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Community Growth: P2 Opportunities
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P2 and Sustainable Community Development: P2 Options
The roots of sprawl and inefficient growth in large cities lie largely
in decisions dating back to when they were small towns. To address
rapid growth effectively, municipalities and all stakeholders must
first build a common, accurate understanding of the problem. This
step requires thorough consideration of what defines the community
and its various members, which interests are critical to the effort's
success, and how they might be engaged. Once communication among diverse
community members is established, they can begin to discuss their
perceptions of the problem. At this early stage, it may be necessary
to sort through the facts and beliefs underlying various perceptions,
ultimately developing a shared understanding of the community's situation
(Source: Growth Management Toolkit).
Preventing pollution caused by sprawl can be achieved by:
- Protecting open spaces where development is undesireable
- Concentrating growth in desirabe low-impact living areas
- Increasing efficiency of resource use
Protecting Open Spaces
Land protection mechanisms include:
- land purchases
- differential taxation programs
- conservation easements
- transfer and purchase of development rights
- right-to-farm laws
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- exclusive use zoning
- critical area protection programs
- minimum setback zones (for construction near wells)
- riparian buffers
- high density urban development
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Actions taken:
- President Bush asked to fully fund the
Land and Water Conservation Fund, which directs money from
off-shore drilling revenues to the nation's parklands (http://www.nps.gov/lwcf/)
- Park City, Utah, approved a $10 million land
preservation bond with 77% support, to allow the local government
to raise sales taxes for green space protection and developer
incentives.
- Former Vice-President Gore developed a livability
agenda while in office, part of which proposed $9.5 million
in bond authority for investments by state and local governments
for preserving green space, creating or restoring urban parks,
protecting water quality, and cleaning up brownfields (http://www.smartgrowth.org/library/gore_intro.html)
- Ventura, California, passed legislation forbidding
the county to rezone land for development without vote approval
(http://www.thetribunenews.com/stories0500/36267.htm).
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Concentrating Growth
Concentrating growth allows many benefits in terms of reducing vehicle
miles traveled and the pollution generated by that activity. Numerous approaches
to limiting the amount of time and money invested in driving fall into two
camps:
- increasing the supply of alternatives
- decreasing the demand or the need to drive.
Actions taken:
- A new light-rail line in Littleton and Englewood,
Colorado, has led to an increase in property values and development
of a new pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use City Center
- The 50-year land use and transportation plan
adopted by Portland Metro incorporates "transit-oriented"
community design policies (http://www.metro-region.org/pssp.cfm?ProgServID=3)
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The collective decisions of residents, government and businesses about
where and how to build have a tremendous impact on the character of communities.
Often the best choices involving revitalizing older central city areas to
make more efficient use of the space. Decisions to eliminate or revamp older
buildings to eliminate health risks and improve operating efficiency are
also important. It can be a complex undertaking. Tools available include:
- incentives to reinvest in existing communities and already-developed
areas
- encouraged infill developmemt
- brownfield redevelopment
- housing policies that encourage mixed-income housing and down-town investments
- zoning that encourages mixed uses
- infrastructure subsidies where growth is desired
Increasing Efficiency
Infrastructure (roads, stormwater and sewer systems, water systems, schools,
etc.) can be developed in ways that help prevent pollution and save money
for municipalities. Options sensitive to the costs associated with infratructure
include:
- Impact fees on developers to help defray infrastructure costs
- Incentives for developers who incorporate managed growth into their
plans and projects
- Pooling resources among communities, perhaps building one large sewage
treatment plant for both
- Supporting brownfields legislation that encourages the reuse of existing
development and infrastructure
- Establishing guidelines for the water use and chemical applications
on new golf courses
- Promoting green buildings
- Encouraging government buildings to utilize recycled components, solar
energy, water-efficient fixtures, etc.
- Clustered development or high density urban level development
Many model industrial and residential communities are demonstrating the
feasibility of tackling multiple pollution prevention and community growth
issues at once. Highlighting numerous efficient design features in one community--such
as energy-efficient lighting, water-efficient plumbing, services within walking
distance, and xeriscaping (landscaping with plants requiring minimal water)--not
only conserves resources, but provides an invaluable educational and awareness
tool.
Hub Last Updated:
08/20/2003
The P2Rx Topic Hub Project was developed by:
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The Community Growth Topic Hub was developed by:
Peaks to Prairies
Contact Laura Estes (Peaks)
406-994-3451 or laurae@montana.edu
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