The SGA Now
This SGA is home to a wealth of local businesses with a variety of retail, restaurant, office,health, and recreational uses. Though this area is located within a high noise zone, it is a good candidate for redevelopment and reinvestment because of its existing commercial strength and its proximity to the Oceanfront Resort Area, NAS Oceana, and I-264 interchange. The area south of I-264 is subject to greater AICUZ restrictions due to the presence of accident potential zones and the clear zone.
The Plan
The Hilltop SGA Master Plan represents a unique opportunity to enhance an established retail market area with a distinct identity within the City. With improved streets will be sidewalks, crosswalks, landscaping and lighting that will transform Hilltop into a walkable district. Over time, existing retail buildings will be replaced with new retail buildings built facing the new streets. The suburban pattern of highways lined with parking lots and strip centers will gradually give way to a new pedestrian friendly mixed-use district.
Key Recommendations of the Plan
Incorporate an Urban Tree Canopy Program within the Hilltop SGA to create a pedestrian environment and aid stormwater management.
Define a clear hierarchy of streets to establish a structure of development blocks and reconnect places. Major street improvements should support urban, walkable environments that are positioned to service growth.
Build upon the existing natural resources to expand access to public open space through an interconnected system of parks and trails.
Evaluate repositioning the proposed transit station to the core of the Hilltop SGA with street and trail improvements to promote transit-oriented economic development.
Encourage redevelopment of obsolete commercial structures with new buildings placed according to new urban planning standards for the district.
The Development Process
Interested in developing in this SGA? Pre-Design meetings are strongly encouraged for all new developments located within a Strategic Growth Area. The purpose of this meeting is to address how the proposal complements the SGA Plan and critical issues associated with the proposed land use, site design, building design, supporting infrastructure needs, and any other concerns about the project. These Pre-Design meetings will also help identify expectations and assist in establishing lines of communication to help the project move through the land development and plan review processes smoothly.