Chapter 1: Introduction
Why Was This Plan Developed?
In 2000, the Town of Suamico Board updated the Suamico Comprehensive Plan. That plan identified the Town Center as an area "conducive to commercial development". However, the Suamico Comprehensive Plan provided no detailed information about the character, quality or amount of commercial development in this area. Furthermore, the Suamico Comprehensive Plan did not provide a precise definition of the Town Center limits. As part of the recommendations in the Suamico Comprehensive Plan, a detailed Town Center Plan was to be developed. This document represents that effort.
The underlying purposes of this Town Center Plan are:
To protect the natural features and character of the area;
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To promote economic development opportunities;§
To provide the Town with direction, based on resident desires and expectations, for approving new development;§
To identify opportunities for additional trail development and recreation; and§
To ensure that the Town of Suamico is a desirable, attractive, and safe community.
What is the Town Center Plan?
This plan serves as a blueprint for commercial development in the Town Center area of Suamico. The plan provides for a varied mixture of commercial, residential and business uses that will best suit the needs of residents. In addition, the plan provides a detailed assessment and recommendations related to environmental infrastructure, recreational opportunities, transportation links, and design amenities.
How Was the Town Center Plan Created?
To develop a concise and effective plan, the Town of Suamico hired OMNNI Associates, an Appleton-based consulting firm of architects, engineers and planners, to coordinate with a citizen-based committee. The 5-member committee included:
Ms. Gail Nohr, Resident
Ms. Linda Somerhalder, Resident
Mr. Steve Schoen, Resident
Mr. Richard Johnston, Town Administrator
Mr. Tim Krause, Director of Public Works
The committee met from August 2002 through January 2003. All of these meetings were open to the public for input and feedback. At the meetings, participants were able to review draft concept materials, draft plan chapters, and recommended changes to the PCD Ordinance. Committee and resident input was a critical component of the plan development process.
Where is the Town Center?
The Town Center is located in the heart of Suamico near the USH 41/141 and CTH B interchange. The area includes property along Veterans Avenue, Velp Avenue, and CTH HS. A more detailed project map is provided on the next page to illustrate the exact Town Center boundaries.
Through the planning process the boundary of the Town Center was expanded slightly. The initial concept for the Town Center did not include any areas east of USH 41/141 and north of CTH B. However, after touring the area, it was determined by the Advisory Committee that the area between Velp Avenue and USH 41/141 should be included as part of the Town Center.
How Will This Town Center Plan Be Implemented?
this plan.
Developers looking at the Town Center should use this plan as a guide for understanding desired land uses, design considerations and the overall concept for area development.
Residents should also refer to this plan to understand anticipated improvements and designs for the area. This information is also valuable to prospective residents who want to understand what neighboring land uses will eventually look like.
