Land Planning & Community Resources:

Growing Greener - A smart way to build subdivisions  A Win, Win Way to Conserve Land

Residential growth, economic development, sprawl, inclusionary zoning are all issues that play a large role in our changing communities. Check out Blackstone Daily's Affordable Housing, transportation and Smart Growth,  and GIS, Open Space sections. Water use is also a critical element in planning: Mendon aquifer, Valley basins, watersheds and preservation incentives.

Critical Resources:

http://www.masszoningreform.org/index.html
http://www.mma.org/news/news_files/econ_develop_news/summary_of_zoning_bill.
pdf
http://www.planning.org/features/2003/masszoning.htm
http://www.environmentalleague.org/Issues/Zoning/Zoning_home.html
http://www.cmrpc.org/Agency/CMRPC_LegislativeUpdate.htm


MGIC usually posts the Presentations online, but have not done so as yet, but this link is available to contiue checking:
http://www.state.ma.us/mgis/mgic-mtg.htm

Tons of links on Planning: http://www.planetizen.com/links/dir.php?/Science/Social_Sciences/Urban_and_Regional_Planning/

This page will also offer national headlines and experiences often bringing further insight into issues that impact the Blackstone Valley. Please check out the following links:

10/23 

UNMARRIED AMERICA
New demographics and non-traditional families are changing the
nature of the U.S. social infrastructure.
Oct 21 -- Business Week
http://www.planetizen.com/news/item.php?id=11004&rf=e

THE MCMANSION NEXT DOOR
Homes are the one item where spending more doesn't guarantee good
design. The 'American house needs a makeover.'
Oct 22 -- Newsweek
http://www.planetizen.com/news/item.php?id=11031&rf=e

THE CASE FOR INCLUSIONARY ZONING
A new report examines inclusionary zoning successes from around
the country.
Oct 20 -- Policy Link
http://www.planetizen.com/news/item.php?id=11000&rf=e


State officials are making changes to 40B, the Massachusetts'
anti-snob zoning law, in efforts to boost housing supply.
Oct 20 -- Boston Globe
http://www.planetizen.com/news/item.php?id=10979&rf=e