South Kingstown Villages Study The Village of West Kingston JJulyy 28, 2015 South Kingstown Planning Department 180 High Street Wakefield, RI 02879 Horsleyy Witten Group p 55 Dorrance Street Providence, RI 02903
Tonight s Meeting TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN, PLANNING BOARD Community Workshop, West Kingston Village Plan Presentation of Draft Final Report Welcome and Introductions Overview of Process to Date and Purpose of Workshop What the West Kingston Village Plan is Intended to Do (and what it s not) Presentation of Major Findings and Recommendations of the Draft Final Report Thoughts, Questions and Discussion with Community Members Next Steps, Expectations Going Forward Staying Involved Adjournment
Welcome
The guiding principles of village scale Use existing conditions as a reference point Balance sustainable growth with village scale heritage Set size of buildings though zoning Carefully locate density of development Identify appropriate design for roads Focus on walkability
Our Process to Date Review of existing conditions Research and interviews Identify Defining Issues Public Discussion March 19, 2013 Public Discussion Nov 19, 2013 Planning Board work sessions g Revisions and updates
Looking at new housing models
Thinking about village architecture
Talking about village-scale mixed use
Public input on village design
To finish the Plan Meeting here tonight Final edits Planning Board endorsement Town Council endorsement
Summary of the Plan Goals of the Plan Celebrate West Kingston Create a Community Discussion Articulate a Vision Chart a Course for the Future The Plan is a framework for moving forward and The Plan is a framework for moving forward and building on the strengths of the village.
Charting a Course for the Future Common Threads Managing and Preserving Community Character Connectivity and Circulation Specific Issues Plans at URI Potential Loss of Agricultural Lands Zoning Ordinance Conformity Important Historic Sites Viability of Industrial Uses Groundwater Protection Overlay District
Managing and Preserving Community Character Develop Design Guidelines Identify appropriate areas for mixed use Consider cottage community development Convene an active village community group
Connectivity and Circulation Advocate for the village perspective in all transportation projects.
Plans at URI Continue participation in the Campus Master Plan. Pursue a Host Community/ University cooperative y y p agreement.
Potential Loss of Agricultural Lands
Potential Loss of Agricultural Lands Continue to provide farms with flexibility for accessory uses. Consider Transfer of Development Rights as a possible preservation tool. Identify a community liaison from the Town to the agricultural l community. Continue with land preservation efforts through the Partnership for Preservation.
Zoning Ordinance Conformity Consider mixed use around aou the Courthouse, Post Office, and adjacent commercial uses. Consider limited rezoning of Waites Corner for small-scale commercial.
Important Historic Sites Continue to pursue sale and reuse of the William Watson House. Help to reactivate the Courthouse Center by allowing programming flexibility.
Viability of Industrial Uses Identify an economic development liaison to stay in tune with industry needs. Develop performance standards that provide a clear path to approval and high levels of groundwater protection. Encourage existing users to improve the aesthetic appeal of buildings and sites. Consider infrastructure improvements to bolster the viability of existing and future operations and protect groundwater.
Groundwater Protection Overlay District Update to be consistent ste t with best practices. Identify opportunities to increase recharge. Consider incorporating green infrastructure requirements into future regulatory amendments.
Discussion Which issue speaks most to you? Did we get it right? What is your highest h priority i and why? Which items should be led by the government? Citizens? Businesses?
Stay Informed, Get Involved! Please visit the project website at: www.horsleywitten.com/skingstownvillagestudy