The US. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the 2010 winners of the National Awards for Smart Growth Achievement. This award was created in 2002 to recognize exceptional approaches to development that respect the environment, foster economic vitality, and enhance quality of life. The five winning entries, including Maine's Gateway 1 Corridor Action Plan, were chosen from 71 applications from 25 states.
The winning entries were selected based on their effectiveness in creating sustainable communities; creating a robust public involvement process; generating partnerships among public, private, and non-profit stakeholders; and serving as national models.
The Gateway 1 Corridor Action Plan received the Rural Smart Growth Award. This collaboration of twenty independent towns, in partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation, was deemed a model for other communities that want to preserve rural and scenic resources, particularly along state highways. These towns created an action plan to direct growth toward designated core areas to protect the corridor’s “Main Street” feel and rural landscapes.
Smart Growth principles EPA evaluates (and encourages) include:
- mix land uses;
- take advantage of compact building design;
- create a range of housing opportunities and choices;
- create walkable neighborhoods;
- foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place;
- preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas;
- strengthen and direct development toward existing communities;
- provide a variety of transportation choices;
- make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost-effective.; and
- encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions.
For more information about this award and the winning entries, please visit:
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