HomeMy Public PortalAboutI. INTRODUCTION.pdfAPRIL 2006 | RICHMOND, INDIANA |
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INTRODUCTION
I. INTRODUCTION
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN VISION STATEMENT
“The country around us was an entire wilderness, with here and there a small cabin,
containing a small family. We were nearly all new beginners at that time, and although we
had to work almost day and night, we were not discouraged.”
from Memoir of David Hoover 1857
A Pioneer of Indiana and settler of Richmond in 1806
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I. INTRODUCTION
A. Comprehensive Planning
Comprehensive planning is fundamental to creating a vital and sustainable community. The
economic prosperity of a community and comprehensive planning are closely related. A city can
use a comprehensive plan to help guide its future growth. More importantly, a city can use this
plan as a tool to help engineer change by encouraging favorable development, while allowing for
the natural evolution of a growing community. A comprehensive plan includes broad policies
with implementation strategies that guide land use decisions. These important decisions will
determine the physical, economic, and social well being of a community. Comprehensive plans
are sometimes referred to as land-use plans, since the appropriate uses of land and the
compatibility between these uses are often determined during the comprehensive planning
process. Comprehensive plans are prepared to identify, preserve, and manage the natural
resources, significant lands, and historic structures. In addition, comprehensive plans consider
the current and future issues, which relate to schools, recreation, housing, and infrastructural
needs.
Comprehensive planning is a means to establish guidelines for the future growth of a community.
The term “comprehensive” means exactly that. It should be a thorough, all-inclusive process,
which addresses the issues that affect the future growth of a community. The final product of
this process is a comprehensive document or plan. City officials should use this document as a
policy guide for making informed decisions that affect the community.
The US Census projects that the population of the United States will grow by 60 million over the
next 20 years. Land use decisions will become increasingly difficult to make as our population
increases. Yet, the decisions that we make will deeply affect where we live, work, play, shop, and
travel. The choices that we make will determine how we accommodate our future growth and
what we leave as our legacy for the future generations. A city must strive to preserve valuable,
natural resources, enhance the livability of neighborhoods, and create a strong sense of
community. Yet, our education does not prepare us with the language or skills to become
effective problem-solving participants in this decision-making process. We must be prepared to
make the best possible choices for our communities. We must elevate the level of discourse and
improve the decision-making capacity of all citizens, so that we can be more effective at
addressing the challenges of our growing population, while improving the quality of life within
our communities.
William I. Goodman, a well-known author on the subject of comprehensive planning, asserts
that the primary purpose of a comprehensive plan is as an instrument to be used by the leaders of
a community to establish the policies and make the decisions necessary for the physical
development of a community. According to Goodman, the comprehensive plan should satisfy six
basic requirements:
1. The plan should be comprehensive.
2. The plan should be long-range.
3. The plan should be general.
4. The plan should focus on physical development.
5. The plan should relate physical design proposals to community goals and social and
economic policies.
6. The plan should be first a policy instrument, and only second a technical instrument.
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Comprehensive plans are general in nature and are purposely long-term. The loftier goals can
take years to accomplish in this type of plan. The City of Richmond’s comprehensive plan serves
as a general guide for the various uses of land. There is a 15 - year planning horizon envisioned in
this comprehensive plan. The plan will encourage growth in a manner that will promote
economic well being, enhance community character, and improve the quality of life. The
comprehensive plan provides a commonly accepted guide for making future decisions. When
consistently applied, the Comprehensive Plan provides the foundation for a legal basis in
protecting the community. The Plan is not law, but it does provide a foundation for future zoning
and sign ordinances, as well as other local regulations, which govern the use of land.
A city that provides its residents with a vibrant, safe, and sustainable environment to live, work,
and play is essential for a healthy community. The Healthy Community Model illustrates this
point and highlights the critical elements for success that Richmond must focus on over the next
ten years.
Healthy Community Model
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Successful City Development Model
The Successful City Development Model illustrates the interrelation between, public leadership;
public policy; city tax revenue spending and private sector re-investment. It culminates in the
long-term economic sustainability of Richmond. The model also illuminates the importance of
using a portion of tax revenues to leverage private sector real estate investment. This can be
accomplished through financial incentives designed to attract real estate developers and
property owners to specific reinvestment areas of the City. The visions put forth in this
Comprehensive Plan for economic, social, and environmental sustainability should be the driving
force behind the City’s budget priorities, regulations, interactions with other governmental
agencies, and development review. When the Successful City Development Model is properly
incorporated into Richmond’s municipal plans and regulations, plus it is the basis for making
predictable, consistent decisions; over time the vision of sustainability and healthy community
will transform from a concept to reality.
This planning effort will serve to coordinate the development and growth of the City of
Richmond by coordinating land use development with implementation strategies. The
comprehensive planning process included public consensus building efforts, along with steering
committee meetings, stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and workshops. The process involved
the surrounding jurisdictions of Wayne County, by considering their planning efforts, and
soliciting their input regarding the City of Richmond.
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B. How to Navigate This Plan
The purpose of this comprehensive plan is to provide a legal framework to guide the growth and
development of The City of Richmond. In Indiana, the 500 Series of Title 36-7-4 of the Indiana
Code permit comprehensive planning. This law empowers cities, towns, and counties to adopt
plans. Any plan adopted in Indiana must contain at least the following three elements:
1. A statement of objectives for the future development of the jurisdiction.
2. A statement of policy for the land use development of the jurisdiction.
3. A statement of policy for the development of public ways, public places,
Public lands, public structures, and public utilities.
The City of Richmond Comprehensive Plan is organized into self- contained chapters which
address each sector of study as defined by the contributors of the plan and those required by
Indiana State law. This comprehensive plan addresses more than just land use and zoning, it
considers such issues as economic development, city image and identity, education, recreation
facilities and historic and natural resources, among others.
