Sustainable Urban Redevelopment and Climate Change Briefing
The Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition and the Northeast-Midwest Institute hosted a July 17 Congressional briefing on Sustainable Urban Redevelopment and Climate Change. Co-sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Smart Growth America, and Reconnecting America, the briefing highlighted transit-oriented development, brownfields redevelopment, and historic preservation projects to illustrate the dual benefit of energy-efficient buildings in energy-efficient locations. This concept is described in the joint white paper Sustainable Urban Redevelopment and Climate Change.
Chris Leinberger of the Brookings Institution and Arcadia Land Development used examples of Arcadia's development projects in Philadelphia, Albuquerque, and San Mateo to illustrate the benefits of transit-oriented development and walkable communities.
Brian Leary of Atlantic Station, LLC outlined the impressive results from the massive $2 billion Atlantic Station brownfields redevelopment project. Residents now average eight vehicle miles traveled per day compared to a regional average of 30. The project exemplifies the dual energy benefit concept with 8 million square feet submitted for LEED certification.
Ralph DiNola of Green Building Services, Inc. presented the Portland Armory Project, a LEED platinum historic preservation and brownfields redevelopment, resulting in a renovated theatre. The project is directly served by Portland's streetcars and, with a "Walk Score" of 100, the Armory expands Portland's reputation as a livable, walkable city.
Geoff Anderson of Smart Growth America discussed the demographic and economic shifts that create a major opportunity to transform urban growth toward a more sustainable model. He also called attention to federal legislation that would contribute to the needed changes: Brownfields Reauthorization, Energy Efficient Mortgages, and improving the Rehabilitation Tax Credit.
For further information
Contact Mary Cronin at the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition (202/226-6795) or Evans Paull at the Northeast-Midwest Institute (202/464-4004).
