On September 13th, more than 130 people gathered on Burlington's waterfront to celebrate Vermont projects that create economic opportunities, housing and a sense of community in a way that respects our unique landscape.

Our 2007 Smart Growth Awards honor those individuals, projects or plans that demonstrate that smart growth is a viable development option for Vermont communities. The awards showcase approved and built projects, regardless of scale, as well as municipal planning initiatives, that embrace smart growth principles. Below are this year's Smart Growth Award Winners:

New Name Reflects Land Use Solutions

The Vermont Forum on Sprawl is pleased to announce we have adopted a new name – Smart Growth Vermont.

“Since the Forum was founded in 1998, our focus has naturally evolved from raising public awareness about the issue to providing the tools and assistance communities need to engage in smart growth initiatives,” said Executive Director, Noelle MacKay. “Our new name, Smart Growth Vermont, more accurately reflects this approach.”

Our new name was formally announced at our 2007 Smart Growth Awards Celebration on September 13th at the Main Street Landing in Burlington.

“Whether we’re talking about attracting business and jobs to our downtowns, taking action to reduce the threat of climate change or providing housing opportunities for all Vermonters, how we use our land is a key factor in addressing these challenges,” MacKay said. “Smart growth provides a vision, framework and tools for creating land use policies that respect our unique landscape.”

Our new name, Smart Growth Vermont, was the product of a recent strategic planning process that outlined the organization’s goals over three years. Much of our work over that period focuses at both the state and community levels on bringing together diverse interests, seeking common ground and crafting innovative land use solutions.

Visit our new website at www.smartgrowthvermont.org to learn how we can help your community plan for smart growth.

Community Spotlight: Springfield

Photo: Joe Manning, www.morningsonmaplestreet.com

Home to the Simpsons? According to the Hometown Challenge, this small Vermont town beat out 13 other Springfields from around the country. The recent national attention has put Springfield, Vermont on the map.

The town was chartered in 1761, and became the center of the Precision Valley, home of the Vermont machine tool industry. Since this industry moved away from Vermont, the community has worked to re-establish its economic base and build on its rich history. In recent years, the community has sharpened its focus on downtown revitalization projects, particularly redevelopment of its former industrial properties.

One project that embodies Springfield’s respect for its history and commitment to its future is the recent renovation of the 1918 Vermont Foundry building, an excellent example of the industrial structures prominent in the early 20th century Precision Valley.

A grassroots effort raised $5 million – through contributions of $20 to $250,000 – to transform the building into the Southern Vermont Recreation Center, a dynamic regional heath, recreation and aquatic center with ties to the local regional hospital. The project was recently honored with a 2007 Smart Growth Merit Award.

Considered the Gateway to Springfield, the Southern Vermont Recreation Center is accessible by various modes of transportation. It also enhances use of the Toonerville Recreation Path, a three-mile long, paved path that links the business district with residential areas, Route 5, and the Cheshire Bridge, which connects to New Hampshire. The trail was built atop an abandoned railroad corridor along the Black River, and offers scenic views.

Springfield is also home to the Howard Dean Education Center, which reaches out to this region by providing a wide array of educational opportunities and resources. The Gallery at the Vault is a nonprofit organization, which serves the local artist community by providing a venue for their work.

As foliage season approaches, you may want to check out the Vermont Apple Festival & Craft Show. While in Springfield, you can also experience a day in the life of an 18^th Century settler at the Fort at No. 4 Living History Museum. Or, take a trip to the Miller Art Center, a 19^th Century mansion, turned museum and gallery, with changing exhibits and educational programs for adults and children.

So, this fall when you’re looking for places to pick apples, consider dropping in on Springfield. Who knows, if you’re lucky, you may bump into America’s classiest family!

Interested in having your town featured in our Community Spotlight, please contact Serena Parnau at (802) 864-6310.

Photo: Joe Manning, www.morningsonmaplestreet.com

Request for Your Vermont Photos!

Do you have a photo of a downtown or village that captures Vermont's essential character? Do you have photos of farms, forests or mountains that capture our unique landscape? We would love to showcase them on our website and in our materials!

Please send your submissions with a brief description to Serena at serena@smartgrowthvermont.org and we’ll be sure to give you credit if we use them.

Community Matters Conference

There is still time to register for the 2007 Community Matters Conference, hosted by the Orton Family Foundation and PlaceMatters. The Conference will include panels on planning successes and challenges, as well as re-development and sustainable building techniques. The conference keynote speakers are James Surowiecki, author of the national bestselling book, The Wisdom of Crowds and Michelle Long, Executive Director of Sustainable Connections.

For more information, or to register for the conference, visit communitymatters.org.

Municipal Planning Grants Deadline Approaching

If your community needs assistance with planning tasks, such as updating local bylaws, you may be eligible to apply for a state Municipal Planning Grant.

The Municipal Planning Grant Program supports planning efforts such as preparing municipal plans, drafting and updating local bylaws, encouraging citizen participation and education, and other local planning initiatives. Municipalities may apply for up to $15,000 for single applications or up to $25,000 for multi-town, consortia applications. Grants are available to municipalities that have been confirmed by their regional planning commission pursuant to 24 VSA §4350 (including the requirement that an adopted plan be formally approved by the regional planning commission).

This year's applications must be postmarked by September 28th. For more information, or to apply, visit the Vermont Department of Housing & Community Affairs.

Walkable Communities Keeps New Englanders in Shape

A recent survey conducted by the Trust for America’s Health concluded that New Englanders tend to be less obese than other Americans, in part because we have more walkable communities. People tend to run errands by bike or foot in areas where grocery stores, banks and post offices are nearby. Parks and recreation paths that are interconnected with neighborhoods also promote more exercise.

California Bill Tackles Growth Issues

In an effort to reduce the threat of global warming, California legislators have introduced a bill that would provide incentives to cities that encourage development in high-density areas, making alternative transportation a more viable option for people. Read more...

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E-News September 2007

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2007 Smart Growth Award Winners Announced