Town Hopes Smart Growth Plan Will Boost Economy

"Germantown's Mayor and Board of Aldermen on Monday will give a final reading to the proposed Smart Code - a drastic revision to the city's zoning codes."

"If approved, the new codes will shed the old principles of Germantown's commercial zoning, which prohibit mixed-use development and limit building height, and instead foster 'New Urbanism,' a city zoning concept that combines commercial, residential and retail space with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and intricate streetscapes."

"'We don't have a town square where you park your car in one area and walk around and you shop and stroll,' said Mike Palazzolo, city alderman and the bank president at Germantown's Landmark Community Bank. 'We wanted to come up with that kind of flair and concept.'"

"'We're almost to the stage of build out,' Palazzolo said. 'This is something that will be a long-term benefit to our community that will be far-reaching. It's going to help stabilize the tax base and give us sustainability.'"