2009 apa sustainable comprehensive plan
DESCRIPTION
On April 26, David Rouse and Rob Kerns of WRT and Shawn McLaughlin, Union County, PA Planning Director, presented "The Sustainable Comprehensive Plan" at the American Planning Association's National Conference in Minneapolis. WRT's planners are developing an overall approach and specific techniques designed to integrate sustainability into plans and implementing regulations at scales ranging from cities and regions to downtowns and neighborhoods. The Union County Comprehensive Plan, which was featured in the presentation, represents an application of WRT's sustainable planning and zoning initiative. It includes sustainability principles and keys as an organizing framework, supported by specific actions and indicators to measure progress in achieving sustainability targets. Union County is a rural county in central Pennsylvania that is rich in agricultural, natural, historic, and small town resources. The comprehensive plan, which is expected to be adopted by the county commissioners this summer, was prepared with extensive public participation using the "values-driven" planning process pioneered by WRT. Through this process county residents expressed a strong interest in energy conservation and other sustainability issues. "Union County is remarkable in that it is a small community with limited fiscal and staff resources that has made a commitment to sustainability in its draft comprehensive plan," said David Rouse, WRT's principal-in-charge of the project. "We expect major cities such as Seattle, Portland, and New York City to lead the way in addressing issues such as climate change and peak oil. However, we need many more places like Union County to take on this challenge if we are to find our way to a sustainable future."TRANSCRIPT
The Sustainable Comprehensive Plan
Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLCWRT
APA National ConferenceMinneapolis, MN
April 26, 2009
Agenda
1. Introduction and Emerging Trends
2. Sustainability in the Comprehensive Planning Process
3. Case Study: Union County Comprehensive Plan
• Union County Background• Community Outreach• Cultivating Community: A Sustainable Comprehensive Plan for Union County
4. Questions and Discussion
David Rouse, AICP, Principal, Wallace Roberts & Todd
Shawn McLaughlin, AICP, Planning Director, Union County, PA
Robert Kerns, AICP, Associate, Wallace Roberts & Todd
Introduction and Emerging Trends
The 21st Century Comprehensive Plan
• Values-Driven
• Collaborative
• Thematic Based
• Linking Process and Outcome
• Regional in Focus
• Beyond Paper
Source: The 21st Century Comprehensive Plan, presentation and paper prepared by David Rouse, Michael Chandler, and Jon Arason for the 1999 National APA Conference in Seattle, WA
• Critical Environmental Stresses (Lester Brown)1
– Deteriorating oil and food security
– Climate change: rising temperatures and sea levels
– Emerging water shortages
– Natural systems under stress
– Growing divides between rich and poor
• Two Great Oversights of Our Time (Rob Hopkins)2
– Peak oil
– Climate change
1 Plan B 3.0, 20082 The Transition Handbook, 2008
Sustainability Issues
• Definitions
…Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission, 1987)
…Development that improves the long-term health of human and ecological systems (Stephen M. Wheeler, Planning for Sustainability, 2004)
• The Three “Es”
– Environment– Economy– Equity
What is Sustainability?
