Six Principles for Better Development

Better Models for Development in Delaware - Ideas for Creating More Livable and Prosperous Communities

Conserve Farmland, Open Space and Scenic Resources
The first principle of better development should be identifying where not to develop. Successful communities always identify the areas that are most important to protect, whether it is farmland, forests, riparian corridors, natural areas, scenic views, or wildlife habitat. Every community needs an open space protection plan and the resources to implement it. Communities that have a blueprint for conservation are more amenable to accommodating growth in the areas where it is most appropriate. On the other hand, when citizens think all land is up for grabs, they often oppose development everywhere. Conserving natural and scenic assets is also important because farmland, forests, and scenic landscapes contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.

Maintain a Clear Edge between Town and Countryside
Delaware has many strong cities and towns as well as healthy rural landscapes. Safeguarding the rural character of Delaware means maintaining a clear edge between cities, towns, and countryside. This can be done by protecting open space while encouraging more compact, walkable communities. It also means encouraging in fill development on vacant, underused or overlooked land near transit and on reclaimed former industrial sites (brownfields). By maintaining this clear edge, Delaware can preserve its rural landscapes and at the same time enhance the vitality of its existing communities.

Build Livable Communities
Attractive and livable communities are the flip side of protecting rural character. Livable communities have a balance of jobs, homes, services, and amenities. Livable communities provide housing choices and are walkable and affordable. They're also well designed and attractive. Healthy downtowns are especially important because they are the heart and soul of Delaware communities and the distinctive image that people take with them. We can even reshape the strip to make it more appealing and functional. Wherever new development or redevelopment occur, location, scale siting and design decisions should be carefully considered.

Preserve Historic Resources
Delaware's rich history is still evident in the wealth of historic buildings and neighborhoods found in cities, small towns and rural areas throughout the state. Historic assets should be identified and protected, and developers should be encouraged to rehabilitate and reuse historic structures. Protecting historic resources such as small-town main streets is also important because historic preservation is a powerful tool for economic revitalization that generates jobs and attracts tourists, residents and investors.

Respect Local Character in New Construction
Eighty percent of everything ever built in America has been built since the end of World War II, and much of it is cookie-cutter, off-the-shelf junk. New buildings can either complement the character of Delaware communities, or they can turn the state into "Anyplace USA." Delaware communities should do more to ensure that new construction - particularly chain stores, shopping centers, and franchises - respect local character. Delaware's natural setting historical development pattern, and architectural traditions make this a distinctive place. By identifying what makes each community unique, localities can develop standards that encourage new construction that complements existing community character.

Reduce the Impact of the Car
Reducing the impact of the automobile means providing more transportation choice. It also means designing transportation facilities that are beautiful as well as functional, that meet the needs of people as well as those of motor vehicles, and that respect and enhance local communities. Standards for neighborhood streets roads, bridges, parking lots and other transportation facilities should be reexamined to make them more human-scale and community-friendly. Even minor design improvements can lessen the negative visual and environmental impacts of new roads and bridges. Transportation Choice can be expanded by building more sidewalks, trails; and bike paths. Communities can also foster healthy neighborhoods by considering walkable, mixed-use development and trafficalming measures like round-abouts, curb extensions, or narrowing streets.