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In 1989, at the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, Delray Beach faced many of the problems common to aging cities. Infrastructure such as water and sewer lines were deteriorating. Storm drainage problems were evident in several areas, and streets and sidewalks were in need of repair. The historic downtown was tending toward decay as business moved to the suburbs. These problems, and others related to housing, the parks system, transportation, and public involvement were identified in the 1989 Plan, along with strategies to solve the problems. The Plan proposed a renaissance for the City, a revival in both economic and social terms, based on its unique history and culture.
Revival in the City went far beyond Comprehensive Plan language. A "Decade of Excellence" bond was issued to repair and upgrade infrastructure, including water and sewer systems, streets and drainage, parks and fire stations. Significant public investment was made in the downtown, including a complete reconstruction of the streetscape; the preservation and reuse of Old School Square (the original Delray school) into a museum, community center and theater; and the renovation of the Municipal Tennis Center and addition of a tennis stadium. Private investment has followed, resulting in a vibrant city center of shops, restaurants and theaters, with development incentives, such as increased densities and an exception to traffic concurrency, in place to continue revitalization into the future.
The Comprehensive Plan is the primary growth management planning tool for the City. It describes how the community looks today and how it is expected to look in the future. It contains the policy guidelines for the control of growth and quality of life in the City and its Planning Area. The Plan is made up of 10 specific elements and supporting materials:
The Plan elements are compatible and complementary. Together, they provide a comprehensive look at the issues facing the City, and plan for future growth.
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The EAR
Growth management is about how local communities plan for growth and change. Because periodic evaluation of growth and change is part of good planning, state law requires the preparation of an evaluation and appraisal report (EAR) every 7 years. The EAR is the first step in updating the plan, and is intended to accomplish several important purposes:
- Identify major issues for the community
- Review past actions of the City in implementing the Plan since the last EAR
- Assess the degree to which plan objectives have been achieved
- Assess both successes and shortcomings of the plan
- Identify ways that the plan should be changed
- Ensure effective Intergovernmental coordination
The EAR was adopted by the City Commission on October 17, 2006. A copy of adopted document can be downloaded here:
2006 Evaluation and Appraisal Report (1.5Mb)
Five community workshops were held to discuss the elements of the Comprehensive Plan. Review of the Future Land Use, Transportation, Public Facilities Housing Element, Open Space and Recreation, Conservation and Coastal Management Elements was completed on June 15, 2006. Links to the proposed modifications of the goals and objectives of these elements are below. This changes will be considered with the EAR-based Comprehensive Plan Amendment.
Links:
Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan (698 Kb)
Future Land Use Element Goals and Objectives as modified at Workshop (50 kb)
Transportation Goals and Objectives as modified at Workshop (39 kb)
Public Facilities Goals and Objectives as modified at Workshop (34 kb)
Housing Goals and Objectives as modified at the Workshop (41 kb)
Open Space and Recreation Goals and Objectives as modified at the Workshop (22 kb)
Coastal Management Element Goals and Objectives as modified at the Workshop (31 kb)
Conservation Element Goals and Objectives as modified at the Workshop (28 kb) |
