Section
3
Vision
and Goals
3.1 Vision
Based on the Community Participation Process, a
vision statement was formed. This
vision is elaborated on further through the development of planning goals in
four major categories.
To carry on the dream of the founders and previous generations of
Fairhopians by creating a future development pattern that is consistent with
the City’s traditional scale, image and planning philosophy.
3.2 Planning Goals
Physical Image/Environment
Promote new development, reuse and rehabilitation of
structures and spaces that reflect the architectural resources and natural
features of the community.
Community Identity
Reinforce and enhance the perception of Fairhope as
a unique and livable community both locally and throughout the region.
Infrastructure
Plan, provide, and maintain efficient and effective
infrastructure that promotes orderly growth and environmentally sound practices
to meet the future needs of the community and to support land use goals.
Development Framework
Guide growth to locations that can be efficiently
and effectively served by the City in transportation and infrastructure, and
which strengthen linkages between historic Fairhope and new development.
3.3 Physical Image/Environment
|
|
|
|
Building
and scale proportions |
Community
history |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fairhope’s
Shoreline |
Attractive
pedestrian environment |
goal
Promote new development,
reuse and rehabilitation of structures and spaces that reflect the
architectural resources and natural features of the community.
objectives
1.
Develop
land use arrangements that consider the compatibility of adjacent
activities. Provide appropriate buffers
where required.
2.
Encourage
the preservation and restoration of architecturally or historically significant
buildings, districts, areas, and landmarks.
3.
Encourage
design (building materials, window size and placement, general façade
composition and scale) of all sides of buildings that enhances pedestrian
interest.
4.
Incorporate
designs and uses that facilitate efficient and attractive environments, while
providing places for social interaction and recreation.
5.
Provide
for a pleasant and diverse pedestrian experience.
6.
Protect
the structural stability, ecology, and visual access to Fairhope’s shoreline.
7.
Promote
a sustainable future that meets today’s needs without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their needs.
3.4 Community Identity
|
|
|
|
Water-oriented
recreation |
Art
and culture |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gullies
as trail opportunities |
Specialty
retail |
goal
Reinforce and enhance the
perception of Fairhope as a unique and livable community both locally and
throughout the region.
objectives
1.
Create
focal points for new and existing neighborhoods by providing appropriately
located parks, schools, parkways, street trees, and other amenities.
2.
Support
the development of artistic, cultural and recreational opportunities.
3.
Create
an environment in which specialty retail can prosper and grow.
4.
Work
to establish and maintain neighborhoods with a sense of community and ties to
neighborhood-based businesses.
5.
Retain,
expand and attract businesses that provide jobs and sustain investment.
6.
Encourage
and develop connections between environmental quality and economic vitality.
7.
Promote
economic development that enhances the natural resource base and supports
employment opportunities for our citizens.
8.
Promote
and encourage a stable, diverse, equitable, and sustainable economy.
3.5 Development Framework
|
|
|
|
Downtown
as focal point |
Neighborhood
scale and character |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public
services and facilities |
Public
works and infrastructure |
goal
Guide growth to locations
that can be efficiently and effectively served by the City in transportation
and infrastructure, and which strengthen linkages between “historic” Fairhope
and new development.
objectives
1.
Define
Downtown Fairhope as the community and regional focal point and evaluate the
impact of proposed development and redevelopment with regard to the continued
vitality of the Downtown.
2.
Encourage
high quality development that supports the scale and character of existing
neighborhoods.
3.
Prioritize
projects that “pay their way” through covering the cost of necessary support
services.
4.
Define
priority growth areas that will guide future extension of public
infrastructure.
5.
Ensure
the maintenance of existing public facilities when determining budget
priorities.
3.6 Infrastructure
|
|
|
|
Roadway
infrastructure |
Create
a bicycle network |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Existing
street |
Pedestrian
network |
goal
Plan, provide, and maintain
efficient and effective infrastructure to meet the future needs of the
community and to support land use goals.
objectives
1.
Coordinate
land use and transportation planning to ensure that the transportation system
can accommodate potential travel demand.
2.
Define
priority growth areas that will guide future extensions of infrastructure.
3.
Require
that location and alignment of infrastructure systems are efficient and
cost-effective.
4.
Support
the development of a comprehensive pedestrian and bicycle trail network with
linkages to and between residential and commercial areas.
Provide for balance between maintenance and reconstruction of existing streets, services or facilities and expansion into new areas.