Crucial Ann Arbor-Howell rail study to get going

http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews/2008/04/crucial_ann_arborhowell_rail_s.html

Green Street Fair

Although it is not technically located in Washtenaw County, there is an event coming up that supports several of our initiatives (and it's "almost" in the County!). The Green Street Fair's Mission is to (according to their website): "help educate and inform people of all ages about the benefits of green, organic, and eco-friendly products and services. To promote global interest and personal well-being, the Green Street Fair TM will blend companies, artisans, entertainers, and speakers together in a friendly and family-oriented outdoor environment. We believe that even the smallest steps in going green can make a world of difference." The event will be taking place May 3-4, 2008 in Downtown Plymouth.

Stop by to learn about "going green" -- visit their website at www.greenstreetfair.com for more info.

WALLY - Coming to a City near you...

WALLY, the Washtenaw Livingston Line, is a proposed commuter rail service which would link the Michigan cities of Ann Arbor and Howell, with intermediate stops in Genoa Township, Hamburg Township and Whitmore Lake (Northfield Township). The line will also provide commuters an option that would save the substantial amounts of money should they choose to leave their cars at home. The commuter service is proposed as an alternative to adding a third lane to U.S. 23, which would cost approximately $500 million.

Trains would run daily over a 27 mile stretch of existing tracks owned by the Great Lakes Central Railroad, which has also committed to providing ten stainless-steel bi-level passenger cars. The project has garnered a great deal of support within the area, including from senators, representatives, local units of government, downtown development authorities, chambers of commerce, public and private institutions and many more.

Like other commuter rail services around the country, fares alone will not cover the operational costs, making local, state and federal contributions necessary. In several cases the local support has been in the form of financial commitments. Despite these commitments, federal funds would be needed to help cover the cost of the commuter service, and in order to secure those funds, an authority to govern the service needs to be formed. The Livingston County Board has requested that a viability study be conducted before they commit either to contributing money or to being part of that authority.

The Wally Coalition has selected a consultant to conduct the $150,000 feasibility study, with money pledged by the University of Michigan, the Great Lakes Central Railroad, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), and units of government and DDAs in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. It is expected that the final report will be complete this spring, and will not only solidify the support of the stakeholders, but will also be given to Representative John Dingell for him to seek financial support for the project.

Having a regional public transit system in southeast Michigan is something that has long been discussed as an important role in remaining economically competitive for decades. In addition to providing commuting options and lessening the pressure to expand existing highways, fixed route transit brings substantial private investment to the area nearby the transit stops and corridor. One of many examples is that of Arlington, Virginia. Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston Transit Corridor produces 38.2% of the county’s real estate tax revenue from 7.6% of its land area, and the private investment along the corridor has accounted for the local tax base to increase from $5.2 billion to $27.2 billion since 1980, while allowing the residents to maintain the lowest property tax in the metropolitan region. (Reconnecting America, http://www.railvolution.com/)

This Transit Oriented Development (TOD) could do a great deal for Michigan’s local economy, while encouraging sustainable development patterns. The first rail-based example of transit oriented development for the planned U.S. 23 commuter rail line is proposed for The Whitmore Station, WALLY’s stop at Whitmore Lake. The project will involve the redevelopment of 24 acres of industrial land into a commercial and residential mixed use with the proposed station as the propelling element. This form of development near transit is well known throughout the rest of the country. In these economically bleak times seeing the value of public transit and transit oriented development may very well be a necessary investment in southeast Michigan’s future.

Countywide Land Use Map Coming Soon

In the fall, the planning team posted a proposal for updating the County's land use map. To read the proposal go to:

http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/planning_environment/planning/landuseprop/land_use.htm

We received numerous comments from planners around the county and have incorporated many of your suggestions. We are currently working on a draft section of the county for further public review. The work is tedious, however, we expect a draft map ready for review in the next month or so. If you have any questions, please contact:

Mike Scholl, Planner (734)222-3834 mailto:222-3834schollm@ewashtenaw.org or
Anthony Bedogne, GIS Technician (734)222-6879 mailto:bedognea@ewashtenaw.org

Food Systems Economic Partnership

It seems that everyone is interested in locally grown, organic food these days. With rising fuel costs driving high prices at the supermarket and news reports alleging that pesticides lead to all sorts of health issues, it's no wonder that the "average joe" is turning to the farmer's market. Okay, that's great for health, economics, the environment and even food enjoyment (have you ever sampled a fresh, ripe, picked-yesterday Michigan tomato and a picked green, ripened-on-the-truck, grown-far-away tomato back-to-back? There's no comparison in flavor), but does everyone know that? Doesn't everyone deserve access to great local food and shouldn't the people who grow it profit from it?

