in this issue · into landfills by maximizing recycling and composting and minimizing food waste....

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLANNINGA Publication of the Sustainable Communities Division of the American Planning Association

American Planning AssociationSustainable Communities Division

Summer 2017

Congratulations from the ChairBy Scott Turner, Scott D. Turner, PE, AICP, LEED AP ND

Congratulations SCD!! Once again we had a strong presence at the National Planning Conference May 6-9 in New York City offering great sessions for our members and APA. Sunday morning we had a very well attended business meeting. Monday was an excellent day for the Division. We had

our By-Right session featuring speakers discussing the role of technology in planning, consistent with the Smart Cities Initiative. Following the By-Right session, the Division held its Facilitated Discussion which included a discussion of sus-tainability programs at the local level throughout the United States. Monday evening we hosted our panel and reception entitled a “Night of Resilience”. The event was completely sold out and has received great compliments from all who attended. Tuesday morning the Division was awarded three Division Council Awards including Best Practice, Overall Performance, and the Terry F. Holzheimer Leadership Awards. Thank you to all of our Division members who at-tended the conference and participated in the Division events as well as Division leaders who worked so hard to ensure that our conference activities ran so well!

Recap of Conference ActivitiesBusiness Meeting

Sunday morning we had our annual business meeting. During the meeting we acknowledged our current and former volunteers, provided updates on memberships, and sponsors, gave overviews of our Champions program, Smart Cities Initiative, Communications and Outreach, and Educational opportunities. We gave an overview of our plans for the remainder of 2017, including revising our bylaws, working on our strategic plan, a member survey, and the election of a new chair. We had approximately 25 members attend the business meeting.

In This Issue1 �� Congratulations from the Chair & Recap of Conference

Activities2 �� Sustainable Communities Division Honored at

Planning Conference4 �� Volunteer Profile: Anna Barchick-Suter 5 �� Winners of the Fourth Annual Awards for Excellence

in Sustainability

Facilitated Discussion

The Division’s Facilitated Discussion on Monday morning was led by George Homsy from the State University of New York – Binghamton and Scott Turner, the Chair of the Sustainable Communities Division. An overview of the International City/County Management Association 2015 Local Government Sustainability Practices Survey Report was given regarding local sustainability practices throughout the United States. Attendees broke into groups of 8-10 to discuss local sustainability measures regarding local energy conservation measures, water management, and measurement of sustainability measures. The session ended with report outs from each group.

By-Right Session

The Division’s By-Right Session, entitled “New Technologies to Transform Urban Design,” focused on Smart Cities Technologies. Speakers included David Fields from Nelson Nygard who spoke about Autonomous Vehicle Technology, Alicia Daniels Uhlig from the Living Futures Institute who spoke regarding Net Zero communities, and Nancy Clanton, President of Clanton Associ-ates, who discussed Smart lighting in Urban areas. The session was moderated by Doug Farr, founder of Farr Associates. It was a highly informative session that was consistent with our Divisions work on the Smart Cities Initiative.

Reception – Night of Resilience

Monday night was the highlight of Division’s activities at the con-ference as we hosted a sold-out ‘Night of Resilience’ at the NYU Law School. The Division partnered with the Hazard Mitgation and Disaster Recovery (HMDR) Division as well as ReBuild

Continued on Page 2

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PLANNINGA publication of the APA Sustainable Communities Division

Summer 2017

APA SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES DIVISIONSummer 2017

Executive CommitteeChair: Scott Turner Secretary-Treasurer: Merrill St. Leger Communications Chair: Andrew Parish Policy & Leadership Chair: Anne Miller Past Secretary-Treasurer: Jenny Koch

CoordinatorsE-Bulletin: Anna Barchick-SuterPublications Design & Webmaster: Yuqi Wang Social Media: Lisa Nisenson and Kevin Cook Sustainability Champions: Anne Miller Smart Cities & Sustainability: Matt Bucchin Divisions Council Liason: Rob KernsPlanning Conference: Karla Ebenbach

[email protected]/apa-scdtwitter.com/apascdwww.facebook.com/apascdapascd.wordpress.com

Copyright © 2017 by the American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division

Sustainable Communities Division Honored at Planning ConferenceThe hard work of Division volunteers was recognized by APA at the National Planning Conference in New York. We received three Division Achievement Awards: The Best Practices award, the Overall Perfor-mance award, and the Terry F. Holzheimer, FAICP Leadership Award (in conjunction with the Technology Division). Additional information about these awards is provided below and at the links provided.

