Higher density, mixed use retail/residential/commercial development makes better use of land and services, and benefits low-income buyers and merchants alike.
Since the last General Plan Update, the City Council has failed to demonstrate leadership or vision in that no development guidance has been published. As such the Planning Commission and City Staff must defer to old, out-dated zoning ordinances. Have good ideas fallen by the wayside for lack of such guidance - we don't know! What has been passed demonstrates no continuity, no central theme for the City, and no real concern for various community impacts. Another negative side-effect is the appearance of secrecy in the planning-approval process. There are so many community concerns that should be addressed, discussed and decided upon.
By contrast, a new development plan that considers public opinion, weighs our various strengths and weaknesses, and actually reflects our conception of "Lompoc 2020" (what we envision Lompoc will be like in 2020), benefits residents, investors, developers, and staff alike. Currently we can reach 4 stories (fire department limits), but in the future no such limit exists. Three or four story buildings in Old Town, Up town (Central @ North H), and along the H Street corridor provide a walkable, liveable, area for shopping and residences (affordable and otherwise).
In Lompoc's development pipeline are some 1,200 units requiring the City to annex land west, south, north and even east of current boundaries. While each proposal should be considered on its' merit, the entire concept of sprawl is inappropriate.
So, to restate my point: New developer guidelines must be prepared with community input to guide future growth and development, both physical and economic, with an eye toward growing upward rather than outward.
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