Hudson Planning Commission Special Meeting – July 22, 2024

The Planning Commission (PC) held a public hearing to review the draft 2024 City of Hudson Comprehensive Plan, updated every 10 years per charter. The Steering Committee (Rebecca Leiter, Chair; Jessie Obert, Vice Chair) presented the 20-month process, community engagement results, and plan framework. No formal action was taken; the PC will consider a recommendation at its August 12 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rhonda Grainger (2415 Norton Road) thanked the city for connectivity improvements (e.g., Heinz Hill path) and urged continuation of such efforts, especially to the outer edges of the city.

Discussion Items

• Process & Community Engagement: Commissioners applauded the thorough, citizen-led process (17-member committee, statistically valid survey with 20% response rate, focus groups, pop-ups). Mr. Vaughan noted the plan was a great improvement and appreciated charts on population and housing age. Mr. Stolle, a committee member, praised the committee’s work but noted the survey’s construct validity might have led some priorities (e.g., pool) to surface prominently.
• Youth Development Center (YDC) Property: A key focus area. Mr. Vaughan questioned the “For Sale” sign if land use is not finalized. Staff clarified council is deferring decisions until plan adoption; the plan directs economic development/income-generating use, not major manufacturing. Conservation easements and existing residential are noted. Ms. Norman observed the draft language shift from emphasizing passive open space to immediate development; she urged retaining the original intent (maintain as open space until a transformational user is identified).
• Growth Limits & Housing: Ms. Norman noted the survey found 78% of respondents want little or no additional residential growth, yet the plan lacks a clear directive to limit development. She requested explicit linkage of survey results to plan goals. Mr. Stolle noted the committee debated but could not agree on a “no growth” statement. Housing mix data (senior housing, duplexes) and developable land inventory were suggested additions.
• Land Development Code (LDC) Review: Mr. Stolle pointed to objectives 1.1, 2.11, and 5.71 that call for updating the LDC, which falls under PC purview. He recommended a separate committee for an in-depth LDC review, given likely 3-4 year effort. Commissioners Mr. Innamorato agreed strongly.
• Traffic Study: The implementation matrix suggests a citywide traffic study every 10 years. Mr. Vaughan asked when the last one occurred; staff said none have been done citywide—only corridors like Route 91. The plan directs a full study as a priority.
• Cemeteries & Infrastructure: Ms. Norman raised concern that the city’s cemetery space is nearly exhausted, yet the plan does not address future needs or land for expansion. Water/sewer capacity (sufficient) and traffic constraints were discussed.
• Plan Format & Usability: Ms. Norman criticized wasted pages (“intentionally left blank”) and the cumbersome appendix. She noted circular language in land-use descriptions (e.g., “as described in the underlying zoning district”) that sends users back to the LDC without providing planning guidance.
• Recreation Facility (Pool): Though public sentiment was strong, the implementation matrix acknowledges cost and prioritization challenges. Staff indicated it is not assigned near-term.
• South Entry & Placemaking: Focus on Route 91 corridor beautification (streetscape, lighting) to signal entry into Hudson. Darrowville area also discussed.

Key Outcomes

• No vote was taken. The PC will consider a motion to adopt the Comprehensive Plan (possibly with recommended changes) at the August 12, 2024 meeting.
• Ms. Norman will compile a detailed, page-by-page list of comments and recommendations for staff to incorporate into a summary memo for commissioners.
• Staff will produce a summary of discussion points to focus the August recommendation.
• The public hearing portion was closed at 8:30 p.m.; the meeting adjourned.