Growth Area – Agrarian Neighborhood

Location

The Agrarian Neighborhood is intended to guide city growth along the southern border where it interfaces with existing farm lands. Livingston was established by virtue of its proximity to sandy soils that have given the region a competitive edge in the farming industry. As the demand for new residential development continues to exert pressure on agricultural lands, the city has a great opportunity to grow while enhancing and preserving the character of built forms and open spaces that inform the region’s unique character.

Urban Fabric

New development in the Agrarian Neighborhood should be organized as a network of streets and blocks that are flexible to accommodate a range of development types and lot sizes. Buildings shall be designed to feel as though they are set within a landscape of open spaces, leafy streets, and communal parks and shared gardens. Materials including wood, stone, brick and unpainted metal should be used to reflect the natural environment.

Land Use

The Agrarian Neighborhood should include residential development, and provide opportunities for commercial services that support small scale agrarian businesses.

District Structure

Development in the Agrarian Neighborhood should make every effort to protect and enhance the region’s agricultural character. It is not as crucial in the Agrarian Neighborhood to maintain consistent block size and building setback. Blocks should be designed to allow for a range of development types.

The Agrarian Neighborhood District shall be comprised of streets, blocks, and open spaces primarily organized parallel with and perpendicular to Lincoln Boulevard.

Lincoln Boulevard shall be designed as a boulevard and shall serve as the neighborhood spine. Business services and other residentially-compatible commercial and workplace uses may be located on Lincoln Boulevard where they are on display and easily accessed by the region’s residents and visitors.

Residential buildings in the Agrarian Neighborhood shall front onto public streets, open spaces, plazas, and common courts. Commercial and mixed-use buildings may front onto parking areas.

Parking areas shall maintain a significant tree coverage and may be paved with gravel and other porous material.

Residential blocks may be bisected by rear lanes to provide access to the side and rear of properties.

A distinct public open space may be located within Agrarian Neighborhoods to create an outdoor space for farmer’s markets and display of goods.

Private Development Guidelines

Site development standards and guidelines should permit and encourage a wide range of parcel sizes and building types within the agrarian setting. Variation in setbacks and building types may contribute to the overall character along a block face. Repetition of building type or architectural style should be avoided

Public Investment Guidelines

Streets in the Agrarian Neighborhood are designed to attract and support desired new investment while creating a safe and attractive environment for pedestrians, bicyclists, autos, and commercial vehicles.