1 Smart Growth and Brownfields Smart Growth: A Boon for Brownfields Redevelopment Brownfields 2006 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center November 15, 2006

2 Sprawl is characterized by: auto dependency rapid consumption of land and resources single uses of land within designated zones –industrial –commercial –residential WHAT IS SPRAWL? “Dispersed development outside of compact urban and village centers along highways and in the rural countryside.” Vermont Forum on Sprawl Sprawl is:

3 Los Angeles Atlanta Boston WHICH METROPOLITAN AREA HAS SPRAWLED THE MOST?

4 Who Sprawls Most? How Growth Patterns Differ Across the U.S. Brookings Institution, 2001 Land consumption grew at a rate 7 times faster than population growth in Boston, and 1.3 times faster than population growth in Atlanta. In Los Angeles, land consumption was slower than population growth.

5 WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF SPRAWL? Environmental problems Public health problems Socio-economic problems Within EPA’s mission air, water, and land pollution habitat loss fragmentation of land and ecosystems global climate change increased health risks due to pollutants (carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, lead) increased health risks due to physical inactivity disappearance of social connections and loss of community identity social stratification resulting in homogeneous communities underutilization of resources in urban core increased expenditures for infrastructure and services

6 WHY DOES EPA CARE ABOUT SMART GROWTH? “The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment--air, water, and land--upon which life depends.” US EPA Mission Statement How you develop… … has an impact on human health and the environment Source: US EPA, Northeast-Midwest Institute transit-oriented development compact development mixed use development less impervious surface improves air quality protects habitat and open space promotes healthier lifestyles reduces stormwater contamination, protects wetlands and water bodies

7 GOALS FOR REDEVELOPING BROWNFIELDS OVERLAP WITH SMART GROWTH PRINCIPLES Source: US EPA, National Governors’ Association Smart Growth Principles Promote urban vitality and preserve open space through infill development Brownfields Redevelopment Goals Improve physical and aesthetic conditions Involve state planning agencies, community stakeholders Redevelop reflecting mixed use Redevelop reflecting pedestrian friendly design Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective 1.Mix Land Uses 2.Take Advantage of Compact Building Design 3.Create Range of Housing Opportunities and Choices 4.Create Walkable Neighborhoods 5.Foster Distinctive, Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place 6.Preserve Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty, and Critical Environmental Areas 7.Strengthen and Direct Development Towards Existing Communities 8.Provide a Variety of Transportation Choices 9.Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair, and Cost Effective 10.Encourage Community and Stakeholder Collaboration in Development Decisions

8 BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT OFTEN OCCURS WITHOUT SMART GROWTH IN MIND… Source: US EPA; Interview After: big box redevelopment Smart Growth Principles Met Before: industrial site (trucking, petroleum, automobile salvage ) 1.Mix Land Uses 2.Take Advantage of Compact Building Design 3.Create a Range of Housing Opportunities and Choices 4.Create Walkable Neighborhoods 5.Foster Distinctive, Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place 6.Preserve Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty, and Critical Environmental Areas 7.Strengthen and Direct Development Towards Existing Communities 8.Provide a Variety of Transportation Choices 9.Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair, and Cost Effective 10.Encourage Community and Stakeholder Collaboration in Development Decisions

9 EPA WEB SITES EPA CONTACTS CARL DIERKER RONA H. GREGORY ROSEMARY MONAHAN