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CLUSTERS: An "Open Space" Paradise or a "Ghetto-in-Training"? The cluster ordinance coming before the council needs serious consideration. At its best, it would be a recipe for disaster for Sultan. As with most things in life, ideas are easy, implementation is difficult. And judging from past experience with our implementation of housing developments, clusters may not work well here. The concept of cluster development -- which is also referred to as "open space zoning" -- is supposed to maximize the natural environment and sensitive areas by placing homes, either detached or attached, closely together in bunches, or clusters. In a perfect world, this would result in wide open spaces full of trails and green spaces which all could enjoy. This interpretation of the cluster ordinance is the "paradise" side of the coin. The other side of the coin looks more like a more crowded version of the typical "subdivision syndrome," with house after house linked by tiny adjoining lots connected only by asphalt streets and concrete sidewalks. Or worse, attached row houses or multi-family housing built to conserve "open space" which, if interpreted "Sultan Style," will result in a sort of "Death-by-density." To reinforce that last statement, I offer the following, which is a portion of a speech given in Seattle in 1999 by Professor Tom Daniels: "It is important to recognize that "rural cluster" or "open space zoning" is not a solution to rural sprawl. In fact, many cluster developments in the countryside can simply create "clustered sprawl." Cluster developments may leave some land open, but the clusters are often based on fairly high densities, such as one dwelling per two acres. Fifty houses on 100 acres with 30 acres open still puts 150 or more new dwellers in the countryside. These developments are auto-dependent and the residents can bring on conflicts with farming or forestry neighbors as discussed above. In short, cluster development is a suburban style that will hasten the conversion of rural areas to suburbs." [Source: "What to Do About Rural Sprawl?" A paper presented in Seattle, WA 4/28/99 to American Planning Association Conference by Tom Daniels, Professor, State University of New York at Albany, Dept. of Geography and planning.] The example given above doesn't even come close to describing what a cluster development in Sultan might look like, since in the above example he gives of one house per two acres doesn't relate in any manner to the cluster ordinance being presented at council this week. Another excerpt, from the Center for Rural Massachusetts' home page, gives a thumbnail concept of the threat from too-fast growth in rural areas, and states: "The Center for Rural Massachusetts was established at the University of Massachusetts in 1985 because a new set of problems had arisen in the rural part of the state, driven by rapid economic growth in urban areas, a widespread belief that uncontrolled growth posed a major threat to natural and built rural environments, major changes in the rural economy, and concerns about the welfare of rural residents." We urge residents to read the proposed ordinance (included in this week's agenda packet), and come to the council and advise members what you think of it during the public comment period. For a detailed description of what a cluster is supposed to be and do, read: "Open Space" Zoning: What It Is & Why It Works at www.plannersweb.com. |
Council Agenda Packet (Includes Cluster ordinance draft) |
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