Author: Rod Stiefbold
The Vision 2012 Committee, after months of deliberation and sifting of evidence, has unanimously adopted a growth limits plan for building construction in Melbourne Village. This plan, or framework for responsible growth, was adopted at our November monthly public meeting. It will be refined over the next few weeks and presented to the Town Commission as new code proposals early next year. For more, please go to the "Forum" section of this website, and the entry by this title under the heading "Lot Coverage Limits".
Continue reading "Vision 2012 Adopts Growth Limits Plan for Melbourne Village"
Author: Rod Stiefbold
Please see the recent postings in the Forum sections on Lot Coverage and on various policy recommendations emanating from the work of the Green Workshops, a joint undertaking of Vision 2012 and the Town's Permit and Inspection Committee.
Continue reading "Green Workshops & Properties Workshops"
Author: Rod Stiefbold
Vision 2012 Timetable for Converting Findings into Recommendations
Vision 2012’s lines of inquiry have resolved themselves into two broad categories, to be dealt with at four upcoming meetings: November 13th and 20th and December 11th and 18th. All Vision 2012 Committee members are participating in both 2nd and 3rd Monday monthy meetings. The public is welcome.
Recommendations for “Green”-related subjects will be largely completed during November 13th & December 11th "2nd Monday" meetings/workshops.
Potential action areas identified so far include:
---Required lot coverage ratios for greenspace and/or canopy
---Increased fines for illegal tree removal
---Tougher and clearer enforcement standards, and processes· Clarification and simplification of water retention policies
---New policies for proactive reinvestment in Town natural resources
Recommendations for “Properties”-related subjects will be largely completed during November 20th & December 18th "3rd Monday" meetings.
[...] Continue reading "Vision 2012 Recommendations"
Author: Rod Stiefbold
Agenda, “Green Workshop II”
Joint Workshop of the Vision 2012 Subcommittee on “Look & Feel” of Melbourne Village, and Town of Melbourne Village Permit & Inspection Committee October 9th, 2006, 7 pm
Tonight is a continuation of the “Green Workshop I” held September 11th, 2006, and is focused generally on the same set of issues. Tonight’s guests include Town Engineer Matt Soyka and Town Superintendent George Tompkins.
At “Green Workshop I” we learned how inconsistent, ineffective, and generally dysfunctional code enforcement is under current circumstances. We shall return to that subject and related public policy issues of tree retention, replacement, and illegal removal later tonight or on November13th, ending with a full set of recommendations.
Tonight, “Green Workshop II” will focus first on the issues of drainage and water retention as they affect retention of Town trees and greenery during the construction process. If possible, our review of current water retention policy and codes will result in a set of recommendations on that subject by time of adjournment this evening.
WORKSHOP AGENDA OUTLINE
- The primary Town “value” – preservation of its current green envelope
- Water Retention Policy, Issues, Solutions, and Recommendations
- Current public policy – drip lines, etc.
- The issues…..
- Matt Soyka’s interpretation – berm to hold water, not flood
- Policy going forward – Recommendations to Town Commission
- Current Public Policy
- Minimum Tree Requirement as a % tree canopy or greenspace
i. The issue of equal status, pines vs oaks
ii. Variability of “greenspace” but MTR for everybody
- Tree Retention – Requirements, Guidelines, Incentives
- Tree Replacement – Requirements, Guidelines [invasives], Incentives
- Illegal Tree Removal – When, How, Lack of Consequences
- Future Public Policy
- Minimum Tree Requirement/% canopy or greenspace
i. The issue of equal status, pines vs oaks
ii. Variability of “greenspace” but MTR for everybody
- Tree Retention – Requirements, Guidelines, Incentives
- Tree Replacement – Requirements, Guidelines [invasives], Incentives
- Illegal Tree Removal – When, How, Serious Consequences
- Sustainability/Reinvestment in the green envelope
- Recommendations for Town Commission
- Changes to Current Policy
- Changes to Current Code
- Potential Process changes
i. Eliminate role confusion
ii. Increase process predictability
iii. Eliminate enforcement laxity at every level
iv. Increase severity of consequences for lawbreaking
d. Reinvestment as Town Budget line item
Continue reading "New Additions to Forum Discussions"
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