Reports

Architectural Character:
Affordable Housing Component
Affordable housing may be an important opportunity for the City of Brookside to retain population and provide a variety of accommodations for residents of all ages, including single adults entering the job market, young professionals, empty nesters and the elderly. People at different ages in life desire different housing accommodations that suit their lifestyles and their budgets. Unfortunately, the majority of options available in many communities are limited to manufactured housing and apartment complexes. Housing type variety and the cost of developing residential subdivisions is directly affected by zoning and subdivision regulations. In many cases, opportunities for affordable housing development are greatly diminished by regulations that limit the types of housing that can be developed in the community or within certain zoning districts. Conventional zoning and subdivision regulations apply a “one-size-fits-all” approach to residential developments, rather than customizing requirements based on the varying impacts and intents of different housing types. Therefore it is important for Brookside to recognize the value of affordable housing, to ensure that the community’s regulations allow a variety of housing types, and to ensure that each housing type is appropriately regulated.

Brookside like many other communities in this country has a need for affordable housing. Society however judges a housing development based upon its overall appearance with little thought to functionality or sustainability. Dilapidated housing developments similar to the apartment complex located off Main Street, north of Five Mile Creek, in Brookside, are viewed as undesirable. Their physical appearance is seen as directly related to the enormous social problems society is convinced occur in communities where housing of this nature exist.

Therefore, the need is for well designed, affordable housing. Affordable housing, however, should not only encompass social and community objectives that exceed the mere provision of shelter, but should also help overcome the stigma associated with most lower income housing developments. Unfortunately, good design and its role in the development of affordable housing is often an after thought, taking a back seat to development objectives considered more profitable. Many affordable housing developers have never given design quality a serious consideration believing it to be an unnecessary frill.

Architectural Recommendations

• Explore/Survey/Establish a National Register District (Old Downtown Brookside)

• Establish a Design Review Board to oversee architectural standards

• Develop architectural design standards for residential, institutional and commercial developments

• Develop and institute attractive street signs and gateway structures that are reflective of Brookside’s character and heritage

 
Eco Tourism Recommendations

• Multi Use Trails

• Bike /Horse / 4- Wheeler / Hiking

• Use Historical Mining Maps and Historical Railroad Maps

• Promote Canoe Trails

• Heritage Trails
  o Catholic
  o Mining
  o Train
  o Russian
  o Moon Shine
  o Gemology
  o Cemetery

Eco Caching Recommendations:

• Work in conjunction with the Five Mile Creek Greenway Partnership to develop a greenway trail that incorporates and connects canoe launches, camping, cabins, biking, historic coke ovens, cemeteries and picnicking

• Continue to pursue grant opportunities to develop the Horseshoe Bend Pavilion and Playground area

• Preserve the natural environment in new developments through the development/adoption/administration/enforcement of appropriate regulations such as conservation subdivision regulations