If you like to get outdoors and stretch your legs and want to help Smart Growth Vermont with an important project, we have just the opportunity for you! From mid-August to mid-October, Smart Growth Vermont will be working with the towns of Essex and Jericho to do an inventory of scenic resources in both towns. All that is required is a digital camera, the ability to walk one mile, and two to three hours of your time. Training will be provided. If you are interested or would like to learn more, contact Jason at 864-6310 or at jason@smartgrowthvermont.org.

Indicators of Downtown Health Receive International Attention

Our Indicators project went to Italy this summer. Elizabeth Reaves, a UVM graduate student and research assistant at the Center for Rural Studies, presented Smart Growth Vermont’s project to build an indicator system to analyze the impacts that new growth and development will have on the health and quality of life in Vermont’s downtowns. She joined over 400 attendees and presenters from 44 countries in Florence, Italy for the 2009 International Society for Quality of Life Studies Conference on “Measures and Goals for the Progress of Societies” this past July. The conference, which is sponsored in part by the Organization for Economic and Community Development and The Council of Europe, brought together academic researchers, public practitioners, and policy makers to discuss the development of metrics to help the world measure the quality of life.

Participants were impressed with Elizabeth’s presentation. "I was so pleased to receive positive feedback about our community based approach to using indicators,” said Elizabeth. “Many of the attendees commented on how often indicator work only happens at a macro level. They were impressed by the applied and practical nature of our indicator work and even more impressed by the tenacity of our downtown organizations in taking on much of the data collection themselves, but that's Vermont for you." For more information on this project, go to our website.

New Community Projects Launched

In July, Smart Growth Vermont finalized new project plans with two communities whom we have partnered with in the past: Bristol and Danville.

In 2008, Bristol’s Planning Commission asked our staff to review several drafts of their Town Plan and provide recommendations for smart growth policies in light of Bristol’s goals. The Town Plan (now nearly completed) incorporated many of our recommendations, and the Planning Commission is ready to implement the goals in the Plan. They have asked Smart Growth Vermont to work with them on a second project that will review the zoning regulations in light of the new Town Plan and develop recommendations for the Planning Commission to consider.

Over the last year or so, the Town of Danville and Smart Growth Vermont have been working on developing new zoning districts in and around the Village of Danville to encourage new housing and businesses in a manner that integrates with the historic architecture. Now the Planning Commission has asked us to help them identify and develop tools to help enhance scenic views, gateways to the villages and working lands throughout the community. An extensive public outreach effort will help guide the direction of the recommendations. Both projects are funded in part by the state's municipal planning grants. For more information on these and other community projects, check out the Community Planning Partnership section of our website.

Member Spotlight: Judy Chaves, Ferrisburgh

Smart Growth Vermont empowers lay people without backgrounds in land use or law to have a voice. The organization gives us the tools to know what to do so a plain old resident like myself can have a say in the future of our community. They have also helped us stand up to wealthy, powerful interests that threaten the viability of our town. By becoming a member of Smart Growth Vermont, I know I am helping the organization help other Vermonters.

Smart Growth Vermont helped Friends of Ferrisburgh for Responsible Growth, but ours isn’t just a local issue – it’s an issue that is happening all over the state. With their assistance, we hope we have set an example for other communities that local citizens can make a difference – all we need is a little help, and Smart Growth Vermont is here for all of us.

Volunteer Profile: Emily Provonsha

Emily joined Smart Growth Vermont in June and is working on updating the section of our website, Connect to the Land: A Guide for Taking Action. She has also written some articles for our monthly e-newsletter and our blog, in addition to distributing our bi-annual newsletter to businesses around the state.

Emily attends Green Mountain College, majoring in Environmental Studies and Philosophy. She is also enrolled in the Pre-Law Program and plans to pursue a Law degree upon graduating. Her interest in the environmental field is due in part to her participation in an environmental field studies program abroad and in small-scale community initiatives for smart growth back in Ohio.

Emily has worked with non-profit organizations to create community gardens, promote the Buy Local initiative, alleviate hunger, and to raise funds for craftsmen in third world countries. She hopes to build a career in sustainable community development and land preservation. Thanks for all of your hard work, Emily!

Also, check out Upcoming Events on our website! You'll find information about conferences, lectures and presentations on a wide variety of topics.

Smart Growth in Action: The Changing Face of Agriculture

Photo courtesy of the Dimmick Family

Farming has always played a major role in the lives of Vermonters. In the late 1700's, most families lived on self-sufficient farms, until the early 1800s when dairy farming became a new major source of income. Today, dairy farming continues to dominate the Vermont economy, though the industry overall has been struggling for decades. In fact, the recent drop in milk prices has many dairy farmers wondering how long they can remain in farming. How are farmers facing this challenge to sustain their livelihood?

Farm diversification is one strategy that many are employing. Examples of this are seen throughout the state, and the hope is that this strategy combined with a supply management system, will see farmers through this economic downturn and into a more promising long term future for the industry.

Value-added products such as cheese, wine, and locally produced meat are just some examples of how farmers are extending their agricultural activities. These products, sold at farmers markets and local stores, are providing additional income when excess milk supplies drive prices down. Agri-tourism is also becoming a popular alternative. Some farms offer cross-country ski or snowshoe tours, and others have taken up the Bed and Breakfast business.

