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FEATURE INFORMATION
<br /> •
<br /> Growing Greener:
<br /> . . CONSERVATION
<br /> ubdivision regulations are SUBDIVISION DESIGN These areas should be pre-identified on a
<br /> one of the principal tools for by Randall Arendt community-wide map of potential con-
<br /> shaping our communities. It is servation lands in the comprehensive
<br /> through the subdivision review process plan (see page 11) so that each new
<br /> that communities most directlyassure ' , ti – KK development will add to — rather than
<br /> that residential development is designed ,-, p,4,:-} r 4.;,, ,wy `: subtract from— the community's open
<br /> in a way which promotes community 1 ; • space acreage.
<br /> objectives such as the preservation of Another result is that conservation
<br /> space and natural areas. - subdivisions make it easier for munici-
<br /> openBut to back up a step,why should we i� �� palities to implement community-wide
<br /> be concerned about protectingopen �`� u a �F. n r*t-, , , `< �"b'* greenway plans, which may depend on
<br /> �i developers to provide critical links along
<br /> space? In a nutshell, by preserving open 4 • r ,?
<br /> space we protect streams and water '"`� �� particular stream valleys or hilltop
<br /> quality, provide habitat for plants and ` `A ^.?.. : C ridges.
<br /> animals, preserve rural "atmosphere," ` On the following pages you'll learn
<br /> provide recreational areas, protect home M 4= - more about conservation subdivision
<br /> values,and reduce costs of municipal ser- s �t,& tz:y ,` design, and how this approach might
<br /> vices. In short, land conservation makes " `,- -'4 as benefit your efforts to plan for a more
<br /> our communities better places to live. :11w� :,•,:;- ` p_ . ' liveable community.
<br /> As you will see on the followinP r,. s;
<br /> g r ,r._L ��, ,,:�+ , 1 Hamburg Township,Livingston County
<br /> es, the conservation subdivision ,f. r °'
<br /> '
<br /> ppsmall, continued on page 8
<br /> roach involves but significant,
<br /> changes to the subdivision design and design. This should not be surprising. Editor's Note:On the following pages,
<br /> review process. When integrated with Homebuyer surveys show that people excerpts from Randall Arendt's Model
<br /> comprehensive plan and zoning provi- strongly desire open space, recreation Ordinance Provisions for Conservation
<br /> sions which encourage the preservation areas,and scenic views. See pages 8-9 for Subdivision Design are set out,along with
<br /> of open space, a community can—over more on this. discussion of nine key issues—including
<br /> a period of years—protect an intercon- Conservation subdivision design dif- the"economics"of conservation subdivi-
<br /> nected network of conservation lands. fers in several significant ways from the sions.As a planning commissioner I've
<br /> Developers can easily become the com- more familiar "cluster development" found it is often helpful in understanding
<br /> munity's leading conservationists,as each approach. Under conservation design how a proposal really works to see it in
<br /> new subdivision adds another link to an principles (as you will see in the model ordinance form.In reading through the
<br /> area-wide open space system.One Michi- ordinance), full density is achievable model ordinance note,in particular,how
<br /> gan community' has, in fact, conserved only when at least 50 percent of poten- the focus is on identifying land to be con-
<br /> more than 1,000 acres through this tially buildable land is set aside. This served before moving on to locate house
<br /> approach in the Iasi-eight years,a conser- compares with cluster provisions that sites and streets.
<br /> vation value of at least$10 million! frequently require only 25 to 30 percent Our thanks to Island Press for allow
<br /> It is critical to realize that conserva- of the gross land area to be conserved. ing us to excerpt from the Model Onii-
<br /> tion subdivision design is not only fair to Moreover, with cluster development this nance,which appeared in Arendt's
<br /> Conservation Design for Subdivisions
<br /> developers,it actually enhances the value open space is often comprised of left (Island Press,1996).Note also that Island
<br /> of development. Studies comparing over,undesirable areas such as stormwa- Press will be publishing Arendt's Growing
<br /> developments built according to conser- ter management facilities or land under Greener Workbook this Autumn.It will
<br /> vation design principles with those fol- high-tension power lines. contain illustrated case studies,and much
<br /> ing more conventional, land- Although clustering has produced a additional material.For information on
<br /> sumptive, layouts show that houses few small "green islands"here and there, either publication,call Island Press at:
<br /> tend to sell faster and real estate values conservation design can protect blocks 800-828-1302.
<br /> appreciate more with conservation and corridors of permanent open space.
<br /> PLANNING COMMISSIONERS JOURNAL / NUMBER 33 / WINTER 1 9 9 9
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