|
Smart Growth
"Smart Growth" a hot topic for local and regional government,
planners, developers, and environmentalists.
What is Smart Growth?
The term "Smart Growth" is a planning concept that has
livability and sustainability as its major tenets, and is the antithesis
of unfettered sprawl evidenced though too much of the 21st Century
American landscape. Livability of a place refers to qualities of
safety, convenience, attractiveness, and affordability. Sustainability
refers to the long-term viability of a community with respect to
environmental, social, and economic health. In effect, smart growth
is defined by communities themselves at the local and regional levels.
To achieve smart growth, communities can promote mixed land use,
create a range of housing options, foster walkable neighborhoods,
and work with and build upon existing environmental, social, and
economic assets in the community. Examples of projects that might
be part of smart growth initiatives include brownfield redevelopment,
reworking existing structures, waterfront parks, bicycle paths,
and efficient public transportation. While various conceptions of
smart growth may emphasize particular elements livability and sustainability
such as open space preservation or increased density and affordable
housing, the aim is for tangible outcomes that increase the quality
of life for everyone.
Smart Growth in Practice
 |
Fiesta Solar Café (before)
in Brentwood, New York
Photo by Chrisina Hamm |
A local example of smart growth in practice can be seen in the
Fiesta Solar Café project on the Village Green in Brentwood,
New York. The project site is the former Brentwood Railroad Station.
The building itself is an architecturally significant structure
built in 1908 that has been vacant since 1988 when a new Railroad
Station building was established nearby. The building and surrounding
area have been rejuvenated through a truly private-public partnership
that exemplifies smart growth. The café is collaboration
involving Chris Castro of the Fiesta Bakery Corporation and the
Solar Community volunteer organization, the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority, the Town of Islip, and the New York State Department
of Transportation through an Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act (ISTEA) grant. Of note, the Fiesta Solar Café has also
taken advantage of the Long Island Power Authority’s Solar
Pioneer rebate program by installing a solar roof with photo voltaic
panels — using energy from the sun to power the café!
 |
Fiesta Solar Café in
(in progress) in Brentwood, New York
Photo by Chris Castro |
The site of the Fiesta Solar Café project is the historical
and geographical center of downtown Brentwood. This project complements
other nearby businesses in the area. The transformation of this
site and increased Village Green activity will help promote the
needed activity to reinforce and revitalize downtown Brentwood.
|
