Town Planning Board grants approval for area subdivision – www.warwickadvertiser.com

Warwick Town Planning Board Meeting Report: Aligning Local Development with Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable Housing and Inclusive Communities (SDG 1, 10, 11)

The board addressed a key component of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by reviewing a subdivision on Merritts Island Road, with a significant focus on affordable housing provisions mandated by town code. This aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring access to adequate housing for all economic segments.

• Amended final approval was granted for a seven-lot section of a proposed 33-lot subdivision.
• A central issue was the requirement for three affordable lots, directly supporting SDG 11.1, which aims to ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.
• The applicant raised concerns about the economic viability of constructing affordable homes that are materially consistent with market-rate units, highlighting a common challenge in achieving sustainable development targets.
• The board advised a procedural path for reviewing building specifications and costs to balance financial feasibility with the town’s commitment to inclusive and equitable community development.

Sustainable Infrastructure, Transport, and Land Use (SDG 11, 15)

A proposed four-lot subdivision on Amity Road prompted a review of its impact on local infrastructure and natural resources, reflecting the principles of SDG 11 and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• The project is situated on 35.7 acres near the Appalachian Trail Federal Scenic Resource, necessitating careful consideration to protect terrestrial ecosystems as per SDG 15.
• The board identified potential impacts on pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, which are critical for achieving SDG 11.2 (providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all).
• Concerns were raised about the safety of a proposed shared driveway due to limited sight distance, underscoring the importance of planning for safe and resilient infrastructure.
• A site visit was scheduled to conduct a thorough assessment of the environmental and infrastructural impacts.

Energy Infrastructure and Community Well-being (SDG 7, 11)

The board continued its review of an application from Orange and Rockland (O&R) for an electrical substation, balancing the need for modern energy infrastructure (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) with community well-being (SDG 11).

• The project supports the goal of ensuring access to reliable and modern energy services.
• A public hearing included testimony from a local resident concerned about the substation’s visual impact, a key factor in maintaining the quality of life and aesthetic value of a sustainable community.
• A dialogue occurred between the resident and the applicant regarding mitigation measures, such as fencing design, to balance security requirements with aesthetic considerations.
• The board advocated for enhanced screening solutions, emphasizing that infrastructure development should be integrated thoughtfully into the community fabric. The public hearing was adjourned for further review.

Economic Growth and Responsible Production (SDG 8, 12)

An application for a new cannabis cultivation facility was reviewed, touching upon goals related to local economic development and sustainable production patterns.

• The proposal for a 5,000 square-foot indoor growing facility in an existing structure on State School Road presents an opportunity for local economic growth and job creation, contributing to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Utilizing an existing structure aligns with principles of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting the efficient use of resources and repurposing infrastructure.
• A site visit was scheduled to ensure the proposed facility complies with all planning and environmental regulations.

Summary of Board Actions and Future Agenda

1. Merritts Island Subdivision: Granted amended final approval for a seven-lot section, with further review on affordable housing specifications to follow.
2. Amity Road Subdivision: A site visit was scheduled to assess impacts on safety, transport, and the environment.
3. O&R Substation: The public hearing was adjourned until December 17 to explore improved visual mitigation strategies.
4. Cannabis Facility: A site visit was scheduled for further evaluation of the proposal.
5. Next Meeting: The next planning board meeting is scheduled for December 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire text revolves around a town planning board meeting, which is a core function of managing urban and community development. Issues discussed include housing, land use, infrastructure development (substation), and public space considerations (proximity to Appalachian Trail, visual impact of projects).
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • This goal is addressed through the specific discussion on affordable housing. The requirement for the subdivision to include three affordable lots and the debate over construction costs versus mandated selling prices directly relate to ensuring that housing is accessible to different economic groups within the community, thereby reducing inequality.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The application for the construction of an Orange and Rockland (O&R) electrical substation is a direct example of infrastructure development. This goal focuses on building resilient infrastructure, and the planning board’s review process ensures that this development is done in a sustainable and community-conscious manner.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The review of the four-lot subdivision on Amity Road connects to this SDG due to its location on 35.7 acres of land within five miles of the Appalachian Trail Federal Scenic Resource. This highlights the need to balance development with the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and areas of natural significance.
5. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The application for a 5,000 square-foot indoor cannabis growing facility represents local economic development. The establishment of a new commercial enterprise contributes to economic growth and potentially creates local employment opportunities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
   • The discussion about the 33-lot subdivision on Merritts Island Road, which must include three affordable lots per town code, directly addresses this target. The debate over the cost to build ($650,000) versus the required affordable sale price (less than $400,000) is a practical example of the challenges in achieving this target.
2. Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
   • The entire article, which reports on a town planning board meeting, exemplifies this target. The board’s review of multiple applications (subdivisions, substation, cannabis facility), including public hearings where residents like Bob Schluter can voice concerns, is a direct application of participatory and integrated settlement planning.
3. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • The review of the Amity Road subdivision explicitly mentions that the board determined the project “could impact pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.” Concerns about traffic on a private road and the safety of a shared driveway due to “limited sight distance” also fall under the provision of safe transport systems.
4. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.
   • The application by Orange and Rockland for a new electrical substation on John Hicks Drive is a clear effort to develop energy infrastructure, which is essential for community well-being and economic activity. The board’s review process aims to ensure this infrastructure is developed sustainably, considering community impacts.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 11.1 (Affordable Housing):
   • Implied Indicator: The proportion of new housing units that are affordable. The article specifies that 3 lots out of a 33-lot subdivision must be affordable.
   • Implied Indicator: The price differential between market-rate and affordable housing. The article provides concrete figures: an estimated building cost of $650,000 for a home that must be sold for less than $400,000. This gap is a measure of the subsidy or financial challenge involved.
2. For Target 11.3 (Participatory Planning):
   • Implied Indicator: The existence and functioning of a local planning board that holds public hearings. The article details the proceedings of the Nov. 19 meeting, the adjournment of a public hearing to Dec. 17, and the scheduling of future meetings and site visits, all of which indicate an active participatory planning process.
   • Implied Indicator: The degree to which resident concerns are considered in planning decisions. Bob Schluter’s concerns about his view being impacted by the substation, and the board chairman’s validation of his request as “reasonable,” show that public input is being actively considered.
3. For Target 11.2 (Sustainable Transport):
   • Implied Indicator: The inclusion of non-motorized transport options in new developments. The board’s specific concern about the impact on “pedestrian and bicycle accommodations” serves as a qualitative indicator for this.
   • Implied Indicator: Safety assessments for new transport infrastructure. The board’s concern that the “proposed shared driveway may be unsafe because of limited sight distance” is an indicator of safety being a key criterion in the planning review.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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