Introduction

For several decades the City has been replacing surface parking lots with mid-rise, mixed-use developments in downtown Decatur.  Should we continue this Smart Growth strategy?

Background

Smart Growth offers an answer to sprawl and automobile dependent development patterns.  This concept encourages higher density, mixed-use development in existing activity centers like traditional downtown commercial districts to take advantage of existing infrastructure and encourage a variety of transportation options.  The City of Decatur has pursued a Smart Growth philosophy in downtown Decatur for decades.  Downtown redevelopment efforts have replaced surface parking lots with mid-rise, mixed-use projects that contain office, retail and residential uses and provide required parking in decks located behind or underneath the project.  This approach has reestablished traditional street level retail, increased pedestrian activity, reduced the number of car trips into and around the downtown district and increased the city’s tax base.  Height limits maintain a human scale and increased pedestrian activity has created a vibrant downtown district.

A Smart Growth Strategy includes:

• Mixed-Use:  A project or site that encompasses in close proximity three different uses:  residential, retail and office
• Transportation Choices:  A project that emphasizes through its design and location multiple ways of access, including transit, walking biking or car.
• Growth in Existing Communities:  Developments located in areas already served with infrastructure and public services.
• Compact Design:  A more efficient use of land by building higher densities and minimizing unused areas.
• Preserves Open Space:  Encouraging higher density development in existing activity centers discourages sprawl and developments in existing greenspace.
• Walkable:  Projects that include streetscapes, conneted street pattern, mixed-use and attention to human scale to encourage pedestrian, cycling and transit options.
• Range of Housing Opportunities:  A residential development that intentionally provides housing for people with a broad range of incomes with the same area

Should the City continue it's Smart Growth strategy in downtown Decatur?