FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2012
Contacts:
Bridgit Van Belleghem (608) 266-4637 / BridgitVB@CapitalAreaRPC.org
Rachel J. Holloway (608) 283-1267 / RachelH@CapitalAreaRPC.org
Area residents are invited to participate in the final round of Future Urban Development Area (FUDA) Planning from March 5 through the April elections. Participants can review and rank three scenarios for future development and environmental preservation in the DeForest and Windsor urban area. Visual maps and “indicators” for outcomes such as walkability, livability for senior citizens, tax revenue and expenses will be presented for each scenario. FUDA planning serves as a check-in on community goals in existing comprehensive plans and as a resource for future plan updates.
Polling stations will be set up at the DeForest Library, the DeForest Area Community and Senior Center, Vienna Town Hall, Windsor Town Hall and online at www.CapitalAreaRPC.org/Northern_FUDA.html. FUDA project staff are also working with DeForest Area High School to reach out to students and the school community during this phase.
The Village of DeForest, Towns of Windsor and Vienna, and the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) are studying where and how the communities might grow in the next 25 years. A local committee developed scenarios based on existing community plans and residents’ opinions expressed in a series of community meetings last fall.
The purpose of FUDA planning is to protect vital natural resources, promote efficient development, and preserve farmland through cooperative planning for long-term growth. The DeForest area project is one of two FUDA pilots; another project is underway with the City of Middleton, Village of Waunakee, and Towns of Westport and Springfield. FUDA planning benefits communities with free in-depth data on natural and agricultural resources and water quality, staff support, and a venue for intergovernmental cooperation. These results are expected to strengthen local planning decisions and requests for expanded urban sewer and water services.
CARPC is conducting FUDA planning with interested communities as requested in the local resolutions petitioning the Governor to create the Commission. The agency is responsible for regional water quality management planning, and for regional development planning in an advisory capacity in Dane County.
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