Robert McCormick spoke about planning with POWER (Protecting Our Water & Environmental Resources)
which involves land use planning while protecting natural resources. Land use planning involves guiding
growth to protect natural resources and planning for public open space.
Intensifying Land Use:
- Loss of
Open Space – It isn’t unlimited. From 1992-1997, rate of development more than doubled to 3
million acres per year. Over 100,000 acres of farmland converted to development each year in IN.
- Fragmentation & Habitat Loss – Increases isolation of wildlife & plants.
- Increased Runoff – Forested canopy is ideal for streams. Impervious Surface
is broken down to 35% due to structures such as offices, houses, patios, and stores while 65% is parking lots, roads, driveways,
and sidewalks.
- Increased Pollution – Industrial, commercial, and residential.
What
can you do about it:
- Natural Resource-based planning.
Comprehensive planning is key.
- Inventory
Natural Resources
- Prioritize areas for protection.
- Target
development to most appropriate areas
- Incorporate ‘open space’ planning
- Develop plan of action & implement it.
- Improving
Site Design & Best Management Practices (BMPs) – Cluster design, preservation design, less infrastructure.
- Remediation & Maintenance of Stormwater. Setback distance
from critical resources.
Why Smart Growth:
- Financially conservative – Reuse buildings. Use existing infrastructure &
roads.
- Environmentally responsible – Keep impervious surfaces to a minimum instead
of oversized lots.
- Socially beneficial
10
examples of Smart Growth:
- Mixed Land
Uses – Financial incentives, walk able communities, zone by bldg type instead of bldg use, & reduce trips.
Loft Development is a local example.
- Compact Bldg Design -
Design not density. Ready access to open space. Provide privacy with yard designs.
- Increase Housing Choice – Affordability is key.
- Encourage
Walking – Provide pathways to shopping area and put conveniences near homes. Make walking safe.
- Offer Transportation Variety such as bicycle, transit, cars. Link modes of transportation.
- Create a sense of Place – Plant trees, preserve scenic vistas, & preserve what is unique to
area.
- Protect Open Space/Unique Natural Resources – Work with land trusts.
- Direct New Development to existing structures
- Development
Process needs to be fair, predictable, and efficient – Assist developers who try smart growth ideas.
- Involve Stakeholders – Take citizen ideas to heart.
Website:
planningwithpower.org … There are a lot of publications on this website
that would provide more info.
________________________________
Jim Daniels – Sustainable Communities
Sustainable Communities conducted a study using
data for Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, & Gibson counties.
Population:
Vanderburgh
… 1980 167,515…. Projected in 2025 178,588
Warrick
… 1980 41,474 … Projected in 2025 68,389
Based on 2000 Census:
90% residents of Vanderburgh County work & live
in same county.
36% residents of Warrick County work & live in same county.
49% residents
in Posey County work & live in same county.
Farther you live from work, the longer the commute.
Vanderburgh County - Population growth of 4%, housing growth of 5%, and developed land growth of 14%. Warrick
County – Population growth of 17%, housing growth of 21%, and developed land growth of 33%
You either direct what happens or live with consequences. Urban Sprawl – Don’t get away from problems… just take them with you.
Balance between Growth (more
things) & Development (use things smarter).
Website
– www.sustcomm.org
(summary by Cathy Edrington)
