CLEVELAND, Tenn. – A task force involved with helping write a strategic growth plan for the next 25 years reached several conclusions Friday.
The group agreed with consultant Greg Dale that growth policies and regulations need to change to prevent urban sprawl. They agreed a blend of residential development within the urban growth boundary – about 70 percent – with less residential growth in rural areas – the remaining 30 percent – is desirable. Without any regulation changes, just the reverse is predicted, according to one scenario.
But a more realistic target, the task force agreed, is likely to be 45 percent residential growth in the city and UGB and 55 percent in the county rural areas.
Dale suggested long-range capital planning; continued emphasis on economic development and quality of life issues.
“The pattern of growth and development does make a difference in the fiscal health of the community,” Dale said.