Center City Sustainability Award
Project Description: • The Center City Neighborhood Redevelopment and Sustainability Project is a long range, high impact program which will grow to touch every household and neighbor in our 12 square block area. Public, private, community, philanthropic and corporate funding have been blended and leveraged to develop energy efficient, green homes in our walkable, safe, vibrant neighborhood. Rain gardens, the maintenance of private open areas and the creation public pocket parks have been incorporated into the neighborhood plan as usable green space. These spaces not only assist in the management of storm water runoff but also invite children and adults to spend more time outdoors and interact with their neighbors. We have recently secured funding and expertise to begin a house by house review of energy efficiency and stabilization needs and plan over the next three years plan to renovating every owner occupied residence in the neighborhood. Although much of our efforts will be directed toward the energy efficient renovation of existing housing stock we will also build new homes to learn new ways to incorporate energy efficiency, universal design and traditional neighborhood design in an affordable, sustainable method. Community Benefits: • The Center City Neighborhood has both delivered to its residents and received from its partners many long lasting community benefits throughout the planning and development process. Residents have given a substantial amount of time developing the process and in turn have benefited directly from the learning experience and from the new neighborhood assets. House by house renovations will reduce utility expenses and increase homeowner comfort. Rain gardens and public spaces will limit development impact on City services while engaging residents to become healthier and more interactive with their neighbors. These interactions and neighbor to neighbor connections will reduce instances of crime and increase overall safety. The improvements have created a pride of place and a desire to continue the process and reach our goals. • The wider community has benefited from an engaged neighborhood focused on sustainable redevelopment, incorporation of the arts, increasing partnerships, reducing crime and a thoughtful use neighborhood assets and the environment.
