CFE 040802 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

2 rx Environmental Quality Indicator : I r Its, � � / / ` \ 000 Why indicator The advent of the automobile has had a more profound effect on the environment was selected than any other change in modern society. Our society places a high priority on maintaining an independently mobile populace, with efficient ' automobile traffic flow often valued over existing land use patterns . Local government land use policies and regulations such as zoning and subdivision regulations, which include a hierarchy of road construction standards, and utilities extension plans ( including transportation , water, sewer), influence how and where growth will occur. Land use policies oriented toward supporting suburban development contribute to produce many problems for the County, including the deterioration and /or loss of natural and cultural resources, overburdening of the infrastructure, societal fragmentation , and economic stagnation . How indicator Information was derived from Federal Highway Administration , Highway Statistics was measured 1995 ; NC State Data Center, NC Division of Air Quality; and Wake County GIS . The trend Wake County is losing its rural feel . Large highway projects spur new devel - in Wake County opment . The amount of land consumed by new development exceeds the proportionate share of population increase in the past 15 years . Over 16 /o of all land in the County is devoted to road rights- of-way. People are driving farther each day, with the majority of trips being made in a single occupancy vehicle . Auto emissions and impervious surfaces created by new roads have increased , which contributes to diminished air and water quality in the County. Wetlands and croplands are lost as development sprawls outward . Housing and infrastructure investment is on the perimeter, where developers can build at less cost and with fewer zoning controls . This sprawling of low- density residential and commercial uses threatens the viability of traditional central business districts , which is the source of a large portion of the tax revenue needed to run municipal governments . i The number and diversity of local governments has hampered the coordination of transportation and use policies . Opportunities for citizens to use mass transit are limited . From 1985 to 1995 residents' daily mileage per person increased 29 . 9 %, with an average daily commute of 33 . 6 miles . Persons per vehicle in 1995 was 1 . 15 . i The Wake County The Wake County Land Use Plan , as approved , will allow for continued development of automobile-dependent suburban subdivisions and shopping Government response malls and office parks . 7