July 21st, 5 to 7 PM, Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street, Hartford, Join 1000 FRIENDS of Connecticut in honoring its First Smart Growth Champ, Tom Condon.
Tom is the heart, the brain and the pen behind the Hartford Courant's nationally-renown Place Section.
Every Sunday, The Place Section celebrates Connecticut's natural spaces and built environment. The section features colorful and expert contributors from near and far, and Tom's column.
Tom is an indefatigable smart growth champion! 1000 FRIENDS recognizes Tom for consistently showcasing best practices, calling-out foolish choices, asking tough questions, and reminding us that we can grow better, more responsibly, more sustainably, and smarter!
Please follow the link for details.
All are welcome, but space is limited.
Monday, June 29, 2009
DECD Seeks Comments on Neighborhood Stabilization Program Draft
NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
IS SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE CONNECTICUT
The public comment period will begin June 22, 2009 and end July 2, 2009 at the close of business. The Connecticut Consortium’s draft NSP2 Application is for the utilization of approximately $45,000,000 of funding under Title XII of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA) for additional activities under Division B, Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008. Additional information regarding ARRA can be found at http://www.hud.gov/recovery/. The NSP2 funding is to assist in the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes. The Consortium’s NSP2 funding is targeted for the following activities; establish financing methods for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed upon homes and residential properties, purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties that have been abandoned or foreclosed upon, redevelop demolished or vacant properties as housing. The Consortium’s NSP2 funds will be administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) as the lead applicant. In addition to DECD, the Consortium members are the City of
All state residents are encouraged to provide written comment on the Consortium’s draft NSP2 Application. A copy of the Consortium’s draft NSP2 Application as well as the state’s five-year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development, annual Action Plans, and substantial amendments are available at the Department of Economic and Community Development’s website, www.DECD.org.
Written comments may be sent to W. Michael Regan, Community Development Assistant Administrator, Office of Strategy and Policy, Department of Economic & Community Development,
Department of Economic & Community Development programs are administered in a nondiscriminatory manner, consistent with equal employment opportunities, affirmative action, and fair housing requirements. Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for information in alternative formats must be directed to the
Publication Date: June 18, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Participate in Urban Infill Research Study Survey
The link below will direct you to a brief online survey. This survey is part of a National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) study to develop guidance and a methodology for the preparation and review of transportation impact analyses (TIAs) of infill development in urban or urbanizing areas. You can help support this effort by answering a few brief questions.
Why this is important
Higher density, mixed-use redevelopment and infill development are smart growth concepts that are an increasingly common form of development subject to environmental review and often traffic impact studies. However, there is a lack of standardized guidance and trip and parking generation data for preparing these studies.
Why your help is needed
The first phase of this study involves collecting information on current infill development definitions, infill traffic and parking generation data and estimation methods, TIA analysis methods and agency review procedures. Kimley-Horn and Associates, on behalf of NCHRP, would like to survey those involved in various aspects of infill development in order to collect this information. Your responses are completely confidential and will be used to identify valuable information and resources regarding the current state-of-the-practice of analyzing the impacts of infill development.
Please click to complete the survey.
Why this is important
Higher density, mixed-use redevelopment and infill development are smart growth concepts that are an increasingly common form of development subject to environmental review and often traffic impact studies. However, there is a lack of standardized guidance and trip and parking generation data for preparing these studies.
Why your help is needed
The first phase of this study involves collecting information on current infill development definitions, infill traffic and parking generation data and estimation methods, TIA analysis methods and agency review procedures. Kimley-Horn and Associates, on behalf of NCHRP, would like to survey those involved in various aspects of infill development in order to collect this information. Your responses are completely confidential and will be used to identify valuable information and resources regarding the current state-of-the-practice of analyzing the impacts of infill development.
Please click to complete the survey.
Pollution Cutting Transportation Projects Boosted in New Agreement on Energy Bill
Reps. Henry A. Waxman, James L. Oberstar, Anthony D. Weiner, Earl Blumenauer, and Doris Matsui today announced a new agreement that will allow states to use funding from the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) to invest in clean transportation projects that reduce global warming pollution.
Under ACES, states will receive allowances for clean energy and energy efficiency investments. In the original legislation, these allowances could be used for purposes such as building retrofits to increase efficiency, investments in renewable energy such as wind turbines and solar panels, or for establishing a "Smart Grid." However, the original legislation did not provide any of these allowances to the transportation sector.Under the agreement announced today, states will be allowed to use up to 10 percent of these allowances for transportation. They can use allowances to fulfill the state matching requirement to receive federal funds for projects like public transportation systems, clean fuel buses, or construction of bicycle facilities.
