all -- some with a few modifications.
Wayne Christian School proposed a plan for additions of the property to include an automatic batting cage and concession stand.
Memorial Commons Shopping Center has proposed a site plan for Starbucks with a drive-through lane which the council is expected to approve.
Joseph Atkinson wishes to change the zoning of his property on the east side of Bryant Street between Eunice Street and Royall Avenue from general industry zoning to residential zoning.
Katelyn Murphy requests a conditional use permit to allow kennels and pet boarding on her property on South Berkeley Boulevard between Elm Street and Ash Street. The council is recommended to approve the site as long as no animals or animal waste be located outside of the building.
Neil Weeks requests a conditional use permit to allow retail sales with outdoor storage on his property on U.S. highway 70 West between U.S. 117 and the Little River.
Stuber Enterprises is requesting a permit to allow the operation of an animal hospital facility on the corner of Graves Drive and Malloy Street.
Site and landscape plans for Prince Avenue Apartments, A Small Miracle and Gail Rivera Restaurant are on the agenda for the meeting as well as a 45-lot preliminary plat for Spring Garden subdivision.
No public hearings will be held at the meeting.
At the end of the meeting, council members will open the floor for a public comment period, but the comments are asked to be limited to three minutes.
People who wish to attend the meeting are asked to turn off or silence their cell phones upon entering the council chambers.