Agenda - 05-17-1994-X-B - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment 1 H Rural Character Stucy Committee Report 1/ 93 NOTES FOR DISCUSSION ON "SLIDING SCALE" GUIDELINES FOR ,,THE CALCULATION OF OPEN SPACE Rural Character Study Committee Meeting Dec. 17, 1992 Carole L. Crumley • strict 25-50-75% categories do not allow needed flexibility for future uses • clearly, some open space is more desirable than other open space, but to a great extent this is culturally determined • based on previously arrived at definitions of rural character, can the RCSC agree on what categories of impact should be monitored? Some possibilities: sensory impact : aural (birdsong, threshing machine, go-cart track) visual (ducks on a pond, driving range, water slide) olfactory (new-mown hay, piglot, sewage treatment plant) use-value: "open space should not have a negative environmental impact on surrounding areas" (quote from public hearing) . If we adopted the spirit of this comment, we would have to ensure that proposed open space not violate: noise restrictions preservation of wildlife habitats a "rural " definition of visual attractiveness maintenance of water quality restrictions on terrain modification landscape integrity expected traffic patterns etc. Thus, candidate open space could pass scrutiny by having the develope.-r submit to the Planning Board plans, models, and drawings , applicable research on other similar use/areas, anticipatory studies of traffic patterns, noise and water pollution levels , etc. , which would allow proposed open space in each development to be considered on its own merits and in the proposed geographic and cultural context . Open space allowances in developments over 100 ( 50? ) units would be subject to review in an open meeting of the Planning Board or in public hearing. Committee recommendation: Staff to use these ideas in linking open-space quality to adopted development options of Committee - incorporate in implementation phase.