Goal of the Middle Branch Master Plan

Through the Middle Branch planning process it is our goal to highlight and capitalize on the uniquely green character of the Middle Branch estuary to build a model community based on sustainable principles. These sustainable principles include economic prosperity, environmental improvement and social equity.

According to the American Planning Association, planning for sustainability “…promotes responsible development – not-anti-development. It requires a democratic process of planning to achieve the greatest common good for all segments of our population, protect the health of the environment and assure future generations of the resources they will need to survive and progress.” The  Middle Branch’s unique qualities as an environmental oasis, located minutes from downtown and surrounded by challenged communities, create a perfect opportunity to employ these principles.

The Master Plan envisions redeveloping and revitalizing the Middle Branch estuary and waterfront as a mixed-use community through economic and community redevelopment, ecosystem restoration and protection, and recreation and education programs coordinated within a sustainable framework.

Objectives

• Design
• Development
• Habitat
• Heritage
• Open Space & Recreation
• Sustainable Communities
• Tourism
• Transportation
• Water Quality

Downloads

• Middle Branch Master Plan (full plan)
• Open Space and Recreation (pgs 19-29)
• Design and Development (pgs 31-45)
• Transportation (pgs 47-56)
• Water Quality and Habitat (pgs 59-72)
• Heritage and Tourism (pgs 75-85)
• Sustainable Communities (pgs 87-97)