A General Plan Update Must Start Immediately

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Growth in Apple Valley has caused excessive conflict within our community because of a failure to coordinate growth and the preservation of the unique character that makes Apple Valley such a coveted place to live. 

We must form a General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) made up of citizens of Apple Valley which will address all aspects of present conditions and the final build-out of Apple Valley.  We should welcome input from developers, landowners and speculators - and especially the residents of Apple Valley.                       

This “master plan” must coordinate development with regional elements of development, including traffic circulation and commercial, agricultural, industrial and residential land uses. We must address the ultimate environment we want to create and give to future generations.  

To ensure that the future of Apple Valley offers the quality of life that we all seek, we should look to the original design of the Apple Valley Ranchos development with its unique and specific concepts.

1.         Open vistas

2.         Low density – half acre  and larger lot sizes 

3.         Equestrian accessible trails 

4.         Curvilinear streets 

5.         No gates or solid walls 

We must restrict Planned Residential Developments. Our Development Code allows these developments where a project demonstrates exceptional design elements. These Planned Residential Developments are not being held to standards that can be considered exceptional. Homes in Planned Residential Developments have been and will continue to be built on lots as small as 4000 sq. ft. unless we change the direction of our Town Council. 

We should require these developers to bring us the next generation in residential design. The residences should meet a “zero footprint” criterion before they can be considered for approval.  The “zero footprint” means they should have no impact on the existing community. This should include no additional traffic impact on existing roads,  recycling of all water and rubbish as well as energy generation for homes by “green methods”.  Planned developments should include pedestrian-friendly access to local office space, markets, and open spaces. Gated communities should not conflict with public right-of-ways and through traffic.                        

Planned Unit Developments should be limited to a small percentage of total area zoned for residential development. Any open space used for density offset must be deeded over to the Nature Conservancy or other approved nonprofit environmental preservation organization.

          Update

               In 2007 the Town Council authorized the formation of a General Plan Advisory Committee. I was honored to be one of the eleven people appointed by the Town Council to be a member of this committee. The committee was made up of community members and assigned the task of considering the necessary changes to the General Plan.  After the November 4th election, the Town Council will consider the proposed changes to the General Plan.  I would very much like to be on the Town Council to see the proposed changes and updates are implemented in a balanced and ethical manner. I promote quality development in our community.