As a collection of citizen study committees works on a new town-wide Comprehensive Plan, town officials have announced a companion public lecture series that will bring top speakers to town to discuss big-picture issues such as the economy, sustainability, community involvement in planning, and neighborhood design.
Gallis
The series kicks off Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m., in Town Hall with a presentaton by regional planning expert Michael Gallis, of Michael Gallis and Associates of Charlotte, and Ron Leitch, an economic development representative with the Charlotte office of the N.C. Department of Commerce. Town Board members Evan Webster and Brian Jenest will moderate a panel discussion at the forum, which will focus on global influences on Davidson’s future and regional economic trends.
“The town is adding to the public participation (in the Comprehensive Plan) another layer, in the form of these community forums,” said town planner Lauren Blackburn. Current and former town commissioners will moderate the discussions.
The forums will continue March 16 with a program on “Getting It Built and Getting Involved.” An April 16 forum will focus on “Neighborhood Design and Housing.” And on April 21, the presentation and discussion will turn to “What Does Sustainable Look Like?” (For speakers, moderators and other details, see the full schedule below.)
“I don’t expect we’re going to answer many questions at these forums, but the goal is to raise new questions and other themes,” Ms. Blackburn said.
The information could be helpful as citizen study groups examine these and other issues as part of the two-year Comprehensive Plan process, she said. More than180 residents and stakeholders are working on seven study groups. The process also includes a Student Vision Committee, with students from area middle and high schools, and project coordinating committees.
LINKS
Jan. 27, 2009, “At meeting, study groups begin planning process”
Town of Davidson web page devoted to the Comprehensive Plan, www.plandavidson.org
FORUM SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall Board Room, 216 S. Main St. – “Our Economic Future,” with Michael Gallis, of Michael Gallis and Associates, and Ron Leitch, North Carolina Department of Commerce. Moderators: Davidson Commissioners Brian Jenest and Evan Webster. Michael Gallis is one of the country’s leading experts in large-scale development planning, real estate and information services, and economic development strategies. Mr. Gallis will speak to global influences on Davidson’s economic future. Ron Leitch is an Economic Developer with the Charlotte Regional Office of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Mr. Leitch will address economic trends in the Charlotte region.
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 7 p.m., Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble St. (tentative) – “Getting It Built and Getting Involved.” Speakers include town staff and elected officials. Moderators Davidson Commissioner Bill Johnson and former Commissioner Garfield Carr. Agenda and speaker information to be determined. Staff and elected officials will explain services public agencies provide, and the process by which the Town prioritizes and implements local projects. Local leaders will explain the citizen’s role in decision-making and avenues for involvement.
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 7 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “Neighborhood Design and Housing.” Speakers: Commissioner Margo Williams and local builders and architects. Moderator: former Davidson Commissioner Bruce McMillen. Agenda and speaker information to be determined. Speakers will describe unique features of Davidson’s planning ordinance and design process, and outline innovative neighborhood design and housing options.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 7 p.m., Town Hall, 216 S. Main St. – “What Does Sustainable Look Like?” Speakers: To be determined. Moderators: Comissioner Laurie Venzon and former Commission David Martin. Agenda and full speaker information is to be determined. This forum will focus on ways to balance a sustainable ecosystem with economic goals, recreational needs, and infrastructure expansion.
