14 THE LAND USE PLAN

Land Use Plan Concept

The vision statements in each of the Framework for the Future chapters depict an unsurpassed quality of life in Newport News by 2030.  The Land Use Plan relates this vision, along with the goals, policies and strategies of the Framework for the Future, to the physical form of Newport News.  To implement the citizen's vision, the Land Use Plan has (10) clear organizing principles for 2030.  These principles will guide development of the City into the future.  These principles are:

  1. Neighborhoods
    Neighborhoods are the basic social, service and community development unit of the City.  A quality city is made up of desirable residential neighborhoods each with its unique identity and character. The City values and, by its actions, will protect and enhance its residential neighborhoods.

     
  2. Activity Centers
    Activity centers are focal points of community life, providing employment, shopping, services, education, culture, entertainment, recreation and places of worship. Activity centers include housing and mixed use environments. Activity centers have a range of sizes, functions and character. They include neighborhood centers, community centers, regional centers and employment centers.

     
  3. Open Space
    Rivers, creeks, marshlands, fields and woods are linked by a network of greenways, parks and open areas which shape neighborhoods, buffer residential areas from other uses and provide views and vistas. Pedestrian trails and bikeways are included in greenways for recreation and to give people access to nature.

     
  4. Balanced Transportation
    A balanced transportation system comprised of rapid transit, such as light rail,  complemented by enhanced bus service, sidewalks, bikeways and a hierarchy of streets will be integrated into an efficient, people oriented transportation system that supports the desired land use pattern. High density, pedestrian and transit oriented, mixed use developments are planned around a number of transit stations creating "Transit Oriented Developments."

     
  5. Landscaped Boulevards
    Neighborhoods and activity centers are accessed by landscaped streets which form visually appealing corridors throughout the City.  Signage is controlled and overhead wires are eliminated. The streets are landscaped and trees are protected.

     
  6. Redevelopment
    The City is approaching complete build out.   Less than 7% of its land was vacant in the year 2007.  Therefore, future development will rely on redevelopment.  Priority will be given to renewing obsolete uses, blighted areas and "brownfields." Less emphasis will be placed on the development of open land and "greenfields" which should be preserved for their intrinsic value.

     
  7. Aesthetics
    Aesthetics are important to land development.  The way our city looks says a lot about who we are and what are what are our priorities.  Shared community standards are important in community and personal identity. Examples might include street trees, scenic views, historic districts and structures, local landmarks, and cultural resources like libraries, town halls, civic centers and college campuses.

     
  8. Compatible Infill
    Because the City is mostly developed, many land use changes will be redevelopment efforts or “infill” development.  Infill development must get the same attention as large development projects because of its potential to alter the character of a residential or commercial area.  Close attention to the design of infill can ensure that new development fits in with the desired character of a neighborhood or commercial area.
     

     

  9. Affordable Housing
    Healthy, sustainable communities include housing options for a range of incomes for its residents.  Newport News has a wide range of housing. The shortage of safe, sustainable affordable housing still exists in our community.  It is vital that we plan for affordable housing options for our residents and make them an element of inclusion in our residential development plans.

     
  10. Density Policy
    The City should consider high densities to create walkable, “compact development that mixes uses allowing people to reach shops, services, and usually mass transit on foot” (New Urban News, Nov 2007).  A floor area ratio (F.A.R.) of at least 0.8 is needed to achieve a quality urban life and is critical if public transit will be successful.  High densities should occur at points of high accessibility, e.g., transit stations, or in special places with water views.  Densities commensurate with access to public transit are critical if public transit will be successful. Conversely, the City should protect and keep quality traditional, single family residential areas at lower densities and protect them from intrusions of higher density and other incompatible land uses.
     

To implement the above-referenced principles, the City’s Zoning Ordinance should be revised.   New methods of encouraging quality development such as “Form Based Codes”, should be considered to augment the zoning regulations.