CCP 09-25-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1111 Mix land uses: Putting jobs, homes, shops, and recreation near each other gives people options for getting around. They can walk, bike, drive, or take public transit. The traditional neighborhoods and small towns that many people cherish have this mix of uses. Locating homes near offices and shops also means that people will be walking on the streets at different times of the day, making the community livelier and safer. Use land efficiently: Communities can save money and resources by bUilding compact neighbor- hoods where it makes sense. In denser areas, com- munities spend less on new infrastructure, consum- ers spend less on water, and emergency s€lVices can respond more quickfy. Compact neighborhoods can orfer more transportation choices by putting desti- nattons dose enough for people to walk. Balancing different levels of density lets communities provide residents with choices-~offering urban living to some residents while preserving suburban living for others. Create a range of safe, convenient, and affordable housing opportunities and choices: Providing high-quality homes for people of all income levels and at all stages of life is an integral component in any smart grovvth strategy. The type and location of homes affect commut ing patterns, energy and water use, and access to transportation, community services, and education. Communities can give their residents more choices by encouraging different types of housing in existing ne-ighborhoods and in new development. 20 Create walkable neighborhoods: Mixing . uses and placing them close together makes it easier for people to walk to school, work, shopping, and fun. Communities also can encourage walking by creating more pleasant sidewalks and safer streets. Walkable neighborhoods give people options for getting around and also offer them an easy way to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines_ Foster distinctive, attractive communi- ties with a strong sense of place: New development should respect the unique culture, history, and geography of a community. People are proud of a community that has a distinct character. Such places attract tourists, new businesses, and new residents. Preserve natural lands, farmland, and critical environmental areas: Protecting the natural environment means deaner air and water, healthy habitat for fish and wildlife, and beautiful vistas and recreational lands. Many communities also want to preserve- working lands, like farms and ranches that are fiscally self-sustaining and are a criti- cal part of their economy, history, and culture. . The Glen's interesting mix of retail attracts visitors and residents alike. .