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<br /> <br />A green space plan from <br />Silver Spring, Maryland. <br />Providing access and views to <br />green space improves mental <br />health. Ramsey scores high <br />in this area given the semi~ <br />rural nature of most residenthal <br />lots. <br /> <br />Mental Health <br /> <br />H IA TH RESHOLD <br /> <br />Within the threshold analysis framework, a key component to mQntal health <br />assessment is determining the accessibility to green spaces within a <br />community. Seven points are awarded If a majority of streets are line with <br />trees; OR there are several pocket parks or larger around major employment <br />and residential areas; OR there are views of green from the windows of most <br />housing/work locations. <br /> <br />CURRENT ACHEIVEMENT <br /> <br />(TOTAL PO I NTS=7) <br /> <br />Within Ramsey, almost half of the residential housing units are located on large <br />lots (1+ acre lots). Therefore.. It is assumed that these lots would provide <br />adequate access to green spaces in the form of natural woods areas and <br />significant lawn and yard spaces. However, the remaining half of residential <br />housing units is located within relatively new housing developments. While <br />some of these units have iiIlCc:eSSto parks, wetlands, and natLlrllll forlilsUj the <br />majority rely on plantlt1gs and landscepins that Is relatively young, like the <br />housing stock within the neighborhood. <br /> <br />Furthermore, based on a comparison of canopy cover In relation to Ramsey's <br />street centerline file, It was found that 39 percent of the street centerline miles <br />intersect with the canopy-cover shapefile (See Figure #6). While not meeting <br />the threshold of "majority of streets are lined with streets" this percentage is <br />relatively high given the amount of new streets with small, non-canopy trees in <br />the City. <br /> <br />RAMSEY'S GOAL <br /> <br />It 1$ expected that additional green space will be added through the normal <br />course of development, Including through the Park Trust Fund, the trail <br />development fund/the construction of park and trail facilities, and normal <br />landscaping. It is Ramsey's goal to ~rovide tree canopy along over 50% of <br />street centerline:; ilInd to Incorporate a vlewshed analysis Into the design review <br />process for new develOpment to ensure .that a majority of building occupants <br />have a view to green space. Ramsey's goal is to keep at least a majority of <br />streets lined with trees. <br /> <br />15 <br /> <br />-118- <br />