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The quality and design of development can have a major impact on the future of our watersheds and open spaces. One of the ways we can have the biggest impact is to encourage more compact development whenever possible. As we talked about last quarter, compact development provides for more environmentally sound stormwater management, and more efficient use of infrastructure, especially transportation options. It also provides the opportunity to steer development away from more sprawling patterns in open or sensitive rural areas. Last quarter I talked about the characteristics of compact development, and how it can work in balance with conservation to protect resources. This quarter, I’d like to provide some specifics about implementing compact development projects.

How is a compact development project implemented? A lot depends on where the project is going. In urban and small town downtown areas, compact development often involves redevelopment of existing commercial and residential sites that may have become rundown, or may just be available opportunities for something new and exciting. In newly developing areas, projects may be done on open land. Both may involve innovative site plan and zoning techniques that differ from the typical sprawling patterns that communities and developers find comfortable.

What makes a successful compact development project?
Strong political will by leaders. Township, village and city elected officials must have a strong vision for improving the quality of life in their communities, and be ready to take innovative steps in order to accomplish that goal.

One or more strong developers. Successful projects cannot happen without the vision and expertise of experienced developers who are interested in innovative approaches.

Use of a variety of funding mechanisms. Depending on the project, such tools as tax increment financing, federal grants for transportation, block grants, and bonds, business improvement districts, private revolving funds, and historic restoration tax credits, may be implemented. A strong development partnership will include government, developer and financial parties that can jointly put together a diverse financing package.

Community Contributions
The community can often use these financing mechanisms to provide incentives and seed projects that can help encourage compact development. Zoning incentives, land consolidation efforts, and projects such as libraries, post offices, community centers, housing, traffic and pedestrian improvements, and infrastructure upgrades can often start a process that results in significant private investment over time.

Property Values
Finally, the bottom line: A successful compact development project will provide for adequate increase in value of property through the development process, leading to long-term financial strength. Marketing and financial analyses must be done early on to project and ensure the financial strength of the project.

Compact development ordinances have been developed in Columbus (urban), Wisconsin (small town), Mantua Village (rural/village), and in University Heights (major retail). For copies of these ordinances, refer to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission Web Site, www.epa.state.oh.us/oleo/openhouse.htm. Further resources are provided there as well.

For more information, contact Kirby Date, AICP, Countryside Program Coordinator, at 216-295-0511 or k.date@csuohio.edu.