Guiding Concepts

The basic concept for future development of DuPont is rooted in what has worked in the past for other American small towns. Planners and writers label it new urbanism, neo-traditional, or traditional neighborhood design. Many towns that grew and developed from colonial times to the middle of this century are model places to live, work and play. These towns were developed prior to the intensive use of the automobile and were able to accommodate vehicles without destroying the pedestrian environment or the character of the community. Many of these towns also integrated natural green spaces into the town plan that provided accessible "breathing" room for the residents.

It is the desire of the City to build on similar principles. Our vision is to create a balanced, inclusive and planned community that provides a variety of opportunities for people to live, and work and play. Through a series of public meetings in early 2000, a list of guiding principles for community character were established and ranked into the following three groups: the highest of the high priorities, high priorities and medium high priorities. The City Council adopted the list in March 2000 and those principles were used in guiding the draft 2000 Plan.

The City envisions itself as a community where:

  • There is a balance of housing, jobs and services.
  • Neighborhoods are not isolated and have a distinct focal point and short walking connections to other neighborhoods, services, public features and jobs.
  • Streets are narrow to slow traffic and are designed so that traffic volumes in residential areas typically do not exceed 5-7,000 vehicles a day and traffic in commercial areas does not exceed two lane capacity.
  • Almost all residential and commercial development is compact, arranged along grid streets.
  • There is a broad range of housing opportunities mixed into neighborhoods.
  • Residential and commercial buildings are designed to a variety of styles from the 1900 – 1940's.
  • Housing density may be increased near the freeway for mass transit opportunities.
  • There is a single, diverse, lively, commercial area, which includes a major public space, retail, office, and residential use.
  • There is a sense of safety and people will find reasons to be outside, mingling on streets and greens.
  • There is a civic center containing government, recreational and cultural services.
  • Various uses are planned to fit and reinforce the basic community pattern and architectural style.
  • You feel oriented, can find and enjoy the commercial area, and the community's various parts including natural areas.
  • Environmentally sensitive areas are preserved.
  • Heritage of the early settlements (American Indian, Hudson Bay, and DuPont Company) is featured with development, not obscured.