COM 0398.000 2014-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissions on the original amendment initiative were deferred to allow a reassessment by the Planning Director that resulted in this current proposal. Growth Management Strategies, Walkable-Livable Communities, Infrastructure. Comments from the Puna CDP AC and the Planning Director Workshops raised concerns over the need to manage traffic and to improve infrastructure systems, such as solid waste and water systems. The Puna CDP has developed growth management strategies as a tool to to re-shape the pattern of future development to prevent further sprawl. The proposed General Plan amendment supports Puna CDP's growth management objective of enhancing the existing town center by allowing expanded uses; thereby re-directing higher density residential and commercial activities away from the existing large-lot subdivisions. The proposed GP Medium Density Urban designation will place a higher priority of public and private investment than would occur with Low Density or Important Agricultural Lands. It should be pointed out that Table 5-1 in the Puna CDP outlines general uses and typical components of the Regional Town Center. These include"more than 40 tenant spaces for full range of retail and personal services, repair shops and other light industrial uses; regional park; schools (all grades); community hall, theater; outdoor events area;bed-and-breakfast homes and small inns; elderly or other special needs housing; transit hub; medical facility with emergency room; police and fire station; walking and bicycling paths." Thus, the CDP recognizes that light industrial uses,primarily related to repair shops and neighborhood service-oriented uses can be compatible with mixed use communities. The Medium Density Urban designation provides the flexibility necessary to engage in specific site planning. The rezoning process will involve the level of review and consideration of CDP and planning principles necessary to assure compatibility. Looking more closely at what this means, allowable zonings under GP Medium Density Urban could be RS, RD, RM, RCX, CV, CN, PD, and 0 zoning. From the perspective of the Puna CDP, Kea'au shall serve as a Regional Town Center to provide a wide range of services for the Puna District, which is characterized by a diverse and expansive agricultural community. The GP Medium Density Urban designation recognizes the flexibility needed at the General Plan level to be guided by the CDP and any future zoning applications. Development of Gateway on the mauka side of Highway 11 will take a massive infrastructure investment to create sufficient critical mass to attract the commercial ventures that -14-