We are not alone!
Much of the country is suffering from ‘growing pains’. There are cities across the nation that have met the challenge, and found the answers.
Have you checked out the http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/ website?
In the past few years we’ve had studies and panels and commissions that have researched what, where, and how to develop the land inside the various Urban Growth Boundaries. We have spent a small fortune trying to figure out how to get started, as the clock ticks on. Meeting all the goals and targets set forth by the various entities involved begins to seem like an insurmountable task. How can we mesh residential, economic, transportation and ecological objectives so that the fine quality of environmentally friendly life we aspire to can be achieved? It can and has been done!
The fact is that communities all over the country…all over the world, are wrestling with the same challenges we face in attempting to build and develop in an entirely new way.
The result is that some cities have already addressed the issues we now face, made their starts, learned a few things along the way, and become part of a blossoming organization called Smart Growth America. Their conglomerate bundle of affiliated groups, and a few government agencies, form the Smart Growth Network (SGN), and Smart Growth America’s website is filled with ideas, case studies, resources, and information on design competitions, and grant programs.
There are numerous competitions, grants, and awards programs available for all aspects of achieving sustainable, balanced, and environmentally kind growth and development…. out there for the taking…and the knowledge. Can’t our UGB planners jump on this bandwagon?
I recommend you read through their list of Smart Growth Principals, and Issues. You’ll find they sound exactly like what citizens of our UGB’s are worried about. SmartGrowth.org keeps track of projects, programs and methods…. and assists in propelling the multi-layered concepts of sustainable, non-destructive development practices.
Santa Fe, NM held a Design Idea Competition, awarding $8,000 in prizes (plus the esteem and recognition!) for winning entries who sumitted innovative earth friendly ideas for urban renewal and expansion. Santa Fe intends to use some of these fresh insights from the competition results. (Seems like an inexpensive way to go, when compared with the cost of some of the prolonged studies, and salaries we’ve paid for in the past few years, doesn’t it?) If Metro really wants a “New Look”, maybe they should try something like this!
The American Institute of Architects has given numerous awards for outstanding green building developments to a number of completed projects & their designers, and are deeply vested in the future of green building & development.
I really like this one: “Aging in Place”…..a deep re-thinking of how to cope with, and give consideration to the rich resource of our aging population…Boomers if you will. The goal is to preserve quality of life and find cost effective ways to meet the needs of seniors, so that they may stay in their communities as they age…retaining the social, civic, and economic contributions of older adults. Imagine knowing that you will be able remain in your community as a contributing and respected member, residing in a fully legal accessory dwelling or apartment on a family member’s property, or affordable specially designed semi-assisted living units, where you can choose the level of support and independence you desire!
Santa Cruz, CA has made steps to allow accessory dwellings on land owners’ properties….and not just for seniors, but for service workers, police, civil workers and teachers who have been priced out of the housing market in recent years. Though some residents in our area would like the new UGB’s to be as elite as Santa Cruz became, you can see, in the long run, the whole community suffers. Balance and diversity is a must. Bend is a prime example of how escalating values can price service and support workers out of the area, forcing vital skilled employees to relocate when they can’t afford to live in the town they work in.
And the EPA is seeking those with “green building knowledge” to help set up model courses of study for communities, colleges and universities. The aim is to fast-track the incorporation of accredited classes dealing with green practices and smart growth…a hands-on, applied college course of study, with a forward looking view on how we can be responsible stewards of the earth.
For an impressive collection of ideas and resources regarding urban growth go to www.smartgrowthamerica.org , and while you are there download their free booklet called “This is Smart Growth”.
“The Smart Growth Network (SGN) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) are pleased to announce the availability of This Is Smart Growth. This new publication illustrates how communities can turn their visions, values, and aspirations into reality, using smart growth techniques to improve the quality of development. Thirty-two national organizations, representing the diverse interests of the SGN, have approved This Is Smart Growth.” Direct link to booklet: http://www.smartgrowthonlineaudio.org/pdf/TISG_2006_8-5x14.pdf
This just might help put your mind at ease about how future development in our area will go forward. It still seems however, that for us the hardest part is getting started.
Mary A. Tinkler - Real Estate Broker
Shattuck & Co. Real Estate, Inc.
Gresham, Oregon 503-663-6502
www,marytinkler.com
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