Benefits of the Comprehensive Plan
By holistically considering social, economic and environmental factors through a community-based process, the Comprehensive Plan will provide an important opportunity to establish a consensus with residents, community leaders, stakeholders and public agencies. If the Plan is approved, it will provide an overall framework for the future of the Town, guiding the:
- Preservation of open space
- Protection ⁄ Restoration the environment (i.e. air quality, water quality, habitat protection)
- Redirection of growth to areas already served by infrastructure
- Revitalization of pedestrian oriented downtowns
- Preservation ⁄ Development of a sense of place
- Promotion of healthy communities, with a diversity of housing options
- Expansion of the range of transportation options
- Provision of a sustainable tax base through business and job development
Once the Plan is approved, the zoning code will be updated to reflect and legally enforce the framework set forth by the Comprehensive Plan.
Consequences of Inaction
If Brookhaven continues to develop in the same unsustainable manner, legally allowed under the current zoning ordinance:
- Sprawling development patterns will result in a further loss of agricultural land, open space and community character and increase the financial burden to the community which must pay for community and public services to be expanded out to these new developments.
- Commercial development will continue in the form of strip malls surrounded by large areas of parking, which is contrary to the desired community character and also increases stormwater runoff.
- Dependency on vehicular travel will continue and worsen, damaging environmental, economic and community health.
- A lack of housing diversity will push many young adults, elderly and low and middle income families out of Brookhaven.
Urbitran Associates − Last Updated 07.29.08