Action Oriented Comprehensive Plan
The Richmond Comprehensive Plan is an action oriented work program for the local
government, community leaders, and citizens of the community. This document begins with an
overview of a far-reaching vision for the City Richmond, and it concludes with a list of actions
that are required to accomplish this vision. Each chapter examines a different area of study.
There is an understandable roadmap between the established goals for the community and the
path to achieve them. The illustration below graphically represents this course. Decisions and
activities that are made and undertaken subsequent to the adoption of this plan should be
consistent with the intent and content of this plan.
Chapter Organization
Each chapter covers a specific area of study. The content of each chapter is outcome of the
planning process. The information in each chapter progresses logically, beginning with a big idea
followed by specific recommendations to implement. Each chapter begins with a Vision
Statement that is located on the cover page. The vision statement provides a favorable glimpse
into the future of Richmond. In order to achieve this vision, broad Goals guide the progress with
a list of objectives for achieving these goals. The Objectives target specific issues that relate to
each goal. The Issues are all of strengths and weaknesses of a given situation. These issues are
further clarified in the subsections of each chapter. The Findings are both the results of the
research process and the identification of the current conditions in each area of study.
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The planning team developed Strategies to facilitate the efforts of this goal-oriented process.
Recommendations explain the best ways to make the strategies work. An Implementation
Summary Matrix was developed to be used as an internal document by the City of Richmond
Each chapter begins with the
appropriate Vision Statement.
Goal and Objectives are listed in the
beginning of each Chapter.
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Focused subsections feature topic
Issues and Findings.
Findings are often presented in
easy to comprehend charts and
tables.
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Strategies and Recommendations
are prioritized and correlated by
key.
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C. Regional Context Study Area
Issues and Findings
Today, Richmond is a city of approximately 40,000 and
is often referred to as the Eastern Gateway to Indiana.
Its location on the border of Indiana and Ohio makes it
easily accessible to Dayton, Ohio (45 minutes) and
Indianapolis, Indiana (60 minutes), Cincinnati (1.5
hours) in addition to its close proximity to Columbus,
Detroit, and Chicago - all within a 5 hour drive or less.
Richmond’s heritage lies in its varied industrial
background, and it's location near Interstate 70,
between Interstate 75 and Interstate 65 offers
advantages to the City of Richmond for business,
cultural, tourism, and economic development
opportunities.
To better study the area, the City was geographically divided into four sub-areas or quadrants,
with US 40 as the east - west divider and State US 27 as the north - south divider. These major
roadways provided a natural dividing boundary between the four quadrants of the city.
Downtown Richmond, which is centrally located, represents the fifth sub-area. The quadrants
include the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast portions of the City.
The comprehensive planning process
included data analysis and public forums
with consensus building for the project.
Data was collected and community input
exercises were performed with the
results organized by geographic
quadrants. This approach allowed the
unique characteristics of each geographic
area to be examined individually. As a
result, the final recommendations reflect
an understanding of the distinct physical,
social, and economic conditions of each
district.
Quadrants
Northwest – This quadrant is located west of US-27 and north of National Road. The zoning is
primarily M2 General Industrial towards the northwestern part of the quadrants. Residential
units for single- to multi-family are scattered close to the downtown area and located south
along National Road. The west fork of the Whitewater River goes through this quadrant
emptying into the main run of the Whitewater River known as the Gorge.
Source: Google Earth
Source: LSL
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Northeast – East of US-27 and north of East Main Street/National Road East. The northeast
quadrant can be analyzed in two parts. The north part is zoned primarily residential (R-2) One
Family Residence District and (R-1) One Family Residence District with C-2 Commercial along
US 27. The southern portion of the quadrant along Main Road is zoned O-1 Greenbelt with
pockets of residential areas within the quadrant. R-3 zoning is clustered around the central city
core where the traditional grid-street pattern occurs. Between Elks Country Club Road and 30th
Street there is Residential zoning – R3 a, R-2 situated in-between the O-1 Greenbelt district
where the Glenn Miller Park and the Hayes Arboretum are located. On the far east end of Main
Road, there is a stretch of C-3 Central Business District Zoning and M-2 General Industrial
District zoning located along Main Road and Interstate-70. A patch of Multiple Family
Residence District Zoning occurs along Woodside Drive between Gravel Pit Road and Hayes
Arboretum Drive. Part of the east fork of the Whitewater River runs through this quadrant.
Southwest – The southwest quadrant is mainly residential with the Whitewater Gorge flowing
through it creating O1 Greenbelt along both its banks. There is some M1 Light Industrial in the
southeast corner with commercial along the major thoroughfares.
Southeast – The southeast quadrant is split up into large areas of different zoning types. The
largest area is R2 One Family Residential with R3 One to Eight Family Residential close to the
downtown quadrant. To the east of the R2 zoning, there is R1 One Family Residential, R4 Multi-
Family Residential, Industrial, and then a small corner of A1 Agricultural. Along Main Road,
there is C3 and C4 Commercial Districts.
Downtown – Located in the center of the city, just east of the Whitewater Gorge and north of
Main road, the downtown quadrant is zoned C3 General Business District and O1 Greenbelt
along the Whitewater Gorge. There is some M1 Light Industrial with a small area devoted to R3
One to Eight Family Residential.
Current zoning within the 2-mile fringe of the City of Richmond is not very diverse. The majority
is A1 Agricultural District with some large areas of O1 Greenbelt District, including along the
Whitewater Gorge and R2 One Family Residence Districts throughout. Very little land within
the city limits is currently zoned for C1 Limited Commercial District while most M2 General
Industrial District encompasses the majority of the northwest quadrant. The zoning for
Richmond follows the standards that were set forth by the State of Indiana.
