As long as I'm on a roll....

This is called Livin' in the RC so an IWV based post is called for. So I am and have been honored to be on the General Paln Advisory Committee. We are tasked with updating the City of Ridgecrest General Plan which is supposed to carry us for another 20 years or so. We recently had a meeting that I ended up getting in a little hot water over, because I couldn't keep my mouth shut about our frustration level. (imagine that). We were fine tuning some verbiage. I thought I would list the questions that were posed to us. You might be able to glean a little knowledge out of this to find our direction.

In an effort to keep the process simple, we are seeking either a YES or NO from each GPAC member.

YES meaning - keep the policy.
NO meaning - eliminate the policy.

GPAC LOOSE ENDS POLICY DIRECTIONS SURVEY, APRIL 18, 2008


1. Extend key arterials to US High¬way 395, as needed.

2. Extend key arterial(s) to SR Highway 14.

3. Extend City limits to US Highway 395 along Bowman Road Corridor.

4. Review and incorporate guidance from R-2508 JLUS.

5. Encourage industrial development provided no hazards are produced, (smoke, dust, etc.).

6. Request transfer of BLM land in south portion of Planning Area, as needed.

7. Designate incentive areas for growth / infill.

8. Provide incentives for growth throughout the City; not limited to specific areas.

9. Smaller businesses should be encouraged to do mixed use.

10. Current height limitation of 36 feet for structures, (three stories) should remain.

11. The City should develop more restrictive sign standards.

12. The City should develop reasonable design guidelines.

13. The City should NOT promote a design theme.

14. Reasonable exterior design enhancements should be required of mobile homes placed upon lots in single family home neighborhoods in order to inhibit a boxy appearance.

15. Senior retirement housing should be encouraged by the City.

16. The location of a new high school is of prime interest to the City and the School District is encouraged to involve the City on behalf of its site selection.

17. The city should begin a dialog now with the BLM on behalf of the use of public lands lying to the south and west of the City Limits.

18. Designation of new golf course is a priority for the City.

19. New subdivisions should be designed with park/sumps in lieu of sumps only.

20. Pocket parks should be a priority in new subdivisions and should be maintained via Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District funds.

21. The Municipal Swimming Pool, Skateboard Park and Performing Arts Center should be expanded within the next decade, possibly in other parts of the City.

22. More City-County coordination is needed within our street widening and improvement projects.

23. An Area Plan should be developed for Olde Towne.

Interesting. There are some examples of this process being supremely frustrating, but for the most part it has been rewarding. I am hoping the final product will provide some exciting insight into the future of our little town.