|
Alternative Futures |
|
Change: Southern Alternative |
|
The 'Southern Alternative' land use plan addresses the two distinct characters of Monroe County: the wilderness of the north, and the farms and suburbia of the south, and offers each area the benefits of maintaining its uniqueness. The northern part of the County is typified by areas of high scenic quality, high biodiversity, and other sensitive geologic and biologic systems. Despite this, development there continues. The less fragile southern part of the county has remained under-developed due to inadequate infrastructure. Not only does this trend jeopardize the landscape values of the north, but it risks contaminating the major watersheds of the County. It also results in less efficient development patterns. The Southern Alternative advocates extensive conservation in the north and introduces road improvements and alternative technology sewer systems to selected locations in the south, thereby promoting environmentally responsible growth.
|
In addition, the northern townships of Barrett, Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock, and Price, would become part of a Transfer of Development Rights program whereby property owners could move development rights under current zoning to selected areas in the southern part of the County. Incentives used for this trade include higher density development, sewer and road provision, and tax advantages for the conserved land rights. New development in the southern portion of the region will be under guidelines established for the preservation of all existing productive agricultural lands and other areas of landscape value. The 'Southern Alternative Landscape Design' shows implementation of both Conservation 'A' and 'B,' plus an additional area for extensive development of outdoor recreational opportunities. The 'Southern Alternative Infrastructure Design' shows upgrading of Route 209 and construction of alternative technology sewer systems in developable locations adjacent to conserved agricultural areas. The 'Southern Alternative Landscape Impacts' map shows the impacts associated with this land use possiblity. |