Planning commission meets to explore land use in LaFayette
BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE —Representatives from the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission gathered with members of the community at the ALFA building to discuss the city of LaFayette’s comprehensive plan for land use on Sept. 9. Attendees were guided in the exploration of future land use maps, which were visual guides showing the desired types and locations of land use. These maps represent a shared vision for future development, guiding decisions on zoning, development and infrastructure.
Participants were instructed to first take stock of what is already in place beginning with areas that should be protected. These include public and community spaces, as well as environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and floodplains. This is all in service of the main goal, which is identifying the best places for future growth in LaFayette while still preserving its character.
EARPDC Director of Planning Eric Wright explained how the process works.
“Tonight we are working on the future land use map,” Wright said. “We shared with folks what the current land use is and then asked them to project forward what they thought in 10 to 20 years what the best and highest use of that land would be. It is not anything that is binding, but it just gives us a sense of direction and we can balance that with the vision statement that the community developed early on in the process about where the community sees their selves going and how we can best use the land in LaFayette in the future.”
Wright said he believes they had a great meeting and outcome.
“I thought it was a really great turnout,” he said.
“We had really good participation with folks. We had several different stations where people were able to have thoughtful conversations about how the community can evolve and what needs to stay the same. What building blocks are foundational to LaFayette but then where is there possibility for growth or change or adaptation. Recognizing that a community is going to change whether you plan for it or not. How do you shape and guide that and have that vision for the future?”
He also discussed what he sees as the future of LaFayette.
“I think that LaFayette has got a ton of potential,” he said. “The most important thing to me is that we see that there is an engaged, active community who is having thoughtful conversations. To me that is a hallmark of a thriving, vibrant community when you see people together. If you have people that give a darn about the community, the sky is the limit at that point.”
