Local Economic Development Project of Walsh Ranch - Case Study Example

?LOCAL SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT CASE STUDY: WALSH RANCH Submitted By Prepared for Teacher’s Your Name Teacher Name Class name Today’s Date Local Sustainable Economic Development Project Case Study: Walsh Ranch The Earth has been engulfed by the economic sustainability revolution in the past decade. The economies which used to be dependent on high carbon emissions; were waste intensive leading to polluting the environment and had an ecologically disruptive tendency; are turning to new strategies of making them, low carbon emitting, energy and resource efficient and be supportive of the ecological system (Nixon “conceptual frameworks”). Benefits of Sustainable Economic Development Implementing such strategies has numerous benefits; like innovative use of all possible resources lead to jobs increase, new income sources, and high rate of productivity for the people; for the ecology the benefits result from the promotion of use of clean and renewable energy; the economy benefits from all the above leading to growth in economy, which will improve the living standards, jobs, incomes and will provide opportunity to expand businesses (Nixon “Sustainable economic development strategies”) The Four Greens The objectives that are attained or are to be met by such economic development are known as the four greens namely; savings, opportunities, talent, places (Nixon “Best Practices”). Walsh Ranch: A stable economy initiative Walsh Ranch is a master planned community that is aimed at achieving sustainable economic development. It is the largest planned community in north Texas; the ranch is located west of Fort Worth, within Parker and Tarrant counties (Dunaway Associates). Walsh ranch will retain most of the resources and natural features of the ranch by the use of native landscape treatments; the natural environment of the 70,000 acre ranch will be retained to deliver a unique living experience with integration of living and playing space, shops, learning and religious facilities; thus creating a community that is balanced and sustainable (Dunaway Associates), delivering all the four greens of sustainability. Area Covered by Walsh Ranch The whole area covered by Walsh ranch is 7,275 acres or 11.4 square miles; with 1,698.5 acres located in the Tarrant County and 5,576.5 acres located in the Parker County (LDR, HNTB 1). The area designated for the mixed-use growth community in Fort Worth has also been merged into the Walsh ranch project (Walsh ranch). Development Vision The Walsh ranch aims to be the first planned mixed use growth community model; a balanced and planned community that will have an identity of its own, it will be the model community for others to follow with places of work, playing, shopping, praying, learning and recreation all incorporated into one community (LDR, HNTB 2). With its open and park space, the Walsh ranch will also contribute to and enhance the ecological features of land, water and air (Walsh ranch). Walsh ranch aims to be a technologically smart community with investment protection and enhancement for ensuring a flourishing economy for the community at large (Walsh ranch). History of Walsh Ranch A piece of land rich in natural beauty and known for the Walsh family name, Walsh ranch, a cattle ranch has been at the centre of ranching operations for the Howard Walsh family for 60 years (LDR, HNTB 1). Mr. and Mrs. Walsh are known philanthropists in Fort Worth, with Walsh ranch now to be another example of their commitment and love of the community, traditions, and environment of Fort Worth (Walsh ranch). Purposes Served by the Walsh Ranch Mixed-use Community Walsh ranch will serve to strengthen the community by addressing the needs of the community and the people; it will aim at providing multiple sustainable solutions within one community (Walsh ranch). The project will focus at (Walsh ranch): Economic growth Expanding population needs Development of centres for multiple growth 1. Economic Growth Economic growth will be achieved through partnership with North Texas Commission and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, including other such organization which aim and can help in promotion of diverse economy (Walsh ranch). The mayor, Betsy Price is very enthusiastic about the project and calls it Fort Worth’s ‘next new development, which will be high tech and thoroughly planned’ (Fort Worth chamber). The development team along with the ERA (Economic Research Association), calculate that over time the community will actually generate real value which will be in excess of inflation, making it a real asset; fiscal impact charts show that fort worth will obtain consistent economic benefit from Walsh ranch (LDR, HNTB 17). In year 10 and onwards the net benefit is approximated to be $4.6 million and from that year onwards an approximate $21.6 million dollars is