Cheney Planning Commission to review parks plan

Cheney’s Planning Commission got a preview at their April 14 meeting of what’s in store for them over the next several months.

Having just completed an accelerated yet extensive review of the city’s municipal code Chapter 21 – Zoning, the commission will turn its attention in the coming months to review of Chapter 22 – Subdivisions and Chapter 23 – Development Code Administration along with the a review of zoning maps.

Public Works Director Todd Ableman told the commission some of the things they’ll consider in reviewing the subdivision chapter are cleaning up language regarding design standards referenced twice in the city’s design code and design manual, along with changes in lot size considerations and block lengths. Chapter 23 reviews will look at establishing definitions as well as defining a legislative action timeline.

Ableman said they hope to have a draft of Chapter 22 finished by June 9, with a similar draft of Chapter 23 done by July 14. Final drafts could be completed by Sept. 8, with zoning maps updated by Oct. 13.

“This leaves time over the summer open for comments,” he said.

The commission will also begin a review of the Parks and Recreation comprehensive plan, looking at a variety of considerations as well as adding new sections for Cheney School District facilities, including Crunks’ Hill playfields. The city is conducting an online survey, with 129 individuals having completed the assessment.

Ableman said they would review these surveys after April 25 with the intent of taking recommendations to the Park Board by June 11 and to the commission by July 14.

“It will kind of give us a direction on where we would like to see parks in the next six to 20 years,” Ableman said.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.