Neighborhood planning in a nutshell
While neighborhood planning may be new to our community, it certainly isn’t new to the profession of planning. The idea of neighborhood planning traces back many years, has been formalized since at least 1929, and communities everywhere – urban, rural, resort – have taken part in it. In fact, according to the American Planning Association, it’s common to take part in neighborhood planning when big changes are anticipated, and it’s called for throughout our Comp Plan.
Neighborhood plan example from Wolff Lyon Architects / Steamboat Springs, Colorado (link below)
In general, a neighborhood plan is part logistics, part process, part visioning. The logistics piece ensures that infrastructure needs are met, such as water, sewer, and transportation. The process focuses on inclusive community engagement and facilitates a public dialogue, to envision together how an area fits into a community’s larger comprehensive plan. A neighborhood plan that includes all of Northern South Park will lead us to a better neighborhood together.
A neighborhood plan is the only way to capitalize on this amazing opportunity, address critical infrastructure needs, and realize all our goals in our Comprehensive Plan, especially for affordable housing, transportation, climate, and water quality.
Curious about what this could look like? Check out some great examples:
- A neighborhood vision for Steamboat Springs
- Daybreak, Utah’s award-winning and sustainable neighborhood
- Telluride’s efforts to avoid “piecemeal decisions” and imagine future uses for land next to town
- Bozeman’s BridgerView partnership between a conservation organization and a local community building group
While Teton County is certainly in a league of its own, the beauty of neighborhood plans is that they are customizable. No one size fits all. We have an affordable housing crisis, a vision to preserve the area’s ecosystem, and a goal to be carbon net-zero by 2030…and the future of Northern South Park can be a part of it all, if we create a great neighborhood plan.
Another graphic from Wolff Lyon Architects / Steamboat Springs, Colorado (link above)
As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. Let’s thank the Gills for their generosity and desire to address our affordable housing crisis – and first, let’s take the common-sense approach to neighborhood plan and make the most of this opportunity!