Farming/Agriculture
Though the agriculture industry has dropped more than 60 percent in Richmond since 1990 and
2000, the number of acres devoted to farmland is still high in Wayne County. The State of
Indiana has almost 30 percent of the duck industry and just over 23 percent of the popcorn
industry. Ranked high in number of farms, Indiana also ranked in the top 20 for land area in
acres. Wayne County is 66 percent occupied by farmland. There were 850 farms in Wayne
County and 198 in the Richmond area. Richmond’s farms have a low value of sales with 81
percent making less than $50,000 a year. Land that is considered good for farming in the
Richmond area is shown on map at the end of this chapter. Almost all of the land west of the
Clear Creek is good for farming. There is another large portion in the southeast quadrant in the
southeast corner of the city boundary.
Value of Sales per Number of Farms - Richmond
Less than $50,000 $50,000-249,999 Greater than $250,000
161 29 8
Source: 2002 Census of Agriculture
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Rankings for Indiana 2002
Number of Farms 13th
Land Area in Acres 20th
Ducks 1st
Popcorn 2nd
Tomatoes for Processing 2nd
Egg-Type Chicks Hatched 2nd
Ice Cream Production 2nd
Source: 2002 Census of Agriculture
D. Population and Socio-Economics
Issues and Findings
Population and demographic trends are primary factors affecting the land use patterns of
communities, counties, and regions. The number of people, their age, the living arrangements in
which they place themselves, the types of dwellings they choose to live in, and the places
available to find employment, all play an important role in how much land is needed to
accommodate their choices.
Socio-economics is the study of the social and economic demographics of a population. This
section gives an overview of the ethnicity, poverty levels, employment levels, and household
incomes of Richmond. The goal of socio-economic study is generally to understand the
characteristics, traits, and preferences in order to encourage socio-economic development. This
is often determined by reviewing the growth of an economy, the number of newly, created jobs,
or the different levels of home ownership. In studying the socio-economic composition and
history of Richmond’s population, the needs of the community can be more specifically and
directly addressed.
The city’s population, including its related characteristics, is an essential element of the
comprehensive planning process. This section reviews the statistical trends in population and
housing growth, plus the projected population change. These statistics enable projections to be
made about the population. Projections can provide the city with a foundation to consider the
future structural and public needs of the community. The data evaluated is taken from the U.S.
Census Bureau from both the 1990 and the 2000 census including a historical review of
population changes since 1950.
The following section will look at population data from the 1990 and 2000 census. This
evaluation will be focused on the city, but will have also comparisons with Wayne County and
State of Indiana when appropriate.
Information contained in this analysis includes:
· 2000 Census data (population, race, gender, age, education, income, housing)
· 1990 Census data (population, race gender, age)
· Comparison to Wayne County and the State of Indiana (population, race, gender, age)
· Population projections
· Employment rates
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According to the 2000, Census the population for the City of Richmond was 39,124 people. This
showcases a 5.6 percent decline from the 1980 Census, which continues the trend with the
county at 6.9 percent decline. The population drop started after 1960 where Richmond had its
population peak at 44.149 people.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Historical Population Trends
As the automobile became a more widespread mode of transportation in the 20th century,
highways were improved which allowed people to begin to move outward from the concentrated
centers of communities. Since the 1950s, this outward trend has accelerated growth in
communities similar to the City of Richmond that are located along a major Interstate and had
vast amounts of land to be developed surrounding the urban core. The dispersion caused
development to encroach into accessible unincorporated areas, such as the two-mile fringe area
of the City of Richmond that was once exclusively rural and used for farming. From 1950 to 1960,
Richmond’s population increased by 10.4%. From 1960 to 1990, the population steadily decreased
from the peak population of 44,149 in 1960. As the population of the city declined, the population
density of the city has declined as well, resulting from the expansion of the city limits and the
migration of residents away from the central area to the fringe areas.
The land area of Richmond has increased from 11.6 square miles in 1960 to 18.4 square miles in
1990; a change of 58.6%. In 2000, the land area of Richmond was 23 square miles, an increase of
23% in ten years. However, as the population slightly increased from 1990 to the year 2000, the
land area grew as well. The 2000 population density is 1701 persons per square mile, a decrease in
density from 1990 of 2,103.5 persons per square mile. The decrease in density of population in
persons per square mile reflects a trend towards lower density development growth and of
population migration.
39,539
44,149 43,999
41,349
38,705 39,124
35,000
36,000
37,000
38,000
39,000
40,000
41,000
42,000
43,000
44,000
45,000
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Population: 1950 to 2000
Richmond
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Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Population by Age
Another trend that is emerging is the general aging of the American population. The above graph
displays the population distribution from 1950, 2000, and projected for 2025. (Significant
changes in immigration or another “baby boom” could alter these projections.)
These distribution lines clearly show several notable items:
· The peak from the Baby Boom is very pronounced as it ages; over the next 20 years, the
Boomers should be retiring rapidly.
· There is generally a downward slope toward the older age categories.
· Life expectancy continues to increase.
These trends affect several aspects of real estate. For example, currently the Boomers are largely
of working age, and therefore there is significant demand for commercial property due to their
economic activity. As the Boomers retire, there should be an increase in housing options for older
populations. The similarity of Wayne County’s population to national trends is important, in
that Wayne County estimate demands will closely follow national norms.
Age
In Richmond 60% of the population is in the 18-65 age group. The senior population over 65
accounts for 12% and the remaining 28% of the population is minors. The percentage of minors
residing in the city is higher than in Wayne County.
The age makeup of the population is a relatively young population shown in the pie chart below,
with the largest population age group in the 20 to 34 year old range at 24%. 23% of the total
population is between the ages of 35 to 54. Combined the 20 - 54 age group represents 48% of
the total population and comprises the majority of the work force. 21% of the total population is
within the school age range of 5-19 years of age. 16.4% of the population is elderly or of
retirement age, 65 and over. The male population is 12.7 percent higher than the female
population, which is the complete opposite of the number of males and females in 1990. The
female population was 14.7 percent higher in 1990.
