EPA today announced projects in seven communities as winners of the 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. The award honors creative, sustainable initiatives that better protect the health and the environment while strengthening local economies. Specific initiatives include cleaning up and reusing brownfields; using green infrastructure to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality; providing transportation options; and providing green, energy-efficient housing in low-income areas.
The 2013 winners are:
- Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail and Historic
Fourth Ward Park, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., Atlanta, Ga. – Overall
Excellence
The redevelopment of a formerly contaminated rail corridor into a multi-use trail and connected park system is sparking economic development, community engagement, and new affordable housing options in 45 city neighborhoods. Watch the video.
- Historic Millwork District and Washington
Neighborhood, Dubuque, Iowa – Corridor or Neighborhood
Revitalization
The conversion of a mostly vacant former mill district into a lively mixed-use neighborhood reconnected the area to downtown and the adjacent residential neighborhood. Watch the video.
- GO TO 2040, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for
Planning, Metropolitan Chicago, Ill. – Policies, Programs, and Plans
This seven-county regional plan for growth and economic development engages a wide variety of partners and links local planning efforts to a broad regional vision through tools and technical assistance. Watch the video.Lower Eastside Action Plan, Detroit City Planning Commission, Detroit, Mich. – Policies, Programs, and Plans (Honorable Mention)
This grassroots effort formed a plan for revitalization that engaged residents in creating a vision for a low-income, high-vacancy neighborhood and influenced citywide planning. - La Valentina, Sacramento, Calif. – Built
Projects
An energy-efficient, mixed-income, mixed-use apartment building on a former brownfield site next to a light-rail station is transforming an industrial neighborhood and giving residents transportation options. Watch the video.
Via Verde, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, The Bronx, N.Y. – Built Projects (Honorable Mention)This affordable, transit-oriented, highly energy-efficient building features design that emphasizes health and wellness for residents. - Charles City Riverfront Park, Charles City, Iowa
– Plazas, Parks, and Public Places
This multi-facility park built on a flood plain connects to downtown and adjacent low-income housing, brings economic benefits, and has become the recreational heart of the city. Watch the video.
View all the videos of the winning projects.
Read the press release.
Ceremony and Reception Don’t miss your chance to hear EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy at the awards ceremony recognizing the winners of EPA’s 2013 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. The event will feature remarks by McCarthy, EPA Chief of Staff Gwen Keyes Fleming, and the award winners, as well as videos that tell the story of each winning project.
· Date: Wednesday, February 5, 11 a.m.
· Location: EPA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
· RSVP: If you are interested in attending and have not RSVP’d, please contact dale.sarah@epa.gov.
The ceremony will be followed by a panel discussion and reception on Capitol Hill hosted by Smart Growth America and Congresswoman Doris Matsui of Sacramento, California. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room B-369. To RSVP, email Jeri Mintzer at Jmintzer@smartgrowthamerica.org.