The total area of Stark County is approximately 362,784 acres. Approximately 109,466 acres have been developed. The remaining 253,318 acres (69.8 percent) constitute agricultural lands, water bodies and undeveloped lands. The land uses that make up the developed areas are residential; commercial; industrial; transportation, communications, and utilities; parks and open space; and public areas. Changes in land use affect the distribution and nature of land cover. Additionally, any new development or conversion of green space will have environmental impacts such as: increased pollution, solid waste and storm water runoff.
Agriculture is the largest single land use in Stark County. Agriculture represents more than 40 percent of all land. However, build out and development into farm land continues to be of concern. Since 2002, Stark County has lost over 37 farms to development, representing over 7,000 acres of active farmland.
Residential is the largest use of developed land in the county. Residential land use has increased from slightly more than 12 percent of all acres in 1975 to more than 17 percent in 2004 and is projected to grow to more than 20 percent in 2030. The rate of increase in the percent of residential land use is faster than the rate of population growth, which can partly be attributed to low density, dispersed development patterns. A large portion of the growth is projected in Jackson and Lake Townships and extending into neighboring townships. There are some efforts, such as zoning and development regulations, lot size restrictions and availability of sewer lines, to mitigate and control sprawl when economic growth resumes.
The number of new divisions of property, platted lots and site plans processed through Stark County Regional Planning Commission has decreased significantly. Residential development has slowed due to the downturn in the economy and the foreclosure/housing crisis of the past few years. Vacant housing resulting from foreclosure also affects environmental health by increasing the incidence of dumping and vermin infestation in neighborhoods.
Stark County Regional Planning Commission |
|
