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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Citizens to get a seat at the table.

By Melissa Atherton

Newly-elected Davidson officials and returning Town Manager, Jamie Justice, met Tuesday for the first work session of 2018. In a gesture both receptive and humble, they offered the lone citizen-attendee a seat at the table. Town officials began to chart a new course that regains citizen trust by providing more opportunities for public engagement.

New ideas will be discussed at the January 5th mini-retreat:

  • A return to the formal charrette in the development process (the board will develop their vision for the process and instruct staff)
  • A “Pre-Planning Committee” for development projects that includes the developer, staff, a planning board member, and citizens
  • Coffee chats that allow citizens to vent frustrations, ask questions and offer solutions
  • Work sessions that accommodate working citizens by meeting at 6:00 pm
  • An expedited Comprehensive Plan
  • Staff presentations that include pros and cons, rather than the one-sided appearance of decisions being a “done deal”

The next regular Board meeting is at Town Hall, Tuesday, January 9th, at 6:00 pm. Expect discussion of The Missing Middle and Watershed Ordinance Changes. Staff and officials will meet regarding development projects the week of January 15-19. Jamie Justice stated that the Potts Street public input session is no longer imminent due to results of the Kimley-Horn Transportation Impact Analysis. The retreat January 24-27 will focus on the following issues: planning, growth, economic development, affordable housing, communication, community engagement, and financial planning.

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