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Home - Local News Sports Obituaries Editorial Social Archives |
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Editorial - April 2002 |
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Lincolnton’s ‘grand plan’ April 5, 2002 - It was a small turnout Tuesday as Lincolnton’s planners sought suggestions from local residents on a future land-use plan, but those attending offered a clear message: accept new growth with caution, but keep the city’s small town flavor. That could be a problem, because the city is growing. Between 1990 and 2000, Lincolnton grew by over 3,000 people. That’s a whopping 43 percent increase. As the city grows, its land use policies become very important. We’ve all seen the spot zoning, the tacky storefronts and unattractive signage in neighboring cities. We have also seen the well-landscaped, pedestrian friendly shopping centers and apartment complexes that we would be proud to have in our community. Now is the time to make our own choices for the future. Lincolnton citizens can express their preferences on new development by simply watching a slide presentation and rating what they like and don’t like when the next forum is held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Boger City United Methodist Church fellowship hall. During the first forum this week, Lincolnton residents voiced concern about courtsquare safety, suggesting slower traffic and pedestrian walkways. Lighting the courthouse area at night and bringing in more downtown shopping with nice restaurants were also suggestions. They said the city’s “gateways,” the entrances travelers take when they enter Lincolnton, also need to be improved. Other suggestions: ensure walking access to local schools; keep the Lincolnton post office downtown; preserve historic buildings; maintain the city’s old trees; develop better traffic control on congested Main Street — particularly in the Boger City area; and consider signage and utility guidelines. Lincolnton planning staff, assisted by planners from the Centralina Council of Governments will integrate those suggestions into an advisory plan during the next several months. The plan is not a zoning document, but a resource to check when zoning issues come up. Call it a “grand plan” if you like. Anytime a sticky issue comes up on zoning and development, the Lincolnton City Council will have an authoritative reference at their fingertips. This process is a visionary step by the city of Lincolnton to prepare for the future instead of reacting to events as they happen. We urge support of city planners as they proceed and look forward to the final plan that will go to City Council when all of the work is complete. . |
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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