The first hearing for the Town Center code revision since the formation of the Joint Commission is at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 at West Mercer Elementary. It will focus on four topics: vision, building heights, building setbacks and massing and affordable housing.

The evening will start with an open house at 6:30 p.m., a brief presentation at 7 p.m. and then a public comment period. Public comments will be limited to three minutes per person. The city also encourages written comments, which may be sent to: TownCenter@mercergov.org.

Last summer, the city released the Town Center Visioning and Development Code Update Interim Report to the community, reflecting work to date on the next 20-year vision for the development rules that will apply to the Town Center commercial area.

The Planning and Design Commissions are now convening together (known as the “Joint Commission”) for the next phase of work: recommendations for actual Town Center development code language and directly-related updates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

Future hearings scheduled for March 9 and March 30 will focus on additional topics, including: streetscapes, retail, incentives, architectural standards, parking and open space.

Check the city’s website for more details: www.mercergov.org/TownCenter.