ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | CHAPTER 13
A prominent economic benefit of natural resource protection is the reduction of property damage due to floods. Greenways and stormwater management facilities give excess water a place to go, thus reducing the likelihood of flooding. Develop- ment in a floodplain, floodway, or wetland areas has the potential to both hinder floodplain functions and suffer water damage in years of high rainfall. The develop- ment concept avoids potentially costly damage by directing development out of the floodplain areas. The future land use map shows all floodplains as Greenways, reflecting Cedar Falls’ recent policy change that bans any new construction in the 100 and 500 year floodplains.
Greenway preservation also helps to maintain a cleaner water supply, by providing a natural filtration system for stormwater runoff, thus reducing groundwater con- tamination. A clean, reliable water supply is important for attracting residents, rec- reational tourists, and certain types of industry.
Greenway planning contributes to Cedar Falls’ extensive open space and park sys- tem, a valuable community amenity that attracts residents - particularly young adults, families with children, and retirees. Proximity to natural areas makes land more attrac- tive and more valuable. In the western growth area, the concept shows a block layout that provides greenway access to all residents, and connects each neighborhood to the larger parks system through a system of walking trails (Chapter 9).
PROVIDING QUALITY NEIGHBORHOODS
Quality neighborhoods attract new residents and help retain existing residents, ensur- ing a steady workforce and patronage for local businesses. Good neighborhoods re- quire amenities, such as accessibility to parks, schools, and jobs, protection from flood- ing or other damages, and a diverse range of affordable housing options. The para- graphs below describe how the development concept allows for the provision of these amenities, thereby securing a critical piece of Cedar Falls’ economic development.
The development concept aims to fulfill the accessibility need in three ways. First, the proposed development concept for new development areas incorporates prin- ciples of the “neighborhood model”, which includes development of new parks and open space within the development area. New parks are proposed to be developed along with housing so that no resident if further than one-quarter mile away from a neighborhood park facility. Second, the concept outlines an interconnected multi- modal transportation network, including trails, well connected roads, and bikeways (Chapter 11). Secondly, residential growth areas are located adjacent to existing de- velopment, which allows better access to community facilities, retail, and jobs. This strategy addresses one of the primary goals of the Cedar Falls 2020 plan, to “focus on specific geographical areas for development while managing and minimizing sprawl demands.”
As mentioned above, the development concept reduces the potential for flooding by preserving greenways and avoiding development in floodplains or wetlands. In some neighborhoods, greenways also buffer houses from the sights and sounds of neighboring industrial or heavy commercial areas.
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