2.2 The Smart Growth Theory
2.2.2 Smart Growth Principles
As outlined by the Smart Growth Network (www.smartgrowth.org), smart growth principles are flexible and adaptable and have been implemented successfully in rural areas, small towns, suburbs and cities throughout the United States. However, the outcomes can be very different from location to location, which depends on existing development patterns and infrastructure. The nine principles are outlined in more detail below.
2.2.2.1 Mixed Land Uses Together
The first principle promotes efficient use of land and resources. Each neighbourhood should incorporate a variety of compatible land uses including residential, commercial, business, recreational, institutional and open spaces. New growth should be focused around transit routes and transportation hubs as this approach results in efficient land use, and a variety of housing types and densities. A reduction in distances between places of live-work-play is promoted which strengthens neighbourhood character and encourages the use of non-motorised transport modes such as walking and cycling.
Figure 13 and Figure 14: Compact Building Design
Source: www.smartgrowth.org Source: http://teqcorner.com/wp-
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2.2.2.2 Creating a Range of Housing Opportunities and Choices
Principle two supports the provision of a broader range of housing types that cater for different cultural, family types, life stages and income groups with both ownership and rental options. Diverse housing choices such as multi-generational housing, backyard cottages, retirement villages, residential smaller apartments, extended family housing and smaller housing are proposed to accommodate people’s needs and desires. This strengthens the concept of the neighbourhood catering for different socio- economic groups and allows interchanges of accommodation within a single but familiar locality. Living near workplaces, services, schools and access to transportation, which will improve quality of life and contribute to a sense of, place (See Figures 15 and 16 below).
Figure 15 and Figure 16: Housing Options
Source: https://web.njit.edu/abs/images/ Source: http://smartgrowth.org/wp-content/
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2.2.2.3 Creating Walkable Neighbourhoods
Promoting a healthy lifestyle through food, exercise, walking as a primary mode of transportation, also cycling, trails, pathways, sidewalks is the core of principle three (See Figure 17 below). The design of developments that are more pedestrian than auto-oriented and creating streetscapes that better serves a wider range of users in close proximity to transit facilities. Reducing car dependence reduces
pollution, improves air quality, reduces noise, streets are safer, improves social interaction.
Furthermore, this will contribute to economic growth of the local economy for retailers i.e. increase of foot traffic near their stores.
Figure 17: Walkable Neighbourhoods
Source: www.smartgrowth.org
2.2.2.4 Fostering Distinctive, Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place
Principle four relates to space and proposes the creation of unique, attractive neighbourhoods that support opportunities for businesses and residents. Developing designs for open space network system and superior landscaping that gives character to the surrounding local areas. Encouraging development that reflects the culture and heritage of the neighbourhood. Promoting the preservation of historical, retrofitting older buildings and constructing new buildings with energy efficient measures, buildings that will enhance architectural beauty and distinctiveness of communities (the US EPA Guidebook Page 13, 2010).
2.2.2.5 Preserving Open Space Farmland, Natural Beauty, and Critical Environmental Areas The promotion of green building design and sustainable strategies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions is addressed by principle five. Facilitating development that respects protects and conserves the natural landscape features and has higher aesthetic, environmental, and financial value. To protect and enhance agricultural lands that provides food security, employment, habitat, biodiversity, open spaces and is maintained as an urban containment boundary. Also encouraging the use of renewable energy sources (the US EPA Guidebook, page 14, 2010)
Figure 18: Preserving Open Spaces
Source: www.smartgrowth.org
2.2.2.6 Strengthening and Directing Development towards Existing Communities
Directing growth to existing built-up areas by providing infrastructure such as roads, sewer and water thus maintaining public and private investment is principle six. The promotion of more efficient use of land, infrastructure and facilities as it is more cost effective and communities benefit from a stronger tax base (the US EPA Guidebook, page 18, 2010)
2.2.2.7 Providing a Variety of Transportation Choices
Principle seven proposes a variety of transport choices that contribute to a multi-modal approach for public needs by ensuring good connectivity within road networks, between pedestrian, bikers, and transit facilities. It is argued that long distance travelling to places of work, commercial and recreational places reduces the quality of life. The cost and time consumed for travelling and dependence on motorized transport are unsustainable. Therefore, Smart Growth promotes and encourages the use of public transport, carpooling, walking and cycling (the US EPA Guidebook, page 17, 2010)
2.2.2.8 Making Development Decisions Predictable, Fair, and Cost Effective
Promoting regulatory processes that make development decisions fair and cost effective (time and cost efficiencies to be considered) and expedite approval processes are outlined in principle eight. It is argued that the creation of a framework that provides incentives for the use of Smart Growth principles in planning and designing is needed. By creating a supportive environment for the development of innovative, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use projects, governments can provide leadership for the private sector involvement in projects and initiate Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) (the US EPA Guidebook, page 18, 2010)
2.2.2.9 Encouraging Community and Stakeholder Collaboration in Development Decisions: Principle nine proposes the inclusion of a range ofpublic and private group and individual participation and buy-in from investors, developers, bankers and residents in projects. Interest groups and citizens have a strong stake in developments therefore it is important to involve them from the inception phase of developments right through to implementation. Places belong to the people who live, work, and play there. Thus, citizens need to participate in community life and decision-making (the US EPA Guidebook, pages 19, 2010)