"This is a phenomenal opportunity to rebuild and revitalize in a community that already has much to offer," Keller said.
Turners Station has a considerable amount of open space, including several parks - one with a boat ramp and another with baseball diamonds, each named for beloved community leaders. It offers water views, an extensive community garden, a high school site in redevelopment and the county's commitment to build a new community building in addition to the Fleming Center, Keller said.
The County Council authorized the creation of the Turners Station Community Conservation Plan in 2001 and adopted the completed document 18 months later. Before the charrette, about 40 residents participated in a visual survey, rating photographs of other communities to generate ideas for what they might like in their neighborhood.
"We know from the survey residents don't want a commercial strip or the look of a beach community," Keller said. "They also want more variety in the residential units. We are here to do what the community wants."
About 3,000 people live in Turners Station, according to recent census data. Much of the housing stock dates to the 1950s and more than 75 percent of the residents rent their homes.
"We want this process to help current residents stay in the neighborhood and maybe buy affordable houses here," Nelson said. "So many want to stay in this community and help build it."
The county staff will be working through Tuesday evening at the Fleming Center, 641 Main St.
Several events are scheduled, including a design studio open house from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, but planners welcome input from residents at any time.
"Come any time," Keller said. "You can see what is going on and give us your ideas."