The idea of a supply management system is also gaining attention with area dairy farmers. The idea is that milk producers are given output goals, which match anticipated consumer demand. Farmers who overproduce have to pay a fine, which is then distributed to farmers who meet their targets. There are many advantages to the system, including price stabilization and a reduction in farm expenses, since farmers would know how much milk to produce. However, many have concerns about the need, and cost, of increased oversight.

For those of us non-dairy farming folk, the best we can do to help the industry stay afloat is to buy local as much as possible. It is this trend that will create a stable, long term market for dairy farmers to continue their livelihoods and to maintain the traditonal landscape that we all appreciate.

Community Spotlight: Johnson

Best known for its state college, the Woolen Mills factory, and scenic green mountain views, Johnson is also busy making great strides in community development.

The nonprofit organization “Johnson Works” is overseeing improvements that will enhance the vitality and diversity of Johnson’s mixed-use village center. Specific projects include organizing a community brochure, the popular outdoor Sculpture Show (on display July 15^th through October 15^th on Main street), and Johnson’s Holiday Festival in December.

The Main Street Project is another Smart Growth initiative in Johnson that first entered public discussion in 2000. Once this project is complete, pedestrians and bicyclists will find Johnson’s Main street corridor more accessible, with new sidewalks, crosswalks, and a shared-use road shoulder for bicycles. Meanwhile, traffic-calming measures, community plazas, benches, trees, lights, and information kiosks will enhance the character of the village. With funding garnered from Senator Leahy’s office and VTrans, the project is currently in design, with construction scheduled to start in 2011.

The Johnson Community Housing project will provide affordable housing in close vicinity to the village center. As part of ANR’s Brownfield Reuse initiative, the former Vermont Electric Co-op facility on School Street will be redeveloped into 24 rental units. The site may also include a regional distribution center for local organic produce. To facilitate development, the Douglas administration granted $1.4 million in deferred loans to the Lamoille Housing Partnership and Housing Vermont on July 7^th.

Johnson’s new weekly farmers market has been met with great enthusiasm. The market runs each Tuesday through October 6th, with 18 vendors selling produce, baked and prepared foods, plants, flowers, and artisan crafts, all grown or made in Vermont, at the Marvin Lot from 3:30-6:30. Following the market, community members and visitors can enjoy Johnson’s Tuesday Night Live concert series, another popular event held in the village center.

Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission Seeks Comments on Natural Areas Planning Guide

The Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), has just released a draft Chittenden County Natural Areas Planning Guide for residents to review and provide comments.

The Guide is intended for policy makers, conservation groups and citizens who are interested in learning ways to enhance and protect natural areas in Chittenden County. Key strategies are outlined and information and resources are also provided.

Comments are being accepted until August 28, 2009. There will also be a public meeting once the final draft is prepared. More information can be found at, www.ccrpcvt.org/naturalareasplngguide.

Rain Gardens Make Perfect Filters for Runoff

In an effort to increase awareness of the many benefits of rain gardens, the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District, UVM Extension and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, have teamed up to organize the 2009 Rooftop to River-Rain Garden Contest. Deadline for applications is August 15.

Rain can cause significant damage, particularly in areas that are heavily paved. Heavy rains can flush away important soil nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, carry toxic automobile fluids, contaminating the water system, and erode stream beds and river banks. One way to improve the health of our water system and aquatic life is by creating a rain garden in areas where run-off gathers, such as below a rain gutter. Rain gardens trap pollutants before they reach the lake, allow rain to seep into the soil slowly, leaving nutrients intact, and make an attractive addition to any yard.

Twelve Vermont Communities Receive $1.7 Million in Downtown Tax Credits

Thanks to a cooperative effort by Governor Douglas and the Legislature, $1.7 million in downtown tax credits were distributed to 12 communities around Vermont. These tax credits support the efforts of the Vermont Downtown program that works to support revitalization efforts in our downtowns and village centers. This past year, Smart Growth Vermont and Preservation Trust of Vermont were instrumental in securing a permanent $100,000 increase in these credits. In the last 10 years, the state has dedicated over $10 million to this program, leveraging more than $120 million in other investments. The program has spurred short and long-term job creation, new housing development, increased retail and business activity in our centers and helped increase property values.

On Friday, July 30th, Governor Douglas announced these tax credits in Springfield and is seen in the photo congratulating Larry Hamel, owner of the historic Hardwick Inn, for being awarded a Tax Credit of $192,000. The $1.2 million restoration of the long vacant 12,000 square foot building will provide much needed retail and office spaces downtown, and will include a new elevator and sprinkler system as well as bringing other systems up to code while maintaining the historic character of the building. Learn more about how these tax credits will benefit downtowns. You can also visit the Governor's website for information.

Gardening Tips for Difficult Yards

Is your yard space too small, rocky or hilly for a garden? Does it lack adequate soil or sun? If you are enthusiastic about growing a garden, but can't imagine how to make it work in your limited space, then the tips listed in this article may persuade you to give it a try. Jon Traunfeld, with University of Maryland's Home and Garden Information Center, offers suggestions for planting in four difficult yard spaces with very interesting results. Read more.

Solar Powered Trash Compactors?

Philadelphia has figured out a way to ease a $1.4 billion dollar budget deficit by installing solar-powered trash compactors throughout the city's downtown. 700 trash bins have been replaced with the "BigBelly" solar trash compactor. The City estimates a savings of $875,000 per year by cutting collection trips by 75%.

The BigBelly runs 100% on solar power and its capacity is five times greater than an average trash recepticle. For Philadelphia, this means that more streets department employees will be able to fill vacancies on trucks that collect household recycling.

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E-News August 2009

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