Agenda - 10-11-1995 - Items 1 and 2 - Appendix 1

Browse Search

Open space plays an essential role in the Village Pattern character of the Town of Chapel Hill, helping to preserve the ecological balance and The term "village pattern" describes the type of environmental quality of both the natural and built urban development that is based on neo- environment, while also providing opportunities traditional development patterns that were for recreation and relaxation, education and common throughout the country in the first half of aesthetic enjoyment. In general,open space helps this century. The early towns were often built on to relieve urbanized areas by providing quiet a grid pattern around a town center containing natural areas for public benefit. open space, shops, and offices. Residences were often built within walking distance of other uses, In Chapel Hill, developers are required to set and thus people were not dependent on cars for aside portions of their residential developments for every activity. open space. Payments-in-lieu can also be used to set aside money from small developments in order In particular, the village center is the heart of the to purchase larger tracts of open space for use by community, providing the opportunity for a these and other developments. choice of services and activities for families that live within and near the village. The design and By including open space as an integral part of atmosphere of the center should be in harmony development, the quality of both the natural and with its surroundings, and its intent is to be a built environments can be maintained as place for people. The village center should be of development occurs. a scale of life reminiscent of small town America, ideally based on a grid-pattern of streets and Greenways pedestrian pathways. The term "Greenways" is generally used to The focal point of the village center should be a describe a network of public lands and trails that centralized core area with a mix of uses, including usually follow major perennial streams. stores and shops for day-to-day needs of the residents - a small food store, drug store, bakery, Greenways provide many benefits to the gift shop, beauty and barber shops, and other community. They protect delicate floodplains and stores limited in size and number to balance the areas with steep and unstable slopes. Greenways requirements of village dwellers and visitors. also preserve trees and other vegetation that can Small professional offices and residential uses reduce the threat of flooding, lower noise should be an integral part of the core area, such pollution, provide vegetative buffers between as apartments and/or offices above shops. neighborhoods, and help preserve the natural beauty of the Town. Adjacent to the village center core area could be a small medical clinic, churches, a library branch, Greenways can also provide a natural and a village hall - a multipurpose building with transportation system within the Town for a small auditorium, stage, and possibly a center pedestrians and, in some cases, bicyclists. As the for young people, as well as additional space to Town acquires sufficient land and easements, accommodate a variety of adult activities. opportunities arise to construct trails along greenway corridors. These trails can provide In the village center, within a few hundred feet of pedestrian access --between different parking and bus stops and conveniently connected neighborhoods, and to shopping centers, parks, to the village open space and pedestrian walkway recreation centers, and schools. Greenway trails systems,the residents should have the opportunity can also serve as a public benefit by providing to shop for the family groceries, fill a prescription, opportunities for jogging, hiking, or nature study. visit a doctor, attend church, hear a lecture, select a book from the library, or meet a child following an extracurricular activity at the village hall. Northwest Small Area Plan Page 31