Stewart was engaged by the Town of Huntersville to update their comprehensive plan. The town is experiencing significant growth and has several NCDOT projects planned for its future. The existing Comprehensive Plan did not address growth on the scale the town is currently exhibiting and did not prepare the Town for the rapid change it has seen in the past decade. The intent of the plan is to direct growth responsibly while maintaining the Town’s natural resources and character that have been its longtime attraction.
The planning process was multidisciplinary. Stewart applied best practices in growth management, coordinated land use and transportation planning, and urban design and placemaking to the process and the final result. In order to engage the large population, the team conducted in-person and online public engagement, which included multiple surveys and a multi-day charrette in downtown Huntersville. The final product had recommendations and goals that addressed all aspects of livability for Huntersville residents. It also included a focused Downtown Concept, which is a concept design that shows building orientation, scale, and key public space improvements that would help revitalize the historic Downtown.
The project was an exercise in directing growth and develop and preserving existing character and resources. It also required effective public engagement of a large town during COVID-19. Stewart was able to meet these needs and deliver a plan that captured the town’s vision and voice despite these challenges.