Expansion in your town (Zoning)
Developed by: Pam Goyette, UMF; Bob Bums, Fryeburg Academy; Rick Benoit, Oxford Hills Mddle School; Kristin Dresser, UMF; Jodi Peabody, Houlton High School; Misty Mack, UMF

Grade Level: 5-8

The MLR performance indicators listed below are for illustrative purposes. Depending on the focus of the lessons as developed by individual teachers, these indicators may or may not be addressed. Conversely this is not a definitive listing of all of the performance indicators which could be addressed in this lesson.

MLR - Middle Grades: Social Studies: (Civic A - 2,3,4,  C - 3,4); (Geography A - 2,3); (Economics A - 3); Language Arts:   (Research H -1,2,6, 9); (Stylistic G - 3-8, 10)

Task Description

The problem is presented to the students, whether a proposed move by a potential large employer should be allowed in a residential neighborhood. Students will have to research the present situation in the neighborhood, the status of the area, and the possible changes that could be made. Student discussion would follow, at the classroom level. The ramifications of each possible choice should be presented. Students might be asked to make a recommendation to the appropriate agency, or town board as a follow-up to the classroom work.

Student Products/Performances

After researching pros and cons, students will conclude whether the MBNA move to Rockland is beneficial to the city if the building were located on the site currently zoned residential.

Resources

Student-generated questionnaires, guest speaker--a municipal official, inquiries of neighboring towns, attend a city council or selectmen's meeting when the topic is on the agenda.

Call Center: original scenario as presented by Richard Michaud, City Manager, Rockland

Growth and Rural Areas: What it Means for Your Town, Maine Townsman, March 1990

Comprehensive Plans and Zoning Ordinances, "Legal Note," Maine Townsman, March 1991

Rules for the Conduct of Public Hearings, Planning Board, Town of Standish, Maine

Tax Increment Financing, one tax incentive program for economic development that is available to all Maine local governments, from Maine Townsman, January 1997

Job descriptions:
       Town Planner
        Zoning Administrator

Statutes and Ordinances Which Control Land Use and Which May Affect the Planning Board's Responsibilities, from MMA's Handbook for Local Planning Boards: A Legal Perspective, August 1982

Ordinances:
        Minimum Lot Size Ordinance, Town of Belgrade, Maine
        Site Review Ordinance, Town of Farmington, Maine

Additional resources:
      Maine Department of Economic and Community Development
        Business & Economic Development Links to Maine: buymaine.com

Criteria for Evaluating Quality of Product or Performance

Observation of research methods, communication skills, use of knowledge, depth of understanding, use of newspaper articles, and discussion. Possible outgrowths could include letters written to the city council, local newspaper editorials, or oral presentations to the council.