From Cheryl Richardson
Three citations illustrate how far
Title 21 has strayed from Anchorage 2020. My comments begin with recommended
language followed by historic Anchorage 2020 and draft Title 21 language. They end with currently proposed language.
21.08.030. Restore “Purpose”
language that improves neighborhood quality of life and character:
“Promote balanced,
diverse neighborhoods while improving neighborhood safety, livability and
character.”
ANCHORAGE 2020:
“Promote a balanced, diverse supply
of affordable, quality housing located in safe and livable neighborhoods with
amenities and infrastructure, that reflects
“A
variety of safe, pleasant, and distinctive neighborhoods responsive to the
diverse needs of residents, with good access to schools, recreation, natural
areas, and community facilities.”
MODULE 1, 2003:
“ Preserve the character and quality of residential neighborhoods;
“ Ensure that the appearance, visual scale, and orientation of new developments are compatible with that of comprehensive plan goals and objectives for surrounding
neighborhoods;
“ Ensure the provision of adequate open space for light, air, and fire safety.”
2006 PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT:
“- Promoting a balanced, diverse supply of affordable, quality housing located in safe and livable neighborhoods.”
2. Ensure public open space near homes 21.08.030. Restore language that “ensures” public open space and recreational opportunities.
2a. Ensure
reduced traffic. 21.08.030. Restore language that reduces
dependency on the automobile.
“These standards are enacted generally to promote the health, safety, convenience, order, and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the municipality; to ensure adequate and convenient open spaces, school sites, and adequate utilities and public safety facilities; to provide recreation opportunities, solar access, and clean air; to minimize traffic and facilitate orderly growth and harmonious development of the municipality.”
ANCHORAGE
2020 open space:
“New development shall be accompanied by adequate public or private open space, parks or other public recreational facilities.”
ANCHORAGE
2020 reduced automobile use:
“The overall intent is to create a city in which there will be more opportunities to live a less automobile dependent lifestyle.”
“…growth in automobile travel is expected to slow.”
“Mixed use…is a concept intended to reduce dependency on the automobile and to create a sense of place.”
MODULE 3, 2004, PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT 1, PUBLIC HEARING DRAFT 2 (all read the same):
These
standards are enacted generally to promote the health, safety,
convenience, order, and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the
municipality; to ensure adequate and convenient open spaces, minimized traffic, and adequate utilities and public
safety facilities; to provide recreation opportunities, light, and air;
and to avoid congestion of the population.
(italics omitted in later drafts)
These
standards are enacted generally to promote the health, safety,
convenience, and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the
municipality; to secure adequate utilities and public facilities, consideration
of school and open space needs, and the protection of sensitive natural
areas; to ensure the functional and efficient layout and appropriate use
of land so as to achieve property lots of reasonable utility; and to facilitate
orderly growth and harmonious development of the municipality.
3. Protect wildlife habitat, mature trees &
vegetation, and scenic views.
21.01.030Restore “Purpose” language protecting wildlife habitat, mature trees
and vegetation and scenic views,
“Protect the wide diversity of fish, wildlife habitats, scenic views and mature trees and vegetation throughout the Municipality.
“- Protect
the wide diversity of fish, wildlife, and habitats throughout the Municipality
that thrive and flourish in harmony with the community;
- Preserve
and protect existing trees and vegetation, floodplains, river and stream
corridors, scenic views, and other areas of scenic and
environmental significance from
adverse impacts of land development.”
“Protecting existing trees and vegetation, floodplains, river and stream corridors, wildlife habitat, scenic views, and other areas of environmental and historical significance by minimizing the adverse impacts of land development on the natural environment.”
“Minimizing the adverse impacts of land development on the natural environment.”