projected to be generated after project stabilization (LDR, HNTB 17). Ad Valorem taxes from Barnett Shale Mineral Rights will also lead to generating a positive economic impact on the community (LDR, HNTB 17). Property Tax from the Walsh Ranch residents will be collected form year 2 after the development period (Walsh ranch); with tax rates at $0.865/$100 for all property types, and 50 percent added for all personal property (LDR, HNTB 17). The project also allows easy and fast access to the major state I-20 and I-30 (LDR, HNTB 4). The integration of offices, businesses and schools into the community will leady to a diversified economic base for Fort Worth (Walsh ranch). Toby Ford, involved in the large scale development said that the project ahs a 30 year old development scenario and its planning reflects the ultimate goal of sustainability, ‘to respect and enhance the natural environmental features of the cross timbers region (Dunawayassociates). 2. Expanding Population Needs Walsh ranch aims at meeting the needs of an expanding population, with an anticipated and planned community; the project will reserve sites for future building of schools, institutions, facilities and other special buildings, with allocation of appropriate areas for the building of multi-family homes (LDR, HNTB 3). The sheer size of the project allows for the building of multiple types of residences; with 18,000 homes, housing more or about 44,600 people at its build-out and an estimated price of houses approximated to be more than $225,000 (LDR, HNTB 4). Walsh ranch is envisioned to be a place for people who want convenient living with no hassle of maintenance; also there is ensured convenience and affordability of housing in executive and managerial classes (Walsh Ranch). The buildings in Walsh ranch will follow the traditional Texas style of architecture in terms of residential and commercial buildings (Fortworthchamber). 3. Development of Centres for Multiple Growth Walsh ranch has been planned as such to support growth by minimizing its effects on the environment; with room for future development, alternate modes of transportation not only planned for but also have been made available; due to on-site planning for future utilization, infrastructure system delivery is not only economical but also environmentally friendly with reduced carbon emissions (LDR, HNTB 3). 2,400 acres of open green space is planned in the form of trails into Walsh Ranch, with most of the green spaces left to their original and natural state, and if need arises 16,000 trees in the Walsh ranch tree farm stand ready to be planted (Fortworthchamber). Plan of Walsh Ranch The basic plan of Walsh ranch; which takes into consideration not only the sustainable economic development but also its environmental impacts, includes the following (Walsh Ranch) Network of Transportation Transit Center Business/Employment Public and community facilities Parks and Open spaces Town center Residential facilities Utilities According to Fernando Costa, the plan for Walsh ranch is an incorporation of North Texas 2050’s 12 principles of sustainable development; diversity, growth efficiency, design for pedestrians, choice in housing, activity centers, ecological considerations, quality of places, mobility and resource efficiency, education, communities that are healthy and most importantly implementation (Fortworthchamber). Transportation System in Walsh Ranch Transportation innovative solutions in Walsh ranch include 5 interchanges and 20 ramps along the interstate frontage which runs along seven miles of Walsh ranch (Fortworthchamber). The beginning of work on the Walsh Ranch Parkway has lead to the letting of contracts for the construction of the I-30 interchange. The parkway is a six lane arterial that ensures the preservation of the ecology and natural environment and drainage (Fortworthchamber). Walsh Director of real estate, Stacey Jandrucko, said that travelling through this system leads one to a land of scenic beauty and relaxation, he also said that when one reaches its highest point, ‘you can see as far as the eye can see the vast expanse of vistas and natural beauty” (Fortworthchamber). Assistant city manager of Fort Worth, Costa Fernando regards the plan and development of the Walsh ranch project very highly. He said that, ‘Walsh ranch is pursuing sustainable development practices that avoid the kinds of problems commonly associated with suburban sprawl’, the application of mixed-use practice, according to him, is one of such practices in which, ‘developers locate different but complementary land uses within the same neighborhood to minimize the number and length of automobile trips’ (Fortworthchamber). Freeways I-20 and I-30, and a proposed new free way make up the freeway system of Walsh ranch; with 3 new and 2 revised interchanges and one new overpass for the already existing intersections (Walsh ranch). Roadways The recent most updating of the MTP (Master Thoroughfare Plan) of the city of Fort Worth consists of incorporation of arterials for the Walsh ranch development; with local and collector roadways to be built as development and construction of the project progresses (Walsh Ranch). Transit The planning team of Walsh ranch is working with the Fort Worth Transportation authority to design the Transit system needed by the project for the plan of the community does have allocated space for a transit center (LDR, HNTB 14). Utilities in Walsh Ranch The Walsh Ranch project provides with multiple utilities for its residents, ensuring the well being not only of the inhabitants but also the environment. Water Distribution System The water distribution system of Walsh ranch consists of three different pressure planes, due to the elevation range of the project; the three planes of water distribution will not only provide clean and adequate quantities of water to its residents but also the businesses in Walsh Ranch (LDR, HNTB 15). The system also includes a storm water management facility, which is intended to retain as much water as possible and also reduce the runoff of water in to the nearby creeks (Dunawayassociates). Brandon Middleton of Water Reclamation, says that with the estimated growth of the project in mind in the next several decades, water and its availability will be, ‘an ever growing concern’, Walsh ranch is encouraging sustainable growth in the area, with water resources increasing with the growth in Walsh ranch’s population, having a real impact on water resource sustainability (Dunawayassociates). Treatment of Raw Water Due to the large number of estimated inhabitants, the need for the treatment of raw water has been felt for which a 30 acre piece of land has been reserved for the installation of a water treatment plant (Walsh ranch). Collection of Waste Water The waste water that will be generated from residences, facilities (learning, business and recreational), will be carried and transported through trunk sanitary sewer mains, to the four sewer sheds and on to the waste water treatment plant (Walsh ranch). The Walsh ranch waste water collection system will comply in full with the city’s standards and guidelines (LDR, HNTB 15). Treatment of Waste Water Along with raw water treatment plans for the construction of, a new waste water treatment plant is also in place which is favored by the lesser costs and environmental effects (Walsh Ranch). Technological Utilities As part of the utilities provision, Walsh ranch aims at state of the art technology infrastructure which might include; telephone connections, internet connectivity, home and business community security (LDR, HNTB 15). ‘Citizen Comments’ at Walsh Ranch MUD Citizens Comments are included at every Walsh Ranch MUD (Municipal Utility District) meeting; which allows for the citizens to directly address the board members regarding any areas they see fit to be included or addressed in the plan which might not be part of the original Walsh ranch plan (Walshranchmud). Recommendations and Conclusion The Walsh Ranch project when completed will be a prime example of Sustainable economic development initiative. The project not only aims at providing for its residents but also considers for the environmental factors and encourages its preservation and further cultivation. The project though, should try and avoid encroachment into nearby established settlements like the Linda Vista Estates, for such communities often due to their affordability and convenience are prone to encroachment. The Walsh ranch with all its other utility provisions should also look into providing, medical facility, fire extinguishing facility and a library within the Walsh ranch area. Such initiatives will ensure the convenience and health of the community. References Dunawayassociates. “Walsh Ranch Master Planned Community, Sustainable Development Objectives.” Dunawayassociates. Dunawayassociates, 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2013 . Dunawayassociates. “Commentary on Sustainable Initiatives.” Dunawayassociates. Dunawayassociates, 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2013 . Fortworthchamber. “Walsh branding new future, Economic.” Fortworthchamber. Fortworthchamber, 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2013 . LDR & HNTB. “ A Vision for Walsh Ranch.” LDR & HNTB. LDR & HNTB, 2002. Web. 31 Jan. 2013. Nixon, J. “Conceptual Frameworks.” Sednetwork, 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2013 . Nixon, J. “Sustainable Economic Development Strategies.” Sednetwork, 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2013 . Nixon, J. “Best Practices.” Sednetwork, 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2013 . Walshranch. “introduction.” Walshranch. Walshranch, 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2013 . Walshranch. “Walsh Ranch Municipality Utility District.” Walshranch. Walshranch, 2013. Web. 31 Jan. 2013 . Read More