Best Practices AwardThe 2017 Division Achievement Award Winner for the Best Practices category is the Sustainable Communities Division. This report details how the Division created a unique event to engage members, planners, the local co3mmunity, and allied professionals. It provides an explana-tion of the origins of the event and the reasons why it's a best practice, pictures from the event, and actual survey responses from attendees, which were filled out after the event.

Overall PerformanceThe 2017 Division Achievement Award Winner in the Overall Perfor-mance category is the Sustainable Communities Division. This report highlights the Division's successes and how its programs and initiatives have created that success.

Terry F. Holzheimer, FAICP Leadership AwardThe Terry F. Holzheimer, FAICP Leadership Award is bestowed by the DCEC on an annual basis to an individual APA division member or an APA division that embodies the passion, commitment and leadership reminiscent of Terry F. Holzheimer, FAICP, APA Divisions Council Chair, 2008-2012. The award recognizes exemplary service to divisions, division initiatives, and APA.

by Design and the Pratt Institute. The evening began with a panel discussion moderated by Ron Shiffman of the Pratt Institute. Speakers included Amy Chester, the Executive Director of Rebuild by Design, Gita Nandan from Resilient Red Hook, and Jessica Colon, Senior Policy Advisor for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency. (This session provided 1.5 CM cred) All three speakers gave insightful perspectives on the impacts of Superstorm Sandy as well as climate change resilience strategies that are being incorporated in the New York City area. Following the panel discussion, five organizations received Awards for Excellence in Sustainability. This represents the Division’s Fourth Annual Awards. We also recognized our Student Essay Contest Winner. APA recognized communities participating in the Sustaining Places for Comprehensive Plans program, and special recognitions were made for Jim Schwab, APA’s retiring Research Direc-tor and Jenny Koch, SCD’s past Secretary Treasurer. The night ended with a great social hour. SCD has received outstanding kudos from many in attendance.

mailto:[email protected]

http://linkd.in/apa-scd

http://twitter.com/apascd

http://www.facebook.com/apascd

http://apascd.wordpress.com/

https://planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/document/DC-Awards-Best-Practice-Sustainable-Communities-2017.pdf

https://planning-org-uploaded-media.s3.amazonaws.com/document/DC-Awards-Overall-Performance-Sustainable-Communities-2017.pdf


Summer 2017

GREEN ROOFS

LOW MEDIUM HIGH

STRATEGIES Provide incentives so that 45% of all new construction can provide green roofs.

Provide incentives sothat 60% of all new construction can provide green roofs.

Provide incentives so that 75% of all new construction can provide green roofs.

TARGETS Provide green roof totaling 2.5% of OTN total area (5acres).

Provide green roofs totaling 3.0% of OTN total area (6 acres).

Provide green roofs totaling 3.5% of OTN total area (7 acres).

Potential Green Roofs

Future development areas to include potential green roofs

Potomac River

SmithGroupJJR is an interdisciplinary team of professionals committed to developing impactful, community-based solutions to help build the future of our cities. We bring together urban designers, planners, architects, landscape architects, engineers and environmental scientists who strive for a holistic balance of economic, ecological, and social sustainability. The results go beyond the individual project to forge broader community connections, and to inspire a more rooted experience of place.

Old Town North EcoDistrict, Alexandria, VirginiaThe Old Town North EcoDistrict plan for Alexandria, Virginia exemplifies the benefits of this interdisciplinary approach. Anticipating a significant increase in neighborhood development over the next 25 years, community members expressed a strong desire to achieve high levels of sustainability in conjunction with that growth. SmithGroupJJR worked with the City to develop a comprehensive framework for accelerating sustainable neighborhood development. The study synthesizes district-scale targets and strategies for reducing energy and water consumption, carbon emissions, and stormwater and pollutant runoff. It also documents potential sea level rise impacts, and provides recommendations for increasing tree cover and natural habitat. It’s an approach that embodies what urban planning and design must be in the urban century: aspirational, forward-looking, and committed to making a difference.

Division Sponsor

Division Sponsor


Summer 2017

Volunteer Profile: Anna Barchick-Suter Anna Barchick-Suter is an urban planner who works for Downtown Toledo Improvement District in Toledo, Ohio. Fancying herself a multi-faceted individual, she also loves sustainability, data, and history. She's been writing the SCD e-bulletin since February 2017.

Why do you volunteer your time with APA-SCD?

I've had an interest in sustainability since beginning my undergraduate planning program; however, my coursework involved limited classes on the topic. Similarly, my current position isn't sustainability focused. Volunteering with APA-SCD keeps me in the loop and allows me to support a cause I believe in.

If you could implement one national policy, what would it be?

I would implement a policy that decreases what's going into landfills by maximizing recycling and composting and minimizing food waste. The EPA estimates that, in some cases, 70% of recyclable materials are ending up in landfills. The USDA estimates that 30-40% of the food supply is wasted. I realize this would be an ambitious policy, and, not being a policy expert, I’d need to pass around a suggestion box for advice!

What is your favorite place to spend free time?

I love walking my dogs. My family always had dogs grow-ing up, and walking is a big part of how we spend time together. I've become so used to walking with my dogs that I feel a bit purposeless if I'm walking without them. How do I walk myself ?

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I'd choose to be able to speak and understand all languages.

What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood?

I live in the historic district of a now very suburban com-munity. Being in the original town, I'm lucky to have a lot of amenities within walking and biking distance - both in my own town and in the neighboring town across the river. The historic district also offers me an opportunity to read up on the history of my surroundings and go wander to connect readings with present-day reality.

The building and development of sustainable projects, including energy efficiency, renewable and alternative energy, green building, smart growth, water resources, and preservation of natural resources is the issue of our generation. Our Sustainability Group is an interdisciplinary cross-practice group of lawyers focused on assisting clients with legal issues related to the many facets of sustainability by leveraging our firm experience, knowledge, and creativity.

Contact: Karla L. Chaffee | 617.557.5956 | [email protected] Jerome L. Garciano | 617.557.5944 | [email protected] & Cole llp

Attorney Advertising

For information on the firm’s Sustainability Group, please visit www.rc.com. Join the R+C Sustainability Practice Center LinkedIn Group and contribute to conversations that aim to benefit an environmentally sustainable future.

Division Sponsor


Summer 2017

Winners of the Fourth Annual Awards for Excellence in SustainabilityThe Sustainable Communities Division announced the fourth annual Awards for Excellence in Sustainability at the National Planning Conference in New York City. The awards honor project, plans, policies, individuals, and organi-zations whose work is dedicated to supporting and growing sustainable communities. The SCD supports planners who are committed to planning for sustainable communities by integrating all aspects of sustainability into their work through the combined economic, social, and ecological factors that shape communities.

The winners represent extraordinary achievements in five Sustainable Planning categories.

Sustainability or Resiliency Plan or Project:The Millvale Ecodistrict Pivot Plan integrates placemak-ing and sustainability priorities for a town striving to make its Ecodistrict status part of its identity and culture, not just its infrastructure. evolveEA worked closely with its partners and the members of the Millvale community, who were active in the process and determined to see their vision to completion. One project resulting from this effort is the recently renovated Town Center and Food Hub for Millvale’s business district. The project is opening in a reused building this year to house offices, a food-based business incubator and a café at street level.

Committed to delivering sustainability services that

strengthen communities and positively impact the quality of life

Proudly sponsoringthe APA Sustainable Communities Division

www.dewberry.com

LEED® Gold Certified Alexandria Police Headquarters | Alexandria, Virginia

Division Sponsor


Summer 2017

Division Sponsor

Sustainable Urban Design Plan or Development Project: City of Austin Planning and Zoning Department Urban Design Division, South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan (Austin, TX)

The impoundment of the Colorado River and the creation of Lady Bird Lake, in 1960, led to rapid, discon-nected, and unfocused development of the newly emerged lands. The area is now ripe for redevelopment. To guide this redevelopment, the City of Austin launched a small-area planning initia-tive in 2012 and commenced work through the City’s Urban Design Division. Capping a four year effort, the Urban Design Division completed the South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan to provide a vision-ary yet financially feasible roadmap for transforming this 118 acre district into a new model for sustainable urban redevelopment. In June of 2016, the Austin City Council adopted the Plan as an amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan.


