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REGIONAL PRIORITY DEVELOPMENT AND PRIORITY PROTECTION AREAS
Process for Applying the Regional Filter to the Locally Designated Priority Development and Protection Areas
The local priority development and protection area process (conducted throughout 2008) was developed and undertaken as a “bottom up” approach to a regional economic development and land use corridor plan. Citizens and officials in each study area community participated in a process to designate their Priority Development Areas (PDAs) and Priority Protection Areas (PPAs) utilizing extensive GIS data combined with local knowledge. Taking the locally designated PDA/PPA areas as a starting point, the next step was to conduct a regional evaluation of the local designations.
In this regional evaluation, SRPEDD did not alter or override any of the local designations, but highlighted those local designations that have regional significance. In addition, SRPEDD enhanced and connected resources of regional significance that extend beyond an individual community.
Regional Development and Protection Principles
- Provide a variety of transportation choices
- Promote connectivity of natural communities and resources
- Create a range of housing opportunities and choices
- Preserve natural resources
- Mix land uses
- Protect groundwater and surface water supplies
- Provide enhance transportation connectivity
- Protect historic and cultural resources
- Promote a balance jobs and housing
- Preserve floodplain and wetland resources
- Focus infill and redevelopment within areas of existing infrastructure
- Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place
- Locate public institutions and services in village or town centers
Criteria for Designating Regional Priority Development Areas (Magenta)
These areas should have priority for infrastructure investment, mixed use or high density development, or as designated receiving zones for transfer of development rights. Designated areas meet one or more of these criteria.
- The Regional PDA is a regionally important center for commerce and economic activity serving multiple communities.
- The Regional PDA will support mixed use and high density development, including affordable housing or transit oriented development.
- The Regional PDA is a candidate for redevelopment or infill development.
- The Regional PDA is designated under Chapter 43D (streamlined permitting), is a state designated growth area, or is listed as a high priority project in SRPEDD’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
Criteria for Designating Regional Priority Protection Areas (Green)
Parcels within these areas should have priority for acquisition or as designated sending zones for transfer of development rights. Designated areas meet one or more of these criteria.
- The Regional PPA includes multiple attributes, such as high value for water resources, agriculture, biodiversity, significant natural communities, and cultural and/or historic significance.
- The Regional PPA is a regional resource that overlaps municipal boundaries or serves multiple communities.
- The Regional PPA provides regional connections between locally designated priority protection areas or between existing permanently protected areas.
- The Regional PPA includes frontage along a major river that acts as a building block to establish regional river corridors.
- The Regional PPA recognizes existing designations such as the Taunton River Wild and Scenic designation (pending), Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (Hockomock Swamp, Three Mile and Canoe Rivers), or sole source aquifers.
Criteria for Combined Priority Development and Protection Areas (Orange)
These designations include areas that have potential development sites within priority protection areas and will require extra care in their development.
March 9, 2009 |