Community Character Subcommittee
Meetings on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Scope and Definition of Issues
The Community Character Subcommittee will focus on issues related to the following:
Housing:
The subcommittee will examine housing affordability in the county, using affordability as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and others. It intends to investigate a broad cross section of housing types that will serve both the needs of those who live here today and the new residents of the future.
Neighborhood form:
The subcommittee will explore opportunities that encourage multiple and diverse households, of various ages, options to co-exist in the same neighborhood or extended families the ability to live on the same block. Various design concepts, such as clustering, along with various community amenities allowing for “ribbons of green” and the use of pedestrian pathways, providing the option of multiple use opportunities and having the ability to connect to a regional trail system will be considered.
Schools:
The subcommittee will seek input from educators on how best to integrate schools as a part of neighborhood design, while supporting the best in equality of education for all.
Historic and cultural heritage:
The committee will examine the history of the county and the “look of our county as it once existed”. It will coordinate with the goals of the Historic Preservation Commission to preserve a sense of history while planning for the future.
Quality of life concerns:
The subcommittee accepts the challenge of “wrestling” with the term “quality of life”, acknowledging that every citizen deserves choices.
The Planning Process
The planning process for this subcommittee will focus on the interrelationships of elements that make up our current communities. “What is it that we have done well and wish to replicate” will be reviewed along with areas that could be improved. The planning process will involve the following basic steps:
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Identify goals and objectives
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Inventory and analyze current housing stock, existing neighborhood forms, and historic and cultural elements that make up the heritage of our county
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Assess and prioritize findings
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Propose policies, strategies and implementation measures.
Subcommittee Participants
The Community Character Subcommittee includes five members of the Regional Planning Commission:
RB Thompson
C. William Swenson
James Coughlin (Chair)
In addition, the Planning Commission invites other individuals with an interest and/or expertise in issues surrounding Community Character to expand the knowledge and broaden the perspective of the group. In particular, individuals representing the following perspectives are invited to attend:
Builders and Developers
Real Estate Professionals
Township Representatives
Farm Bureau
School District Officials, Educators
Historical and Preservation Commissions
McHenry County Historical Society
Interested Citizens
Goals:
Housing
Promote and encourage “opportunities” (Zoning, Subdivision, Redevelopment, etc.) for diversified, and attainable housing that meets the needs of all of the citizens. If you work here, you should be able to live here.
Neighborhood form
Promote and encourage the appropriate use of design principles as an alternative to conventional suburban sprawl. The essence of neighborhood cohesiveness should be emphasized and encouraged.
Schools
Promote growth that supports overall long-term financial health, and best utilization of existing and future facilities for all school districts. Improved educational opportunities should be a result of future growth.
Historic and cultural heritage
Promote the conservation and protection of historically significant structures and sites in both the urban and rural setting. If we don’t know where we came from, we cannot expect to know where we are going.
Quality of life concerns
Promote development, redevelopment, infill development, conservation, environmental protection, and public improvements that support the highest quality of life in existing and future communities. The owner of property today must be a responsible steward of the land for future generations.
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