WASHINGTON (January 17, 2003) - A jury formed by the Smart Growth Alliance (SGA) has recognized two development proposals as contributing land use, transportation and environmental advantages to the Washington region.
The SGA is a coalition of five regional organizations: the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Metropolitan Washington Builders’ Council and ULI Washington (a district council of the Urban Land Institute). These organizations, some of which have held opposing views on growth issues, formed the alliance two years ago to research, identify and encourage land use, transportation and environmental policies and practices that support smart growth in the region.
The two proposals recognized by the SGA are a mixed-use project in Arlington, Va., combining retail, office and residential space; and a mixed-use project in Alexandria, Va., consisting of residential and retail space, and structured parking facilities. Both will be transit-oriented developments near Metro stations, as a result de-emphasizing the need for auto use.
The proposals were selected in the third round of a recognition program announced by the SGA in May 2002. Through the program, sponsored by Pepco, the alliance highlights “smart growth” development proposals to raise awareness among public officials, citizen groups and developers of the long-term benefits of well-designed, pedestrian-oriented projects that incorporate a variety of uses and reduce dependency on autos as the sole means of mobility.
SGA members are advised and supported by representatives of more than 70 organizations, including the public sector, universities, businesses, local foundations, and environmental and civic groups from throughout the region. The SGA views alternatives to single-use, auto-oriented design as critical in accommodating the area’s future population -- now projected to rise by 1 million over the next 20 years.
Sam Black, chairman of the SGA jury and a partner in Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP in Washington, said the two projects fulfilled the criteria set by the SGA for measuring project proposals. Applications were evaluated on their location; density, design and diversity of uses; transportation alternatives and opportunities; environmental resources and conservation efforts, and benefits to the overall community. Individual proposals were not measured against each other, he noted. “By recognizing these and future projects, we are showcasing examples of how to make smart growth work,” Black said. “Through smart growth, our area can reduce traffic congestion, retain a top-caliber workforce, attract new businesses, and enhance air and water quality.”
The development in Arlington, currently referred to as 2900 Clarendon Boulevard, will be located one block from the Clarendon Metro station. The developers, Bush Construction Corporation and Highland Associates, LLC, are planning a mixed-use multiple building development that will combine retail stores and offices with residential flats and lofts. Development plans include the replacement of a one-story commercial building surrounded by surface parking with four new buildings ranging in height from six to 10 floors and containing 308 residential units and 86,000 square feet of office and retail space. It is projected that nearly half of development’s residents will be working in downtown Washington and commuting by Metro.
“2900 Clarendon Boulevard is an infill urban project designed to take full advantage of the community’s massive investment in Metro,” said David DeCamp, principal at Highland Associates, LLC. “We will build a place where people can live, work and shop. Owning and operating an automobile will be optional. My partners and I are hopeful that the SGA recognition will serve to educate and reinforce the regional wisdom behind mixed-use and mixed-income development.”
The development in Alexandria, to be developed by KSI Services Inc., is planned for a site next to the Van Dorn Metro station on property owned by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. KSI is proposing a project containing 258 residential units, 17, 570 square feet of streetfront retail, and a structured parking facility to serve Metro riders at the subway station. Its proximity to Metro minimizes the impact of additional traffic, and the new retail would help fill a shortage of shopping facilities in the immediate area.
“This smart growth development at the Van Dorn Metro Station will create a lively, urban pedestrian-oriented gateway to Eisenhower Valley and will be a catalyst for future development in this transitioning industrial area,” said Richard I. Knapp, senior vice president of KSI. “In addition, at a time when both WMATA and the City of Alexandria are looking for additional sources of revenue to fund public improvements, the redevelopment of this parcel will provide a $5 million parking structure and annual revenue to Metro, while providing numerous community benefits and creating annual tax revenue from a currently tax exempt parcel of approximately $500,000 to the City of Alexandria.”
Each quarter, the Smart Growth Alliance will evaluate project proposals in the Washington area that are under review or subject to review by local government regulatory agencies. Those representing the best examples of smart growth will be publicized by the Alliance and highlighted by the Alliance during regular alliance events. In addition, the Smart Growth Alliance plans other activities, including a study of barriers and incentives to smart growth; and a recognition program for conservation initiatives.
Information on the application process is available at www.sgalliance.org; or through e-mail:sga@uli.org
