|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Robert Freeman |
|
Senate committee approves Freeman bill to promote alternative to sprawl
HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, to promote traditional neighborhood development as an alternative to sprawl was approved by the Senate Local Government Committee this week.
"Traditional neighborhood development is an excellent alternative to the type of sprawl development that consumes vast amounts of farmland and creates traffic congestion nightmares," said Freeman, chairman of the House Local Government Committee. "TNDs are a more compact form of development that use less land, are pedestrian-friendly and provide for a mix of uses and housing options that foster a greater sense of community than conventional suburban developments. A TND creates an actual village or neighborhood rather than a subdivision, thereby reducing dependence on the automobile to meet everyday needs."
Nearly a decade ago, Freeman authored the original traditional neighborhood development provisions in the state's Municipalities Planning Code. Since then, a number of communities pursued the TND alternative, but provisions in the 2000 law proved somewhat cumbersome to implement.
Freeman said his bill, H.B. 1609, would make changes to current TND provisions to make it easier for municipalities to use them as an alternative to sprawl. Under current law, a TND that is in the form of a new development must be in the form of an overlay zone rather than a designation "by right." The bill would allow municipalities to designate a TND "by right," thereby making it easier to develop mixed-use, traditional neighborhoods.
"By allowing municipalities to make an outright TND designation in their zoning codes, it would be a lot easier to create TNDs," Freeman noted. "Municipalities could ensure that this more compact form of development would be utilized, rather than simply suggesting it to a developer as an alternative. With this added tool in their planning toolbox, local officials would be in a much better position to manage growth more effectively, preserve more open space and reduce people’s dependency on the automobile."
The bill also would allow municipalities to incorporate a design guideline manual for TNDs as part of their zoning and subdivision and land development ordinances in order to ensure quality design and to guide developers on how to properly build a TND.
The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
###