Developing Guiding Tenets for Cumberland Region Tomorrow

In Report To The Region, Resource
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Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, Ashland City, Cheatham County

A Report to the Region, pg 12-13 – View the “Report to the Region”, PDF

Following the basic philosophy of CRT, that we can guide our growth by working together to develop new ideas, CRT held a series of public workshops in October 2001. More than 350 citizens worked together to capture ideas on how to grow while maintaining excellent quality of life standards in the Cumberland Region. Part of the workshops’ activity was to bring to light and discuss shared values of the region’s residents which would come to represent a set of guiding tenets for CRT’s future work and activities. When we discuss the future, we will try to consistently use these tenets to evaluate growth choices and consequences of decisions. Working together we can help decide whether our values can be retained or enhanced in the future. The tenets are intended to identify the reasons people enjoy living here, the things they would like to see changed, and the aspects they would like to retain as the region grows and develops.

Each of the following tenets is associated with data that has been analyzed in the public workshop process. CRT will utilize the guiding tenets as an objective measurement tool against which statistical data trends are compared. By comparing projected data with these guiding tenets, we can evaluate future conditions. This is called scenario modeling: creating virtual realities of the region—both as it is today and as it may be tomorrow—and evaluating the results.

These guiding tenets are not written in stone—they are an evolving set based on extensive public input. As more people read and think about regional growth, the guiding tenets will be refined. The guiding tenets will, however, provide a framework to assess the wisdom of land use decisions. CRT believes that the future success an livability of the Cumberland Region depend upon ou collectiv understanding of and agreement about these guiding tenets.

We recognize and support regional vision, collaboration and action as essential to maintaining and developing the region’s economic vitality, beauty and prosperity.
We value the land and open spaces of the Cumberland Region and recognize the economic, cultural and aesthetic importance of greenspace preservation.
We support the coordination of land use policy, regional transportation planning and investments, and greenspace preservation in framing responsible growth and development.
We support revitalization of main streets, town centers, existing neighborhoods and rural communities to retain their unique characteristics and economic vitality while keeping development concentrated around existing community centers.
We seek to preserve the region’s farmlands and strong agricultural heritage.
We support good stewardship practices that protect the environment including air and water, natural habitats, forests and open spaces.
We want all residents and communities to benefit from the region’s prosperity and to have equitable access to community services, good jobs, educational opportunities, quality housing, and sensible and efficient transportation options.
We support economic development, community development and land use that is in concert with housing, transportation and environmental considerations.
We value the diverse and differing views and perspectives of all residents of the region and seek to provide a venue for discussion, learning, and decision making.