Newcastle considers code to enhance neighborhoods
Newcastle is another Maine town looking at the use of form-based code, or character code, as a way to enhance neighborhoods for residential- and business-friendly use.
At a Dec. 6 meeting of the Newcastle Planning Committee, Principle Group’s Russ Preston, who has been working with the committee, outlined five character-based areas. “Claim Main Street,” for example, could accommodate reconfiguration for outdoor dining, an open town commons area and a farmer’s market. Another area could leverage Newcastle’s water and land to attract visitors, allowing things like farm vacations or amusements in special zones, the Boothbay Register reported.
In 2011, the new zoning philosophy got a toehold in Standish as part of its village master plan. Adoption of the philosophy was prompted by a proposal to build a large gas station and fuel delivery operation in Standish's village district, a controversial project that nonetheless was allowed by zoning regulations at the time.
Form-based code, emphasizing form over function, is more common in sprawl-heavy states like Florida and California.
Standish became the first municipality in Maine to adopt a form-based code. At the time, town officials said it would help the Standish Corner District grow into a pedestrian- and business-friendly village center instead of an automobile-focused throughway where people stop to fill up and then keep driving.
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments