Scenic views, spectacular bays, inviting lakes and streams, miles of shoreline, year-round recreational options, clean air, small town friendliness and overall quality of life . . . these are some of the many attributes stimulating rapid growth in the Grand Traverse Bay region. The vision of New Designs for Growth is to address this development expansion and help the region prosper in a way that protects the natural resources, scenic beauty, rural landscape and unique character of each community within the area.
As a model grassroots effort which began in 1992 under the auspices of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, New Designs for Growth has been a guiding force that has helped to shape commercial and residential developments. As a collaborative team of community volunteers, advocates, planning and design professionals, developers and governmental representatives, the initiative continues to help shape the future of this region, with support from the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, the Traverse City Area Chamber Foundation and a grant from Rotary Charities of Traverse City.
New Designs for Growth goals dovetail perfectly with the statewide initiatives that are set forth through the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council’s Ten Tenets for Smart Growth:
- Create a range of housing opportunities and choices
- Create walkable neighborhoods
- Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration
- Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place
- Make development decision predictable, fair, and cost effective
- Mix land uses
- Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas
- Provide a variety of transportation choices
- Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities
- Take advantage of compact development designs
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