Washtenaw County is part of the "Food Systems Economic Partnership" (also known as FSEP), and, in their words, "FSEP exists to catalyze change in the food system of Southeastern Michigan. We provide research, education and outreach with urban and rural partnerships, resulting in agricultural development opportunities, sustainable communities, and healthy local economies." They recently held a conference including such sessions as "Creating New Markets Within the local Supply Chain," "Michigan's Growing Wine Industry" and "Basics of Farmland Preservation." Residents of Southeast Michigan are starting to see the effects of this initiative in their everyday lives, and, with the program continuing, it can only get better.

Growing Business

Like any gardener would tell you (or at least I speculate typing here with my plant-killing thumbs) it takes time to nurture a seed into a strong, vibrant plant. It’s been well documented that nurturing has a role in the economic development realm as well. I read this piece by Stefanie Murray of the Ann Arbor News and was thrilled to see the model extending to the retail market locally. The idea of striking out on your own with a product that people want is as old as our economy, and providing flexibility to such entrepreneurs just seems to make good business sense.

-Brett Lenart

Solid Waste Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Protect our environmental and public health through aggressive waste diversion and recycling programs.

Solid Waste Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Ensure adequate disposal systems and landfill capacity at a cost that will not overburden future generations.

Solid Waste Introduction

Management of solid waste in a sustainable manner is not only essential for the protection of the environment, but also critical to ensure that future generations have adequate disposal facilities and are not overburdened with the costs of solid waste management.

Water and Sewer Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Ensure the protection of public health and environment through good stewardship in the provision of water and sewer services.

Water and Sewer Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Promote compact development patterns, minimize development impacts across jurisdictional borders and increase systems efficiencies.

Water and Sewer Introduction

Provision of sewer and water services has significant impacts on how our County develops and functions. The extension of services from cities has allowed suburban development in adjacent townships and the development of new systems has resulted in new growth areas throughout the County. Providing services in the future will require a coordinated approach among local governments, not only to avoid duplication and provide services in the most cost-effective and sustainable manner, but also to ensure that the location and density of new development is consistent with master plans across jurisdictional boundaries. Maintaining and improving our surface and groundwater quality can also be achieved through a coordinated approach in the areas of eliminating older septic systems and managing land uses near public water supplies.

Transportation Objective #9

OBJECTIVE 9

Become the state’s leading example of implementing pedestrian, bicycle and trails systems to reduce automobile dependency, connecting residential to educational, work and leisure opportunities.

Transportation Objective #8

OBJECTIVE 8

Expand the County’s transit system to reduce auto dependency and meet the needs of the County’s residents.

Transportation Objective #7

OBJECTIVE 7

Maintain the conditions of certain roads having unusual or outstanding natural beauty.

Transportation Objective #6

OBJECTIVE 6

Encourage future and existing connectivity of public and private roadways to provide an efficient and safe road network for the residents and visitors throughout Washtenaw County.

Transportation Objective #5

OBJECTIVE 5

Maximize limited funding to make designsensitive improvements on deficient bridges.

Transportation Objective #4

OBJECTIVE 4

Develop a safe and well-maintained gravel road system that meets the needs of agriculture
and rural residents while maintaining the scenic beauty and character of this landscape.

Transportation Objective #3

OBJECTIVE 3

Provide a system of north/south, east/west alternative routes in the rural areas to adequately move people, goods and services and minimize impacts to villages, cities and townships.

Transportation Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Maximize the capacity of the existing urban and suburban transportation system.

Transportation Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Maximize the capacity of the existing urban and suburban transportation system.

Transportation Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Improve our freeways and interchanges to maintain the ability to move people, goods
and services into and through the County.

Transportation Introduction

Washtenaw County’s transportation network affects the livability of our community. It connects our homes to employment, shopping, education, recreation and cultural activities; it has impacts on our air and water quality; and it shapes the visual character of our community. Because of the influential role a transportation network plays in the viability of a community, it is critical to coordinate transportation and land use planning in developing and implementing the comprehensive plan.

