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Vermont
Smart Growth Expert Outlines Key Issues for Vermont Voters
Reminding voters that Vermont’s land consumption grows 2.5 times faster than its population, and that land-use decisions “have long-range social and economic impacts,” Smart Growth Vermont Executive Director Noelle MacKay tells them to ask gubernatorial candidates, local contenders and themselves how each would ensure the things Vermonters most want.
Mackay mentions clean air and water, downtown businesses, safe neighborhoods, a sense of belonging, affordable housing, open spaces and local agriculture. She points out that scattered development “costs us all more money,” both in long-distance driving and in municipal spending on public services, infrastructure and maintenance. “We believe that land-use issues should be guided by a set of smart-growth principles that incorporate centralized development, protection of natural resources and our working landscape, development of transportation options, and healthy neighborhoods where we can walk or bike to our destinations and have ready access to recreation,” she writes in a Burlington Free Press guest column. “These principles strengthen our communities and help us retain Vermont’s unique sense of place.”
Consequently, Director MacKay outlines some key questions for gubernatorial candidates, beginning with this: “How would you make sure new development take place within planned growth centers and that more jobs, homes and investment are made in our town centers?” They also should say how would they “encourage more Vermonters to get out of their cars,” what legislation, policies and appropriation they would pursue to expand affordable housing, and what would they do to “make active working lands for farming, forestry, natural areas, public recreation and other open space a priority,” and to ensure support of the state’s rural economy. In local races, residents should quiz their city council or select board candidates about the town’s plan provisions to encourage smaller lots in its center, along the lines of the traditional development patterns; about regulations and bylaws to protect scenic vistas and open lands; about neighborhood sidewalk and trail links, and means to expand carpooling; and about ways to focus growth in town centers and avoid strip development along scenic roads.
No less important are questions individuals should ask themselves. One is, “Should I locate my business in the town center so my employees and I can walk to work?” Others include: can I buy, rent or build my next home within downtown walking distance, drive fewer miles a day, support local farms by buying more of their products or spend a little more at a local merchant’s store instead of driving out to a big-box. And finally, “What can I do in my own community to make a difference?”
Inviting readers to visit Smart Growth Vermont’s web site for additional information, including more on smart-growth principles, Director MacKay stresses, “Understanding these principles and knowing where to turn for help are two major steps toward a brighter, cleaner future for Vermont.”
Learn more at www.smartgrowthvermont.org. 1/17/2010
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