By JC Medina
The Lacey Planning Commission conducted a review of proposed updates to the city's transportation, economic development and utilities elements, outlining strategic goals that will shape the city's development.
The transportation element presentation, given at a meeting on May 14, revealed community priorities for enhanced mobility and connectivity.
Steven Goodsell, Transportation Engineer and Planner of Fehr and Peers, presented six goals focused on creating a multimodal network that supports walking, biking, transit and regional connections.
"I want Lacey to be the most walkable, cyclable and accessible Tree City in Washington," one community comment highlighted, reflecting aspirations of residents for urban mobility.
The commission also discussed safety and accessibility in the city.
The proposed transportation goals include prioritizing safety for vulnerable network users, supporting affordable housing development and promoting sustainability and environmental conservation.
In the economic development segment, Wesley Nguyen, the City of Lacey's Economic Development Coordinator, outlined six goals designed to support local businesses and entrepreneurship.
A key focus was creating a supportive environment for new and existing businesses, particularly businesses owned by people of color and recent immigrants.
"We've been doing training to support entrepreneurs of color," said Nguyen in highlighting the city's efforts to reduce barriers to business development.
The utilities element presentation addressed future infrastructure needs, with a particular focus on energy efficiency and emerging technologies.
Community Planning Manager Ryan Andrews discussed the potential integration of battery energy storage facilities, emphasizing the need for careful regional coordination to determine appropriate locations.
"We're working as a region to develop regulations that basically say where these things should or shouldn't go in the future," he said.
The comprehensive plan update reflects several critical community priorities, including improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship.
Promoting sustainability and environmental conservation, and preparing for future technological and infrastructure needs were also part of the plan update.
The planning commission will continue refining the comprehensive plan, with a draft expected to be released in July.
The final plan is anticipated to go before the city council in early fall after a public hearing and review process.
johngreen
Lacey talks the talk but fails to walk the walk. How about fixing our sidewalks to make the city more walkable. Spend less on street repairs and more on sidewalk repair. Of course this would require the city council to budget more money for sidewalk repair. Cutting trees down does not fix the sidewalks as some in the city management would lead you to believe. Removing and replacing trees just adds more to the expense of sidewalk repair. Time for the city to get serious about sidewalk repair before more citizens are injured by raised sidewalks. Sidewalks and trees are an asset that need to be maintained.
Tuesday, May 20 Report this