Land Use 2025 - RhodeMap RI

development within centers in rural and suburban communities. Overall, densities wouldbe considerably (~28 percent) higher than under the Trend Scenario, but slightly (~16percent) lower than current (1995) levels. The Composite Scenario would have lessimpact than either the Trend or Centers and Corridors scenarios upon major resourceareas, particularly in the western portion of the State. However, careful managementwould be necessary to avoid increased impacts on the Bay from increased developmentactivity along the shoreline. A highly developed public transit system would be neededto avoid highway congestion, and the capacities of other supporting infrastructure couldrequire expansion or upgrading.The Composite Scenario offers growth opportunities to all areas of the State, includinglimited, compact growth centers in the rural western and southeastern portions of theState. All communities would have opportunities for new growth under this scenario. Interms of housing mix, while the Composite Scenario emphasizes new housing at higherdensities with 38 percent of its new unit production planned within the two highestdensitycategories, it would also include 25 percent of its production within the lowerdensity categories. This balanced housing production would help ensure that a range ofhousing choice remains available while supporting affordable options as the marketevolves.Table 121-04(11) summarizes aspects of the quantitative comparison of the fourscenarios.Table 121-04(11)EVALUATION OF SCENARIOS ON POLICY CONSIDERATIONSTrendCenters &CorridorsInfillCompositeLand Efficiency low low moderate highConcentration of Growth low moderate high highGrowth Opportunities for AllCommunitieshigh high low highPotential for Housing Diversity low moderate moderate highInfrastructure System Support low low high highTransport System Support low moderate high highResource Protection low low high high4-28Land Use 2025: Rhode Island State Land Use Policies and Plan (April 2006)