NEW URBANISM

Lee County is proposing amending the Comprehensive Plan to expand upon Smart Growth and New Urbanism concepts tied to “Mixed Use.”  Mixed use, common in 19^th and early 20^th century development, provides for housing and workplaces within relatively short walking distances from one another.  However, by the early 20^th Century, too many workplaces had noxious side effects that were nuisances for residential areas, so zoning to prevent such conflicts became popular. 

By the latter part of the 20^th century, reforms in sanitation, environmental controls, and workplace safety had reduced the nuisance and noxiousness of many workplaces.  Consequently, the appropriateness of having work and residences in fairly close distances began to be viewed more favorably, particularly as transportation congestion made work and shopping trips more lengthy and costly.   

As part of Lee County’s Smart Growth Initiative and its New Urbanism review, a concept of “mixed use” has been developed.   The approach was adopted on May 16, 2007 as part of the County's five (5) year update.   

The attached power point describes the intent of the mixed use approach.  It is about 42 meg in size, so perhaps viewers would rather view it on the County website, rather than pursue a down load.  This link takes you to the New Urbanism power point presentation, which is identified by its Plan Amendment number.  (Mixed Use Urbanism Power Point) 

A map has been prepared that indicates some sites that have been considered as suitable for consideration for mixed use.  The map is viewable at this web site:  http://www.lee-county.com/dcd/PlanAmendments/PA2005-2006/CPA200537A2.pdf

 Anyone wishing to know more about mixed use is free to contact this office, or the Lee County Department of Community Development, Planning Division.