The 2006 National Awards for Smart Growth
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized cities and states whose urban development has emphasized coalescing communities and safeguarding the environment. Their 2006 National Award for Smart Growth went to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the cities of Chicago, Illinois, Wichita, Kansas and Winooski, Vermont.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts won the award for “Overall Excellence.” The state’s creation of the Office of Commonwealth Development (OCD) garnered it this recognition. The OCD influences development locations through management of developmental policies and spending, in addition to instituting programs to promote innovative development and simplify private investments in worthy projects.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania won the “Policies and Regulations” award for the Pennsylvania Fresh Foods Financing Initiative (FFFI), which provides funding to help supermarkets set up stores in underserved neighborhoods. This provides a healthy, local food source to needy communities, consequently increasing the attractiveness of the area and fostering further development. It also provides incentives against the continued development of supermarkets in low-density areas.
The “Built Projects” recognition went to the city of Wichita, Kansas, for the redevelopment of brownfield land. An abandoned warehouse district was redeveloped and renovated into a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood now called “Old Town;” 100 businesses and 315 housing units are now tucked within the brick warehouses, which date from 1870 to 1930. The city encouraged private investment via its own use of public funds, rejuvenating the entire area with brick sidewalks and antique lampposts.
The city of Winooski, Vermont also revitalized its downtown area using smart growth precepts, winning the “Small Communities” award as a result. The renovated city center incorporates housing, offices, stores, and several new public parks. The street grid obliterated in the 1970s was restored, with larger sidewalks. The new RiverWalk, providing a boulevard along the Winooski River, also promotes the new pedestrian nature of the center.
Finally, for “Equitable Development,” the city of Chicago was recognized for the “green” development of Bethel Center in the flagging West Garfield Park neighborhood. The Center, built upon a former brownfield site, contains child care facilities, employment services, retail space, banking, a technology center, and, most importantly, an anchor for transit-oriented development in the neighborhood.
The awards were presented by Lyons Gray, the Chief Financial Officer of the EPA. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson said of the ceremony, “It is a pleasure to recognize the innovative efforts of these award-winning communities, who are responsibly building toward a healthier, brighter future.”