Historic Preservation Objective #3

OBJECTIVE 3

Promote the benefits of historic resource protection to Washtenaw County residents,
land and business owners and decision makers.

Historic Preservation Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Provide effective programs, tools and techniques for the protection of our unique historic resources.

Historic Preservation Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Support local units of government seeking protection and preservation of historic resources
through local, state and national programs.

Historic Preservation Introdcution

Historic preservation focuses on our irreplaceable treasures and provides programs and tools for protecting them. Historic resources enliven our surroundings and enrich our quality of life by maintaining a unique sense of place and helping to distinguish the unsurpassable landscapes of Washtenaw County. Our historic resources such as the neighborhood schoolhouse, iron truss bridge or farmstead speak to us across the years about how the land was used and shaped.
Enjoying a favorite viewshed such as the view of Gordon Hall from Island Lake Road is as essential a habit for our citizens as going to work or meeting with friends. The gentle rumbling and flexing of an iron bridge heard while crossing during a drive down a county road provide a wistful harmony most pleasing to the ear. And for many locals, the slightly sweet scent of hand hewn barn timbers stimulate keen memories of the past. Rehabilitating our historic resources, preserving architectural details and materials that would be costly to replicate, and recycling and adapting old buildings creates economic, environmental, psychological and social benefits.

Washtenaw County has an abundance of unique historic resources that bestow a sense of legacy. These valuable historic resources include buildings, structures, sites, objects and open space that tell the story of our past and inform future generations about our founding values. The mission of Historic Preservation is to safeguard the heritage of Washtenaw County.

Parks and Recreation Objective #3

OBJECTIVE 3

Build off established natural resource protection programs, such as the County’s Natural Areas Protection Program and local open space initiatives to preserve important natural resources.

Parks and Recreation Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Leverage the resources of parks and recreation providers in developing regional open
space systems and a countywide greenway and trail system.

Parks and Recreation Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Encourage the provision of parks and recreational opportunities in close proximity to County residents.

Parks and Recreation Introduction

Parklands and recreational opportunities promote mentally and physically healthier citizens. Washtenaw County is fortunate to have a comprehensive park system providing a wide range of recreation experiences including natural areas for wildlife observation and hiking and picnicking to more active recreation such as swimming, golfing and indoor exercise. Public park and natural areas acquisition programs also play a significant role in promoting a sense of place by integrating parks and open space acquisitions into regional and county-wide open space systems and protecting important natural resources throughout the County.

The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission is responsible for the provision of a county system of regional parks. The Commission has recently completed a Master Plan Update, 2004-2008, to establish recommendations and priority actions over the next five years. These recommendations are reflected in this element along with additional recommendations for coordinating state, regional and local resources to promote regional and county-wide open space systems, greenways and trails, protection of important natural resources and adequate recreation opportunities for existing and future residents.

Within the County there are 23,206 acres of public park and recreation lands operated by governmental agencies at the state, region, county and local levels. The locations and acres of parkland by jurisdiction are provided on Figure 8-1 (next page) and Table 8-1 (this page), respectively. These facilities provide a wide range of recreation experiences:

State Parks and Recreation Areas:

There are seven State parks in the County ranging in size from a few acres for water access sites, to over 7,000 acres for larger natural areas. These parks are characterized by
scenic quality, passive and water related recreation and conservation of unique natural resources.

Regional Parks and Recreation Areas:

Washtenaw County and the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority own and operate 16 regional facilities, providing large scale and special recreational facilities and programs that usually cannot be developed at the local level. These include conservation, canoeing, field games, and court games, fishing, hiking, skiing, swimming and picnicking. The County also operates an indoor recreation center, golf course and 114 acres of active farmland.

Local Parks and Recreation Areas:

All cities and villages in Washtenaw County provide recreational facilities and services facilities for frequent, short-term use by local residents, ranging from half acre mini parks to 535-acre preserves, equipped with trails, athletic fields and picnic grounds. Eight of the 20 townships do not provide any local recreational facilities. While many rural townships have access to large state and regional facilities, many rapidly growing populations and/or suburban developments require local recreational opportunities. The Townships of Ann Arbor, Augusta, Dexter, Lodi, Northfield, Salem and Scio do not provide township parks or recreational facilities.

