The Effectiveness of Greenbelts as Growth Management Strategies: A Study of Two Recently Implemented Projects in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Lexington, Kentucky

Abstract

Rapid growth in the rural areas surrounding many metropolitan areas is consuming farmland and open space at an alarming rate. In efforts to control and direct this sprawl local and state governments have employed various growth management techniques, including Urban Growth Boundaries, agricultural zoning, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs, Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) programs and greenbelt projects. Most of the current research has failed to determine the overall effectiveness of these different growth management strategies. In particular, there have been a limited number of studies on greenbelts and their success in controlling sprawl at the urban fringe of metropolitan areas. Therefore, the overall aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of greenbelts as growth management techniques and the possible benefits and drawbacks to using this strategy. Specifically, this study focuses on two recently implemented greenbelts in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Lexington, Kentucky. Data from this study was collected from numerous interviews with individuals involved in the creation and development of the Ann Arbor and Lexington greenbelts.