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Martinsville reviews final draft chapters of comprehensive plan, emphasizes housing, safety and infill
Summary
Consultants presented final draft chapters on housing, transportation and future land use; data showed long-term housing loss, 20% vacancy and a need for 'missing-middle' housing. Council and planning commissioners endorsed goals and asked staff to return with edits before a spring public open house and VDOT review.
Consultants from the Berkeley Group presented the final three draft chapters of Martinsville's comprehensive plan on Monday, framing a roadmap for housing, transportation and future land use that the city will bring to public hearings this spring.
Caroline Van Terve, the project lead, told the joint session of council and the planning commission that Martinsville's housing stock has declined gradually over the last 20 years while vacancy rates have risen to about 20%. "Over half of the city's housing is around 70 years old," she said, noting that aging housing increases maintenance burdens and can create health and safety issues for residents and neighbors.
The draft housing goal calls for preserving and revitalizing existing housing while expanding safe, affordable options. Consultants highlighted missing-middle…
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