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In communities across the nation, there is a growing concern that current development patterns -- dominated by what some call "sprawl" -- are no longer in the long-term interest of our cities, existing suburbs, small towns, rural communities, or wilderness
areas. Though supportive of growth, communities are questioning
the economic costs of abandoning infrastructure in the city, only to rebuild it further out.
Spurring the smart growth movement are demographic shifts, a strong environmental ethic, increased fiscal concerns, and more nuanced views of growth. The result is both a new demand and a new opportunity for smart growth.
The features that distinguish smart growth in a community vary from place to place. In general, smart growth invests time, attention, and resources in restoring community and vitality to center cities and older suburbs. New smart growth is more town-centered, is transit and pedestrian oriented, and has a greater mix of housing, commercial and retail uses. It also preserves open space and many other environmental amenities.*
*Smart Growth Network
Principles of Smart Growth Include:
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Mix Land Uses |
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Create Range of Housing Opportunities and Choices |
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Create Walkable Neighborhoods |
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Foster Distinctive, Attractive Communities with a Strong
Sense of Place |
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Efficient use of existing infrastructure |
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Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair and Cost Effective |
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Create Open Space and Vistas |
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Preserve and Protect Critical Environmental Areas |
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Provide a Variety of Transportation Choices |
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Strengthen and Direct Development Towards Existing Communities |
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Take Advantage of Compact Building Design |
From the outset, both the City and Glen Isle (in a unique public-private partnership) were committed to implementing planning and development principles aimed at balancing environmental sensitivity with economic sustainability. In order to achieve these goals, this public-private partnership went through an exhaustive screening process and retained a team of world class planning and economic professionals, intent on creating a mixed-use development incorporating the latest in Smart Growth principles as endorsed by the Smart Growth Network, the Urban Land Institute and the Congress for the New Urbanism.
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