Cape Cod's unique natural resources have made it an increasingly popular seasonal destination. The year-round population of 215,000 people often triples in the summer months, contributing to a thriving seasonal economy. In response to overwhelming development in the region, the Cape Cod Commission was established in 1990 and charged with preparing a Regional Policy Plan.
The 2018 Plan guides growth in a way that preserves the natural resources and historic character of Cape Cod, while focusing new growth and redevelopment into centers of activity. To promote appropriate and context-sensitive development, the plan characterizes and illustrates placetypes in a 3D environment using Esri CityEngine. Each placetype represents actual development patterns and places found on Cape Cod. Leveraging locally available data combined with ArcGIS Business Analyst data, the Commission performed a comprehensive GIS analysis of community activity, business activity, and physical form to identify existing centers appropriate for additional density and development resulting in the designation of Community Activity Centers.
The approach and geographically defined areas are described and provided to stakeholders using Esri Story Map Journal. The identification of activity centers paves the way for infrastructure planning and investment consistent with regional goals and policies, reflects the sensitivity of regional natural resources, and supports economic development in locations where it can be sustained. Map-based scenario planning applications help analyze future development scenarios and their local and regional impacts. The Regional Policy Plan provides the tools the region needs to keep a special place special and frames the future of Cape Cod.
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