The City of Warren Planning Commission spent its Wednesday meeting, well, planning.

The commission’s focus was the Trestle to Trestle Task Force aimed at examining redevelopment options along the riverfront as well as the city’s next comprehensive plan.

Vince DeJoy, the city’s director of zoning, codes and economic development, said that the task force — driven by the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry, broke up into three separate committees focusing on lodging, recreation and retail.

He said the retail group met Tuesday night. There was “a lot of discussion” and that the focus was to “throw out some ideas. Once we’ve had some repeat meetings, (we) will try to focus in on some of these ideas.”

DeJoy cautioned that this is going to be a lengthy process.

Staff view a project-driven comprehensive plan — currently in its infancy — as part of the solution for the issues the task force is focused on.

That requires contracting with a consultant and DeJoy told the commission that four interested firms have been identified. He said those firms will be interviewed to determine who is the best fit for the plan and the corresponding update to the zoning ordinance.

“What we’re asking for is an implementable comprehensive plan,” City Manager Nancy Freenock said. “The Planning Commission, public and consultant will set goals and it’ll prioritize those goals.”

“Our plan unfortunately is 20 years old,” she said. “It’s going to be a different product.”

Chairman Don Nelson said the shift to a project-specific plan is a “much better option” and said the plan should be able to be used as a tool with development that is a “great process for us all.”

Commission member Mike Suppa said plans that collect “cobwebs” can be frustrating and emphasized the need for it to be an active plan while Commission member Randy Rossey said the plan is only as good as the people are invested into it, specifically when the faces on the city’s boards change.

Freenock added that the old planning process isn’t the best solution for Warren.

Nelson linked the effort back to the Task Force as well as the county’s comprehensive planning process.

“It’s time,” he said.

DeJoy said that the city sees a “great period of community engagement.

“Let’s strike,” he said, while the community is interested.

The commission set a March 3 at 7:45 a.m. special meeting to review the request for proposals that will be sent out to kick off the planning process.

COMMISSION ASKS FOR MORE

FACADE PROGRAM FUNDING

DeJoy said the $60,000 allocated by the Redevelopment Authority for downtown facade improvements — up to $5,000 with with dollar-for-dollar match — has been spoken for.

“(We) do have some interest” for additional work, he said, and “need to go back to the RDA and request more funds be allocated and look for more grants possibly.”

“If there’s interest, we need more money put into it,” Commission member Pat Scutella said.

The commission approved a motion asking the RDA for an additional $60,000 to expand the program.