Grand Traverse Bay Region Development Guidebook

Abstract

This revised edition of the Guidebook wholeheartedly supports the mission of the original document and lauds the great strides that have been made toward a more sustainable pattern of growth and development in our region over the past eight years. Environmental protection and improvement should always be at the forefront of any development strategy. Responsible development of our surrounding natural and rural lands involves protecting environmental features and resources. An element that was missing in the original Guidebook is the aspect of urban planning. This edition of the Guidebook encourages the protection and improvement of established and evolving urban centers: hamlets, villages, towns, and neighborhoods. These are strong local communities with a sense of pride for our region. Residents of such urban centers can promote and demand responsible new and remedial development efforts close to home. In planning development, urban centers must evaluate and consider historical and cultural values, utilities and urban services in addition to the visual and architectural features of the built environment on a specified parcel of land. Local participation promotes high-quality development of hamlets, villages, and towns. Communication and cooperation between various communities is also an essential component of planning.