Learning About Our Community: Land Use and Development
The sixth chapter of this report talks about the city's built environment
In today’s edition of Civic Capacity, this publication continues looking at the Draft Existing Conditions Report put forth by American Structurepoint, the consultant hired to work on the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Today’s analysis is on the fifth chapter of the report, Zoning and Land Use.
Analysis of Land Use
The city exhibits a diverse mix of land uses: agricultural, industrial, commercial, and various residential types. The largest proportion is single-unit detached homes, which occupy 35.3% of the land area, reflecting Troy's suburban character. Industrial and commercial uses are also significant, indicating a balanced mix of residential living and economic activities.
American Structurepoint also points out that certain land use classes like agricultural and large-lot residential are not served by public utilities, which may limit development potential unless infrastructural expansions are considered. The industrial sectors are well-supported, but the report suggests a need for careful consideration of their environmental impacts and the appropriateness of their locations relative to other land uses.
Strategic Development Recommendations
The report advocates for the consolidation of overlapping zoning districts to streamline regulations and encourage more coherent development patterns, the city currently has six single-family residential districts. The R-4 Single Family Residential district dominates this category, containing over 20% of all land in the city. This strategy could simplify the development process and make it more attractive for investors and future homeowners, while ensuring that growth aligns with the community's vision.
The ramifications of these insights for Troy are profound. As the city continues to expand, managing land use effectively will be crucial in maintaining a high quality of life and sustaining economic growth. Effective zoning consolidation could lead to enhanced urban efficiency and more strategic development. This approach also supports Troy's goals of being a livable and economically vibrant community by ensuring that new developments are well-integrated into the existing urban fabric.
A Few Notes on Parkland
As American Structurepoint began the planning process last year, one of the interesting notes their team made was on the amount of park land in the city. Expanding this analysis to include parkland and recreational areas offers a fuller understanding of Troy's community planning and quality of life. The city of Troy stands out in its provision of parkland compared to other similarly sized cities, which positively impacts its residents' quality of life and the city's attractiveness as a place to live and visit.
According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) metrics, the median number of park acres per 1,000 residents for communities with populations of 20,000 to 49,000 is 11.3 acres. Troy exceeds this standard significantly, offering 14.7 acres per 1,000 residents, which even with a projected population increase, remains robust at approximately 14.0 acres per 1,000 residents by 2050. This places Troy well above many of its peers, indicating a strong commitment to maintaining and expanding its green spaces.
Parkland Distribution and Accessibility
Troy has a comprehensive spread of parks, including neighborhood parks, community parks, mini parks, and specialty recreational areas like recreational trails and sports complexes. The city provides a level of service that covers most of its geography well, but there are identified gaps, particularly in the city’s First Ward, which is on the city’s North East side, which could benefit from additional park facilities or improved access to existing ones. This publication discussed in depth an effort by First Ward Council Member Jeff Whidden who has advocated for this neighborhood on this issue.
The availability and quality of park spaces are known to offer numerous benefits to residents, including promoting physical health, enhancing mental well-being, and increasing property values. Troy’s emphasis on parkland aligns with these benefits and the city’s desire to support a high quality of life by making the city a more desirable place to live. These city parks also serve as community gathering spaces, supporting social connections among residents.
Given the data, Troy could focus future development efforts on areas that are currently underserved by existing park infrastructure. This would not only address equity in access to green spaces but also enhance the overall connectivity of the park system. Such strategic development could attract more residents and visitors, contributing positively to the city's economic and social vibrancy.
So, how do you feel about the city’s built environment? Do we have too many single-family homes or not enough? How about our park system? Is our park system well maintained? Feel free to leave your ideas and insights in the comment thread!
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