North Pinellas News

Pinellas County, Florida issued the following announcement on August 18.

PLANPinellas offers first look at comp plan update

Residents can get a first look at a proposed plan to guide future County decisions for everything from land use to economic development with the launch of the new PLANPinellas website: https://plan.pinellas.gov.  

PLANPinellas represents the first major update to the County’s comprehensive plan since 2008.

Every county in Florida is required by state law to maintain a comprehensive plan to manage growth and ensure long-term sustainability.

PLANPinellas offers updated guidance on public health and safety, natural resources, transportation and mobility, and many other issues that impact quality of life in Florida’s most densely populated county.

PLANPinellas is the result of a multiyear process, including a series of public meetings, digital outreach and coordination with local partners to define a community vision. The new website offers residents an opportunity to review the proposed plan, which is scheduled to go to the Board of County Commissioners in early 2022.

The plan provides specific guidance through public policy affecting unincorporated areas that fall under the jurisdiction of Pinellas County Government, while also fostering better coordination with the 24 municipalities as they update their own plans.

Comprehensive plans within the State of Florida provide data-driven policy guidance to help elected officials make decisions that support the long-term needs of the community.  

What’s new in PLANPinellas?

Here are a few examples of how the updated plan addresses some of the key challenges and opportunities for the County’s future.

 

Mobility

•Introduces policies to enhance safety for all users of the transportation system, including drivers, transit riders, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

•Promotes a multimodal network with expanded alternatives to car travel, such as trails, sidewalks, bike facilities, and public transit stations.

 

Land Use

•Updates policies to promote targeted redevelopment vs. new development to make the most of the limited available land.

•Promotes redevelopment in urban centers and corridors, especially multi-use, multifamily housing.

 

Public Health

•The Health in All Policies approach aims to improve the community’s health outcomes through County policies and programs across sectors and policy areas that offer fair opportunities for all residents to make healthy choices.

 

Sustainability

•Continues to preserve the county’s valuable green spaces.

•Accounts for sea-level rise and increased flood vulnerability in development and public safety decision-making.

 

Economic Strength

•Expands opportunities to maintain and build affordable housing to sustain our local workforce.

•Supports small businesses and companies seeking to relocate and bring new jobs to the county.

Original source can be found here.