TheReview_July_Aug_2021

For the commercial corridors, the city is converting its conventional commercial zoning in the “corridor mixed-use” zoning district—a district that allows multi-story buildings and housing, while preserving commercial first floors. Holland is also creating a “greenfield mixed-use” district for larger or underdeveloped lots, especially in its Waverly Avenue corridor. The city also features a large industrial area on its Southeast side, filled with corporate campuses—and their attending greenbelts and buffers. The new zoning would create opportunities for “non-industrial outlots”—allowing the companies to invest in workforce housing on their existing properties, on land previously reserved for landscaping or otherwise not suitable for industrial development. Reacting to a Changing Market As the COVID-19 pandemic abates, the post-pandemic market is coming into focus. Housing is growing in demand, while retail and office are stagnant or shrinking. Forward- thinking communities are using their planning and zoning tools to anticipate this trend, and to be ready when the market calls for redevelopment.

MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING describes a range of multi-family or clustered housing types that are compatible in scale with single-family or transitional neighborhoods. Missing middle housing is intended to meet the demand for walkable neighborhoods, respond to changing demographics, and provide housing at different price points.[1] The term "missing middle" is meant to describe housing types that were common in the pre-WWII United States such as duplexes, rowhomes, and courtyard apartments but are now less common and, therefore, "missing." (Wikipedia) A FORM BASED CODE (FBC) is a means of regulating land development to achieve a specific urban form. Form Based Codes foster predictable built results and a high-quality public realm by using physical form (rather than separation of uses) as the organizing principle, with a lesser focus on land use, through municipal regulations. A FBC is a regulation, not a mere guideline, adopted into city, town, or county law and offers a powerful alternative to conventional zoning regulation.[1] (Wikipedia)

Chris Khorey, AICP, is a manager at McKenna & Associates. You may contact him at 248.596.0920 or ckhorey@mcka.com.

22 THE REVIEW

JULY / AUGUST 2021