Jim
Name one sub built in VBT that is "within walking distance to shopping. A couple are close to a school. The public health increase is taking into account the folks are walking to shop and attend school. No walking to shop in VBT. Yes, open green space will benefit storm water ground recharge. A large lot size is a great way to accomplish this. A one acre lot is not generally fertilized, (maybe if a garden is raised), usually only mowed. (ever try to fertilize an acre), uses natural percolation to desiminate the storm water. However, in a sub with very small lots, a lot of fertilizer is used, along with huge amounts of watering, with the resultant runoff, which usuall goes to a retention pond, and will create a multitude of health problems, be an attractive nuisance, and as Kelley stated at a recent meeting, may be sprayed with insecticides to eliminate mosquitos. NOT GOOD.
I am in complete agreement with you on the use of the automobile in today's housing market. Housing developements are being built far from the schools and shopping centers, thus increasing VMT (vehicle miles traveled), consuming huge amounts of petroleum, thus increasing overall costs to the new homeowner. This situation is much different than in the past, and Planners and Directors SHOULD take this into consideration when planning development. Yes, country subs and PRD's are not good for the environment. These projects should be developed much closer to schools and shopping, and the country should be used for large size lots, not 10,000 sq ft postage stamps.
Quoted---"While older cities and towns were planned and built based on the practical idea that stores and services should be within walking distance of residences, the design of most new residential areas reflects the supposition that people will drive to most destinations. Work, home, school, and shopping are often separated by distances that not only discourage walking but may even necessitate the use of a car in order to reach any destination safely." The obesity epidemic in the United States was never imagined by those who made it difficult, if not impossible, to walk to the grocery store and to school and who also made it far easier to drive to the shopping mall or the
movie theater across town then to walk to such neighborhood establishments." Quoted
A PRD, such as is now planned for BOG RD, is a classic example improper development. Not only is this project far from schools and shopping, there is not adequate motivation from the planners and developers to encourage exercise. The houses will be built on VERY SMALL LOTS, causing crowding, and the ensuing problems this will bring, as mentioned earlier, (obesiby, domestic problems, juvenile crime, ect.). A parent will not send a child to the play area unsupervised for 10 minutes, but if the back yard was adequate, they could send the kiddos to the yard for 10 minutes , supervising out the window. I recently drove thru a development and the walking path was constructed of 2 1/2 stones, with sharp edges sticking up, and is not an acceptable walk-way. The retention pond was full of geese( oh my goodness), with the accompaning issues, mostly health. (After the goose poop dries, and is run over with a lawn mower, the dust that is put into the air is very dangerous, and can create huge problems. Of course, tracking the poop into the house while still wet, can cause even greater problems. And we continue to build the ponds.)
A PRD my family visited in Canton last week, did not have sidewalks. I hope this never happens in VBT. A PRD is a HUGE PROFIT MAKER FOR THE DEVELOPER. Less concrete for streets is needed, less water and sewer pipes, less electrical wire between houses, ECT. This is simply a pile of GOLD at the end of the rainbow for the builder, especially with the DENSITY BONUS allowance, generates initial housing permit fees, which are quickly consumed by the governing agency, and leaves the current homeowners with the "Cost of Community Services". Not good for anyone.
A very low density Country Sub, built on large lots, using a simple paved road, with a small swale ditching system, is a much better method of using our precious lands. No ponds, with the recurrent problems, natural stormwater percolation, less petroleum consumption, (lower density, remember), much lower cost of services, fewer health problems, and a much more aesthicly pleasing environment. The ONLY disadvantage is the septic system. The positives far outweigh the negatives, however. OVERCROWDING of the human race is not acceptable. I am a very sociable person, but please, not 24/7........
Thanks for taking the time to read the report, Jim. I appreciate your effort.
Paul
Most kids love animals, and enjoy interaction with the creatures. Binoculars, bird houses, bird feeders, deer sitings, raccoon incursions, rabbit chasing, ect., to a much higher degree in the country. Kids, (adults too), enjoy this type of activity. Also, as I mentioned previously, Saturday nite campfires for a weiner roast are the greatest. We will invite you if you like. You can bring the JV Brats........Question??? Which bird is the "Back Yard Bully?"