Summer 2017

Sustainable Transportation Project: HDR, Kansas City Downtown Streetcar (Kansas City, MO)

The Kansas City Street, which opened in 2016, is a great example of a project that is both completed in a sustainable manner and provides lasting sustainable benefits. Among the fastest federally-funded streetcar projects ever com-pleted, KC Streetcar moved swiftly from initial planning to revenue service in about five years. The streetcar is free to ride, and will continue to be free to ride in part because the Transportation Development District — the special benefit district established around the route — was uniquely struc-tured to not only fund the project’s construction, but also to continue to sustainably fund its operation for the next 20 years. The Jackson County Court recently granted a request for a new TDD approval process to move forward, with formation, director, and revenue elections to be completed by August 2017.

Sustainable Park, Recreation, or Open Space Project: The Conservation Fund, Lindsay Street Park (Atlanta, GA)

Lindsay Street Park is an exceptional example of how parks and greenspaces can provide in-novative solutions for some of America’s most challenging urban issues. This community-driven process emphasizes the importance of local knowledge and the needs of those that have been traditionally the most affected by environmental degradation and injustices. The Conservation Fund and its partners developed a model that can be replicated to create healthier, more sustainable cities that support robust ecosystems and robust economies. From stormwater mitigation, to job training, to safe places to run and play, this project provides numerous benefits to the local community and has become a model for park development.


Summer 2017

Leadership in Sustainability: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Division of Neighborhood Revitaliza-tion, Maryland Sustainable Communities Program (Baltimore, MD)

With 75% of its municipalities incorporated more than 100 years ago, Maryland recognized the need to strengthen existing communities by incentivizing reinvestment, revitalization and infill development and mitigate the detrimental long-term economic and environmental costs of sprawl development. Through The Maryland Sustainable Communities Program, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Neighborhood Revitalization has led collaborations among various state agencies, facilitated sustainability planning among local govern-ments, and invested in capital projects that support sustainable development. 103 urban, suburban and rural communities across Maryland are designated (at least one Sustainable Community in every County in Mary-land), and have demonstrated an interest and commit-ment to sustainability, reinvestment and revitalization through the Sustainable Communities application process.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, an international network of local community leaders, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities and cities.

LEED certification is changing the way we think about how buildings and communities are planned, constructed, maintained and operated. Leaders around the world have made LEED the most widely used third-party verification for green buildings, with around 2.2 million square feet being certified daily.

From hotels to healthcare to entire cities, LEED is everywhere you look. In just under 20 years, LEED revolutionized the green building marketplace, becoming the international standard for the design, construction and operation of high-performance structures.

For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Division Sponsor


Summer 2017

www.halff.com

Halff Associates, Inc. is a full-service interdisciplinary provider of planning, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, environmental, right-of-way, surveying, and information technology services for public and private sector clients. Our Planning and Landscape Architecture practice focuses on developing smarter solutions for jurisdiction-wide comprehensive, downtown, neighborhood, park, corridor, active transportation, and trail master plans, as well as land development codes. We also provide client-centered design solutions for park, trail, nature center, and streetscape projects; private land development; and other urban design projects. We encourage and guide our clients to consider sustainability as an important factor in creating and developing projects that take into account the well-being of people, economic stability, and environmental integrity. Our goal is to design projects that use energy and resources sustainably, at a rate that does not compromise the natural environment or the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

PLANNERS | DESIGNERS | ENGINEERS

Nitsch Engineering is performing a watershed-based assessment of green infrastructure opportunities in a mixed-density Boston neighborhood. Located within the greater Charles River watershed, the Canterbury Brook watershed has a mix of residential, commer-cial, and open space uses that is representative of other parts of the City. The goal is to develop an implementable green infrastructure plan to bring the watershed into compliance with the Charles River Total Maximum Daily Load for phosphorus (65% reduction) using green infrastructure strategies on private and public parcels and road right-of-ways, and implementing pond and stream restoration techniques.

The proposed strategies include widespread applications of bioreten-tion basins, subsurface storage and infiltration, and porous pavement that are adaptable to meet the constraints of an urban area. Through thoughtful site selection that includes public schools, housing developments, and parks, the project team is striving to achieve additional community benefits including increased green space and public education on water quality issues.

Learn more about Nitsch Engineering at www.nitscheng.com.

Division Sponsor

Division Sponsor

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