OVERVIEW OF PLANS FOR THE JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM In the Context of Quality Place Characteristics

Transcription

1 OVERVIEW OF PLANS FOR THE JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM In the Context of Quality Place Characteristics By Steve Grabow, Professor and Community Development Educator University of Wisconsin-Extension, Jefferson County Office March 24, 2004

2 Purpose of Presentation To identify a context for master planning by reviewing the characteristics of quality places. To review the Jefferson County Countryside Farm Land Use Study, To review the Jefferson County Countryside Farm Master Plan, To provide an opportunity to dialogue about these plans in the context of the proposed bypass.

3 Characteristics of Quality Places: A Context Effective and Functional Physical Configuration Compact development that doesn t sprawl enabling urban and rural areas to be clearly differentiated from one another

4 Characteristics of Quality Places: A Context Effective and Functional Physical Configuration Urban places with a strong center where multiple uses and activities are clustered in fairly close proximity Integration of housing, employment and shopping areas City-centered redevelopment and infill

5 Characteristics of Quality Places: A Context Effective and Functional Physical Configuration Vital, distinctive and varied neighborhoods in close proximity to the urban center Limited low density development on the urban fringe A mixture of housing types that meets the needs of a variety of households with different income levels

6 Characteristics of Quality Places: A Context User-Friendly and Efficient Circulation Pedestrian and bicycle friendly environments Land Use coordinated with larger network of roads

7 Characteristics of Quality Places: A Context Preserved Natural and Cultural Resources and Environment Environmental resources, natural amenities, scenic qualities and open spaces that are preserved and are consciously integrated into the fabric of the community Preserved farmland and related open space, wildlife habitats and environmental corridors

8 Characteristics of Quality Places: A Context Enhanced Local Identity and Sense of Place Strong local character, community identify and sense of place Well designed public buildings and public spaces that strengthened community sense of place, often reinforced and enlivened by works of art and sculpture

9 Characteristics of Quality Places: A Context Attributes that Instinctively Draw Us to Places Connectivity: vehicular, pedestrian and transit connectivity and ease of movement from one part of the community to another Drama and Dignity: Landmarks and building facades providing evidence that it is a real place, not just superficial Variety and Whimsy: As expressed in architectural forms and design details

10 Characteristics of Quality Places: A Context Attributes that Instinctively Draw Us to Places Reflection of Local Values: Appropriate architectural styles, materials and vegetation Sociable Settings: Public spaces and squares with areas for seating

11 Existing Site 645-acre property Soil types are adequate for development Topography does not present major limitations Crawfish River on the north and environmental corridor and intermittent stream on the south Minor wetlands Very accessible site

12 Existing Site Located in the City of Jefferson Urban Service Area 70% of projected new growth is targeted to Urban Service Areas in the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan

13 Proposed Bypass Proposed interchange and corridor locations in the vicinity of the County Grounds This corridor was proposed subsequent to the development of these two planning reports

14 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Prepared by the University of Wisconsin Department of Urban and Regional Planning Graduate Student Workshop Sponsored by the City of Jefferson Resulted from a Housing Study identifying the County Grounds as the most important site for potential new housing Purpose of the study was. to offer a creative approach to solving the City s housing problems, while also providing for the needs and desires of the County.

15 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Other Context Study done in the context of the emerging Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and its many issues Potential land and space needs of County government were discussed, including: o Community Based Residential Facility for adolescents (Yes) o Medical clinics to support assisted housing (Yes) o County Highway Garage (No) o New County Government Complex (Maybe, but currently downtown) o Replacement of Current Human Services Building (Yes) o Expansion of Countryside Home (Yes) o Potential land swap with the fair (Yes, possibly) o Campus Retirement Community (Yes) o Business Park (Yes, if highly controlled)

16 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Design Concepts The public ownership of such a large tract of land makes it possible for Jefferson County and the City to control a large portion of its future development in a way and to an extent that is typically not possible. Since it is so large, the property can be thought of as a whole, an internally integrated environment with a myriad of different, yet related parts, all functioning together to achieve specific objectives. Three design concepts are presented with advantages and disadvantages of each presented.

17 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Concept 1 Option Represents a continuation of the type of development north of the site Lots are ¼ acre in size 775 housing units serving a population of 1,700 people No multifamily housing Suggests expanding current industrial park on the east

18 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Concept 1 Advantages Complies with existing zoning Privacy with cul-de-sac design Disadvantages Failure to provide a range of housing types Failure to provide for different household types and income levels (i.e. small households not served) More land used with less population accommodated Less open space around development Sprawling character increases infrastructure costs

19 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Concept 2 Option Is in keeping with principles of Traditional Neighborhood Design Creates a compact and integrated neighborhood with housing diversity and mixed uses Encourages pedestrian flow and unique sense of identity 1,200 housing units serving a population of 2,600 people

20 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Concept 2 Option (cont.) Establishes a permanent Greenbelt around the neighborhood maintaining a clear distinction between urban and rural uses Traditional lot and block design provides a wide range of housing types Introduces neighborhood commercial (for example: local stores, pharmacy, dry cleaner, video store, etc.)

21 Concept 2 Advantages JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY A compact design reduces pressure on ag and open space Compact design reduces infrastructure costs Preserves natural amenities and green space Variety of housing types and affordable Development of neighborhood scale with mixed uses contributes to a wider market demand (A survey of citizens indicated a preference for traditional neighborhood character.)

