FAQ
Commonly asked questions about developing Plan Baton Rouge and New Urbanism
What is the public's role in this process?
All interested parties are invited to participate in any one of a number of committees that focus on specific aspects of the Plan. Increased public involvement ensures that the Plan better reflects what the citizens of Baton Rouge want in their downtown.
When will the plan be adopted?
On July 2, 1998, the first draft of the plan was presented. The final draft was received by the Steering Committee on February 1999. Of the 104 projects, only 42 projects require some type of action or adoption by the Metro Council. The Steering Committee has formed subcommittees to study and research the 42 projects. Many of the projects are already implemented or are underway.
What is the role of the Leadership Committee?
The Leadership Committee will continue to be the catalysts and communicators of Plan Baton Rouge. Constituency groups may request meetings with members of the Steering Committee or Leadership Committee.
Who is affected by the Plan?
Plan Baton Rouge affects all of East Baton Rouge Parish and the surrounding areas because a vibrant downtown benefits everyone, but the actions involved in the plan occur specifically within the area between I-10, I-110, Capitol Park, and the Mississippi River.
How does Plan Baton Rouge fit in with the Horizon Plan, the Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan for East Baton Rouge Parish?
Horizon Plan is a comprehensive plan for all 16 districts of East Baton Rouge Parish. Plan Baton Rouge, the downtown plan, is actually called for in the Horizon Plan document.
Will public money be required to finance the projects for Plan Baton Rouge?
The projects must be driven by private market reaction. Public action will be required to enable development to occur in the downtown. New Urbanists advocate the restructuring of public policy and development practices to support the following principles: neighborhoods should be diverse in use and population; communities should be designed for pedestrian and transit use as well as the car; cities and towns should be shaped by physically defined and universally accessible public spaces and community institutions; urban places should be framed by architecture and landscape design that celebrate local history, climate, ecology and building practice.