Posted by Jakeman on March 12, 2006, at 23:06:01
In reply to Anyone live in a pre-fab town/planned community, posted by River1924 on March 12, 2006, at 2:51:42
River,
Unfortunately this scenerio is being played out all over the country. It sounds like you live in the path of growth. I don't know the land development process in your area, but the developer has to get various approvals from the government for things like subdivision plats, site plans, envrionmental assessments, building permits, etc. There typically are public hearings, although the requirements are much less in unincorporated areas.
You and your neighbors really need to organize and get involved in the process or you will be left out. You have a right to have some say in the future of your community.
In some rural areas open space has been saved by using conservation easements and working with groups like the Nature Conservancy.
Perhaps your could call the Urban Planning departments of the University in Madison or Milwaukee and talk to staff there to get some more direction or ideals.
Check out this website: http://www.planetizen.com
(The Planning and Development Network). You can post questions on their forum and get responses from experts.good luck ~Jake
> Hi, this is my first post in the politics section of this site. I hope this post is appropriate.
>
> A developer, David Patzelt/ShodeenDevelopment Corp. has bought a great deal of farm land between my city of Elkhorn Wisconsin and the city of Delavan. The area is an unincorporated town which is also called Delavan. IF the township does not approve the development plan, the developer will approach my city of Elkhorn or the city of Delavan. To be honest, I don't really understand the process.
>
> A local paper says "With... 6000 dwelling units... could increase the population of the Town of Delavan [Wisconsin] to near 20,000 [from the current 4600.] The plan includes... retail stores, restaurants... a hotel, golf course, marina, fire station, school... over a period of thirty years."
>
> I find this creepy. Like a Disney-brand city. Is that just reactionary? The developer says "growth is inevitable... Do we let it run over us or do we control it and work with it... to create a wonderful place to live." I think all this development will change or destroy the rural quality that is left. I just imagine traffic and crime and everything becoming more expensive.
>
> Right now, I live in Elkhorn Wisconsin, a small city of 7300. Recent growth in Elkhorn (and the nearby city of Delavan) has made both downtowns irrelevant. After much of the recent growth in Elkhorn, it was discovered corruption existed between a construction company and the mayor. Both Elkhorn and Delavan require a car to shop or buy groceries. Big box stores are taking over on the edge of the city of Delavan. Still, overall, I live in in a quiet and rural area. I’d like it to remain that way. Is that impossible? I’m sure the nature of the area will change. I am not sure if that is good.
>
> The developer has done this before in a place called Mill Run in Illinois and near the city of Elgin in Illinois. Perhaps, the developer is correct.
>
> Regardless, I'd like to slow this process down until I can comprehend it. Who do I complain to before this plan is accepted by the neighboring town or one of the cities? Is there anything I can do? How should I understand the new development?
>
> Is it good or bad? Thanks, River.
poster:Jakeman
thread:619211
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060304/msgs/619650.html