Population Change: 1950 to 2000
39,539
41,349
39,124
38,705
43,999 44,149
35,000
36,000
37,000
38,000
39,000
40,000
41,000
42,000
43,000
44,000
45,000
1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Richmond
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Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
Over the past decade, the City of Richmond has experienced the most growth in the 35 – 54 year
old age group. The 35-54 year old category grew by 20% over the ten-year period, representing
the baby-boomer generation. The population in the 75+-age category increased by 11% between
1990 and 2000. The remaining age groups, under 5, 5-19, 20-34, 55-64, 65-74 decreased in
population from 1990 to 2000. These decreases may be the result of family migration out of the
community to other areas for professional careers and it indicates a movement of first-time
homebuyers moving out of the area.
Ethnicity
The population of Richmond is mostly people of Caucasian background at 86.8 percent in 2000.
This is just under Wayne County at 92 percent and just above the State of Indiana average at 87.5
percent with Caucasian background. The next largest ethnic background is Black or African
American at 8.9 percent. The lack of ethnic diversity is not uncommon for the State of Indiana.
Richmond: Population by Age: 1990
Under 5
7%
5 to 19
21%
20 to 34
24%
35 to 54
23%
55 to 64
9%
65 to 74
9%
75+
7%
Richmond: Population by Race: 2000
86.8%
8.9%
0.3%0.8%
1.1%
Caucasian
Black or African American
Am. Indian &
Alaska Native
Asian
Other
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
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Annexation and Population
Annexation is the absorption of territory by a municipal corporation from an unincorporated
area of another jurisdiction. It is a method of adjusting local governmental boundaries as areas
urbanize. In 1950, the City of Richmond was an incorporated unit of local governments and
occupied 23 square miles of area. Today, the remaining unincorporated area exists between the
city boundaries and the two-mile fringe. This unincorporated area is primarily zoned as
agriculture and some single family residential. The population trend is for migration to continue
out of the Richmond central core to become residents of municipal corporations through
annexation of unincorporated areas.
Income and Employment
The employment levels and household incomes of a community reflect its general economic
health. These figures also provide information on how Richmond compares to Wayne County
and to the State of Indiana.
The median household income for Richmond in 2000 was $38,346 that was lower than Indiana’s
median family income of $50,261. In 1990 (1989), Richmond’s median family income was $32,126.
This represents a 19% change in median family income over the ten-year period, which is higher
than Wayne County median family income of 18.2% and the State of Indiana at 13.6%. Most
households had a total income in between $25,000 to $74,999 annually.
The largest percentage of household incomes falls in the $15,000 to $24,999 range, and in the
$35,000 to $74,999 range. Income levels have a significant effect on local housing demand. An
individual’s or family’s income has the greatest impact on the housing choices that individual will
make. The median household and median family incomes for the City of Richmond for the 1990
and 2000 census periods show that Richmond median incomes experienced a greater relative
increase between 1990 and 2000. 57% of the total household incomes in 2000 were less than
$35,000 annually, not affording many choices in housing. 32% of the households earned between
$35,000 and $75,000 annually and the remaining 10% earned over $75,000 annually, The
household income tables below show that large percentages of the total population is in the
lower income categories.
Household Income: 2000
Less than $10,000
13%
to $49,999 $35,000
17%to $34,999 $25,000
15%
to $24,999 $15,000
20%
to $14,999 $10,000
9%
or more $150,000
2%
to $100,000
$149,000
3%
to $74,999 $50,000
16%
to $99,000 $75,000
5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
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Household Income Ranges
2000 # of
Households
% of All
Households
1990 # of
Households
% of All
Households
Households 16,329 100.0% 15,586 100.0%
Less than $10,000 2,184 13.4% 3,887 24.9%
$10,000 to $14,999 1,428 8.7% 1,817 11.7%
$15,000 to $24,999 3,216 19.7% 3,679 23.6%
$25,000 to $34,999 2,479 15.2% 2,426 15.6%
$35,000 to $49,999 2,723 16.7% 2,023 13.0%
$50,000 to $74,999 2,677 16.4% 1,143 7.3%
$75,000 to $99,000 886 5.4% 335 2.1%
$100,000 to $149,000 477 2.9% 172 1.1%
$150,000 or more 259 1.6% 104 0.7%
Median household income (dollars) 30,210 (x) 20,585 (x)
Note: Census 2000 income data from 1999, Census 1990 income data from 1989.
Family Income
2000 % 1990 %
Households 9,926 100.0% 10,268 100.0%
Less than $10,000 800 8.1% 1,665 16.2%
$10,000 to $14,999 578 5.8% 1,091 10.6%
$15,000 to $24,999 1,719 17.3% 2,447 23.8%
$25,000 to $34,999 1,433 14.4% 1,773 17.3%
$35,000 to $49,999 1,885 19.0% 1,684 16.4%
$50,000 to $74,999 2,104 21.2% 1,029 10.0%
$75,000 to $99,000 755 7.6% 311 3.0%
$100,000 to $149,000 428 4.3% 164 1.6%
$150,000 or more 224 2.3% 104 1.0%
Median family income (dollars) 38,346 (x) 24,753 (x)
Source: U.S. Census
City of Richmond Household Income 1990-2000
1.6%
16.4%
5.4%2.9%
16.7%15.2%
19.7%
8.7%
13.4%
0.7%
23.6%
11.7%
24.9%
2.1%1.1%
7.3%
13.0%15.6%
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
Less than
$10,000
$10,000 to
$14,999
$15,000 to
$24,999
$25,000
to
$34,999
$35,000
to
$49,999
$50,000
to
$74,999
$75,000 to
$99,000
$100,000
to
$149,000
$150,000
or more
%
o
f
H
o
u
s
e
h
o
l
d
s
2000
1990
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
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Employment Status: 2004
Date Labor force Employed Unemployed
Unemp.
