SMART
GROWTH - Solutions
Conservation Subdivisions
THE OLD WAY:
A 100-acre rural parcel, developed using a standard subdivision
design, creates 27 lots (3 acres each) and
preserves 0 acres of farmland & woodland.
THE NEW WAY:
100-acre parcel, developed using a cluster or conservation design,
creates 27 lots (1/3 acre each) and preserves 80 acres of farmland & woodlands.
Instead of developing every acre of a parcel, clustering saves
natural resources by rearranging lots and streets, while still
allowing the same number of homes as a standard plat. Lots are
clustered and kept small to preserve important features of the
environment, yet residents of the subdivision do not feel
crowded. An open, semi-private, park-like atmosphere is created
by use of staggered house offsets from the road and a generous
amount of meadows, woodlands, etc. that is kept undeveloped.
These natural areas are shared extensions of each lot owner’s
yard, set aside for the exclusive enjoyment of the subdivision’s
residents.
Unlike many other subdivisions, especially rural ones, which
provide few mechanisms for interaction among residents, a conservation
subdivision is designed to maintain a pleasant balance between
individual privacy and interaction with neighbors. Features such
as a common children’s play area, a putting green, and
hiking trails all provide relaxed and informal means to "bump
into" neighbors.
In a Washington Post survey, open space and trails ranked #2
and #3 in a list of the top 39 reasons homebuyers selected a
particular development. No wonder conservation subdivisions all
across the nation are among the fastest selling developments
in their areas.
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 Design
True or False? There's a large factory in this photo. (True.)
If even older industrial development, like this one in Kohler,
can be a good neighbor with proper design and landscaping,
new growth can be "smart" too and co-exist harmoniously
with neighboring uses.
Communities do not have to settle for generic corporate designs
from national franchises. As the economy becomes less location
dependent, a quality community image will increase in importance
as a factor for attracting new businesses and investment.
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Density
  Density goals (the number of residents allowed per development)
impact land use, resource use, and aesthetics.
Smart Growth planning seeks to coordinate development densities
with municipal budgets, environmental sensitivities, and the
wishes of local residents.
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 Neo-Traditional Developments
Traditional neighborhoods were known for their compact, mixed
use character that allowed city dwellers to live within easy
walking distance of shops, schools, churches, and recreational
facilities. Smart Growth encourages the re-creation of these
neighborhoods as an alternative to sprawling, commuter development.
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Ordinance Revisions
  A recent Wisconsin water quality study confirmed stream health
suffers most in watersheds where runoff occurs rapidly (i.e.,
areas with an abundance of pavement, roofs, etc.).
Without farsighted ordinances providing standards for attractive,
environmentally sound development, features such as parking
lots will typically look like the one above rather than the
one to the right.
  These photos show there are alternative ways to build a
cul-de-sac. Smart Growth communities can challenge developers
to "think outside the box." If communities don’t
ask, they usually don’t receive.
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 Urban Renewal
Wise planning has ensured that The Riverfront in Sheboygan has
been a successful adaptive reuse project. Formerly deteriorating
fishing shanties have been renovated -- the buildings now house
unique businesses and shops. The architectural style is perfect
for the harbor area and a boardwalk connects the area with other
amenities.
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Growth
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