Plan Vision
The South Main area will become a vibrant, connected corridor that builds on its existing neighborhoods, businesses, historic resources, and community character while welcoming high-quality new development and investment.
The plan recommends improvements that can:
- Create safer and more comfortable connections for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and motorists.
- Support a mix of housing, businesses, services, and other destinations.
- Encourage high-quality new development that complements the existing character of the area.
- Support housing choices, including opportunities for missing middle housing.
- Preserve and incorporate historic resources into the area's future.
- Expand opportunities for public art, green spaces, and other community amenities.
- Encourage redevelopment of underutilized properties.
- Guide public investment toward improvements that strengthen the corridor and surrounding neighborhoods.
Future Land Use Map Amendments
The South Main Area Plan recommends changes to the City's Future Land Use Map for properties within the plan area. The Future Land Use Map provides general guidance about the types of land uses and development patterns envisioned for different areas of the City.
A Future Land Use Map amendment does not by itself change a property's zoning or development rights. Any future zoning changes would require a separate review and approval process.
Property owners and community members are encouraged to review the proposed Future Land Use Map amendments and learn more about how the recommendations may affect the future of the South Main Area.
Community Engagement
Community input was an important part of developing the South Main Area Plan. Over the course of the planning process, the City engaged residents, property owners, businesses, and other community members through multiple opportunities to share their ideas and concerns.
Engagement included:
- Community Walk — March 2024: Approximately 40 community members walked 12 blocks of South Main Street to identify opportunities and challenges related to sidewalks, walkability, maintenance, signage, and future development.
- Community Visioning Session — April 2024: Participants developed a shared vision for the future of the South Main area and identified key priorities for connectivity, land use, artistic expression, and high-quality development.
- Community Mapping — January 2025: Participants identified preferred development types, community amenities, and locations for future improvements through an interactive mapping exercise.
- Online Community Survey — April 2025: Community members provided additional feedback on the draft vision and priorities for the area.
- Draft Plan Review — December 2025–March 2026: The draft plan was reviewed by City staff and presented to the community for additional feedback.
- Community Meeting — January 2026: Community members had an opportunity to review the draft plan and provide feedback.
- Community Road Show — January–March 2026: Staff presented the draft plan at multiple community meetings and events.
- Planning Board Review — April 2026: The Planning Board held a public hearing and considered a recommendation on the plan and proposed Future Land Use Map amendments.
Planning Process
The South Main Area Plan was developed through a multi-step planning process that included community engagement, analysis of existing conditions, development of recommendations, preparation of a draft plan, and review by City advisory boards and elected officials.
The plan is intended to serve as a long-term framework for decisions about land use, development, public spaces, historic preservation, and public investment in the South Main Area.