Expansion in your town (Zoning)
Developed by: Matt Keister, Averill High School; Craig Suttie, Averill High School; Warren Cossette, Wiscassett High School

Grade Level: 9-12

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 - Secondary Grades: Social Studies: (Civics A - 2, B - 2,4, C - 6), (Geography A - 1,2,3); Language Arts:  (Stylistic G-3,4,5,6,7,8,10), (Research H-1,3,4,7,9,10,11,12)

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. Students would be asked to weigh the quality of life in Rockland after the construction of the MBNA computer complex vs. retaining an urban residential environment. Students would have to define quality of life (what they feel are the key components of living in Rockland). Questions to be asked in class could include:

What do students feel makes Rockland or any town a quality place to live?
Will MBNA change this for better or worse?
What economic benefits will be gained or lost by MBNA's arrival?
What kind of economic plan should be made for the future if MBNA leaves?

In order to answer these and other questions, students would be placed in groups (planners, residents, MBNA, city council) and a town meeting could be simulated. 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 conduct a simulated hearing in order to decide whether the MBNA move to Rockland is beneficial to the city if the building were located on the site currently zoned residential. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the hearing process through their role playing as members of affected groups. Students could also devise their own zoning plan as an alternative.

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

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

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

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

Mobile Homes Parks Law: How It Affects Communities, from Maine Townsman, December 1989

Negotiations or Impact Fees?, from Maine Townsman, April 1989

Ordinances:

Minimum Lot Size Ordinance, Town of Belgrade, Maine
Site Review Ordinance, Town of Farmington, Maine
Sample Permit

Suggested problems to present to the Planning Board

Additional resources:

Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

Business & Economic Development Links to Maine: Maine & Company, Maine Business Works

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. Appropriate behavior at the hearing should also be observed. Possible outgrowths could include letters written to the city council, local newspaper editorials, or oral presentations to the council.