City of Suwanee
2030 comprehensive plan
TODAY’S AGENDA
•Process Update
•Community Agenda
Framework
•“Compass” Review Images and Questions
Comp Plan Categories
•Breakout Sessions
•Next Steps
PROCESS AND SCHEDULE
•Currently in Phase
Three•Validation of Character
Areas
•Defining Character Area
issues, visions, priorities
•Begin draft Community
Agenda document
•Plan process to wind
down in November with
document review, work
program creation
PLANNING STRUCTURE
•Community Assessment With county - Completed
“Where we are now”
•Community Agenda The “meat” of the Comp Plan
Stakeholders and community
input
“Where we want to be”- Vision
Implementation steps
COMMUNITY AGENDA STRUCTURE
•Based on Character Areas Dedicated chapter for each Area
Narrative description of Area vision, including long-term growth
policy
Quality community objectives addressed in vision for Area
Specific implementation measures to achieve objectives
•Chapter on community-wide issues and objectives Addresses places not covered by Character Areas
•Chapter on implementation
Short-term work program
Goals / policies to support program
SUWANEE CHARACTER AREAS
•Emerging, but need more discussion
•Can focus on promoting growth, or enhancing what
is already there, or a blend of both
•Stresses physical form, design, program
•Must consider the role of the Character Area in the
future of the entire city
•Must take into account a long-term future (25
years or more)
City of Suwanee
SUMMARY OF COMPASS RESULTS
Strongest sense of “Suwanee Identity” – Town Center and park (43%)
Most progress on “liveability” made in civic interaction opportunities and creation of a strong town center (4.41)
In terms of population growth and diversity, need to create and maintain a strong civic spirit in the next 20 years (4.50)
Highest priority to improve future quality of life:
• Balancing land uses (4.42)
• Protecting natural environment (4.29)
Housing
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#4: 3.72
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#10: 3.60
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#2: 3.53
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#23: 1.67
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#9: 1.55
Critical housing priority: Quality of design and construction (47%)
Senior housing is most lacking (2.40)
Most desirable neighborhoods:
• Village Grove
• Settles Bridge
• Shadow Brook
Preference for single family homes on large lots and a suburban environment
Economic Development
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#43: 3.35
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#37: 3.33
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#28: 3.31
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#29: 1.63
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#38: 1.40
Healthcare and service jobs lacking (2.37)
Special programs should be instituted for business attraction (47%)
Preference for low density structures, one or two stories high and traditional architectural styles.
Transportation
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#57: 4.17
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#68: 4.10
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#67: 4.06
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#70: 1.65
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#61: 1.44
Critical transportation issues:
• Interchange congestion (4.85)
• Pass through traffic (4.60)
Other traffic problems that need to be addressed:
• General congestion (69%)
• Pedestrian safety (65%)
Two Best ways to improve and manage parking:
• Small, dispersed parking lots (59%)
• Municipal parking decks (51%)
Community Facilities
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)
The overall highest ranking image!!
#84: 4.30
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#86: 4.21
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#85: 3.98
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#82: 3.91
Less appropriate (1) More appropriate (5)#94: 2.19
Pressing healthcare issues:
• Promoting general wellness (3.96)
• Providing for the special needs of seniors (3.91)
Most valuable service by police force: Neighborhood watch (75%)
Preferences evenly distributed for active recreational amenities. Least preference for skate park and extreme sports
Desired passive recreational amenities:
• Performing arts center (59%)
• Cinema (55%)
Natural & Historic Resources
Environmental issues for the future:
• Loss of tree canopy / vegetation (4.42)
• Water supply (4.28)
Most pressing historic preservation issue is landscape preservation (4.10)
People would support any incentives offered towards historic preservation (4.19)
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
•Three areas for
discussion North Suwanee – PIB
Corridor and north
Central Suwanee – Old
Town, Town Center, Buford
Highway corridor
South Suwanee – Area
south of Suwanee Creek,
including I-85 Gateway
•Three groups, 20
minutes of discussion
per area
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
•Address strategic
questions: What are the major issues
affecting the area?
Do you think the area will
change in 5 years? 10
years? 25 years?
Should the area change in
the future? In what ways?
Should the area stay the
same in any ways?
NEXT STEPS• Upcoming Meeting:
September 27 – Task Force – Character Area
Workshop
• Project web site
Please visit for more information:
www.suwanee.com (under “City & Other
Services”)