TDR Program - Alpine Township:
This past year, Alpine Township began the process of identifying the
need for and viability of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) program.
In early 2000, a grant was secured from the Michigan Environmental Council
to establish a TDR Citizen Action Committee. This group was composed of Township
staff and officials, land developers, realtors, university professors, farmers
and general citizens. This diverse partnership was initiated to test the
viability and need for a TDR program in Alpine Township from a "bottom
up" perspective.
The entire process acted as a public information and education campaign,
based on a land preservation tool that has great market potential. However,
as TDR has not been employed yet in Michigan, this was an innovative process
aimed at testing an unfamiliar and potentially disruptive land use planning
tool.
Based on the outcome of public
hearings, the Township Board and Planning Commission directed staff to
proceed with development of a TDR Ordinance. Staff suggested an empirical
policy analysis stage concurrent with ordinance development to further
test the TDR concept. In early 2001 staff successfully submitted a technology
grand application to the Orton Family Foundation. This grant-funded endeavor
will allow the Township to utilize data from the REGIS project within
an innovative software package developed by Orton.
The results of this
project will provide quantifiable and Township-specific data regarding sending-receiving
zone density equations, "build-out" models using 3-D graphics,
and potential fiscal impacts associated with implementation of a TDR program.
Neighborhood Traffic
Mgmt Program - City of Grand Rapids:
The goals of this project include: increasing quality of life, incorporating
the preferences and requirements of the residents, creating safer and
attractive streets, reducing the negative impacts of motor vehicles,
and promoting alternative transportation modes. Objectives include:
achieving slower speeds for motor vehicles, reducing the need for police
enforcement, reducing/eliminating cut through vehicle traffic, increasing
safety for non-motorized users of the street system, and enhancing
the street environment.
The pilot locations selected
were White St. NW, Briggs Blvd NE, Giddings Ave SE, Brooklyn Ave SE and
the intersection of Coit Ave and Oakwood Avenue. Each of these locations
had a different problem with traffic speed or cut through volume.
A unique traffic calming solution was developed for implementation
for each of the locations. Each of the pilot projects was developed
using an innovative approach that involved multiple neighborhood meetings
that made the residents direct stakeholders in the project. Reviews
indicated that all five projects were effective in addressing the
traffic issues. The input from the residents indicated that they were
very satisfied with the results of the projects and felt that the
projects had a positive effect on the quality of life in their neighborhood.
To date over thirty projects have been constructed using this approach.
All of the projects have been successful in addressing traffic problems
and the residents and neighborhood organizations involved in the implementation
of the projects have been satisfied with the results.
Runner-ups
Land Use Vision and Plan
- Brooks Township:
The Brooks Township Land Use Planning Program integrated traditional
land use planning techniques with innovative public participation and
land preservation strategies to achieve exceptionally high levels of
public acceptance and endorsement for its long range planning program.
Land Use Vision - The Planning Program began with the development
of the Brooks Township Land Use Vision. A major goal of the Land Use
Vision was to weave sustainability and maintenance of the townships
natural resources into the townships land use planning and land management
programs. The Land Use Vision Team held a series of widely publicized
workshops and meetings to ensure active participation by township
residents and area neighbors.
Township Master Plan: Using
the Land Use Vision as a base, Brooks Township initiated and complete
the Township Master Plan. Offers specific guidance on matters of land
use planning and development. A unique aspect of the plan is the delineation
of four conservation overlay districts calling for the recognition
and protection of select natural features and areas as detailed in
the Land Use Vision. These include river and stream corridor protection
districts offering protection to the townships water and wetland resources;
a series of interconnected green belts offering protection for a variety
of threatened and endangered flora and fauna ; and a highway vista
corridor for purposes of maintaining the areas rural character.
Wildwood Springs - David
C. Bos Homes:
Wildwood Springs is an example of how people and the natural environment
can co-exist in harmony. The community of Wildwood Springs is located
in Northern Ottawa County, situated in the Northwestern corner of Spring
Lake Township. The community consists of 127.3 acres of underlying
land.
Measures were taken during the design and construction to preserve
the natural characteristics of land while enhancing marginal wetland
areas. Wildwood Springs has over 43 acres of preserve/pond/open space
which includes a series of eight ponds connected by meandering channels
and culverts. More than 80% of the home sites are adjacent to these
preserve or pond areas, which will remain undeveloped, and in their
natural state.
Today Wildwood Springs offers
four distinct neighborhoods within one community. Most homes are designed
to incorporate 'public and private platform' elements. Design elements
such as front porches with their close proximity to pedestrian paths
as well as old town streetlights encourage neighbors to engage in
conversation (public). In addition back decks and patios facing preserve
and pond areas allow residents to privately interact with nature (private).
Public input has helped shape Wildwood Springs since its conception.
Information obtained from community focus groups was utilized in the
design of each neighborhood. The design team worked closely with Spring
Lake Township to incorporate underground utilities that the developer
and the Township could mutually benefit from.
