Cedar City Master Plan
3 Key Components of Vision 2050
The Cedar City Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon was this past week. As was announced, the focus of each month is a part of the Chamber’s “Vision 2050” plan.
At first thought, that sounds like a long ways away. But it’s only 30 years. As a content strategist, that’s not that far and good planning is important.
As Cedar City tackles the responsibility of creating a Master Plan, they are doing so in a thoughtful way. Under the guidance of “Rural Community Consultants” hundreds of hours of meeting have led to identifying 3 key components to be included in the plan.
Population increases
Our current population of approximately 59,000 residents will increase 40% by 2050. That means housing will be necessary for about 83,000 residents.
The plan identifies housing can be available in the western area of Cedar towards Quichapa Lake and south. Old Sorrel Ranch and surrounds will provide much of the housing, but the areas surrounding Enoch will also be impacted.
Southwestern Utah University (SUU)
SUU will continue to expand their enrollments but adjustments to downtown and surrounds will be necessary. The students that were surveyed felt that a walkable downtown was important for students that come from other places but live in student housing.
Their suggestions were to expand and improve the Farmer’s Market Area, find areas that housing can be upstairs of commercial operations, and identify more bike lanes. These were not their only ideas, but the main areas of importance.
Historic Downtown
The SUU ideas could prove to be the focus for Historic Downtown improvements and support for patrons of the Shakespeare Festival. Recurring comments centered around small shops, better sidewalk dining, and nighttime stroll areas.
Factor in the need to preserve and protect our designated “Historic District”, the City has hired Farah LeFevre, an SUU professor, to work with a steering committee to address the possibilities of Heritage Tourism and Main Street Life.
The Cedar City Planning Committee will review the draft master plan in early May and will include a public hearing. If approved, it will go to the Council for a public comment session and then Council Consideration.
Conclusion
Cedar City is putting together a Master Plan. Their efforts cover:
- Estimated Population Increases
- SUU student and faculty needs
- Historic Downtown preservation and protection
- The Transportation plan currently out for public comment
- Affordable Housing
- Family Wage Job Opportunities and where to place manufacturing plants
- Water
There are no easy answers to many of these questions. Some may require changes in policy, zoning, or infrastructure. The fact that our city leaders are actively engaged in the process is commendable.
Now it’s up to the citizens of Cedar City and surrounds to get involved in the comment portion. Attend the open houses, put your comments on paper and submit them, or visit the websites the city has provided.
https://cedarcityplan.org/
If you’d like to review certain segments of the plan, scroll down to the bottom of the home page and click on Story Board. It takes a bit to load, so be patient. And you will need at least an Ipad size device to see the maps.