Everything's Coming Up Rosemont

Build Places Where People Don't Need to Drive and Save the Planet

That's the conclusion of a major research project co-sponsored by the Urban Land Institute, the National Center for Smart Growth, Smart Growth America and the Center for Clean Air Policy. The just released report and book, checking in at a massive 172 pages and entitled Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change is a comprehensive review of dozens of studies that conclude that urban development is both a key contributor to climate change and an essential factor - when done right - in combating it.

Curbing emission from cars depends on improved vehicle efficiency, cleaner fuels, and a reduction in driving according to the report. It goes on to say that one of the best way to reduce vehicle miles traveled is to build places where people can accomplish more with less driving. The report documents that persons who live in compact urban neighborhoods, where cars are not the only transportation option, drive a third fewer miles than those in the auto-oriented suburbs.

The book shares market research that shows a majority of future housing demand lies in smaller homes and lots, townhouses, and condos where jobs and activities are close by. With real estate projections showing that two thirds of development expected to be here in 2050 isn't built yet, there's still potential to get this right. And the book acts a primer on how to make green neighborhoods more available and more affordable. It also makes recommendations for shifting government regulations, spending and policies away from favoring sprawling, auto-dependant growth towards green, transit-oriented smart-growth.

"Clearly, the development industry has a key role in the search for solutions to offset the impact of climate change," said ULI Senior Resident Fellow William H. Hudnut, III, former mayor of Indianapolis. "Whether close-in or in suburbs, well-planned communities give residents the option to walk, bike or take transit to nearby shopping, retail and entertainment. Being able to spend less time behind the wheel will benefit our health, our pocketbooks and the environment."

The findings show that people who move into compact, “green neighborhoods” are making as big a contribution to fighting global warming as those who buy the most efficient hybrid vehicles, but remain in car-dependent areas.

What does this mean for us here in Alexandria? It means we should support higher density mixed-use development. Especially near our Metrorail stations and transit corridors. We can start by attending the City's Braddock Metro Neighborhood Study meetings and advocating for proper urban densities that should go near the Braddock Road Metro Station. Too many people would be happy with a sea of town houses and that's not right. The workshops on Tuesday, October 16 and Saturday, October 20.

That's the conclusion of a major research project co-sponsored by the Urban Land Institute, the National Center for Smart Growth, Smart Growth America and the Center for Clean Air Policy. The just released report and book, checking in at a massive 172 pages and entitled Growing Cooler: The Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change is a comprehensive review of dozens of studies that conclude that urban development is both a key contributor to climate change and an essential factor - when done right - in combating it.

Curbing emission from cars depends on improved vehicle efficiency, cleaner fuels, and a reduction in driving according to the report. It goes on to say that one of the best way to reduce vehicle miles traveled is to build places where people can accomplish more with less driving. The report documents that persons who live in compact urban neighborhoods, where cars are not the only transportation option, drive a third fewer miles than those in the auto-oriented suburbs.

The book shares market research that shows a majority of future housing demand lies in smaller homes and lots, townhouses, and condos where jobs and activities are close by. With real estate projections showing that two thirds of development expected to be here in 2050 isn't built yet, there's still potential to get this right. And the book acts a primer on how to make green neighborhoods more available and more affordable. It also makes recommendations for shifting government regulations, spending and policies away from favoring sprawling, auto-dependant growth towards green, transit-oriented smart-growth.

"Clearly, the development industry has a key role in the search for solutions to offset the impact of climate change," said ULI Senior Resident Fellow William H. Hudnut, III, former mayor of Indianapolis. "Whether close-in or in suburbs, well-planned communities give residents the option to walk, bike or take transit to nearby shopping, retail and entertainment. Being able to spend less time behind the wheel will benefit our health, our pocketbooks and the environment."

The findings show that people who move into compact, “green neighborhoods” are making as big a contribution to fighting global warming as those who buy the most efficient hybrid vehicles, but remain in car-dependent areas.

What does this mean for us here in Alexandria? It means we should support higher density mixed-use development. Especially near our Metrorail stations and transit corridors. We can start by attending the City's Braddock Metro Neighborhood Study meetings and advocating for proper urban densities that should go near the Braddock Road Metro Station. Too many people would be happy with a sea of town houses and that's not right. The workshops on Tuesday, October 16 and Saturday, October 20.

Proposed Bad Infill on Sunset Drive in the News

You know an issue is getting big when it makes the Washington Post. Or maybe it's just a painfully slow news weekend. In today's Metro section, Post reporter Kirstin Downey fills us in on the controversy of a real estate investor who wants to tear down an old duplex, subdivide the land and build a set of new homes (Razing of Old House Opposed in Alexandria, October 8, 2007). Despite the fact that the home sits in an area designated as a federal and state historic area and that everyone from the neighborhood to the Planning Commission to the City Council opposes this project, it seems there's nothing anyone can do to stop it. And that's a shame. Sunset's a link from our neighborhood to Old Town on the other side and it seems to be turning into an ugly and unneighborly hodge podge of buildings that just don't fit in. Let's hope this owner comes to his senses and proposes something different.

Want to Combat Global Climate Change? Take the Bus

According to a just released report by APTA (American Public Transit Association), the most powerful weapon you can use to combat global climate change may be a daily transit pass. The Study, Public Transportation's Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction, which was prepared by Science Applications International Corporation for APTA, points out that commuting by public transit is one of the most significant actions a household member can take to reduce their carbon footprint. According to the report:

"New research shows that a person who rides public transportation instead of driving reduces his or her carbon dioxide output, a harmful greenhouse gas, by more than 20 lbs a day and 4,800 lbs annually. That saves more than weatherizing a home, adjusting a thermostat, switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and replacing older appliances with higher efficiency models, combined. A national climate change strategy that doesn't embrace public transportation has simply missed the bus."

Regarding land use impacts the report says:

"Investments in public transportation have the benefit of supporting higher density land uses that allow for fewer vehicle miles of travel...The results range from a reduction in VMT of between 1.4 miles and 9 miles for every transit passenger mile traveled. The outcome would be more efficient use of roadways, reduced road maintenance, shorter highway commute times and reduced need for street and off- street parking."

What does this mean for us here in Alexandria? It means we need to expand the City's DASH and Metrobus service (and promote other alternatives to driving too). It also means that we should be fighting for higher density development near our Metrorail stations and along our transit corridors. Yes that means here near the Braddock Road and King Street Metrorail Stations.

A good place to start is the Braddock Metro Neighborhood Study. There are workshops on Tuesday, October 16 and Saturday, October 20.

Public Transportation's Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fact Sheet

Public Transportation's Contribution to U.S. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Full Report

Related Article: Taking Transit: The Most Effective Route to Cutting Carbon, September 27, 2007; Erica Barnett, WorldChanging