Informational meeting with Conner Center Businesses November 26, 2007
City of Manassas Park Emphasis - A City in Transition City prides itself in being “business friendly” –Expedited permit and planning process –Personal support by staff and Governing Body Transition city businesses from sustainment of 1970s face to competitive in 21 st Century –Environmental sensitivity –Retail/commercial mix with light industrial –Tools to assist with business transition – EDA, market development Park Center – from virtual concept to “under construction” –Park Center standard is vision for economic expansion and redevelopment of Manassas Park
Comprehensive Plan Adopted February 2006 Virginia State Code§ Comprehensive plan to be prepared and adopted; scope and purpose The local planning commission shall prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the territory within its jurisdiction and every governing body shall adopt a comprehensive plan for the territory under its jurisdiction. In the preparation of a comprehensive plan, the commission shall make careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of the existing conditions and trends of growth, and of the probable future requirements of its territory and inhabitants. The comprehensive plan shall be made with the purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the territory which will, in accordance with present and probable future needs and resources, best promote the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity and general welfare of the inhabitants, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Comprehensive Plan Adopted February 2006 The comprehensive plan shall be general in nature, in that it shall designate the general or approximate location, character, and extent of each feature, including any road improvement and any transportation improvement, shown on the plan and shall indicate where existing lands or facilities are proposed to be extended, widened, removed, relocated, vacated, narrowed, abandoned, or changed in use as the case may be.
Comprehensive Plan Supported by Strategic Plan –Family friendly, hometown atmosphere –Balanced commercial and residential tax base Town Center concept introduced with the 1990 Comprehensive Plan. City-sponsored charette in explored options for a new mixed-use development (town center/downtown). The Park Center Advisory Committee was formed in 2002 to develop standards and guidelines for Park Center and future economic development of Manassas Park.
Comprehensive Plan Goals Park Center Phase One agreement signed 2006 – construction underway, with completion in late Fall 2008 City an active partner in the Park Center project -- ensures development is first class and that it becomes a true downtown Review of existing employer base in the city -- identify the types of businesses that are missing or are underrepresented; target specific, desirable fields for recruiting purposes City participate in or lead regional economic forums to become better informed of regional business climate and take advantage of opportunities for improving the city’s economy as they arise
Comprehensive Plan Action Strategies Examine ways for making Manassas Park more competitive in the regional market for attracting new businesses. Promote redevelopment of key parcels that are currently underutilized -- Manassas Park Shopping Center, parcels adjacent to Park Center within the area planned for the town center, and within Conner Business Center.
Town Center aka (Park Center)
Town Center aka (Park Center) __________________________________________________________________
What’s Next Completion of Park Center project Blooms Grove Station Down the road…
What We Need from Business Owners Provide input on how the business owners can participate, and help shape the future.
What the City Can do to Help City Businesses What kind of help the City can provide – what’s in it for the business owners. Role of EDA – redevelopment Flory Center Conferences – 3 by the end of 2009 – what topics would they like discussed?
Who to call when… Mercury Payton, City Manager Vanessa Watson, Planning & Zoning Administrator Will Armstrong, Director of Building & Code Enforcement Ron Winder, Deputy Director of Building & Code Enforcement Kathy Gammell, Director of Public Works Manassas Park City Staff
Manassas Park Governing Body Members Mayor Frank Jones Vice-Mayor Bryan Polk Mike Bunner Cynde Gardner Fran Kassinger Keith Miller Bill Treuting