"This is an important improvement in the legislation," said Rep. Waxman, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. "Transportation accounts for nearly one-third of our global warming pollution. We will be requiring states and metropolitan areas to plan for reducing their global warming pollution from transportation, and this provision will help them reach their goals."
"Transportation has been identified as a significant source of the pollutants that contribute to global warming, and investing in transportation projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions must be a central part of the solution," said Rep. Oberstar, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "I commend Chairman Waxman for working with me to ensure that a portion of allowances are available for projects that will expand options for public transportation, bicycling, walking, and other green transportation alternatives for our citizens. This legislation provides only a small portion of the funds needed to address surface transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, but is a very good first step."
"It's simply a no brainer to help localities reduce global warming by investing in smart transportation projects," said Rep. Weiner. "We need to get in the business of reducing congestion and increasing cost effective, energy efficient measures such as public transit. This bill does just that."
"Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Markey have worked tirelessly on a bill that will invest in clean, renewable energy, put a cap on dangerous carbon emissions, and create millions of new jobs," said Rep. Blumenauer. "Yet we can't successfully address the issue of global warming without dealing with transportation, a sector which accounts for nearly one-third of America's carbon emissions. I am pleased that the American Clean Energy and Security Act recognizes that providing low carbon transportation options, including public transportation, is a cost-effective way to reduce global warming pollution. Not only do these investments reduce emissions, but they give Americans more commuting choices, improve public health, and reduce our nation's dependence on oil."
"Because transportation accounts for 30 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere each year, effective climate change legislation must include a transportation component if we are going to achieve the emission reductions we need in order to halt global warming," stated Rep. Matsui. "The inclusion of my transportation efficiency provisions in the American Clean Energy and Security Act, along with the robust funding announced in today's agreement, will give communities the incentives they need to grow and develop in a way that is sensitive to global warming."
Under ACES, states will receive allowances for clean energy and energy efficiency investments. In the original legislation, these allowances could be used for purposes such as building retrofits to increase efficiency, investments in renewable energy such as wind turbines and solar panels, or for establishing a "Smart Grid." However, the original legislation did not provide any of these allowances to the transportation sector.Under the agreement announced today, states will be allowed to use up to 10 percent of these allowances for transportation. They can use allowances to fulfill the state matching requirement to receive federal funds for projects like public transportation systems, clean fuel buses, or construction of bicycle facilities.
"This is an important improvement in the legislation," said Rep. Waxman, Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. "Transportation accounts for nearly one-third of our global warming pollution. We will be requiring states and metropolitan areas to plan for reducing their global warming pollution from transportation, and this provision will help them reach their goals."
"Transportation has been identified as a significant source of the pollutants that contribute to global warming, and investing in transportation projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions must be a central part of the solution," said Rep. Oberstar, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "I commend Chairman Waxman for working with me to ensure that a portion of allowances are available for projects that will expand options for public transportation, bicycling, walking, and other green transportation alternatives for our citizens. This legislation provides only a small portion of the funds needed to address surface transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions, but is a very good first step."
"It's simply a no brainer to help localities reduce global warming by investing in smart transportation projects," said Rep. Weiner. "We need to get in the business of reducing congestion and increasing cost effective, energy efficient measures such as public transit. This bill does just that."
"Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Markey have worked tirelessly on a bill that will invest in clean, renewable energy, put a cap on dangerous carbon emissions, and create millions of new jobs," said Rep. Blumenauer. "Yet we can't successfully address the issue of global warming without dealing with transportation, a sector which accounts for nearly one-third of America's carbon emissions. I am pleased that the American Clean Energy and Security Act recognizes that providing low carbon transportation options, including public transportation, is a cost-effective way to reduce global warming pollution. Not only do these investments reduce emissions, but they give Americans more commuting choices, improve public health, and reduce our nation's dependence on oil."
"Because transportation accounts for 30 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere each year, effective climate change legislation must include a transportation component if we are going to achieve the emission reductions we need in order to halt global warming," stated Rep. Matsui. "The inclusion of my transportation efficiency provisions in the American Clean Energy and Security Act, along with the robust funding announced in today's agreement, will give communities the incentives they need to grow and develop in a way that is sensitive to global warming."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Land use is important
Kaid Benfield, from the NRDC, discusses a new in-depth study on land use patterns and transit:
As Felix Salmon points out, one of the most important points of the study is that investments in transit can actually have negative costs; that is, we end up getting more money back than their cost. It is not just about being green; smart growth actually is good for the economy as a whole.
