The 2007-2008 Legislative Session has ended, and Smart Growth Vermont successfully advocated for bills that encourage housing in smart growth locations, and update and streamline the Current Use Program. We would like to thank Paul Bruhn and the Preservation Trust of Vermont for taking the lead on increasing downtown tax credits this year by $150,000. We would also like to extend our thanks to lawmakers who recognized the importance of smart growth investments in this tight budget year. For more details, view our 2008 Legislative Session Wrap-Up.

Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Kids Guide Available

Smart Growth Vermont, in partnership with Shelburne Farms' Sustainable Schools Project, is pleased to announce the release of the Healthy Neighborhoods- Healthy Kids Guide. The Guide introduces community design, public safety and civic engagement concepts to school children so they can understand the relationship between the design of their neighborhoods and personal well being. It includes helpful tools, ideas for activities and case studies of schools that have implemented the Healthy Neighborhoods/Healthy Kids Program. The Guide is available in PDF version and hard copy. For a hard copy, please call the Sustainable Schools Project at (802) 985-0331 x 31.

From the Toolbox

Our new Community Planning Toolbox features specific examples of zoning, bylaws, community development and educational materials that promote smart growth. In an effort to continue expanding this valuable resource, we are always adding new tools and case studies. For instance, we just added a tool and associated case study on Tree Ordinances. So, take a look inside the Toolbox, and if you can't find what you need, let us know.

Want to help reduce Vermont's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions by 500,000 pounds in one week? Participate in Way to Go! Week. Smart Growth Vermont is sponsoring this unique challenge which is taking place this week, May 5-9. The event raises awareness about the many transportation options available to commuters. To reduce the amount of vehicle miles driven - and resulting greenhouse gas emissions, people are challenged to use alternative forms of transportation throughout the week. For more information about activities this week, visit www.waytogovt.org.

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

Smart Growth in Action: Vermont RideShare Program

Do you commute to work or school alone? Would you like to save money along the way? Whether your commute is fifteen minutes or an hour, carpooling is still a great way to reduce carbon emissions and save money on gas. Fortunately, the Vermont Agency of Transportation offers a program to assist people in finding fellow carpoolers.

The Vermont RideShare Program is a free carpool and vanpool program that offers a computerized matching service for individuals and employers in regions with no bus service. It’s an easy way to significantly reduce your transportation costs by sharing a ride with one or more commuters who are traveling your route. You can choose to carpool every day or just a few times a week – whatever is convenient for you. Vermont RideShare will help you find a commuting solution that’s right for your schedule.

Ride sharing is economical, environmentally sound, and can help Vermonters reduce the environmental impact of driving their cars.

Community Spotlight: Bennington

Photo by: Collin Ackerman

Nestled within the Green and Taconic Mountains, Bennington is the fifth largest community in the state. Numerous waterways and access to large tracts of forest land originally drew Native Americans to the area for prime fishing and hunting opportunities. Today, residents and visitors continue to take advantage of the areas historical significance and it's accessibility to nearby urban centers.

Chartered in 1749 by New Hampshire Governor, Benning Wentworth, Old Bennington later became the first area settled within the town’s current boundary. Today, Bennington has approximately 16,000 residents and encompasses 41.7 square miles. It’s close proximity to major markets in New York and Massachusetts allows for greater economic opportunities. Businesses in the area include Energizer Battery, Plasan USA, Bennington Potters, and Transitor. Bennington is also home to Southern Vermont College and Bennington College.

Bennington also has a thriving downtown, complete with shops, numerous dining options, entertainment and lodging. The downtown features specialty shops, governmental and health care offices, banking establishments and the Bennington Free Library. The revitalization of the downtown district has been successful, in large part, due to the Better Bennington Corporation, which was established to maintain downtown Bennington as the heart of commercial and cultural opportunities.

Residents of Bennington are fortunate to have Green Mountain Community Network, a private, nonprofit organization that provides safe and efficient transportation services throughout Bennington County. Established in 1985, the service offers a variety of low-cost programs to suit the needs of school children, the elderly and general commuters.

Recreational opportunities, including access to the popular Long Trail, also attract residents and visitors to the Bennington area. Fishing, hiking, hunting and skiing are just some of the great ways to take advantage of what Bennington has to offer.

Local Motion Launches Online Resource for Chittenden County Trails

On April 22nd, Local Motion launched Trail Finder, an online resource for 77 walking, hiking, biking and mountain biking trails throughout Chittenden County. Users now have access to maps, directions, information about trail features, and a space to post comments and photos. The Trail Finder is a partnership between 40 towns, trail groups, tourism associations and regional planning organizations.

World Habitat Awards Recognize Champlain Housing Trust

The Champlain Housing Trust (CHT) is a finalist for the World Habitat Awards, sponsored by the Building and Social Housing Foundation, an international organization dedicated to innovation in affordable housing. The Awards are part of the United Nations' World Habitat Day and recognize "practical and innovative solutions to current housing needs and problems." CHT's Community Land Trust model - the largest and among the oldest in the country - was selected as a finalist because of the way it brings housing opportunity to low- and moderate-income households while creating homes that are permanently affordable. Additionally, CHT's emphasis on community ownership of the Trust through its mission and governance structure was a key feature of its application. CHT is the only organization in the United States, and one of only two in North America, to be a finalist for the annual award. "We are thrilled to receive this attention for our work," said Brenda Torpy, CEO of the Champlain Housing Trust. "We are excited to show the judges just how effective our model of affordable housing is."

For more information about the World Habitat Awards, visit www.worldhabitatawards.org.The Champlain Housing Trust manages and stewards over 2,100 permanently affordable homes in northwestern Vermont. Visit www.champlainhousingtrust.org for more information.

Can Plug-in Cars Withstand Vermont's Climate?

Conventional hybrids, including the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and the Toyota Highlander are popular throughout Vermont. Now, the University of Vermont, Green Mountain College and Central Vermont Public Service are conducting studies on how new, rechargeable "plug-in" hybrid prototypes can handle Vermont's cold climate and rolling terrain. Read more.

Washington, D.C. Launches Bike Share Program

The nation's first bike share program will begin next month in Washington, D.C. BikeSmart D.C. is an off shoot of a popular European car share program, Zipcar. Users sign up for an annual membership and receive an access card to unlock one of 120 bikes that are distributed in 10 locations throughout the city. Read more.

Long Commutes May Influence Suburban Housing Market

Economic analysts have noted a growing trend in suburban home prices that they believe are associated with a longer commute. In suburbs around Washington, D.C., for example, the price of a home in a neighborhood with a longer commute, has dropped, in some cases by 50%. Foreclosure rates are much more prevalent in these areas as well. Read more.

New Web Tool Tracks Housing and Transportation Affordability

The Center for Neighborhood Technology just released the Housing and Transportation Affordability Index, a web tool that allows you to review transportation data in 52 metropolitan areas. It's primary function is to map data on housing and transportation costs for the average household in neighborhoods. You can also view information about average vehicle miles traveled and transit use. View the tool.

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E-News May 2008

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2008 Legislative Session Ends; Bills on Housing, Tax Credits and Current Use Passed