"Smart Growth"

I plan to carefully steward Carrboro's growth and development, most of which will occur in the northern area.  I believe in environmentally sound “smart growth” and that affordable housing should remain a priority. 

The Northern Study Area Plan, which was developed in 1997, encouraged the use of mixed-use floating zones.  A review of what has been developed ten years later shows that this did not result in the variety of development the Town had hoped for in the northern area.  The plan is currently under review, and should be finalized by late fall 2007.  The new plan will be a critical planning tool in determining how Carrboro grows over the next ten years.

“Smart growth” incorporates principles of environmentally and fiscally sound growth.  It involves thoughtful land-use planning, incorporating mixed-use development, and encouraging the preservation of open space.   It promotes transit use and pedestrian walkways.  Smart growth protects the features of communities that people value.

These smart growth principles must be applied to Carrboro’s plan for the northern area.  Specific areas for light commercial growth should be identified.  In general, I believe we should connect neighborhoods when doing so will increase the ability of residents to travel between neighborhoods, will provide alternate routes to keep our main roads from becoming overcrowded, and/or will enhance access for safety and convenience.   As developments are built, transit should be expanded into the northern area.  It is important for us to be cognizant of environmental concerns, specifically Bolin Creek and its tributaries.  We should continue to value open space; Carrboro’s open space requirement of 40% in almost all developments aids us in this in this goal.

We need to continue to carefully review proposed plans for residential growth in the northern area.  Not every proposed development should have maximum build-out of density, but where appropriate, this should be encouraged.  Such density will increase our residential tax base with minimal extra outlay of infrastructure by the Town.   It also gives us an opportunity to encourage the building of affordable housing units or homes, an integral priority of our Town’s expansion.