(Danville) — A planning group has released the first draft of their proposal to re-imagine Danville for the next twenty years.
PLAN Danville Thursday unveiled the fruits of an 18-month long effort to canvass the community to identify needs and opportunities. PLAN Danville coordinator Renee Burton says it focuses on three core values. Equity—Health—and resilience.
“We sincerely believe the plan set forth in these pages is the best plan our City could have,” the report reads. “We believe it is ideally suited to the strengths and resources we all bring to the task of creating and sustaining an even better place to call home—for each of us individually as well as for our families, neighbors, businesses, communities and shared institutions.”
In it’s introductory section, the PLAN Danville draft report outlines its long-term goals. “The main goal of PLAN Danville is to provide a visionary outlook for the future of Danville that will enhance the quality of life for all community members through the implementation of practical and adaptable policies that meet the needs of both current and future generations.”
Broadly, the report is broken up into eight categories…called “big ideas.” Those include Community, Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure—along with Housing, Economy, Environment and Culture. It also includes so-called “big moves” that could help make the “big ideas” become reality.
“These begin with the equitable consideration of the needs and aspirations of all of our residents, throughout all parts of our City, in all aspects of civic life,” the report states. “We recognize that our City has not always pursued policies that have served these ends, and that in co-authoring this plan you are also submitting a blueprint for change.”
There are dozens of recommendations in the report. Some call for specific measures, others are far more broad. One would take a fresh look the future of major shopping centers around Danville Mall, in neighborhoods, and at industrial mega sites. It also encourages leaders to regard the Dan River as the city’s backbone. The report also aims to establish Danville as an arts and culture destination, and to step up efforts to revive neighborhood parks. Another goal is to recruit youth ambassadors to serve on city commissions.
The draft plan will be re-worked over the next several months before it is formally presented to Danville City Council.