New EDC proposal holds great potential, but needs fine-tuning according to Grow Smart

It's called the Jump Start Growth Centers Program and its goal is to assist communities and investors in developing sorely needed commercial and industrial sites in places appropriate for development and designated by the host community.

The concept of Growth Centers, or priority investment areas, is about encouraging compact, mixed-use development and redevelopment in areas where growth can be most beneficial and most easily accommodated. It's also about preserving open space; conserving tax dollars; and connecting people with a sense of place unique to their community.

The proposal, included as an article in the proposed FY 2006 State Budget, would leverage up to $25 million through moral obligation bonds to help finance costs associated with design, master planning and permitting of "pad-ready" sites as well as necessary utility and transportation infrastructure. According to the proposal, developers who wish to pursue projects in locally designated and state-approved growth centers would be eligible for low interest "Jump Start" loans from EDC of up to $2.5 million.

Read Grow Smart's recommended changes to the EDC proposal

After learning about the principles of smart growth, many communities are asking "How do we get from the principles to practice? This could really help my community - but how do we do it?" EPA is offering an opportunity to apply for free technical assistance that will help you apply smart growth principles to a real challenge in your community.

The Development, Community and Environment Division in U.S. EPA's Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation is seeking applications from communities that want to develop in ways that meet environmental and other community goals. A team of multidisciplinary experts will provide technical assistance to communities that are selected.

READ MORE

As municipalities plan for affordable housing, one of the questions often heard is what impact it will have on the physical character of different communities. On April 5th, a standing-room-only gathering of developers, design professionals and municipal officials gained insight into the importance of design ... READ MORE

This spring Grow Smart is participating with other organizations in a series of presentations on the importance of good design. The municipal training initiative will offer three May workshops, held in Kingston, Lincoln and Portsmouth, that provide additional opportunities to talk with Anne Tate of the RISD Urban Design Center, several RI architects and national experts from the HUD Design Advisory Program, about housing design. Click HERE for the brochure and registration form.

May 4th program for anyone with an interest in the role of comprehensive planning to help communities adapt to change

The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy is conducting an all-day workshop on comprehensive community planning at its headquarters in Cambridge, MA on Wednesday, May 4th.

Presented by Dr. John Mullen, Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Massachusetts, the purpose of this course is to help participants come to an understanding of the trends that are impacting the quality of life in New England communities, and how to help to ensure that they are positive. It provides an in-depth review of fundamental planning principles and the planning process as they relate to the New England community.

READ MORE

The Orton Family Foundation is pleased to announce it is making CommunityViz® planning software available to communities at the new, reduced cost of $185, removing a significant barrier to access for communities in need of effective planning tools and methods.

CommunityViz® provides GIS-based analysis and real-world 3D modeling that allow people to envision land use alternatives and understand their potential impacts, explore options and examine scenarios from all angles - environmental, economic, and social - and feel confident in their land use planning decisions.

See sample case studies and video

Monday, April 18 (7:00p - 8:30p)

Tuesday, April 19 (7:00p - 8:30p)

Saturday, April 23 (8:15a - 6:00p)

Grow Smart would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals and organizations for their generous support during the first quarter of 2005.

Individuals

Your donation to Grow Smart enables us to continue developing and spreading the word about smart growth policies and programs that strengthen our cities and protect our countryside.

See how easy it is to make a secure online contribution

National

Statewide

Barrington

Bristol

East Providence

Glocester

Newport

North Smithfield

Pawtucket

Warwick

West Warwick

Woonsocket