A total of 72,000 acres, or 113 square miles, was selected for development. This results in a density of less than one unit per acre (approximately 0.8 units per acre) for the projected 2060 population in the newly developed area.

Chip Game Discussion and New Issues:

Committee members had a lengthy discussion and identified many new issues resulting from the outcome of the Chip Game. 

• The existing road network will not adequately serve the new development; new roads will be needed, resulting in increased capital costs to the County.
• The growth, as depicted by the Chip Game, will increase fire and emergency response time, decreasing the protection and coverage provided by the current fire and emergency services.
• The results of the Chip Game represent a pattern of urban sprawl.
• There is no infrastructure currently in place to support the growth represented by the Chip Game
• The existing hunting leases will be disturbed by the growth represented by the Chip Game.

The Chip Game map does not address any of the key Development Patterns Issues previously identified by the Committee and the Task Force, including:

• Retain and maintain hunting and fishing/outdoor recreation opportunities for residents
• Taylor County needs a zoning map and/or design standards/controls
• Provide public access to water resources
• Recreate Perry as the authentic urban center of Taylor County
• Keep parts of the County rural and create development centers (urban clusters or town centers)
• Collect impact fees to fund public improvements. Make sure that infrastructure is in place before development occurs
• Can low density development support the needed infrastructure, such as hospitals, fire and emergency response, social needs, schools, etc?
• Partner with the State to enhance public access and amenities on the Public lands; pressure the state for recreational planning funds;
• Designate an industrial park for non-residential land use;
• Designate an area for higher educational and/or non-profit organization use.  A location for a community college should be considered;
• Promote eco-tourism opportunities in the public lands;
• Consider a Rural Land Stewardship or Transfer of Development Rights program to create “sending areas” designated for conservation and “receiving areas” designated for development.

Dan Simmons provided an overview of the Development Patterns Committee Issues and methodology to the entire group.

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