Building upon the “Future of the Neighborhood” survey results and Baltimore Avenue conversation, the Development Impact Task Force crafted development principles in the spring to aid our group, the Zoning Committee and Board towards guiding how the neighborhood grows and evolves. CPN developed the principles for both residential and commercial development that encourages investment in the community. Below are some of the principles.
Overarching Principles
Commercial development should add value and enhance the quality of life
As a community with a rich history and bright future, CPN prefers new residential and commercial development that adds value and meets unmet needs versus development for development’s sake. New residential or commercial developers should be able to talk about how their project will contribute to the community as a whole and specifically how the project will serve/enhance the quality of life for all neighbors.
Development should serve those of different backgrounds
Cedar Park residents value diversity in all forms and are particularly interested in new commercial and residential development that welcomes people of different races, classes, ages, sexual orientation and ability. New residential or commercial developers should be able to talk about how their project will contribute to the community as a whole and specifically how the project will serve/enhance the quality of life for neighbors of different backgrounds.
Value locally owned businesses and organizations
Cedar Park residents believe that locally-owned businesses (businesses owned by local residents and businesses with a history of involvement with the neighborhood) play a vital role in Cedar Park's sustainable economic development. CPN values the presence of locally owned and operated businesses, institutions, and non-profit organizations and wants to support their continued success.
Commercial Principles
Development should complement existing stock
Development should maintain or respect existing character of blocks, but more diversity already exists along the commercial corridor. Development is preferred that complements existing stock especially in terms of scale, proportion and architectural features, but higher density is preferred along the commercial corridor.
Street level development should encourage foot traffic
Commercial development should make best use of street level space by housing operations there that encourage high-volume foot traffic, make best use of display windows, include signage and lighting and offer hours of operation that extend until at least 8pm.
Residential Principles
Commercial activities should generally not occur on residential blocks and be focused along commercial corridors. There is however existing precedence for some “corner stores” within residential areas.
Respect character of residential blocks
Residential development should maintain or respect existing character of blocks and the scale of building stock. Aesthetic consistency is of a higher importance within residential blocks, particularly with regard to architectural features such as porches, bay windows, and detail and building lines.
Here is a link to the full development principles.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email contact at cedarparkneighbors dot org
David Hincher
Chair, CPN Development Impact Task Force
