Is Main Street A Model For HRM Suburbs?
With its pre-determined building heights and streamlined planning approval process, the Main Street Community Improvement District has set a new standard for urban planning in HRM. Adopted 5 years ago, the planning approach is starting to drive new investment, and a recently adopted age-friendly community plan is laying the foundation for community stewardship. Another innovation: the Community Improvement District has asked to review its local area plan and has been given the nod from HRM’s planning department for the community to get started on its own.
Streamlined urban planning rules, the creation of an age-friendly community and community-based investment, are a unique combination in HRM.
An effective marriage seems to be unfolding between urban planning, economic development and community stewardship in the transformation of this suburban Dartmouth district.