Rate
WIA
Planning
Region 9
Annual-
04 153,680 145,220 8,460 5.50%
Wayne Co.
Annual-
04 34,810 32,490 2,320 6.70%
Indiana
Annual-
04 3,170,400 3,005,240 165,160 5.20%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Wayne County’s unemployment rate in 2004 was 6.7%, which is above the State of Indiana’s at
5.2%. The lowest unemployment rate was recorded in 1996 at 4.1% and highest recorded during
the recession in the 1980’s and 1990’s, which had rates of 14.7% and 12.5 %.
Poverty
77% of female households with no husband/father present and children under five represent the
largest segment at the poverty level in Richmond. There are 9,918 female households with no
husband/father. This is an important statistic when examining poverty levels (with dependent
children) 2,259 are headed by a female householder with no husband present. Family type is a
major determining factor of poverty. In many cases, single female headed households are
statistically more likely to be below the poverty level than those run by male counterparts or
married-couple families.
Employment Status: 2000
91%
9%
Employed
Unemployed
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
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City of Richmond Number of Households by Type
2000 1990 % Change
Family households with own children
under 18 9,918 10,195 -2.8%
Married-couple family 7,020 7,514 -7.0%
Male householder (no wife present) 639 450 29.6%
Female householder (no husband
present) 2,259 2,231 1.2%
Non family household 6,369 5,384 15.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
City of Richmond Proverty Level
12.1%
24.8%
55.4%
15.7%16.3%
34.3%
77.3%
20.5%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
Familes Families with related
children under 5 years
Families with female
householder, no
husband present
with related children
under 5 years
Individuals
2000
1990
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2000
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INTRODUCTION
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E. Historical Context
The following information is provided primarily as a general background and historical context
for the Comprehensive Plan.
Quaker Influence Settled by Quakers from North Carolina in the early 1800s, the Richmond area
continues to be influenced by Quaker beliefs and principles, and to this day Quaker influence in
Richmond remains strong. Indiana’s oldest Quaker meetinghouse is in Richmond as are Earlham
College and Earlham School of Religion, both Quaker institutions. Jeremiah Cox, one of the first
settlers, welcomed fellow Quakers to this land for religious freedom. The Quakers were originally
attracted to the availability of cheap, fertile land and the fact that slavery was prohibited in
Indiana. By 1809, nearly three hundred Friends, almost all from North and South Carolina had
settled in Richmond. They formed the Whitewater Monthly Meeting of Friends (now
Richmond's First Friends Meeting), the oldest Quaker congregation in the state of Indiana.
Quakers founded not only Richmond but also other nearby communities, such as Economy,
Dublin, Milton and Fountain City. Quaker meeting houses became part of the landscape all over
the county.
The Friends Indiana Yearly Meetinghouse
was built with brick in 1823 and remained
the largest brick building in Richmond
until the mid-19th century. In 1828, the
Society of Friends divided into two groups
causing the establishment of more
denominations and subsequent dedicated
buildings. The Quakers founded Earlham
College that is still today based on
Quakers’ beliefs and values. This was also
the founding place of the Friends
Committee on National Legislation, the
first registered religious lobbying
organization in Washington, DC in 1943.
Many of the historical buildings that were built by the Quakers are still being used for their
original purpose.
Historic National Road
Impetus to the settlement of Richmond, and Wayne County, was provided in the 1830’s by the
completion of the National Road extension from the Appalachians through Richmond. The
historic National Road cuts right through Richmond as America’s first interstate highway. The
portion through Indiana was built in 1829 connecting the east with the heart of the United
States. The road was nicknamed as the “Main Street of America”. When the road was
constructed, hundreds of wagons traveled along this road. Many citizens in towns along the road
benefited from the traffic and welcomed it.
In 1996, the road was designated as a state scenic route, and in 2002, the road was named an All-
American Road. Designated as a National Scenic Byway, this is one of the nation’s most
prestigious highway designations. This road helped shape the lives of so many travelers long ago
and tells a story of pioneering of the west and the settlement of 6 states.
Indiana Yearly Meeting House. Erected 1878
Source: Morrisson-Reeves Library
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Main Street looking west from 7th Street North Side of
Street (1906)
Source: Morrisson-Reeves Library
The historic nature of the National Road was marked in 1928-29
by the erection of 12 statues along the highway from Maryland
to California. Of the twelve statues, the one located in
Richmond, Indiana was named “Madonna of the Trail.” The
Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated it in 1928.
Harry S. Truman, then a Missouri judge was the featured
speaker at the dedication. Each statue was 10 feet high, weighed
5 tons, and was constructed with a huge base making the statue
18 feet tall. The statue in Richmond was placed in the Glen
Miller Park at the intersection of 22nd Street and National Road.
The Underground Railroad
In the period up to 1850, the population of Richmond and
Wayne County increased partly due to the protection afforded
to slaves escaping from the Southern States by the northern
settlers. Richmond became an integral part of the Underground
Railroad with residents helping southern slaves stopover before
heading north to freedom.
The most notable stopover in the southern Indiana area
was the Levi Coffin home in nearby Fountain City. The
Quaker kindness attracted many former slaves to stay in
Richmond making Wayne County the home to the
largest black population in Indiana in 1850.
Industrial Revolution and Growth
By 1853, Richmond was linked by railroads connecting
the city to the larger cities of Indianapolis and
Cincinnati. The provision of such access to national and
international markets spurred the growth of engineering
and commercial business and the demand for skilled
labor. The "mix" between farm activity and factory production led Richmond into a leadership
role in East Central Indiana.
