Great Neighborhood Principles

Great Neighborhood Principles (Ordinance 5066) Adopted by McMinnville
City Council April 9, 2019

Gorgeous tree-lined streets.  Neighbors sitting together on porches sharing lemonade and swapping stories.  Kids playing with chalk on the sidewalk.  Background noise of a game of pick-up basketball in the driveway two houses down.  Someone walking their dog, waving "Hi" as they stroll by.  These are the images of great neighborhoods promoted by Hollywood and American culture.  They are also probably the memories of many people growing up - but not everybody.

Great neighborhoods are special places that we either live in or have visited somewhere else.  A challenge to city planners is to ensure that every neighborhood built in McMinnville is a great neighborhood, whether it is a neighborhood of single family residences or a large apartment complex.   If we define what makes a great neighborhood, we should be able to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to live in one, regardless of income, age and mobility.

So, what makes a great neighborhood in McMinnville?  What elements should be included in any neighborhood – either existing or new – to make it great?  These are the questions that the Great Neighborhood Principles project will answer.

Project Overview

The goal of the Great Neighborhood Principles project is to identify specific principles – which could also be referred to as elements or characteristics - that should be achieved in every neighborhood.  These principles could include things like walkability, bikeability, housing variety, access to open spaces, connections to commercial uses, etc.

The project will result in specific recommendations for the Planning Commission and City Council to consider adopting to ensure that future development projects in McMinnville achieve the Great Neighborhood Principles and that each development project is built out as, or contributes to, a great neighborhood.

We Want to Hear from You!

Participate and watch for project updates and project materials on our social media accounts:

      McMinnville Matters
      Facebook
      Twitter
      Instagram

Public Open House – Wednesday, November 7th – 6:00 PM

A survey was available, until midnight on Sunday, November 25, 2018, to provide feedback on what the Great Neighborhood Principles should be.  The results are provided below:

Survey Results

Project Timeline

Goal 1: Identify Project Scope

Project Advisory Committee Meeting – Tuesday, September 18th – 6:00 PM
Meeting Presentation

Goal 2: Solicit Public Input

Project Advisory Committee Meeting – Wednesday, October 10th – 6:00 PM
Meeting Presentation

Public Engagement Process: Mid-October through Late-November

                Social Media Posts

                Online Survey

                Outreach to Schools & Community Organizations

Public Open House – Wednesday, November 7th – 6:00 PM
Location:  Police Department Training Room, 121 SW Adams Street

Goal 3: Select Principles

Project Advisory Committee Meeting – Tuesday, December 4th – 6:00 PM
Meeting Presentation

Presentation at Planning Commission Work Session – Thursday, December 20th – 5:30 PM

Goal 4: Finalize & Define Principles

Project Advisory Committee Meeting – Tuesday, January 15th – 6:00 PM
Meeting Presentation

Summary of Overall Project Schedule

Project Advisory Committee

The Project Advisory Committee is a group of community members and city staff that will provide guidance and direction on the development of the Great Neighborhood Principles.  The committee is made up of a Citizen Advisory Committee, which are residents and members of our community, and a Technical Advisory Committee, which are city staff.

Any other questions?  Contact the lead staff person:

Chuck Darnell, Senior Planner
503-434-7330
chuck.darnell@mcminnvilleoregon.gov