Comprehensive Plan Summary
CHARACTER
GOAL
Preservation of the unique
qualities and lifestyle of the BACOG area, and enhancement of its distinct
countryside character and identity.
OBJECTIVES
Maintain the semi‑rural scale and arrangement of
development, and the perceptual "openness" of the area landscape.
Protect specific natural features critical to the
area's character particularly wooded areas, hills, valleys, marshes, lakes and
streams.
Preserve sites and structures which have local
historical significance.
Preserve, where possible within the context of
safety, the character of country roads which provide visual and physical access
to the countryside.
Maintain the countryside appearance of the area, and
avoid visual pollution through the use of appropriate codes and regulations,
particularly through well designed/researched sign ordinances.
Insure a continued high level of excellence in site
and building design and execution. Explore new site design techniques such as
neo‑traditional designs, which blend human scale and traditional values.
Preserve ecological features (such as the Wagner Fen
and Barrington Bog) of scientific and/or educational significance, through
public acquisition or private environmental practices, and purchase (such as
the acquisitions of Citizens for Conservation).
THE
BACOG AREA IDENTITY
Residents
and business agree that the BACOG area is a distinct environment The scenic
beauty of its landscape, the diversity of its population, the rustic quality of
its farms, and its small town charm give the area a special
"countryside" character, which represents a very special way of life.The
plan preserves natural landscape features most important to this countryside
character. Their importance is visual
and psychological, and they combine to give the area a distinct
personality. Water Bodies and
Wetlands, including streams, creeks, lakes, marshes, and floodplains are
the most distinct features of the local landscape. Forested Areas, especially along stream
valleys, slopes, and hilltops, add richness and vitality to the landscape.
Their scenic beauty, wildlife habitats, and adjoining lands are critical to the
countryside character. Attempts should
be made to retain as much Open Space as possible. It is often this
component of the BACOG area which is used to define it.
The character of the BACOG area is also based
upon the very special way that man has modified the natural landscape. Several
types of manmade features appear most significant. The tradition of Farming, once strong
within the area, has been largely responsible for perpetuating the
"countryside" character. Historic
Sites and Structures, scattered throughout the area, are associated with
the region’s history, tradition, and cultural heritage. Large Residential Properties, not only
add to the perceptual "openness" of the area, but have also allowed
many of the key natural landscape features to be preserved. The scale and appearance of Parks, Country
Clubs, and even commercial and industrial development is also crucial to
the countryside character.
CONSERVATION AREAS
Many countryside landscape features remain within the BACOG area and
should be preserved. The Plan document
addresses two significant types of conservation areas: Potential Conservation Areas, which
include land and water areas whose scale, sensitivity, and vulnerability merit
varying degrees of public control, and Private
Conservation Areas which include lakes, streams, creeks, and wetlands that
will remain under private control.
The plan document outlines
specific environmental management guidelines which will be used to maintain the
quality and diversity of the countryside character.