Main Street Now - May/June 2010
Download the PDF of this issue (This special "green" issue is available to the public)
Director's Column: Main Street Green: Bringing Lofty Ideas Down to Earth
by Doug Loescher
Where we build has as much impact on sustainable community development as how we build. While Main Street districts have many inherently sustainable qualities, there is still more to be done. Doug discusses steps the National Trust Main Street Center is taking to help local communities delve deeper into becoming greener communities.
Incorporating Sustainability in Downtown Master Plans & Codes
by Nick Kalogeresis, AICP
If our Main Streets are to achieve true, long-lasting sustainability, we must look at the bigger picture of how our communities grow and develop, beyond the rehab and reuse of individual buildings. This article will help you green your master plans and codes by giving you ideas for supportive policies and elements, design guideline tips, and zoning ordinances that can help you achieve your green community vision.
Green Revolution in Franklin, Tennessee
by Dustin Shane
The mayor of Franklin decided that the city could become the greenest one in the state of Tennessee. With an enthusiastic community process, a sustainability action plan, and a variety of exciting projects already underway, Franklin very well could become the #1 green Tennessee community. With an eye on supporting downtown, green business recognition programs, new technology, and LEED-certified buildings (historic and infill), Franklin is leading the charge toward holistic green community development.
Main Street Green Summit
by Andrea L. Dono
In January 2011, the National Trust Main Street Center convened a variety of partners to discuss how we might shape our sustainable communities agenda. Engaging in interesting dialog and learning from a national survey of local Main Street programs, participants discussed the many areas where Main Street communities can go green and informed how we might move forward. Learn more about the Summit and watch videos from presentations about sustainable food systems, local livable economies, green preservation, green business certification, and complete streets.
Shop Talk: Considering Going Green? Start Small - But Start!
by Margie Johnson
Learn about the ways businesses can achieve the triple bottom line (people, planet, prosperity) and read case studies about innovative green businesses on Main Streets throughout the nation.
Sustainable Downtown Development in Georgetown, Texas
by Teresa Lynch
Monument Cafe is the culmination of an entrepreneurial spirit, understanding of local food systems, and green building technology. Learn about how two business owners opened a restaurant that is a model for becoming a community place and a sustainable business.
Network Notes: Green Edition
by Andrea L. Dono
This round-up of case studies and resources focuses on sustainability - learn about financing green projects; complete streets and livable streets; new Secretary of Interior's Standards for green rehabs; an extensive online planning database of best practices; the city of Spokane's green business recognition program; transfer development rights taking hold in Randolph Vt; urban farming in Albuquerque; green infrastructure in a Boston neighborhood and Port Orford, Ore.; LED lights saving Oxford, Mich., and Hastings, Neb., money; Appalachian Trail festivals in N.C.; wellness programs intersecting with Main Street programs and partnerships; clean up days and Earth Days.