Other Facilities:

In addition to these public park and recreation facilities, there are numerous opportunities
provided by area schools, universities and private organizations:

• Eleven public school districts, two state universities, and a community college in the County, whichown and manage a significant amount of open space, recreational lands and facilities. The universities and colleges located in Washtenaw County provide recreational facilities totaling 2,800 acres andneighborhood park facilities can also be found in public elementary or middle school facilities.
• Public parks and recreation areas are augmented by the 4,000 acres of private parks and several private golf courses.

Housing Objective #5

OBJECTIVE 5

Achieve affordable housing goals in the most efficient, cost-effective manner by coordinating community resources.

Housing Objective #4

OBJECTIVE 4

Ensure housing for special populations and homeless.

Housing Objective #3

OBJECTIVE 3

Increase lower income residents’ ability to obtain and remain in affordable units.

Housing Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Increase the private sector production of affordable housing.

Housing Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Maintain the existing affordable housing stock in the County.

Housing Introduction

Adequate, safe, and decent housing is the most basic need of a community. The location of housing units and proximity to schools, stores and jobs contributes to the physical health of the residents. Diverse types of housing helps to give our communities a strong sense of place and contributes to our economic and social diversity.

Housing Types and New Housing Construction Trends

The vast majority of housing, both owner-occupied and rental, is constructed by the private sector. In 2000 there were 131,069 total housing units in Washtenaw County which can be classified into three categories: single-family detached, multi-family attached, and manufactured.

• Single-family detached housing accounts for the majority, representing 54 percent of all housing units, an increase from 51 percent in 1990.
• Multi-family housing accounts for 41 percent of all housing units as of 2000, down from 44
  percent in 1990.
• Manufactured housing accounts for four percent of all housing units, up from three percent as of1990.

Looking forward to 2020, if housing continues to be constructed at the current rate:

• Single-family detached housing will increase to 59 percent of all housing units;
• Multi-family attached will decrease to 36 percent of all housing units; and
• Manufactured housing will increase to five percent of all housing units.

Housing Prices

Owner-occupied housing sale prices have been increasing at approximately six percent annually. Between January of 1999 and January of 2004, the average residential sales price increased from $181,464 to $237,164 (Ann Arbor Board of Realtors). Rental costs have been increasing at an average rate of three percent annually. Between 1990 and 2000, the average contract rent increased from $490 a month to $633 a month (2000 US Census).

Age of Housing

Maintaining the existing affordable housing stock is one important method of providing housing for low-income families. Of the 131,069 total housing units, 41,137 (31%) were built before 1960. Muchof this housing stock remains affordable by current standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Household Income Categories

Housing needs in the County are best demonstrated by connecting household income with housing expenses and the availability of housing units for each income level. Households, as defined by HUD are “all of the people who occupy a housing unit as their usual place of residence.” “Family households,” where occupants are related by marriage, birth or adoption, are a subset of all households. For purposes of clarity and consistency, this plan refers to all households. Household income levels are categorized by HUD annually, based on the median income for a family household of four persons within a defined geographic area. Washtenaw County’s defined geographic area includes Lenawee and Livingston Counties for the purposes of calculating the median family income (MFI). The following are the standards used by HUD with FY2004 income levels:

• Extremely Low Income (ELI) households earn less than 30 percent MFI
• Very Low Income (VLI) households earn between 31 percent and 50 percent MFI
• Low Income (LI) households earn between 51 percent and 80 percent MFI
• Moderate Income (MI) households earn between 81 percent and 95 percentMFI.

Many households fall within a category commonly called “workforce housing” and have incomes that place them in either the LI or MI category. These households usually cannot qualify for existing housing programs, such as the Home Investment Partnership (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, because their incomes are not low enough.

Housing Availability and Cost Burden

Affordable housing is defined as a household not needing to spend more than 30 percent of its income on housing expenses. A household has a moderate housing cost burden if it spends between 31 percent and 50 percent of its income on housing. The housing cost burden is considered severe if it is over 50 percent of the household income. Table 7-3 is a summary of housing availability by cost burden based on the 2000 Census, showing various income groups and the type of housing that is available and affordable to them.

