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9bfd6e81b5815c6dcde88f6397e4d841After years of protecting its green space, the Caledonia village board is looking at reversing the 40 percent green space requirement, according to a story in the Journal Times.

Fearing that the 40 percent requirement is too restrictive and is preventing developers from building in Caledonia, the ordinance would focus on loosening the requirements for non-residential development. However, a second ordinance would make residential developments adhere to the 40 percent green space requirement for developments that have sewer service and 60 percent for those without sewer service.

The Village has been working towards bringing new development to the village, and has been laying the groundwork to bring sewer and water along Highway K from Franksville to Interstate 94.

Do you think the village should change the requirement?

 

 

 

 

Denise Lockwood has an extensive background in traditional and non-traditional media. She has written for Patch.com, the Milwaukee Business Journal, Milwaukee Magazine and the Kenosha News.

2 replies on “Should Caledonia Loosen Its Grip On Green Space?”

  1. I agree with Katie. Governments (and others) are fond of making rules. Once they make a rule, they no longer apply any rational thought to a situation. Schools are the worst offenders, but municipalities are a close second.

  2. Personally I think it cannot be a blanket change. What I mean is this: An industrial park probably does not need the green space requirement. Commercial development has levels of intensity. Interstate development seems appropriate for less green space requirements. As you head East into the village, whether on hwy K, or 4 mile or whatever and you have different types of development sites- mixed use, office, smaller manufacturing, I believe you have to be very cautious about open space requirements and achieving a balance between attracting business and paving over Caledonia. I think an ordinance change should be impact and land use or zoning specific. Much like we make a distinction between the primarily rural residential requirements and the more compact neighborhoods, we could do so for commercial. Will Caledonia be able to keep the character and distinction which makes this a very desirable place to live or be part of the homogenous sprawl. It’s not called Smart Growth Plans for nothing!

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