SMART GROWTHBY GAGE CHASE

What is it?

Smart Growth - Planned economic and community development that attempts to curb urban sprawl and worsening environmental conditions.

The Ten Principles Mix land uses Take advantage of compact building design Create a range of housing opportunities and choices Create walkable neighborhoods Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of

place Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical

environmental areas Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities Provide a variety of transportation choices Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in

development decisions

Mix Land Uses

Locating different uses within close proximity allows alternatives to the automobile such as walking or biking.

Mixing housing types creates a diverse community.

It also allows self employed business owners to live at or near their business. (live/work units)

Mix Land Uses The Kentlands is a Traditional Neighborhood Development, 27

miles northwest of the nation’s capital. Besides live/work units, the Kentlands includes houses, cottages, townhouses, apartments, and a town center.

Compact Building Design

Allows for a smaller city making transportation much more efficient.

Promotes walking. Preserves land and allows for more

open space. Eliminates excessive water drainage

and leaves for more land to absorb water.

Range of Housing

Offering a range of housing assures that anyone can find a living space inside the community.

It also creates a diverse community. And allows everyone to have access to

transportation and other services that they may need.

Walkability

Making a community walkable prevents congestion caused by cars.

It also makes the community suitable for someone who doesn’t drive or can not afford a car.

Less cars also means less pollution and a smaller environmental impact.

Attractive Communities

Preserving

natural and built

features of

communities

creates a distinct

feel. It also helps to distinguish the

boundaries of different neighborhoods, towns, and regions.

Preserve Nature

Open space provides an area for people to relax or an area of recreation.

It also leaves

room for plants

and animals that

are important to

the area.

Direct Towards Existing

Focusing on existing areas allows us to preserve what hasn’t already been destroyed.(i.e. land)

Existing areas already have the tax base and existing infrastructure.

Focus can be put on the inner developed area instead of destroying what may be possible to preserve on the edges.

Variety of Transportation

A variety of transportation promotes different methods of travel.

It also lessens auto congestion. And allows the desired diversity inside

the community because different people travel different ways.

A better connection between land uses means a better economy.

Predictable, Fair, and Cost Effective People don’t want to live in a city if they

feel like they have no control. Being sure that your developments

make sense and are cost effective will promote involvement and investment.

Relationships between

developers, residents,

and government agencies

will strengthen.

Encourage Collaboration

Strong relationships will create collaboration amongst different groups important to development.

Encouraging collaboration will get enough people involved in the design and development process to ensure that the development is wanted.

In turn, people will like where they live.