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Sustainable Communities. Sustainability at the local level 4CP, October 3, 2012 Tony Robalik, aicp. Local Sustainability. Environment: Clean air Clean water Clean soil Society: Family Friends Community Economy: Jobs Renewable resources Zero waste. Sustainability.
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Sustainable Communities Sustainability at the local level 4CP, October 3, 2012 Tony Robalik, aicp
Local Sustainability • Environment: • Clean air • Clean water • Clean soil • Society: • Family • Friends • Community • Economy: • Jobs • Renewable resources • Zero waste Sustainability Triple Bottom Line 2012 2030 Great-Grandchildren
Facets of Local Sustainability • Natural Resource Protections • Water Quantity & Quality • Global Warming & Climate Change • Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy • Community Health & Safety • Food Production & Security • Land-Use & Community Character • Mobility & Transportation
Natural Resource Protections Major Elements Key points Strengths: Prime ag soils Large conservation areas Lititz Run Watershed Alliance Opportunities: Floodplain protections Woodland protections Riparian/wetland protections Steep slope protections Native landscaping • Floodplains • Riparian buffers • Woodlands • Agricultural soils • Wetlands • Steep slopes • Rare species • Air quality • Greenways
Water Quality & Quantity Major Elements Key Points Strengths: Active maintenance of on-lot septic systems Lititz Run Watershed Alliance Use of BMPs encouraged or required Opportunities: Increased Conservation zoning Green infrastructure in urban areas • Water conservation • Water infrastructure • Sewer infrastructure • Stormwater management
Land-Use &Community Character Major Elements Key Points Strengths: Commitment to Urban Growth Boundary Nationally-recognized TDR program Traditional Neighborhood Development ordinance Opportunities: Expand TDR program Increase density in townships and direct more growth to urban core Strengthen protection of historic structures • Land-use planning • Character & aesthetics
Global Warming & Climate Change Major Elements Key Points Strengths: Carbon Audit already complete—1st & only in county Strong urban core Commitment to preserving farmland Opportunities: Develop Climate Action Plan • Pollution reduction to minimize climate change • Adaptation to existing and future climate change
Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Major Elements Key Points Strengths: Urban core and historic buildings Warwick’s renewable energy ordinance Opportunities: Add Energy element to comp plan Require energy audits Incentivize green buildings and development Economic development • Solar, wind, geothermal • Site design • Green design & construction • Energy planning
Mobility & Transportation Major Elements Key Points Strengths: Downtown Lititz served by mass transit Lititz & Warwick have joint Official Map Extensive & growing regional trails network Opportunities: Eliminate minimum parking standards Codify complete streets and require green infrastructure • Non-vehicular transportation • Roads & streets • Parking • Trails
Community Health & Safety Major Elements Key Points Strengths: Regional recreation Recycling required / encouraged Lititz’s Traditional Neighborhood Development ordinance Opportunities: Construction waste recycling Permit accessory apartments Continue to develop Lititz-Ephrata Rail-to-Trail • Public health • Solid waste & recycling • Housing diversity & accessibility
Food Production & Security Major Elements Key Points Strengths: Warwick’s TDR program Elizabeth/Warwick commitment to farmland Lititz Farmers’ Market Opportunities: Expand TDR program to Elizabeth and Lititz Promote fruit & nut trees Vertical gardening in Lititz • Farmland preservation • Permit farmers’ markets, gardens, etc. • Permit composting • Fruit & nut trees