• The Leaders
– Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan: Towards a Sustainable Future
– Portland, OR: Portland Plan
– Plan NYC: A Greener, Greater New York
– Greenburg, KS: Sustainable Comprehensive Master P:lan
• Other Examples
– Minneapolis, MN: Plan for Sustainable Growth
– Salem, OH: Sustainable Comprehensive Plan
– Washtenaw County, MI: A Sense of Place, A Sustainable Future
• Cities with Extensive Sustainability Initiatives
– San Francisco
– Chicago
Sustainable Comprehensive Plans
• State Legislation
– California: Climate change legislation
– Massachusetts Green Community Act (Comprehensive Energy Reform)
• Natural Step Framework
– Eco-Municipalities (Sweden)
– Santa Monica, CA Sustainable City Program
– Grassroots initiatives (e.g., Lewisburg, PA)
• Transition Initiatives
– 64 adopted Transition Initiatives as of 6/08
– 54 in UK, 4 in New Zealand, 2 in US, 1 in Ireland
– US communities: Boulder, CO and Sandpoint, ID
Emerging Trends
Sustainability in the Comprehensive Planning Process
• Outreach / Input
• Analysis
• Synthesis/Choice
• Plan Development
• Implementation
Typical Comprehensive Planning Process
• Outreach / Input: “Values-driven” planning meets the “environmental imperative”
• Analysis: Sustainability scan
• Plan Development: Sustainability “building blocks” (organizing the plan)
• Implementation: Sustainability indicators and tools
Sustainability in the Planning Process
• Energy Reduce fossil fuel usage and carbon emissions through the planning and design of communities, sites, and buildings
• ResiliencyReduce vulnerability to external environmental and economic threats through planning, design, and increased reliance on local resources, goods, and services
• Mobility Locate and design transportation systems to reduce reliance on the automobile andpromote alternative modes
• StewardshipPreserve and restore natural, cultural, and built resources. Integrate natural and humanecological systems in the planning and design of communities
• EquityProvide housing, transportation, and employment opportunities for persons of all socioeconomic backgrounds and abilities
Sustainability Principles
Vision: Define in relation to environmental challenges and sustainability principles
Education: Frame sustainability issues to resonate with community
• Economic Challenges
– Impacts of volatile energy costs
– Fiscal impacts of inefficient development patterns
• Environmental Challenges
– Impacts on climate change and security
– Vulnerability to natural and human disasters
• Social Challenges
– Lack of affordable workforce housing
– Effects on community health (obesity)
Outreach / Input
• Sustainability Scan: How sustainable is your community?
• Level 1 (Qualitative)– Review existing plans, policies, and regulations
– Evaluate land use patterns / infrastructure systems
• Level 2 (Quantitative): Impact modeling (e.g., INDEX by Criterion Planners)
– Carbon footprint /greenhouse gas emissions
– Energy consumption
– Stormwater runoff
– Traffic impact modeling
– Fiscal impact modeling
– Land consumption/development patterns
Analysis
• Model 1: Conventional Plan Elements
• Establish overarching sustainability framework
• Define sustainability principles and themes with the community
• “Activate” framework, principles, and themes through strategies and actions in different elements
• Land Use
• Transportation
• Housing
• Natural & Historic Resources
• Agricultural Resources
• Recreation and Open Space
• Community Facilities
• Economic Development
Potential New Elements:
• Energy Conservation
• Community Form
• Hazard Mitigation
Plan Development: Building Blocks
• Model 2: Systems Approach
• Organize elements into “systems”
• Define sustainability principles and themes with the community
• Emphasize interconnectedness between elements
• Energy (utility infrastructure, energy sources/ production, conservation)
• Food (local networks, production, distributions, health, access)
• Mobility (complete streets, connectivity)
• Green Infrastructure (greenways, sensitive environmental resources, urban “greening”, etc.)
• Housing (community character & form, types, affordability, need vs. supply)
• Economic (employment, diversity, accessibility, local “asset-based” community development)
• Social (education, recreation, cultural and historic resources, safety and security, community health)
Plan Development: Building Blocks
• Action Plan– Types of actions (policy, regulatory, capital
investment)
– Schedule / timeframes
– Responsible parties
• Capacity-Building / Partnerships– Municipal government
– Other levels of government
– Non-profit organizations / institutions
– Private sector businesses
– Citizens
• Plan Monitoring– Measures of progress (sustainability indicators)
Implementation
Union County Background
• Located along the Susquehanna River 60 miles N of Harrisburg,165 miles NW of Philadelphia, and 200 miles E of Pittsburgh
• Comprehensive plan for 13 municipalities
• 3 multi-municipal plans
Union County Background
New York, NY Union County
Washington DC
Philadelphia, PA
Harrisburg, PA
• Attractive rural quality of life with strong agricultural heritage and small towns / villages
• Forests and agriculture represents 60% and 30% of total land use, respectively
• Access to major urban areas via I-80 and other routes
• Historic downtown districts in Lewisburg and Mifflinburg
• Bucknell University is located in Lewisburg
Union County Background
Existing Land Use
• 80% of County zoned for Agricultural or Woodlands / limited low-density housing is permitted in most of these districts
• Residential housing growth: 14% from 1990-2000 and 8% from 2000-2006
• 40% housing growth projected by 2030 / highest growth expected in agricultural townships
Union County Background
New Structures 2001-2006 (+1,000 units)& Land Preservation
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
Popu
latio
n
Year
Union County Population, 1820-2050
2000
Total Land Area Needed for 2006-2050
@ 1 DU/Net Acre*
+ 8,826 Housing Units
= 10,590Net Acres in
Union County*
* 1) An additional 20% in land area is included in acreage calculation to accommodate utilities and ROW; 2) Gregg Township is included in the total projection, but is excluded from the Planning Area totals.
