For several years, addressing development within the context of sparing the land and small communities has been the most vexing issue facing the region. For Growth truly unique is its pedigree. Businessmen turned to the region's leading government, educational, and environmental organizations for help in formulating the project. And Mr. Charters, a member of the Natural Resources Commission who was appointed by Governor John Engler has bedrock conservative political credentials. In effect, the powers that be are solidly behind a planning program that is very much at the cutting edge.
Growth needs to be managed.
This project is about trying to build the will in the region to do that. At the project's center is a set of design ideas that are explored in the Grand Traverse Bay Region Development Guidebook, a compendium of model land use practices introduced in 1992 by the Grand Traverse County Planning Commission. The guidebook employs simple drawings to compare inadequate and superior uses of land. In its 128 pages, readers take a visual tour of practical development techniques that minimize clutter, improve appearance, and preserve natural features. For Growth will use the guidebook as the basis of public education and land use planning services that will be provided at a nominal charge to local governments in five counties along the coast of Lake Michigan.