Not for Profit Housing and Public Housing

While for-profit private developers construct the majority of new housing in Washtenaw County, there are non-profit private developers along with public entities that assist with the delivery of housing to Washtenaw County residents. Currently, almost $10 million is received annually through Federal funds, State grants, private foundations and corporations. There are over 20 entities providing services with these funds and programs. Federal programs include Public Housing Commissions, Section 8 vouchers, Shelter Plus Care, the CDBG Program and the HOME Program. Local programs include general fund allocations from both the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and the City of Ann Arbor’s Council. Other public sector programs include Low Income Housing Tax Credits program, administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).

Special Populations

Special populations include older adults (over the age of 65) and the disabled. Special populations often have additional housing-related needs that must be met in order for such individuals to successfully maintain their independence. Additional needs may include a service provider coming to visit to ensure the dwelling remains a safe and healthy environment, and to verify that the special needs person is taking medication as prescribed and eating properly. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, approximately 70 percent of older adult households in Washtenaw County have incomes less than 80 percent of area median income. There are 1,423 persons over the age of 65 living below the poverty level, which represents six percent of the total population over age 65.

Economic Development Objective #5

OBJECTIVE 5

Develop an Ecotourism and Heritage Tourism Program for the County to provide jobs and tax base for local governments.

Economic Development Objective #4

OBJECTIVE 4

Maintain the viability of the agricultural sector of the County’s economy through developing
and supporting new and enhanced markets for locally grown food.

Economic Development Objective #3

OBJECTIVE 3

Develop an inventory of ready sites for expanding and new businesses.

Economic Development Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Develop the training and placement programs needed to take advantage of target business direct and indirect jobs and help residents at all socioeconomic levels to be gainfully
employed.

Economic Development Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Identify the specific needs of target industries and develop the infrastructure needed to grow and attract these emerging businesses.

Economic Development Introduction

A healthy economy is needed to provide jobs for our residents and raise the standard of living for our lower income citizens. A healthy economy also provides the necessary tax base needed to provide public services. When integrated with the land use, transportation and utility elements of a comprehensive plan, economic development policies can promote an efficient pattern of growth that supports our sense of place.


The County currently has a strong economy as demonstrated by the following indicators:

Share of Regional Jobs

A net in migration of workers indicates strong job formation compared to the region. Washtenaw County has a large number of workers commuting into the County to work. According to the 2000 census, over 70,000 people commute into the County for work compared to 40,000 county residents commuting out of the County for work. Ratio of Population to Jobs: In 1990, the ratio of residents (16 years and older ) in the labor force to jobs was 10:7. In 2000 this ratio is nearly 10:8. Over the next 20 years, job growth is projected to increase by 20.5 percent, from the current 232,175 jobs in the County to 279,741 by 2020 (an increase of 47,566 jobs).

Unemployment Rates

Washtenaw County consistently has had annual unemployment rates lower than both the State and U.S. averages (Figure 6-2). In 2002, Washtenaw County had the lowest unemployment rate in the State of Michigan at 2.9 percent. Currently, the unemployment rate in the County is 3.2 percent, compared to 7.5 percent at the State level.
Median and Per Capita Income: A according to the 2000 U.S. Census, Washtenaw County's median household income was $51,990, exceeding the median household income for the State of $44,667. Similarly, the per capita income for Washtenaw County of $27,173, is also higher than the $22,168 State average.

Economic Tax Base

With a taxable value of approximately $5.5 billion, businesses represent nearly 50 percent of the total taxable value of the County. This $5.5 billion generates $128.5 million annually in taxes for the County and various taxing entities. By contrast, the residential tax base generates about $100 million annually (much of the difference is attributable to the additional $18.00/$1000 value that businesses pay into the state school aid fund under Proposal A). Businesses directly subsidize many of our community services.

Natural Resources Objective #4

OBJECTIVE 4

Increase awareness and use of best management
techniques through an aggressive
public education program.

Natural Resources Objective #3

OBJECTIVE 3

Improve air quality for county residents by reducing automobile and other source emissions.

Natural Resources Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Preserve wetlands, woodlands, floodplains and other natural features through resource assessments, model regulations and leveraging open space and trail programs.

Natural Resources Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Protect and improve the quality of our water resources through a comprehensive approach of planning, maintenance, retrofit and new development best management practices.

Natural Resources - Introduction

Washtenaw County’s natural resources enrich our quality of life by providing a clean and abundantsupply of groundwater and surface water, unique scenic beauty and natural landscapes that provide recreational opportunities and help to visually separate our landscapes.

