Smart Growth in Burrillville, RI

Who We Are Mission How We Get it Done

Who We Are Statewide non-profit organization Statewide non-profit organization Diverse coalition of interests Diverse coalition of interests

Mission Promote patterns of development that…… - Revitalize city & town centers - Preserve cultural and natural resources - Expand economic opportunity for all Rhode Islanders

How We Get it Done Policy Reform / Advocacy Policy Reform / Advocacy Information / Education Information / Education Helping Municipalities Helping Municipalities

What is Smart Growth? 1. Thriving City and Town Centers 2. Neighborhood Livability 3. Better Access, Less Traffic 4. Keeping Open Space Open 5. Citizen Participation in Planning 6. Lower Costs, Lower Taxes

Thriving City & Town Centers Direct investment & economic development to existing community centers Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.

Neighborhood Livability Compact & walkable Range of housing types and prices Convenient to services

Better Access, Less Traffic Emphasis on mixing land uses Providing a variety of transportation choices

Connecting new development to existing

Keeping Open Space Open Smart growth protects and preserves rapidly vanishing open space, farmland and forests

Citizen Participation Citizens and stakeholders participate in development decisions that are predictable, fair and cost-effective

Lower Public & Private Costs Sprawl costs money Taking advantage of existing infrastructure conserves resources and keeps taxes down

Today’s Mission To protect and enhance Burrillville’s quality of life, economic vitality and authentic character created by its historic villages and by its farms, forests and open spaces. To protect and enhance Burrillville’s quality of life, economic vitality and authentic character created by its historic villages and by its farms, forests and open spaces. Open Spaces - Sweets Hill on East Avenue Downtown Pascoag

We are here to discuss: 1. The Burrillville Zoning Map and varying zoning densities within the Town of Burrillville; 2. Traditional neighborhood patterns / designs 3. Proposed zoning ordinance amendment to encourage smart growth for the future.

Burrillville Zoning Map

Continuing: 1. The Burrillville Zoning Map and varying zoning densities within the Town of Burrillville; 2. Existing structures and neighborhoods 3. Proposed zoning ordinance amendment to encourage smart growth for the future.

Historic elements will be incorporated into new construction – Proposed Dunkin Donuts in Pascoag Existing buildings serve as a guide Mixed-use structures are required – nothing new to Burrillville

Traditional Neighborhoods AcceptableUnacceptable Grid pattern streets provide multiple escape routes for vehicular traffic and therefore disseminate traffic more efficiently than cul-de-sacs

Whitney Estates - a modern day suburban subdivision The Remington Plat, locally known as Oakland, is a traditional grid pattern neighborhood. An example of what the VPD supports.

Hauser Field - Pascoag Grid Pattern The VPD mandates useable open space such as Town Commons or field space. Similar to the pattern found in Pascoag adjacent to Hauser Field Useable open space adds value to communities.

Target lot areas where the VPD would benefit. The logical expansion of Pascoag Village is to the east towards Harrisville.

The observed disconnection between Edgewood Road and Paula Drive would not comply with VPD objectives Disconnect delays emergency response

Finally, let us discuss: 1. The Burrillville Zoning Map and varying zoning densities within the Town of Burrillville; 2. Existing structures and neighborhoods 3. Highlights of proposed VPD ordinance

Highlights of the Village Planned Development Ordinance Replicates existing village neighborhoods Offers density bonus as a reward for locating development adjacent to village neighborhoods Density bonus supports affordable housing (20% is required) Mixed-use buildings are required Cul-de-sacs are not allowed Fully-planned and reviewed by Planning Board to ensure health, safety and welfare – absolved from zoning board of review

Challenges for the Development Community 1.RIDEM jurisdictional wetland areas give us less land to work with (50, 100 and 200 foot setbacks prevail) 3.Incorporating Historic features, i.e., old growth trees, stone walls, vacant historic buildings. 2.Developing grid connections amidst Natural Constraints (ledge outcrops, slopes >15% and wetland areas)

South Main Street Providence, RI