At the turn of the century Richmond was home to
several thriving industries: Starr Piano, McGuire
Lawnmowers, Hills Roses plus several casket
manufacturing companies. Public services
improved with the industrial prosperity and
Richmond continued to grow with the pace of
technology and its ever-growing population.
Richmond was home to one of the first public
libraries, housed multiple banks, and had many
hotels for travelers. In 1905, Reid Memorial
Hospital opened its doors.
Levi Coffin House Built 1839
Source: WayNet.org
Madonna of the Trail
Source: Waynet.org
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Automobile Manufacturing
At the beginning of the 20th century, Richmond was the second largest automobile manufacturer
in the state. Three companies located in Richmond - Westcott, Pilot, and Davis together
produced more than 3,000 automobiles in 1912 alone. The Westcott Motor Car Company
eventually relocated to Ohio and Richmond’s remaining manufacturers following the industry
trends began to make only the automobile parts.
Rose Industry
E.G. Hill, of the Hills Floral Group, started the rose business in Richmond in 1881. The “Dean of
American Rose Growers” and the Hills Floral Group grew roses commercially for florists to sell
across the country. E.G. Hill was highly respected all over the world for his vast knowledge of
roses. After Hill’s death in 1933, the business moved to the edge of what is now Glen Miller Park.
There the city remembered Hill by planting a beautiful garden with roses and evergreens in 1938.
They had about 34 acres in greenhouses and still today are considered a leader in the floral
industry. Before changing their business in 1995, Hills was growing over 30 million roses a year.
They had to re-evaluate their position in the business when growers in California and South
America were able to grow roses less expensively.
In the 1980s, a public rose garden was
conceived with the first roses planted
in 1987. The garden has a German
design with an elegant revolving
sculpture all emphasizing the
friendship. The Richmond Rose
Garden received the designation of
being an All American Rose Display
Garden by the All America Rose
Selection Board. The garden now
receives a selection of new rose
varieties approved by the board. The
garden is taken care of by volunteers
and is strictly funded by donations. The Richmond Rose Festival was once a popular attraction
for Richmond in honor of the famous rose industry.
Cultural Heritage
The Starr Piano Company was established in Richmond during the 1870s. By 1906, the company
was one of Richmond’s most important, employing more than 600 craftsmen to produce the
pianos. This was before the phonograph became widely available, and pianos provided most of
the music produced in the home. The Starr Piano Company was one of the more prominent of
these, and during the early 1900s produced 15,000 pianos a year.
The invention of the phonograph and the advent of the recording industry caused Richmond to
have a significant role in America’s cultural heritage. Starr Piano already had a nationwide
distribution network through music stores. They also employed craftsmen skilled in producing
wood cabinets, so it was an easy transition to move into the phonograph business. The
phonographs they produced required records to play and so it was another logical step to set up
a recording studio to supply the stores with records, which were sold under the label, Gennett
Records.
E.G. Hill Memorial Rose Garden
Source: Richmond A Pictorial History
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Gennett was a small label, compared with the giants in this
emerging industry, and the company scrambled to record
anything that might have an audience. Collectors and music
historians hold Gennett, in high regard today. They couldn’t
compete for the big names of the time so they carved a niche
for themselves in what might be called grassroots American
music, including folk music, blues, and especially jazz. Many
of the most influential jazz pioneers cut their debut records
or early recordings for Gennett. These include Louis
Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Bix Biederbecke, and Hoagy
Carmichical who made the first recording of Stardust here.
Competition from radios forced the closure of the company in
1952 when it reportedly had produced 35,000 spring driven
phonographs and over 3 million records.
Morrisson-Reeves Library
As one of the oldest public libraries in
Indiana, the Morrisson-Reeves Library was
founded by one of Richmond’s early
prominent citizens in 1864. Robert
Morrisson bought the land for the library
and donated enough money to construct the
library and buy books. In 1892, another major
benefactor, Caroline Middleton Reeves,
donated $30,000 in memory of her husband
and son. With this money, major renovations
and additions were added to the building.
The library became widely known as the
Morrisson-Reeves Library. The new building
accommodated the library until the late
1960s when plans for a new building were
constructed. The librarian then took great pride in learning and working with architects to
design a library to fit the current and future needs of the library. Today the library is still in the
building that was built in 1975. Computer technology has evolved the library into a multi-use,
multi-educational facility.
Economic effects of World War II
During World War II, many of Richmond’s private industries shifted to war production. The war
brought an end to the economic depression of the 1930’s and a return of prosperity. The war
forced businesses and companies to change to other products from those previously
manufactured. Examples included the Starr factory that began manufacturing armor-piercing
bullets and the Crosby factory that made other war materials. The production of war goods not
only helped to meet the military demand but also caused migration to the area due to the
availability of new jobs. In the post war period, the city of Richmond consolidated its position as
a regional economic center and reflected in its position with the new airport located just south of
the City.
Morrisson -Reeves Library 1800’s
Source: Morrisson-Reeves Library
Source: Waynet.org
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Downtown
Decline
In 1968, a devastating explosion and fire ripped through the downtown causing an estimated $15
million in damage to the Main Street area. Fourteen square blocks of the downtown were
severely damaged including one block that was destroyed. In the aftermath of the explosion,
downtown Richmond’s image suffered a devastating blow as disenchanted retailers, began to
relocate to newly developed malls on the city’s east side. Concerned citizens soon realized that
contingency plans had to be implemented to restore and revitalize this devastated area.
Community leaders and the City Redevelopment Commission explored the concept of putting a
pedestrian shopping mall downtown, which would result in closing a section of Main Street to
through traffic. The resultant project, known as The Promenade was built and dedicated in 1972
to jumpstart redevelopment. The five-block malls, included fountains, lavish landscaping, brick
side walks an amphitheatre and signature metal mushroom-shaped canopies. The innovative
Promenade received a 1974 national landscaper’s award. Initially enjoying a brief success the
Promenade, after five years quickly fell into disrepair due to city budget constraints and urban
flight.