Water Resources
The County’s water resources are spread across five watersheds, the Huron River, River Raisin, Grand River, Rouge River and Stony Creek Watersheds. Major County river systems include the Huron River and River Raisin, with the remaining watersheds containing numerous tributaries or creeks. There are 372 miles of river and streams and 377 lakes in the County.

The changing landscape, from undeveloped to developed, can lead to negative changes in water quality, watershed hydrology, stream flows, groundwater recharge and aquatic habitat. While we enjoy an abundance of high quality water resources, many of the County’s rivers, lakes and streams do not meet minimum quality standards due to high levels of mercury, PCBs, phosphorous, nuisance algal growths, and E. coli bacteria.

Wetlands and Woodlots
Wetland and woodland acreage in the County has been declining. From 1990 to 2000, a total of 1,272 acres of woodlands and 1,655 of wetlands have been converted to other uses.

Air Quality
While the County is currently an attainment area for air pollutants, new National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone will result in the Detroit CMSA (10 counties including Washtenaw County) being designated as nonattainment for ozone. A nonattainment area is any area that does not meet the national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for the pollutant. In addition to nonattainment for ozone, new standards are to be released by the EPA for PM2.5 and it is expected that Washtenaw County will also be in nonattainment for this pollutant.

Agriculture Objective #3

OBJECTIVE 3

Encourage and support planning and zoning tools, along with state and federal policies that promote the viability of the County’s and region’s agricultural sector.

Agriculture Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2

Encourage and support agricultural operations through farmland preservation programs.

Agriculture Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1

Encourage and support programs that will maintain the viability of agriculture through new and expanding markets for locally grown products

Agriculture - Introduction

Agriculture is an important part of the County’s economy. In addition to jobs and contributing food and fiber production to society, agriculture preserves our heritage, provides a buffer between our unique landscapes and adds value to the quality of life for County residents.

The County has a relatively strong agricultural economy despite a continued decline in active agriculture operations and a reduction in suppporting infrastructure. In 1997, Washtenaw County’s farm economy ranked 24th out of 83 Michigan counties and ranked third, behind Lenawee and Monroe Counties, out of 10 southeastern Michigan counties. These rankings speak to the importance of Washtenaw County’s agricultural sector in the region and in Michigan. Over the past 10 years, agricultural operations have decreased dramatically due to economic conditions and development pressures:

• Between 1990 and 2000, Washtenaw County has lost 30,145 acres, or an average of 1.4 percent of its total farmland per year. The total farmland acreage for Washtenaw County in 2000 was 191,145 acres. Between 1987 and 1997 (latest agricultural census available), the number of active farms has also been decreasing (Figure 4-3). By the year 2020, it is projected that Washtenaw County will lose approximately 51,145 acres of farmland if the current annual rate of loss continues. In looking at the locations where agricultural lands have been converted to other uses, conversion is not only occurring in the urban and suburban fringe areas, but also throughout the County.
• Between 1987 and 1997, when adjusting figures to 2002 dollars, the market value of agricultural products sold in Washtenaw County decreased from $75.5 million to $63.3 million, a 16 percent decrease.

Landscapes Objective #4

OBJECTIVE 4

Develop a system of open spaces throughout the county to delineate communities, maintaining our sense of place and to preserve our natural lands.

Landscapes Objective #3

OBJECTIVE 3

Maintain our rural sense of place through land use techniques, economic viability agriculture and alternatives that provide rural tax base for local governments.

Landscapes Objective #2

OBJECTIVE 2:

Promote the development of new, compact, mixed-use, transit-oriented activity centers.

Landscapes - Objective #1

OBJECTIVE 1:

Promote higher density infill developmentand redevelopment within existing cities, suburban areas, and smaller cities and villages and areas surrounding them.

Landscapes - Introduction

Land use is a primary element in creating a sense of place. Land use decisions impact transportation patterns, proximity of homes to work, amount and location of nature preserves and spaces for social interaction. Currently our rural and urban areas each have a sense of place with distinct characteristics and defined boundaries. Development patterns that consume land and resources and promote auto dependency are not sustainable. As one-dimensional subdivisions and roadside residential developments appear between communities and within the rural countryside, our sense of place diminishes.