Building Health in Subdivision Review

Wayne Feiden, AICP

Northampton Director of Planning and Development

, January 29, 2008

Subdivision Standards

• Cookbook approach• ANYthing within right-of-way• Board of Health as partner

Bicycle and Pedestrians

Bicycle and Pedestrians

• Making HEALTHY communities• Bicycle and Pedestrian Friendly• Alternative to driving everywhere

Cluster and Conservation

Design

• Walkability• Smart Growth• Incentives for active recreation

Traffic Safety and Traffic

Calming• On-street parking• Narrow streets• Horizontal and vertical deflections• Sidewalks and off-road paths• Shared space

Project Review• Too late if not in regulations• BOH has 45 days• It’s not just septic systems

LIDs, Stormwater, and

Innovative Approaches

• Low Impact Development (LID)• Rain Gardens• Integrative Stormwater

Managment

LIDs, Stormwater, and Innovative Approaches

• Low Impact Development (LID)• How/where can BOH Offer

Guidance?

Planning and Health• Total Nitrogen in groundwater– Septic system vs.– Larger lawn, longer driveway, etc

• Blue baby disease vs. heart attacks?

• What is public health?

Planning and Health• Total Nitrogen in groundwater– Septic system vs.– Larger lawn, longer driveway, etc

• Blue baby disease vs. heart attacks?

• What is public health?