During the 1970s, several significant new structures were built in Richmond. Higher education
continued to expand with the opening of Ivy Tech State College in 1976. Indiana University East
also found a new home located near U.S. 27 North and Interstate 70. The current facility housing
the Morrisson-Reeves Library was built in 1975 with the help of the librarian, Harriet Bard, who
took much pride in being involved in the process. The Reid Hospital expanded with the addition
of Leed Tower also in 1975.
Renaissance
In spite of efforts by the City Redevelopment Commission the downtown continued to decline
both economically and physically until a broad-based group of concerned citizens formed Main
Street Richmond Wayne County in 1987. Even though the National City League declared
Richmond an “All-American” city in 1987, the unmet needs of downtowns businesses and
residents were demanding evaluation. Main Street Richmond Wayne-County implemented a
revitalization plan based on the National Main Street Four Point Program. Several economic
revitalization issues regarding the downtown continued to plague reinvestment culminating in
the decision to commission a downtown redevelopment strategic plan in1995. As a direct of
result of this; in 1997, Main Street was reopened through the downtown area for easier access to
the businesses. The re-evaluation also defined the need for promotion of the city’s economic,
cultural, historical and environmental resources which were partially met by the WayNet
website was up and running on the Internet in 1997 providing information about Wayne County.
Conservation and Historic Preservation
The start of the 21st Century began a renewed appreciation of Richmond’s natural resources.
Preservation of the Whitewater Gorge, the Cardinal Greenway, and Richmond’s remaining
greenways became a priority. New trails were constructed and a new National Road bridge was
built over the Whitewater Gorge.
Historic districts and buildings are a reminder of the hard work and success of the past.
Richmond has preserved its extraordinary collection of early 19th to early 20th century
architecture. Richmond has one of the finest early Victorian neighborhoods in the nation. The
area also contains numerous late Federal period and Greek Revival townhouses and cottages,
early 19th century farm homes and sturdy barns, ornate churches, mansions, and the majestic
county courthouse.
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F. Planning Process
Planning is the process through which a community defines its future character and quality of
life. All future decisions regarding land use, transportation, and community facilities are based on
the policies outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. Without coordination, land development can
expand beyond a locality’s ability to meet the demand for growth or services. The planning
process was the guide in defining the City of Richmond’s mission vision statement, goals,
objectives, and plans for its future.
The process of developing a Comprehensive Plan for the City of Richmond consisted of a series of
steps including: developing a scope of work, conducting research and analysis, holding regular
steering committee meetings, focus group meetings, stakeholder interviews, U-Plan public
meetings, conducting an urban design charrette, conducting a community survey with the
general public, developing a mission statement, goals and objectives, and development of area
issues and solutions leading to the creation of a comprehensive plan.
The core forum for community guidance and feedback was the establishment of a steering
committee by the Mayor of Richmond and city staff. The steering committee met on a regular
basis to discuss and comment on the research, planning and visioning elements of the plan. The
committee represented a broad cross-section of the community, with representation from
residents, businesses, regional agencies and social and civic institutions. The committee’s
involvement consisted of participation in group meetings and analysis and discussion of land use
issues, development controls, economic development, transportation, infrastructure, park and
open space, community facilities, housing and other community needs and resources.
The City of Richmond’s mayor and city staff appointed fourteen members to the steering
committee. The pre-kick-off meeting was held on January 18, 2005. This was the initial meeting
of the steering committee and staff to outline the process, the goals and objectives and inventory
to conduct for the project. This meeting was followed up with regular steering committee
meetings held on January 18, 2005, March 14, 2005, May 9, 2005, June 13, July 19, and August 22,
2005.
The planning process was developed to create a Comprehensive Plan for the city. It began by
collecting all relevant information about the city from the data analysis of existing conditions
and community input.
The inventory and analysis of current conditions, trends, and projected development consisted
of:
· Existing Land Use, Zoning, and Current Planning Documents
· Natural Features
· Economics, Market Context and Trends
· Cultural Resources, Schools and Community Facilities
· Infrastructure
· Demographics and Housing Data
· Transportation Data
· Parks and Recreation and Greenways
· Priority Areas and Areas of Change
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Focus group meetings were held on April 26, 27
and 30 and May 3 and 4, 2005 at various
community facilities. Stakeholder interviews
were conducted throughout the duration of the
project in conjunction with the Uptown
Innovation Center. Stakeholders included
individuals from a variety of business agencies
and institutions from throughout Richmond.
An urban design charrette that focused on the
downtown area was held on September 15th and
16th, 2005.
The community Input portion turned toward a
more creative and engaging process with public
consensus sessions, focus group workshops, stakeholder interviews, and urban design charrettes.
In this community input phase, emphasis was directed toward creative thinking about the most
pressing community issues, goals, and required actions to meet expected challenges. The
outcome of the community input was the development of Goals, Objectives, a Mission
Statement, priorities and a series of recommendations through Areas of Change identification
throughout the community.
This information is one of the major components that led to the development of the goals and
objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. The goals and objectives created the foundation for the
entire Comprehensive Plan.
