May 23, 2003—A jury formed by the Smart Growth Alliance (SGA) has recognized three development proposals as contributing land use, transportation and environmental advantages to the Washington, DC region.
The SGA is a coalition of five regional organizations: the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Metropolitan Washington Builders’ Council and ULI Washington (a district council of the Urban Land Institute). These organizations, some of which have held opposing views on growth issues, formed the alliance three years ago to research, identify and encourage land use, transportation and environmental policies and practices that support smart growth in the region.
The three proposals recognized by the SGA are a mixed-use project in Annapolis, Md., combining retail and residential space; a mixed-use project in Washington, D.C., including retail, hotel, office, and an intermodal transportation center; a mixed-use development of offices, market rate and affordable housing, and a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development combining retail, office space and apartments in the Rossyln-Ballston corridor of Arlington County, Va.
The proposals were selected in the fourth round of a recognition program announced by the SGA one year ago. Through the program, sponsored by Pepco, the alliance highlights “smart growth” development proposals to raise awareness among public officials, citizen groups and developers of the long- term benefits of well-designed, pedestrian-oriented projects that incorporate a variety of uses and reduce dependency on autos as the sole means of mobility.
SGA members are advised and supported by representatives of more than 70 organizations, including the public sector, universities, businesses, local foundations, and environmental and civic groups from throughout the region. The SGA views alternatives to single-use, auto-oriented design as critical in accommodating the area’s future population—now projected to rise by 1 million over the next 20 years.
Sam Black, chairman of the SGA jury and a partner in Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP in Washington, said the projects fulfilled the criteria set by the SGA for measuring project proposals. Applications were evaluated on their location; density, design and diversity of uses; transportation alternatives and opportunities; environmental resources and conservation efforts, and benefits to the overall community.
Each quarter, the Smart Growth Alliance will evaluate project proposals in the Washington area that are under review or subject to review by local government regulatory agencies. Those representing the best examples of smart growth will be publicized by the Alliance and highlighted by the Alliance during regular Alliance events. In addition, the Smart Growth Alliance plans other program initiatives, including a study of barriers and incentives to smart growth; and a recognition program for conservation initiatives.
For more information, contact the Smart Growth Alliance.
