DISCO Fever: Catch it in October!

As a result of the ideas expressed at the Kick-Off meeting, four study groups (DISCO’s) will be meeting from September – November to develop the ideas of residents about what a Davis Island Neighborhood Plan should be all about.

The four groups are:

• Land Use
• Aesthetics
• Transportation
• Parks

What follows are some ideas to get you started at the DISCOs!

Brainstorming about a Davis Islands Neighborhood Plan – a Source for Some Good Ideas

Ideas for Planning:

Now that we have a planning process – what is a plan supposed to be about, and how do we know what our options are?

Hillsborough County and the Planning Commission has studied the elements of a “good neighborhood” in terms of quality of life, and has put some ideas together.

Elements of a “Good Neighborhood” can be found in detail, with photos on the web:

Go to: http://www.theplanningcommission.org/index.htm; Choose Search Our Site button; In the Search Dialogue Box type "Good Neighborhoods"; Next page choose # 4 (reports publications/community Reports); Next page choose # 6 (Social Use of Space)

Many of their recommendations focus on how to make residential communities less dominated by automobiles, and friendlier to other transportation options.

You may agree or disagree with some of their recommendations and conclusions, but there is a lot of background on neighborhood concepts in general. Following is a brief summary of the Good Neighborhood Principles that are posted at the above web address:

“Fundamental principles” are identified as overall concepts for a good neighborhood. These are listed as:

1. designed with a human scale;
2. fosters communication
3. sense of ownership and
4. responsibility

Specific components of a good neighborhood and the recommendations on how to achieve them are described as the following:

• Identity: creativity vs. “cookie cutter approach”
• Compatibility of neighborhood components: size and scale of buildings that are near each other, and how they relate to the street – type of setbacks required
• Layout and design of streets and public places – lighting, sidewalks, landscaping design

Make use of existing natural or unique features: Can you think of any on Davis Islands?

• Variety and diversity to be Encouraged: Mix of housing types, for all ages, income and social classes, Allow different housing types to exist in proximity, Allow work at home, “in-law” suites and garage apartments
• Land planning to Support Neighborhood Character:
• Encourage compatible land use arrangements: Use buffers and transitions, Incorporate Open Space Planning into Each Neighborhood (an issue on Davis Island for years!), Coordinate utilities planning

Other important concepts include:

• Links: Neighborhood components must be connected with each other, and the neighborhood as a whole must have access points to the larger community. (There are many issues involving “links” on Davis Islands – safe access onto Davis Boulevard, pedestrian safety; pedestrian and bike access to the mainland; marine links).
• Movement: How design and transit affect movement – pedestrian, bike, automobile, mass transit; street and sidewalk planning, parking are issues here. Examples of techniques that may be used are: user-friendly transit stops, use of alley-ways, street design to discourage speeding; use of shared drive-ways to reduce paving.
• Social use of space: public and private space interaction. Setbacks can be used to make houses “friendly to the street” is just one concept, for example. There are many others.
• Process: The final idea listed is that good neighborhood design and community involvement should be a part of any good neighborhood. The planning and zoning process accommodate this.

Finally – Process involves YOU:

Davis Islands IS in the middle of a community planning process – and to make it successful, we need community participation. Please bring your ideas, and participate in a DISCO, or at least contact a Task Force member with a few thoughts or ideas that you would like to see considered. (DISCO’s are advertised and information is always available in the Business District at Java and Cream). City and Planning Commission staff are available to help us, also, so please take advantage of this opportunity.

Lisa DeVitto
Task Force Member

Study Circles

Aesthetics/Community Character Study Circle Summary

Transportation Study Circle Summary

Land Use Study Circle Summary

Aesthetics/Community Character Study Circle Progress Report

Agenda, October 26 meeting of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Study Circle

Minutes, October 22 meeting of Transportation Study Circle

Agenda, October 3 meeting of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Study Circle

Minutes, October 29 meeting of Land Use Study Circle

Minutes, October 13 meeting of Land Use Study Circle

Minutes, October 1 meeting of Land Use Study Circle

Minutes, September 24 meeting of Transportation Study Circle

First Meeting of Transportation Study Circle