No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-05-29 162 AB ORDER162 AB Introduced by Councilor John Ballon (by request) CITY OF BANGOR (TITLE.) MrUr, Direettng cbe Planning. Department and the City solicitor to Prepare for Submission to the City Council a System and Plan to provide Buffer 2 1n Certain Areas of Bangor BY the CUP Council of the City of Bangor: f9ffiS% WIB:REAS, a need exists presently in the City of Bangor to provide protection for the rights and interests of private hownwaers5 and WHEREAS, funds have, in the past, been provided, and direction given to the Planning Department by the City Council to provide aid and assistance to public and private multi family and. commercial developments, and bHERPAS, the Planning Department and the Planning Board have relied heavily on the initiatives of commercial development interests in establishing planning and Fee o mendations on zoning in the City of Bangor, and WIiffEAS, the private homeowners in the City of Bangor have been subjected to interminable public hearings and Increasing infringement on their rights of quiet enjoyment; and pCIBMS, the continuing deterioration of residential neighborhoods, private property values and the quality of life of citizens of Bangor is not in the beet Public interest: and wpolSBAS, the increase In ercial and multi -family development In the City of Bangor has created an immediate need for more park and open space areas, NOW, THEREFORE, by the City Council of the City of Banger: ORDERED, THAT the Planning Department be directed to take all necessary steps to or wide a feasible plan for the acquisition of lots or parcels of property In sufficient surrounding or adjoining those areas in the City of Bangor where, 1- a bufferzone providewould provide protection to adjacent property Owners, 2- a buffer wouldzone enable the Planning Department to properly plan the zoning of adjacent 3. a bufferzone would be in the best interest of the public. And that the planning Cepartmentand the City Solicitor investigate the methods and funding available through Municipal, Regional, State and Federal sources s to enable the City of Bangor to acquire said parcels for open space, recreational park area buffer 'IN CITY COVNCIL Nay 29, 1974 Peteirea to Planning named, consider next meeting. CITY C j( IN CITY COUNCIL \1 June 10, 1974 Consider next meeting. ITY C K IN COVNCIL June 24, 1974 Consider next meeting. CITY CIJaN IN CI COUNCIL July 8, 1974 Consider next meting. IN YC C CI IL PlBoard 22, 1974 Planning repent received, next oonaiaer next Meting. a CITY CLE IN CITY COUNCIL August 12, 1974 Indefinitely postponed. CITY C 162 AN o n o e N REOENEO Title, In MAY 20 PM I :19 CITY GLEAM'S OFFICE oiq.. elanninq oe�t., s <itx CITY OF EAW�ON. MAINE ereeaze Syetem z elan to erovide Buffer Zones in Certain Ar ens. f07 d ouncilman MEMORANDUM DATE: July 22, 1994 1O: The Honorable City Council FROM: Carl J. Rosobud, planning Director SUBJECT: buffer Zones - Council Order 162AB Gentlemen: The following material is submitted in response to Order 162AB relative to the ration of Buffer Zones. It is in effect an interim report intended to expose the problems and direction of continued follow-up. The utilization of various forms of buffers between different and often conflicting uses --may to a degree reduce or diminish such non -compatible aspects. There are umber of ways, o a number of types of action which may to varying degrees effect such buffering• (1) The use of Zoning as a buffer--vaing the zones themaelvea as a means of "steping down" will be very effective for some a a --however, there Can be many problems associated with such use. (a) cannot be too narrow strip to effect reasonable Cohesive use in each zone. (b) many land areas are not sufficient ine, topography, etc. to allow such staging.rz (c) existing patterns of use make it impractical to effect staging without creating more problems. (d) effect of non -conforming uses --which in such a system should be ignored. (2) The use of natural featurea, drainage ways, green wage, or /ZL 1 topography in some c r s will se suitable uitable changes in zones --here againa it will depend on the particular character of such features and the types of land uses. (3) Me use of parkways, open space, (wooded or open) as well s developed park areas to accomplish a buffer will in some casae be appropriate. (4) Toe use of stronger requirements for screening in the Zoning Ordixunce. Require sufficient buffer z as part of any w development, which could be either privately maintained r deeded to the City, as well as improved screening for developments within zones. City Council -2- July 22, 1974 It must be pointed out, however, that such buffers --depending on the particular circumstances may pose problems themselves. How such areas are utilized, the tale of each, s well as the question of maintenance, whether it be public or private are or may be problems for particular .areae. Such buffer zones would allow pedestrian interconnection in many areas effecting a safer pedestrian flow through a green belt system. The "screening" section of the new zoning ordinance was attempt to initiate this buffer concept into reality --however, if a strong "buffer zone policy" i established, then an improved 'screening --buffer z approach must be adopted into the zoning ordinance, along with expanded dedication requirements where appropriate under the subdivision ordinance. It should be indicated that the Planning staff and the Planning Hoard recognize the problem and that avenues are continuously being explored i effort to improve the situation. greater emphasis should be placed on requiring such buffer zones (and more substantial ones with new development) from land developers to cid placing an excessive economic burden on the public. Such buffer areas m effect a cost ofsuch development required to make it compatible with other uses. At this time we have not been able to research and map those areas where acquisition of buffer strips o other open areas would be appropriate. Such a program will be initiated me expediently as possible with the follow -ng action; (1) Review zoning ordinance and recommend changes which will work toward implementation of improved buffers. (a) improved screening requiremente. (b) dedication of areas involved with zoning changes. (C) site plan review andapproval. (2) Review and present proposals for areas where: (a) rezoning can be used to create such buffers. (b) limited land acquisitions or easements would accomplish such a program. (c) park or open space acquisition would be beneficial. (3) Implementation of improved requirements into the subdivision regulations and land development activities to create better buffer areas as part of subdivision end development planning. The above material has indicated a number of ways which will lead to improved buffering of conflicting land uses. To reasonably accomplish such a task will in effect require the utilizationof mostor eall of these methods. It will also require a number of "policy" decisions to initiate new or expand on existing methods. EJR:lm