Residents and officials of La Plata have great ideas to keep their town vital, economically strong, and positioned for how Americans will live into the future.
They understand that today is a transformational time in both our region and country, and quality developments that combine housing and job spaces can improve the public’s quality of life while also increasing a region’s economic-development opportunities.
By applying traditional planning principles, towns can retain their charm, character and sense of community while also integrating mixed-use and more compact development patterns which are better for the environment.
The HUB project will help build and improve the county’s commercial base, centralize growth, and connect the northwest area of La Plata. But, more importantly, it will allow people who have long and expensive commutes outside of the area to work locally. A main purpose of The HUB is to provide shared office space and attract satellite offices for federal government agencies and contractors to this area.
The Town of La Plata and the public will be able to share ideas and goals for The HUB to help us explore how they can be addressed and implemented in the project.
Sprawl is out. Sustainability and smart growth are in. La Plata can be the place for better living, working, shopping, dining, interacting with the natural environment, and enjoying life.
Development Patterns in the U.S.
Development has long been an economic driver in the United States. The agrarian culture morphed into the industrial revolution, and soon people began moving to growing cities and then to outlying suburbs to live. Housing (based on residential investment and consumption spending) contributes between 15 and 18 percent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
But through the decades, issues surfaced. Big-box stores, cookie-cutter homes in major tract subdivisions, and unsightly sprawl began to change how Americans viewed some development. Today, we are living at the intersection of that reality: the prevailing interests of homebuyers, businesses, commuters, millennials and municipalities that want fresher thinking, charming neighborhoods, interesting workplaces, and better developments.
Now, La Plata has an opportunity to meet those interests in a way that benefits the town, but also the public good.
Why The HUB?
The HUB at La Plata is an innovative telecommunity and development proposed for a part of La Plata forecasted for growth. It represents decades of research and experts who want to build a sustainable community that will benefit the town, all of its citizens and residents.
Experts have taken multiple factors into account, including broadband already in existence on the site and different land-use elements. Plans address parking, venues for goods and services, beautiful landscaping, places to exercise, stream crossings and restoration, working and living spaces, walking-friendly radiuses, parks, and even a roof-top pool.
All of these showcase what a prosperous and forward-looking community can mean. The proposed HUB supports the town’s vision because it will connect separate parts of La Plata and attract workers, residents and shoppers who — instead of spending money and time outside the region — will be engaging in life here.