List of Meetings:
January 28, 2005 Steering Committees Meeting - Kick-off
March 9, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #1
May 9, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #2
June 13, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #3
July 19, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #4
August 22, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #5
September 14 & 15, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #6
October 18, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #7
November 8, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #8 (Education)
December 13, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #9
December 27, 2005 Steering Committee Meeting #10 (Land Use)
January 10, 2006 Steering Committee Meeting #11
Source: KKG
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G. General Land Use Planning Objectives
Land use plans are recommendations for the use of land, and to guide the type of development
that should occur on a piece of land. The ways in which people use land define the economic,
social, and physical aspects of the community. Land use patterns and interrelationships must fit
within an overall vision of the community in order to prevent a conflict between the goals and
aspirations. The pursuit of general land use planning objectives is to determine and direct land
use patterns in the most positive manner, consistent with the community’s best long-term
interest. The land use planning process has principally been a four-step progression:
1. Inventory assembly
2. Public input and inventory analysis
3. Synthesizing the information into plan alternatives
4. Assembly of the individual land use plan recommendations into an overall
comprehensive land use plan.
Defining appropriate uses of land within the City of Richmond and the contiguous two-mile
fringe will facilitate long-term decisions by individuals, businesses, and the City. Richmond’s
general land use planning objectives were developed with the aim of achieving the following
goals:
1. Enhance existing City’s, Neighborhoods and Business Districts
2. Create new Business and Residential Growth with a sense of place and history
· Neighborhood Center components to consider:
· Schools
· Community center/recreation facilities
· Pre-school facilities/play-lots
· Religious institutions
· Neighborhood services/shopping
· Library
· Interconnect greenways with pedestrian pathways
· Locate industry on the periphery
· Town Center at the crossroads
3. Create residential developments and identifiable neighborhoods with a good relationship
to all other activities.
· ¼ mile home to recreation
· ¼-¾ mile home to local shops
· ¼-1 mile home to grade school
· 1-2½ miles home to high school
· 1-3½ miles home to church
· ¾-1 hour home to regional retail
4. Residential and other areas should be clustered to preserve natural features and to create
a harmonious living environment.
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5. Create development that is in harmony with the natural and man-made resources of the
area.
6. Land use should be appropriate for the location, topography, and access.
7. Avoid a mixture of land uses that are not compatible e.g. heavy industry and residential.
8. Create an organized pattern of roads, open space, paths, land use, and activities.
9. Create a hierarchy of roads each with a clearly defined function
· Limited access highway: no development
· Arterial: no development
· Service roads/minor streets
· Collector
· Local
· Alleys
· Avoid through traffic in residential areas.
H. Coordination with Other Plans and Reports
One of the key objectives of this Comprehensive Plan is to coordinate and consolidate the
findings and recommendations of a variety of studies and reports prepared by other public and
private agencies and organizations. The findings and conclusions of these reports have been
integrated into this Comprehensive Plan. Where needed, the data and findings have been
updated to reflect current conditions.
The local plans that were examined are listed below. These plans, some being more recent than
others, were incorporated if found to be relevant in the current context.
1. Ivy Tech State College Region 9 Plan, July 27, 2005
2. 1990 Comprehensive Plan - City of Richmond, Indiana Prepared by the Richmond
Advisory Plan Commission and Futures-Invention Associates, Denver, Colorado,
Adopted May 21, 1990
3. Neighborhood Preservation Planning Prepared by the Historic Preservation Design
Studio Ball State University, December 9, 2002
4. 2002 Real Property Assessment Manual State Board of Tax Commissioners
5. Richmond Enterprise Zone Handbook - the Richmond Urban Enterprise Association
6. Wayne County Vision Progress Report 2004
7. Richmond Strategic Linkage Plan February 1999 Michael Schuster Associates, Claire
Bennett Associates, Ball State University
8. City of Richmond Code Historic Preservation Ordinance Amended Ordinance No 26-
2000
9. The Comprehensive Plan Update - City of Richmond May 21, 1999, Prepared by the
Richmond Advisory Plan Commission, Ball State University
10. The Comprehensive Master Plan Map Public Development Plan -Richmond Indiana,
Adopted June 1967
11. Wayne County Indiana Subdivision Ordinance Adopted April 21, 1993 Amended July 24,
2001
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN INTRODUCTION
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12. Wayne County Indiana Zoning Ordinance Adopted March 10, 1993 Amended January 21,
2004
13. Comprehensive Plan for Wayne County, Indiana Advisory Plan Commission Adopted
May 1992 Prepared by MSE Corporation
14. City of Richmond Chapter 154 Zoning Code 15. City of Richmond Chapter 153,
Subdivision Control
15. Richmond Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update 2004-2008 -Strategic Overview,
Facility Inventory and Needs Report -Prepared by Lehman and Lehman, Inc.
16. Wayne County Visitor and Tourism Bureau's 2005 Draft Marketing Action Plan
17. Wayne County Vision Plan Results from the Natural Resources Summit February 15,
2005
18. Wayne County Preservation Summit Results 2005
19. Draft Richmond Municipal Airport, Richmond Indiana, AIRPORT LAYOUT PLAN
REPORT 2004 20. City of Richmond Sewer System Plan, Richmond Sanitary District,
January 2002 Prepared by CMID, Ind.
20. Richmond Sanitary District 2002 Combined Sewer Overflow Long term Control Plan
Prepared by Triad Engineering Project, April 30, 2002
21. Ordinance No 72-2004 Storm water Illicit Discharge and Connection
22. City of Richmond Chapter 56 Storm water Illicit Discharge and Connection
23. Draft Indiana University East Institutional Action Plan October 2004
24. City of Richmond Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
25. City of Richmond Aquifer Protection District Ordinance
26. City of Richmond Housing Needs Assessment July 2002, Prepared by the Bonar Group
27. Downtown Richmond - The New Frontier, Downtown Richmond Redevelopment
Strategic Plan Prepared by Michael Schuster Associates, October 1995
28. I2 Corridor Priority 1999 Action Plan City of Richmond Indiana, Prepared by Michael
Schuster Associates, Claire Bennett Associates, August 1999
29. State of Indiana Code 36-7-4.
I. Context Area Maps
1. Base Map
2. Population Density
3. Building Footprints