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Workbook
Livable, attractive communities are created as a result of hundreds, even
thousands, of development decisions. How can local elected officials
increase the odds that they make the right decisions?
The Sensible Tools for Healthy Communities workbook, which begins with
this inquiry, is intended to meet the needs of local officials by helping
communities assess development information presented to them and make the
right development decisions based on the overall merits of requests in the
context of the needs and desires of the community. Decisions such as these
are extremely important to the livability of communities and to the
strength and health of the entire northeastern Illinois region. Local
government officials, for whom this workbook is primarily directed, are
largely responsible for applying and amending rules and regulations
affecting proposed development projects. The information presented here
will educate developers and builders about community expectations for
development and help elected and appointed officials make wise development
decisions. With adequate attention to the real estate market, government
regulations, and the needs of the community, effective land use and
development decisions can be made.
The workbook presents worksheets that planning and/or zoning commissioners
can customize with data and information from their own communities. Five
different sections provide information for five different sets of
development decisions: comprehensive plans, annexations, zoning,
subdivisions, and site plans. For each of these sections, the workbook
describes the typical situation in which these decisions are made,
followed by questions local officials can ask applicants and developers,
questions regarding community reaction and consultation, and questions for
discussion among public officials. For each decision commissioners are
encouraged to consider staff and agency recommendations, the evaluation of
the effect of decisions on sensible growth principles, and the cumulative
or overall effects of development decisions on the community and broader
regional context. While it is unlikely that any particular proposal will
meet every goal of the community, elected officials and other community
leaders can use the guidelines presented in this workbook to make
decisions in the best interest of the diverse parties involved.
Ten guiding principles for community development are presented:
1. Mix land uses.
2. Strengthen and direct development toward existing communities.
3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices.
4. Create walkable neighborhoods.
5. Foster distinctive, attractive places with a strong sense of place.
6. Take advantage of compact building design.
7. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical
environmental areas.
8. Provide a variety of transportation choices.
9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective.
Finally, the workbook presents Illinois statutes and reference concerning
plans and development regulations and best development practices for:
1. Achieving compact, contiguous development.
2. Mixing uses.
3. Protecting natural qualities of land, water, and air.
4. Widening choices of travel.
5. Producing affordable housing.
6. Redeveloping built-up areas and emphasizing infill development.
7. Creating livable neighborhoods.
8. Promoting economic development.
9. Planning and funding supportive infrastructure systems.
10. Promoting collaboration rather than conflict.