1 2 4 miles
640Acres
Community Outreach
• Website • Advisory Teams• Branding, Advertising & Marketing• Citizen Survey• Public Forums• Meeting In a Box• Stakeholder Interviews• Municipal Officials Meetings• School Programs
Outreach & Involvement Techniques
www.cultivatingcommunity.net
• Countywide Plan Advisory Team • 28 volunteers – Represented diverse County stakeholders• Met every other month on average
• 3 Multi-Municipal Advisory Teams • Elected Officials & Planning Commissioners• Met as needed
Advisory Teams
Citizen Survey Results
Outreach & Involvement Themes
• Energy Conservation & Sustainability• Preservation of Agriculture & Natural Resources• Growth Management• Create Trails & Pedestrian-Friendly Development• Expand Public Transportation• Vitality of Town Centers• Regional Cooperation• Concern About Quality of New Growth• Economic Opportunity for Current Residents• Strategic Infrastructure Investment
Cultivating Community: A Sustainable Comprehensive Plan for Union County
Union County will be a prosperous and beautiful valley in 2030 by:
Vision Statement
• Protecting precious natural resources & agriculture
• Supporting sustainable economic growth
• Promoting its unique town & country lifestyle
The western region will be a home for rural enterprise and
connecting with nature.
The central region will be the heart of Union
County’s agricultural and small town heritage.
The eastern region will be a center of county government, medical service, and higher
education in a town and country setting.
Three concurrent regional visions will contribute their special strengths to achieving these goals:
Citizen Direction & Sustainability
Continue Small Town Patterns
Future Growth Management Framework
Recommended Growth Management Framework
What the Future C
ould Look Like
Union County’s Cultivating Community Comprehensive Plan: A Hybrid Approach
• Topical Plan Elements• Natural and Agricultural Resources• Land Use• Housing• Economic Development• Cultural, Historic, and Recreational Resources• Community Facilities, Utilities, and Energy Conservation• Implementation
• Integrating Factors• Sustainability Principles• Sustainability Keys• Sustainability Indicators
Sustainability Principles
1. Focus new development in and around established communities
• Promote reinvestment in existing towns and villages
• Develop in close proximity to existing infrastructure
2. Preserve rural resources
• Maintain agriculture and prime farmland soils
• Preserve sensitive natural features and scenic views
3. Conserve energy
• Decrease fossil fuel consumption
• Reduce automobile use / promote transportation alternatives
4. Conserve fiscal resources
• Limit the negative impacts of new development on municipal budgets
• Limit the negative impacts of new development on community services
1. Natural and Agricultural Resources - System Integrity
2. Land Use - Mixed Use
3. Housing - Diversity
4. Economic Development - Building Local Assets
5. Transportation – Multi-Modal Choices
6. Cultural, Historic, and Recreational Resources - Adaptive Reuse
7. Community Facilities, Utilities, and Energy Conservation - Energy Conservation
Sustainability Keys
System Integrity
Sustainability Key
• Maintain integrity of woodlands, greenways, waterways, wetlands, habitats, open space, soils, and agricultural lands
Sample Sustainability Indicators
• Water Quality• Animal and plant indicator species• Agricultural / forest lands preserved (e.g., easements, TDR)
– Natural and Agricultural Resources
Natural and Agricultural Resources
Sample Actions
• Create a countywide Green Infrastructure Plan
• Educate farmers about alternative livestock production systems with lesser impacts on land and water quality (e.g. organic, free-range, non-confinement, grass-fed meat and poultry)
Cultivating Community
Mixed Use
Sustainability Key
• Strengthen the County’s traditional land use pattern of compact, mixed-use development focused on small towns and villages
• New development inside vs. outside growth areas• Vertical vs. horizontal mixed-uses• Carbon footprint / greenhouse gas emissions
Sample Sustainability Indicators
– Land Use
Cultivating Community
Land Use
Sample Actions
• Prepare regulations to promote walkable, mixed-use communities (e.g., TND, form-based zoning, incentives, etc.)
