Tom Geiger, Tom Cadwallader, John Mulder, Dan Miller, Jim Wise and Selma Bennish. Dr. Tlusty presented a program on what can be done to incorporate design review into the local community planning process. He presented slides from around Wisconsin and the United States that showed how communities have used design review to work with business and industry to preserve or improve the appearance of a community. Dr. Tlusty also covered the concept of cluster developments as a way of allowing for development in rural areas without losing some of the rural character. He stressed that use of any of these tools has to be a local decision.
People like to see examples of things that are working closer to home.
It was apparent from the presentation that photos and pictures are very helpful for people to come to agreement. Words can't do the whole job in relating how something should look. Photos and pictures can be used in the visioning process during planning as well as enforcement. There were several options mentioned, such as developing a wetland, septics in the common areas or even setting up a cooperative to manage a small treatment facility. If cluster developments are going to be an option some education some education will need to be done on the positive and negative aspects.