The city has taken the first step in developing a long-term growth plan with the appointment of 15 community members to serve on a steering committee. When completed, the comprehensive plan will serve as a policy foundation to proactively manage the city’s growth and development. At their meeting last week, City Council chose 15 members to serve on a citizen-based advisory group from 79 applications. “This plan will be important to help shape our city’s future and we were fortunate to have such a diverse qualified group of people to apply,” said Mayor Bill Saffo.
In addition to guiding growth and development for years to come, the plan will also serve as the City’s “to-do” list by establishing priorities that will be implemented over time to achieve the community’s vision. The plan will be developed over the next 18 months with extensive citizen participation and input. The newly appointed Steering Committee will meet in a joint work session with the City Council and Planning Commission on March 19, at which time priorities and key issues will be discussed. After that, the Steering Committee and staff will begin the 18-month plan development process which will formally kick-off in May. The appointees are listed below.
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Appointments
Carlos L. Braxton | Braxton Realty, LLC | REALTOR®
Kemp Burdette | Cape Fear River Watch Executive | Director
Howard T. Capps | Howard T. Capps & Associates, Inc. (Landscape architecture/planning) | President
Elizabeth Hines, Ph.D. | UNCW | Professor, Geography and Geology
J (John) Clark Hipp | Hipp Architecture & Development, PC | Owner and principal architect
Paul Lawler | Ctoan, Inc. (website publishing) | President
Bonnie I. Nelson | Self-employed | Business Consultant
Linda A. Pearce | Elderhaus, Inc. | CEO
Thomas C. Pollard | Retired Former | Wilmington City Attorney
Randy Reeves | Harold W. Wells & Son, Inc. | Senior Account Executive
Jennifer C. Rigby, AICP | Self Employed | Planner
Robert Rosenberg | Monarcares.com & Wilmington Development Group | President, both groups
Kevin A. Smith | City of Wilmington Police Department | Detective
Deb Hays* | Intracoastal Realty Corp. | REALTOR®
Frank Smith* | Self-employed | Architect, land planner
*Appointee from City of Wilmington Planning Commission
