Pontiac Planning Commission recommends draft 'Vision Pontiac' master plan for 63‑day public review

The Pontiac Planning Commission voted Jan. 22 to recommend that the City Council release the draft Vision Pontiac master plan for the 63‑day review required under the Planning Enabling Act.

Consultant John Jackson, president of McKenna, told the commission the document reflects public input and the planners’ analysis: “This is what we heard that the community wanted, and it's, a detailed document and it's a unique document.” The commission’s recommendation starts the formal review period during which surrounding jurisdictions, regional agencies and the public may submit comments before a final public hearing and council adoption.

The draft plan, Jackson said, is intended as a “starting point” and a “call to action” for implementation through changes such as zoning updates and capital improvement priorities. The plan is organized into seven topic areas — future land use; housing and neighborhoods; development and redevelopment; historic preservation; downtown and commercial corridors; future transportation; and workforce development — and each chapter includes findings, measurable metrics and recommended actions intended for annual review.

Commissioners and staff discussed next steps and timelines. The planning manager, Mark Yandrick, and Jackson said the commission’s recommendation will go to…