The Comprehensive Plan -- A Reflection of Damascus’ Core Values
Balancing the eight Core Values developed by Damascans across the City’s comprehensive plan.
Core Value #1: Well-designed Communities and Core Areas
The comprehensive plan envisions small villages strategically located across the city’s 10,000 acres, creating well-defined core areas within the greater community.
Core Value #2: Effective Transportation Systems
The Comprehensive Plan allows us to begin designing a Transportation Systems Plan that will mitigate the impact of Hwy. 212 on our community and move traffic through the city more efficiently. The TSP will also lead to improved local transportation systems such as streets, trails, bike paths, and walkways.
Core Value #3: Employment and Economy
The plan’s village concept encourages small business and allows residents to work near their homes. Light industry will also be developed around the city’s periphery.
Core Value #4: Good Governance
Our local government has listened to its citizens and the plan is a culmination of their input. After a six year process including numerous public meetings, it is the citizens’ plan.
Core Value #5: Rural Character
The plan allows for growth and development where appropriate, yet provides a check against over-development. It also protects farmlands, which not only contribute to rural character but are vital to our economy.
Core Value #6: Sense of Community
Damascans want their own kind of Pioneer Place (aka "Portland’s Living Room"). The comprehensive plan conceptualizes safe and communal-feeling gathering places.
Core Value # 7: Environmental Responsibility and Protected Special Places
The plan is innovative. For example Ecosystem Services will help with water conservation. Buttes, waterways, natural areas, and wildlife, coveted by Damascans, will be preserved. Stream buffers of 100-200 ft. will help protect the environment where necessary. However, various exceptions to these rules will be allowed in less sensitive areas. These innovations will increase land values in our "go green" state.
Core Value # 8: Economic Fairness
The comprehensive plan allows for controlled development in areas of special consideration. The plan is flexible, ensuring fairness. It provides rights for those wishing to develop their property, while also protecting the integrity of their neighbors’ property. Many citizens want to keep their land just as it is and pass it on to future generations. No property owners will be forced to sell or develop their land.
Click here for the full Core Values as developed by Damascans.
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