Which is a pretty long introduction to a new report that will make smart growth harder to ignore as a carbon-reducing strategy. In particular, the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) released a study last Friday documenting how comprehensive application of smart growth best practices and improved transportation choices can significantly reduce transportation emissions at a cost savings to society. The report makes a strong case for investing a portion of cap-and-trade revenues in smart growth. Here are some of the key findings:
— Smart growth and smart transportation choices can reduce the amount Americans need to drive - as measured in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) - by 10 percent per capita from 2005 levels.
— A 10 percent reduction in per capita VMT would reduce annual transportation emissions by 145 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in the year 2030, equivalent to the annual emissions of about 30 million cars or 35 large coal plants.
— These reductions would equal approximately 6 percent of the 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal proposed in the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
As Felix Salmon points out, one of the most important points of the study is that investments in transit can actually have negative costs; that is, we end up getting more money back than their cost. It is not just about being green; smart growth actually is good for the economy as a whole.
Best Spots to Spot Walkers and Cyclists?
The National Bike and Pedestrian Documentation Project seeks to quantify who's walking and riding. There will be a count in September on a weekday from 7 to 9 AM and again from 4 to 6 PM and on a Saturday from 12 to 2 PM.
The Capitol Region Council of Governments is looking for good count locations.
Please submit your suggestions before June 29th to Sandy Fry at CRCOG.
The Capitol Region Council of Governments is looking for good count locations.
Please submit your suggestions before June 29th to Sandy Fry at CRCOG.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Business groups get behind national transportation strategy
Dear Business
Transportation for Business (T4B) is circulating a sign-on letter for businesses to show their support for HR. 2724 and SB.1036 (attached). These bills seek to establish a unifying mission for the federal surface transportation program in the upcoming authorization by creating national goals and objectives in transportation funding. Please find the sign-on letter below.
If you are interested in signing on to the letter or would like to get more involved with T4B you can respond to me or contact Jennifer Henry at NRDC directly at jhenry@nrdc.org.
Explanation of T4B
T4B (Transportation for Business) is a coordinating and information-sharing network for forward-thinking business organizations and alliances, individual business and industry leaders, and companies that support smarter transportation policy—meaning legislation, investments, and programs that facilitate more efficient movement of goods and people, while reducing environmental and public health impacts. We are working together to build a national, unified business voice for this vision.
Improving transportation policy at the federal level is an important priority for NRDC, and this year is particularly critical since the surface transportation bill is up for reauthorization. As a result we are lending some staff support to help develop T4B, and more detail can be found at www.transportation4business.org. The basic idea is that it will serve to connect business voices that want to send a message about transportation policy to the audiences that most need to hear that message—and need to hear it particularly from the business community.”
Regards,
Associate Planner,
Regional Plan Association
(917) 546-4314
Dear Member of Congress,
The undersigned businesses and business associations write to request your support for HR. 2724, the National Transportation Objectives Act of 2009, introduced by Representatives Holt, Inslee, and Carnahan, and SB.1036, theFederal Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2009, introduced by Senators Rockefeller and Lautenberg.
From a business perspective, this legislation is important because it articulates specific priorities as the basis for our transportation spending, and among those priorities are objectives that will address the current and future needs of our economy, enhance our energy security, and make the nation more economically competitive.
They include congestion reduction, maintaining our existing infrastructure in a state of good repair, and facilitating increased use of multiple modes of transportation. Meeting these objectives will enable faster, cheaper movement of supplies, products, services, customers, and employees—in other words, this bill will be good for businesses small and large, across sectors and across the country.
These companion bills establish a unifying mission for the federal surface transportation program and begin the process of setting needed and achievable performance targets. These targets should be effectively integrated into the federal transportation planning process as part of the next surface transportation reauthorization bill, to ensure that every federal dollar spent on transportation is well spent.
HR.2724 and SB.1036 are very similar in overarching purpose, and while the specifics differ slightly, we support the underlying principles and large areas of overlap, which include the following national transportation objectives:
- Reduce per capita vehicle miles traveled.
- Increase the ability for more destinations to be reached via walking, biking, public transportation, and intercity passenger rail.
- Reduce transportation-generated carbon dioxide level by 40 percent.
- Reduce congestion and delays per capita.
- Increase proportion of freight transportation provided by railroad and intermodal services.
- Improve public safety and lower congestion costs by reducing traffic crashes by 50 percent
- Increase share of surface transportation assets in good state of repair condition.
Thank you,
[SIGNATORIES]
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