Community Clips
Smart Growth News for the Washington, DC Region

April 13, 2006


In this issue:

• From the Executive Director -- Planning for the Long-Term
• Groups Call on Federal Agencies to Reject ICC Study
• Series Examines Paradigm Shift in Public Parking Requirements
• I-81 Public Hearings April 17, 18, and 19
• Smart Growth Shareware Update Released

From the Executive Director -- Planning for the Long-Term

This week, a new study looked at the 50 largest U.S. cities and ranked them based on their ability to maintain economic vitality and quality of life if oil prices went to $100 per barrel. In our region, Baltimore ranked 9th, DC 11th and Virginia Beach 46th. The top cities boasted strong public transit networks for accessing jobs, shopping and services. The study included other factors such as access to locally grown food and wireless networks for telecommuting.

We need to be preparing for higher cost energy as a matter of economic, environmental, and national security. The efficient location of development with nearby access to goods and services on a pedestrian-friendly scale is increasingly important. We need fundamental change in transportation and land use planning to provide more pedestrian, bicycle, carpool, and transit options; to shorten auto trips; and to reduce the amount of driving we all have to do. More and more people, from retirees and empty nesters, to young singles and families, are looking for communities where they can walk and take transit for daily needs. Let's support this growing market and enhance our security with the right transportation investments.

Groups Call on Federal Agencies to Reject ICC Study

Extensive comments filed by several groups show that Maryland downplayed or failed completely in the latest study to examine the ICC’s massive community and environmental impacts. The $3 billion ICC would take a monumental bite out of the funds available for what people really want—fast improvements in safety and traffic to our existing road network, and big investments in the Metro and other transit. Michael Replogle of Environmental Defense noted, “This road is not a done deal. This flawed impact study is a barrier to progress on real transportation solutions. Approving the ICC based on this study would harm public health and violate federal laws.”

Previous ICC studies have led federal agencies to reject the project twice in the last two decades because of its lack of merit and enormously harmful impacts.

For summary of the comments see, see our April 10 press release and news stories on the study in the Baltimore Sun and Washington Post.

Series Examines Paradigm Shift in Public Parking Requirements

After decades of parking requirements that mandated free and abundant parking, some planners are questioning the status quo. A three-part series by Planetizen, a public-interest planning and development network, explores the benefits of more efficient parking strategies. Read the complete series: Parking Management: Innovative Solutions To Vehicle Parking Problems; The Price Of Parking On Great Streets; and Onsite Parking: The Scourge of America's Commercial Districts,

I-81 Public Hearings April 17, 18, and 19

VDOT is holding hearings on their $13 billion proposal to make I-81 an 8-12 lane truck way through the Shenandoah Valley. The project's $13 billion price tag not only means less money for better projects throughout the state, but also fails to cover the entire cost of the project. This shortfall will force drivers to pay tolls, a blow to the local economy, and it will pull scarce funds from projects across the state.

The project also means that thousands of acres of farmland and historic battlefields would be paved over, ruining the Valley's unique rural character and negatively affecting its tourism industry. Most Shenandoah Valley elected officials, residents and local businesses, including the travel association and manufacturers, oppose this project. Join them at the hearings so that VDOT knows those who value the historic and rural character of the Valley don't want I-81 to become the next New Jersey Turnpike. You can also send in comments. Visit Shenandoah Valley Network for more information on the hearings and submitting comments.

Smart Growth Shareware Update Released

Smart Growth America has issued a second version of its acclaimed Smart Growth Shareware, a compilation of resources on such topics as transportation and air quality, infill development, public health, planning and development, and land conservation. Other topics include information on economic development, equity and affordable housing, rural communities, schools and children, energy, and an aging population. Order your free copy.

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