Wheeler schedules joint workshop with city council to review waterfront overlay draft

The Wheeler Planning Commission agreed Oct. 2 to hold a joint workshop with the city council on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 6:00 p.m. to review a draft waterfront district overlay produced by the waterfront citizens advisory committee.

A planning representative explained that a citizen had raised concerns about differences between the advisory committee's proposal and the committee’s original scope. The representative said the workshop will allow both bodies to ask questions and clarify direction. The representative noted the draft had gone to the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD); the transcript records that it went to DLCD "no comment" and that prior planner Jake Fiorelli provided earlier review comments that were incorporated.

Commissioners and staff discussed specific language in the draft, including how to treat public access. One commissioner said the committee had assumed public access meant a public path, and staff suggested the draft language could be revised to recommend rather than require certain design elements to avoid perceived overreach. Staff committed to sending the workshop handout and PowerPoint to commissioners before the meeting so members can get up to speed.

The workshop is intended as a working session between the full planning commission and the full city council; staff will circulate the agenda packet and materials in advance and indicated accommodations (alternate room or hybrid setup) may be used to ensure accessibility for members.