City of Elkins Comprehensive Plan The City of Elkin's Planning Commission has been developing a comprehensive plan for the past year that will direct future development and detail high priority projects. Several projects are recommended in the plan to address a variety of issues and concerns raised by residents and municipal officials throughout the planning process. However, due to limited resources the City can only focus on a few high priority projects at a time. Therefore, the Planning Commission needs the public’s help in determining what those high priority projects should be. Five (5) goals have been developed as part of the Comprehensive Plan process to address the most pressing issues in Elkins. For each goal, please pick the one action step that you feel should be the city’s highest priority to implement. Question Title * 1. Goal One: Strengthen public safety services to meet the needs of current and future residents and businessesPlease choose the ONE action step which you feel is the most important to implement to achieve Goal One Budget for new equipment and additional staffing for the police and fire departments Develop community orientated policing to address the concerns of residents in Elkins pertaining to crime Partner with the County to update the countywide emergency operations plan and determine a location for an emergency shelter in Elkins Bring the Reality Tour to Elkins High School Question Title * 2. Goal Two: Improve traffic and pedestrian circulation to provide a safer and more accessible transportation network for residentsPlease choose the ONE action step which you feel is the most important to implement to achieve Goal Two Prioritize pedestrian improvements in the downtown Develop a sidewalk program to prioritize sidewalk improvements Install signage and bike amenities once the bike trail is completed Investigate the feasibility of removing the parking meters Install directional signage to all parking lots Improve and install lighting at the City parking lot Collaborate with WVDOT to explore options to address traffic congestion on Randolph Avenue Question Title * 3. Goal Three: Provide opportunities for increased economic developmentPlease choose the ONE action step which you feel is the most important to implement to achieve Goal Three. Continue the B&O tax credit for new business Annex surrounding lands to increase the tax base and potential development areas Inventory and market existing vacant properties to developers Develop a marketing and branding campaign to raise awareness of all Elkins has to offer Encourage business owners to stay open late for residents and visitors Develop downtown signage identifying where shops, dining, and retail are located Question Title * 4. Goal Four: Enhance and protect the character of the City through land use planningPlease choose the ONE action step which you feel is the most important to implement to achieve Goal Four. Revise the zoning ordinance to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and to help encourage new growth Develop historic preservation guidelines Develop gateways into the City to help establish an identity Complete a streetscape project to improve the aesthetics of the downtown business district Provide art throughout the downtown Question Title * 5. Goal Five: Establish policies to protect neighborhoods throughout Elkins Please choose the ONE action step which you feel is the most important to implement to achieve Goal Five. Identify all vacant and dilapidated homes Increase enforcement of building codes and property maintenance ordinances to improve the appearance of the City Hire an additional code enforcement officer to help enforce the rental registration ordinance and vacant structure ordinance Require an inspection fee for building permit inspections Investigate the feasibility of developing a land bank Question Title * 6. Of all the action steps listed, which one do you feel should be the highest priority overall for the City? Budget for new equipment and additional staffing for the police and fire departments Develop community orientated policing to address the concerns of residents in Elkins pertaining to crime Partner with the County to update the countywide emergency operations plan and determine a location for an emergency shelter in Elkins Bring the Reality Tour to Elkins High School Prioritize pedestrian improvements in the downtown Develop a sidewalk program to prioritize sidewalk improvements Install signage and bike amenities once the bike trail is completed Investigate the feasibility of removing the parking meters Install directional signage to all parking lots Improve and install lighting at the City parking lot Collaborate with WVDOT to explore options to address traffic congestion on Randolph Avenue Continue the B&O tax credit for new business Annex surrounding lands to increase the tax base and potential development areas Inventory and market existing vacant properties to developers Develop a marketing and branding campaign to raise awareness of all Elkins has to offer Encourage business owners to stay open late for residents and visitors Develop downtown signage identifying where shops, dining, and retail are located Revise the zoning ordinance to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and to help encourage new growth Develop historic preservation guidelines Develop gateways into the City to help establish an identity Complete a streetscape project to improve the aesthetics of the downtown business district Provide art throughout the downtown Identify all vacant and dilapidated homes Increase enforcement of building codes and property maintenance ordinances to improve the appearance of the City Hire an additional code enforcement officer to help enforce the rental registration ordinance and vacant structure ordinance Require an inspection fee for building permit inspections Investigate the feasibility of developing a land bank Done