22 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Concept 2 (cont.) Disadvantages Needs acceptance of a mix of smaller lots which has not been previously proposed in Jefferson Narrower streets not widely accepted yet

23 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Concept 3 Option Is very similar to the Concept 2 characteristics Has a Village Center Lot and block sizes are more varied Also maintains a permanent greenbelt of open space surrounding the development The most housing, with 1,600 housing units serving a population of 3,500 people Maximizes civic space

24 Concept 3 Advantages JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Many of the same advantages as Concept 2 Rooted in the characteristics of compact design, housing diversity and mixed use integration Larger scale accommodates more commercial, institutional and residential development over a longer time horizon Disadvantages Substantially more private and public capital and resources Requires highest level of coordination and cooperation between the City and County

25 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Strategic Actions Organize community support and resources City and County draft a Memorandum of Understanding stating what the parties intend to have done on the County Farm, and the principles and guidelines that should govern development Designate a responsible party to lead the initiative Professionally qualified to manage a complex project Several alternatives suggested

26 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM LAND USE STUDY Phasing Phasing enables the City and County to proceed in an orderly fashion Relates to utility extensions Conclusion Once in lifetime opportunity for the City and County to work together for mutual advantage Significant benefits: Added tax revenue, tax base, varied housing Reduces sprawl by encouraging compact and contiguous development

27 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Prepared by the Planning and Design Institute, Inc. Sponsored by Jefferson County,Planning and Zoning Committee Requested by the City of Jefferson as part of a conditional use permit for the construction of the Workforce Development Center/UWEX Office facility plans Purpose was to develop a Master Plan based generally on the Countryside Land Use Study and City of Jefferson Land Use Plan, and to select a preferred master plan concept.

28 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Adheres to principles of traditional neighborhood design Layout responds to surrounding land use patterns while creating its own neighborhood identity Residential moderate to higher density Mixed Use includes offices, retail and service related business

29 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Institutional may include schools, churches, assisted living, government, community centers, etc. Conservancy preservation of environmental features and open space Parks and Recreation preserves environmentally sensitive areas and provides community green space for recreation

30 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Institutional Campus The Plan promotes the orderly extension of the UW-Extension Office and Workforce Development facility in the form of a campus This could include expansion of County government facilities

31 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Circulation Defining the development patterns depends in part on the placement of roads Collector Streets the plan extends existing roads to create a set of collector streets Local Streets should be narrower in response to slower speeds and less traffic; these determine the layout of the residential area

32 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Circulation Pedestrian Paths integration of pedestrian sidewalks link public places and commercial districts and the entire area Bike Paths are also connected to public places and activity generators, and the bike path allows the conservancy and park area to be an accessible amenity while building awareness for the environment and greenbelt

33 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Public Places The Master Plan incorporates public places as amenities to the development and creates significant neighborhood features. Public Squares are formal attractions and may include large grass areas combined with plantings and ornamental features such as fountains, flower gardens or fences.

34 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Public Places Boulevards create a higher quality and pleasant driving experience with a formal, planted median between the traffic lanes; it is a distinctive neighborhood street ending in a public space such as a public square or gateway. Parks serve as a primary social connection and an amenity to protect and enhance the existing natural environment; an integral feature of the plan is a buffer of green space surrounding the area of development

35 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Public Places Market Plazas open space created by a strong sense of enclosure lending organization to commercial development while promoting pockets of activity

36 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Provide shared open space Used to preserve existing Potter s Field cemetery Organizes new development May terminate or serve as a gateway to a boulevard

37 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Summary The Master Plan consists of a 645- acre mixed use residential neighborhood on Countryside Farm The Master Plan demonstrates specific examples of how development may occur according to standards common in traditional neighborhood design The plan features: Several types of residential development including single family, town homes, and multifamily residences

38 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Summary (Continued).plan features: A variety of public squares, parks and boulevards Protected environmental areas including wetlands, woodlands, wildlife areas and cultivated fields A new neighborhood main street with opportunities for shops, plazas and civic buildings A campus area for new County facilities organized around courts and landscapes A circulation system designed for vehicular as well as pedestrian and bicycle transportation The sizes and location of details in this plan can change with specific details defined by conditions inherent to the locality, including market considerations and a refined public vision

39 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Project Implementation A. Process for future monitoring and coordination Determine relative roles of the County and City of Jefferson Determine fit with existing city plans Appoint a committee or task force to finalize and formalize the overall vision and components of the plan Adopt an official city plan for the area including specific details for roads, public places and green spaces B. Identification of catalyst projects and phasing opportunities Finalize the proposed geometry of roads and public places and consider parks and environmental areas as potential catalyst projects

40 JEFFERSON COUNTY COUNTRYSIDE FARM MASTER PLAN Project Implementation (Continued) C. Guidelines for implementation and design issues Create specific site and architectural guidelines for street fronts, facade orientations, lot sizes, etc. D. Identify Potential Funding Sources Consider public and private sources including State stewardship grants, State DOT planning and nonprofit conservation organizations Consider the interest and involvement of major developers who may be interested in the project May consider issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) with clear expectations and detailed guidelines

41 Questions and Discussion

42 References Bunnell, Gene. Making Places Special. Chicago: APA Planners Press, Grabow, Steven Harris. An Introduction to Place Making and Making Places Special. Presentation to the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Southern District Community, Natural Resources and Economic Development Group, November Jefferson County Agricultural Preservation and Land Use Plan, Katz, Peter. The New Urbanism. New York: McGraw Hill, Planning and Design Institute. Jefferson County Countryside Farm Master Plan, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Graduate Student Workshop. Jefferson County Countryside Farm Land Use Study, Wisconsin Department of Transportation and SEH Consultants. Image of Proposed STH 26 Bypass around City of Jefferson, March Contact Steve Grabow, (920) ;