Introduction
Planning and zoning by the local government are crucial to the growth of Cocoa Beach, Florida. Local governments may anticipate the future and preserve the distinctive nature of a place by specifying the extent of development. Comprehensive planning in Cocoa Beach comprises a crucial societal process identifying specific goals to improve the community’s well-being. Urban planning experts in the United States often use the phrase comprehensive planning to refer to this sort of planning, which includes enormous geographical areas, such as large cities. Comprehensive planning during the 19th and 20th centuries was the most important factor in developing clean and attractive American towns (Yazdani Mehr, 2019). Therefore, a comprehensive plan is fundamental for city planning and monitoring urban changes. In addition, a detailed plan is essential for establishing the economic position and maintaining the demography of an urban region.
Detailed Description of Local Comprehensive Planning Process
Comprehensive planning and zoning in Cocoa Beach are governed by a specific and clear method that must be adhered to for the project to provide the greatest outcomes. The process does not have a predetermined number of stages and processes. Plan adherence aids planners in assessing a vast array of difficulties and possible problems that must be resolved. According to Couch (2016), in an urban context, the difficulties are interrelated; thus, fixing one concern is likely to aid in addressing the other. Each phase of the procedure is seen as separate.
Identifying the challenges requiring resolution is the first step in the process. To retain the significance of the planning and zoning activity, planners must first analyze the needed modifications and solicit the inhabitants’ opinions. Planners can do this by persuading inhabitants and consequently determining what problems they are trying to solve (Bunnell & Jepson Jr, 2011). The second step is the formulation of objectives based on the evaluation of results. All objectives should be geared toward resolving the identified obstacles and be attainable to prevent a crisis from resulting from the situation. For instance, if the issue was housing, the objective should be constructing better and more affordable housing within a set timeframe before homelessness and congestion occur.
The collecting of data is another essential step in comprehensive planning. Connecting many Internet of Things (IoT) devices to gather urban data through the Internet to create smart digital cities results in massive data creation (Rathore et al., 2018). Collecting the number of persons without homes will aid in assessing the degree of the impact and predicting the number of individuals who will lack homes in the coming year (Cieślak, 2019). Social data such as population number, economic circumstances of the region, and other environmental parameters such as the climate and traffic in a given location are the most essential.
After collecting data, a thorough analysis is conducted, and results such as economic forecasts, future housing circumstances, and population size are established. Preparing the plan is also crucial in using the information obtained during goal setting and data collecting. A good plan in Cocoa Beach begins with a summary of the issue’s existing and foreseeable future situations; the plan is then utilized to accomplish this objective in the region. Transportation and housing are two of the aspects of planning that are likely to impact the community. The comprehensive planning process’s major purpose is to guarantee that growth and development are controlled to satisfy the region’s and its residents’ requirements. This approach ensures that growth is consistent with the vision and aspirations of the community and does not surpass the limits of the local environment.
Impacts and Second-Order Consequences
The comprehensive planning process results may have favorable and unfavorable effects. On the bright side, it may ensure that development and expansion are consistent with the community’s vision and objectives. Conversely, reaching a consensus among stakeholders may be difficult, costly, and time-consuming (Nilssen, 2019). The second-order effects of the comprehensive planning process might include an uptick in economic growth, an improvement in public health, and easier access to resources.
Elements of Local Comprehensive Plan
The parts of a comprehensive plan give a framework for how the local government will oversee and develop a particular region. They advise on decision-making and guarantee that all parties’ requirements and desires are considered. The comprehensive plan outlines the general objectives for the region and creates the foundation for accomplishing these objectives (Couch, 2016). The elements serve as a roadmap for creating particular policies, initiatives, and activities. The elements are employed to assess current circumstances, establish objectives, and build policies and programs to enable an area to attain those objectives. All choices on land use and construction are based on the comprehensive plan.
The parts of a detailed plan are used to determine the most efficient and economic uses of land, assets, and services to guarantee that a community’s objectives and goals are achieved. Each component is used to construct a plan to improve the locality’s management of its assets and services. For instance, the Geology element would include the area geology, such as soil type and terrain, as well as any possible dangers or hazards related to the terrain (Cullingworth & Caves, 2014). The purpose of geology aspects in the Cocoa Beach Local Government Comprehensive Plan is to recognize and safeguard the region’s natural resources and processes, including rock features, soil, and water (City of Cocoa Beach, 2015). The Environmental Resources component would provide information about the region’s natural resources, including water, air, and wildlife (Deyle et al., 1998). In addition, they establish objectives and strategies to conserve and maintain these resources. The environmental resource elements of the Cocoa Beach Local Government Comprehensive Plan aim to determine and safeguard the area’s natural resources, including water quality and air quality, biodiversity, and vegetation.
The Open Space element would include details about the region’s playgrounds, trails, and other open areas and any long-term plans for their development. The Recreational and Open Space element emphasizes a comprehensive private and public recreation system, such as natural reserves, parks and playgrounds, beaches, parkways, rivers, and other recreational amenities (City of Cocoa Beach, 2015). Certain forms of private spaces are required to operate in public places properly. However, the commercialization of public spaces impedes their usage by the public (Marcuse, 2014). The Transportation aspect would include the area’s existing and projected transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and public transit. The purpose of the transportation sections of the Cocoa Beach Local Government Comprehensive Plan is to pinpoint and safeguard present and future transport systems, including roads and trails. The Cultural resources facet discusses preservation and promotion measures for the region’s culture and heritage, including historic sites and museums. The cultural resource parts of the Cocoa Beach Local Government strategic plan aim to recognize and preserve the area’s cultural history, such as historic structures and landscapes.