• Develop conservation subdivision / tree preservation standards for use in rural areas
Housing Diversity
Sustainability Key
• Provide choices in housing types and prices to meet different segments of the County’s population
• Mix of housing types vs. housing demand based on demographics• Affordability• Access to services (e.g., community facilities, parks and recreation, retail)
Sample Sustainability Indicators
– Housing
Housing
Sample Actions
• Provide different housing types in designated growth areas for a changing and aging population
• Implement a “green building” program through new code requirements / incentives, education, grants / loans, and partnerships (electric companies)
Building Local Assets
Sustainability Key
• Build economic activities that:• Draw on County’s intrinsic values – high quality of life, fertile
agricultural soils, quality educational and medical institutions• Reduce dependence on outside resources (e.g., use locally produced
goods and services rather than imported goods)
• Locally-owned businesses• Employment opportunities / living wages
Sample Sustainability Indicators
– Economic Development
Cultivating Community
Economic Development
Sample Actions
• Focus programs on businesses that “fit” with growing industry clusters • Healthcare• Education• Lumber and wood products• Diversified manufacturing• Hospitality/tourism
• Expand partnerships with area educational / healthcare institutions
Cultivating Community
Transportation Choices
Sustainability Key
• Provide convenient choices for people to use different forms of travel (autos, bicycles, transit, and walking) to meet their mobility needs.
• Reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT)• Length of sidewalks / bike lanes / multi-use trails• Connectivity index
Sample Sustainability Indicators
– Transportation
Cultivating Community
Transportation
Sample Actions
• Designate a network of on-road routes with adequate paved shoulders for non-motorized travel (horse and buggy, bicycles)
• Provide for pedestrian / bicycle facilities in land development / roadway improvements (e.g., traffic impact study ordinances, roadway design guidelines)
Adaptive Reuse
Sustainability Keys
• Refers to modification or rehab of existing structures to serve new uses (e.g., “recycling: former schools for retail, office, or residential uses)
• Historic resources recognized / preserved• Recycled buildings• Heritage tourism activity
Sample Sustainability Indicators
– Cultural, Historic, and RecreationalResources
Cultural, Historic, and Recreational Resources
Sample Actions
• Implement a countywide preservation program to encourage rehab or adaptive reuse of historic resources and other older buildings
• Designate Union County as part of the Middle Susquehanna State Heritage Area
Energy Conservation
Sustainability Keys
• Energy is required for all life’s activities; minimizing energy usage both conserves resources and yields economic returns by lowering costs.
• Compactness of infrastructure systems• Renewable energy installations• Green buildings• Reduction in VMT
Sample Sustainability Indicators
– Community Facilities, Utilities, andEnergy Conservation
Community Facilities, Utilities, and Energy Conservation
Sample Actions
• Support opportunities for energy production on farms (e.g., methane from dairies, regional manure digester)
• Upgrade high school facilities as model “green” facilities• Sustainable building systems• Site / stormwater management
practices• Multi-modal transportation access
Union County’s Cultivating Community Comprehensive Plan: Implementation
• Geographic Scale• Countywide Action Plan• Multi-Municipal Action Plans
• Actions• Types (regulatory, policy / planning, capital investment, partnerships)• Timeframes• Responsibilities• Funding sources
• Monitoring• Annual Assessments / Work Programs• Measures of Progress (sustainability indicators)
Key Issue: Capacity-Building
• Union County and its municipalities have a small population and limited resources• Three municipalities do not have zoning ordinances
• Partnerships among the public, private, and nonprofit / institutional sectors will be key to success• Public / public (e..g., PA State Agencies / Union County / municipalities)• Public / private (e.g., Lewisburg Area Recreation Park – LARA / Playworld;
Pennsylvania House redevelopment)• Public / institutional (e.g., Union County / Bucknell University)
The Sustainable Comprehensive Plan
Wallace Roberts & Todd, LLCWRT
APA National ConferenceMinneapolis, MN
April 26, 2009
Contact Information
David Rouse, AICP, Principal, Wallace Roberts & [email protected]
Shawn McLaughlin, AICP, Planning Director, Union [email protected]
Robert Kerns, AICP, Associate, Wallace Roberts & [email protected]
www.cultivatingcommunity.net