New Shoreham Land Use


 

Developed Land

Roughly 1/3 of Block Island's land area is currently developed. High density development is concentrated in the Old Harbor Village area, with low to medium density residential development predominating elsewhere. (Philip Herr and Associates, 2001)

Development Map: The map to the right shows that despite Block Island's tremendous efforts at growth management development on the island is scattered throughout. This scattered, medium - low density development makes it extremely

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difficult to preserve large parcels of open space. Additionally, it provides the infrastructure that may encourage future unwanted development.


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Zoning: This pattern of land development (specified above) is perpetuated through current zoning regulations which limit the business district to the villiage area. Most of the remaining land area is zoned for 3 acre residential lots. All housing outside of the village district is required to follow stringent cluster zoning requirements. (New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan, 1994)

Buildout Potential: These 3 acre lots along with numerous "grandfathered" lots, and allowances for smaller lots slated for affordable housing leave the potential for approx. 1,500 new housing units in addition to the 1,400 existing units. (New Shoreham Comprehensive Plan, 1994, updated with info from the proposed revision of the Comprehensive Plan, 2001)

Click here for more information about residential growth.
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   last updated may 7, 2001