The project team will evaluate the existing land use plan and zoning, and identify comprehensive updates to recommended land use, functional elements and zoning in conjunction with planning consultants and strong citizen participation. The project goals are to:
Master Plan Concepts and Guidelines
The effects of growth can be both positive and negative. The plan will recommend growth management techniques that minimize the negative impacts and accentuate the positive impacts on existing communities.
The planning area has a jobs-to-housing ratio that is out of balance: too many houses, too few jobs. More local jobs for residents of the planning area equals shorter commutes and more leisure time, enhanced tax base and more tax revenue to pay for better services. During the planning process, employment land use will be evaluated in light of the General Plan’s objective to increase the jobs-to-housing ratio. A trend to convert employment-based land uses to residential land uses will also be evaluated. Existing employment-based land use designations in Accokeek, at the Washington Executive Airport (Hyde Field) and in the Brandywine area will be closely examined along with opportunities for new employment areas.
In Accokeek, the plan will re-examine and refine the recommendations of the 2002 Accokeek Village Center Planning Study.
In Brandywine, the plan will develop land use recommendations that support the designated possible future center (see also centers and corridors).
In Clinton, the plan will strive to create a stronger sense of place and a more cohesive development pattern that strives to be pedestrian friendly.
The planning process will examine the appropriateness of existing land use and zoning designations in accordance with the General Plan’s goals, especially along the boundaries between the Developing and Rural Tiers.