In California in America, the comprehensive plan must address and give solutions for several concerns. The purpose of this state’s comprehensive plan is to provide long-term answers to the difficulties and to economically improve the state (Tan & Taeihagh, 2020). There are regulations governing the preparation and execution of a detailed plan; if these standards are not followed, the comprehensive plan is terminated and considered unlawful. Each strategy for this state must contain a long-term and short-term strategy for the highlighted issue, extremely attainable and attainable goals, and well-organized objectives that contribute to the overall development of society.
Impacts and Second-Order Consequences
Roads, mass transportation, and pedestrian routes are just a few examples of transport networks that the plan may impact. This may impact the community’s general mobility, traffic patterns, safety, and availability. The inclusiveness and equality of society, which addresses concerns like access to reasonably priced housing and transportation services, are among the second-order consequences. Furthermore, it can tackle past inequality and discriminatory tendencies, fostering diversity and equity.
Stakeholders in the Comprehensive Planning Process
The key stakeholders are individuals and organizations impacted by a local government’s comprehensive plan. Generally, these parties include city residents, city and county administrations, business owners and unions, non-profit groups, educational groups, developers, environmental groups, and utilities. Each stakeholder participates uniquely in the plan according to their interests and objectives. Inhabitants of the city and provide feedback on how they would want to observe the county evolve regarding public services, construction, and amenities. In addition, they give comments on county government and partner-developed programs.
City and County governments
City and County governments participate by drafting a comprehensive plan considering the county’s requirements, residents, and economic growth potential. This aligns with the biblical perspective in Amos 3:7, which says, ‘Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets’((New International Version, 2020). Company owners’ associations are institutions formed by business owners that collaborate to advance the economic needs of their members, often within a specific geographic region. Typically, they comprise a board of directors and offer business education, marketing, and lobbying services.
Planning and Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission is a local government entity that analyzes applications for planning and zoning and determines land use decisions for a specific region. This involves considering requests for deviations, special exclusions, and development plans. They are responsible for ensuring land use choices are founded on the community’s long-term goals and comply with local regulations (Nilssen, 2019). The Planning and Zoning Commission oversees choices that impact the development and expansion of communities while balancing the interests of citizens and developers.
Non-profit Organizations, Developers, and Representatives of Education
Non-profit organizations assist in improving life for county people by advising on the most efficient use of available resources. In addition, they give comments on the county administration and its partners’ initiatives. Representatives of education participate by focusing attention on the educational requirements of the county’s citizens and how to meet them most effectively in the detailed plan. Developers participate by weighing in on the projects that would benefit the city and its economic system the most. In addition, they give comments on the county governments and their allies’ goals (Kim et al., 2018). Utilities assist by offering recommendations on the city’s infrastructure requirements and possible environmental implications of development plans.
Impacts and Second-Order Consequences
The second-order consequences of these many stakeholders’ participation in the detailed plan of the Cocoa Beach government may be diverse and far-reaching. For instance, city people may influence the plan by providing feedback on the programs they want and their thoughts regarding how the project must be executed. The city and county governments may supply the plan with resources and guidance and vote on its execution. Business owners and organizations may ensure that their interests are considered and provide appropriate knowledge and skills (Nilssen, 2019). The planning and Zoning Commission may assist in developing guidelines and laws for the plan to guarantee its fast and efficient implementation. Planners may contribute their expertise and experience to the strategy and produce a good plan for all parties involved (Brody et al., 2003). The plan may benefit from the knowledge and lobbying of environmental groups on environmental concerns.
Factors Influencing Comprehensive Plan Development
Numerous factors affect a comprehensive plan for dealing with a specific issue; most obstacles make it difficult to establish and execute. The uncooperative community in Cocoa Beach is one of the obstacles; if the people are unwilling to cooperate with the planners, it is difficult to devise a plan for particular issues. The population offers some key data required to construct the plan. The second limitation is the dependence on certain socioeconomic challenges, such as heavy traffic. There are times when a wireless connection is inadequate owing to the town’s urban design; thus, the two obstacles must be paid for. If the state has a limited budget, it is nearly difficult to remedy the issue.
In addition, population size can influence comprehensive planning. When building new houses, inhabitants must evacuate and make space; however, the population is dense, and there is nowhere for them to go until the new homes are constructed and suitable for occupancy (Cullingworth & Caves, 2014). The purpose of including population growth in a detailed plan is to guarantee that the investments of the local government are utilized effectively and efficiently to satisfy the demands of its residents. Housing requirements are an important issue to consider while developing a complete strategy. Increased traffic complicates the development of a comprehensive strategy to improve road conditions; congested highways are unlikely to allow for the extension and maintenance of the nation’s current roadways. The purpose of including transportation services in a comprehensive plan is to guarantee that the local government satisfies its inhabitants’ demands and provides equal transportation options. Applying the biblical perspective to this situation will assist in making the transformation meaningful. Jeremiah 17:7 describes how people who trust in God and base their activities on God flourish like a tree planted near water (New International Version, 2020). The Bible encourages individuals to live a better life and aid those in need; thus, from a biblical perspective, the progress of a community is remarkable and pleases God.
Impacts and Second-Order Consequences
The plan may affect the ecosystem, such as the conservation of open areas, the safeguarding of land and resources, and the mitigating of the effects of climate change. Society’s general viability, as well as the people’s well-being, may be impacted by this. The Second-Order Consequences include the society’s long-term budgetary stability, which encourages prudent expansion and development and produces enough income to pay for services and infrastructure needs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, any societal transformation, just as in Cocoa Beach, should be supported by a well-designed plan, review, implementation, and surveillance of the anticipated results to assure validity. With thorough planning, stakeholders can create awareness of the elements that drive comprehensive plan creation. In any transformation, including the government and society is advantageous since their combined efforts aid in issue identification and render the planet more accessible. The Bible argues for social change, provided it is beneficial and aims to improve the lives of those living there.
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