WASHINGTON (February 2, 2004) - A jury formed by the Smart Growth Alliance (SGA) has recognized a proposed development along Lee Highway 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 three years ago to research, identify and encourage land use, transportation and environmental policies and practices that support smart growth in the region.

The proposal recognized by the SGA is called Bromptons at Cherrydale, mixed-use development consisting of 50 residential units, including condominiums, townhomes and single-family detached houses, as well as 5,600 square feet of retail on the ground floor of the 4-story condominium building. The Cherrydale neighborhood of Arlington has a residential history spanning 150 years. The proposed craftsman style homes respect the architecture of this neighborhood.

“After an extensive dialogue with the community and Arlington County staff, the result was a mixed use development with a four-story Main Street building with residential over retail, townhouses and single family detached houses that transition down in scale, massing, materials and detailing into the existing residential neighborhood fabric.

“We feel that our architect, WHA Architecture & Planning, did an exceptional job in designing a modern re-interpretation that responds to the craftsman and colonial revival homes in the community, civic uses at Lee Highway, and the historic Cherrydale/Maywood neighborhoods. This project replaces used car lots, auto repair shops and a vacant lot creating a landmark main street presence at the heart of the district adjacent to the historic Firehouse and hardware store buildings.”

The SGA recognition program is now in its third year. Through the program, 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 senior counsel at Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP in Washington, said Bromptons at Cherrydale fulfills the criteria set by the SGA for measuring project proposals. The evaluation of the application was based on its location; proposed density, design and diversity of uses; transportation alternatives and opportunities; environmental resources and conservation efforts, and benefits to the overall community. “The Bromptons at Cherrydale is an excellent example of urban infill. The property’s reuse will enhance the character of this historic neighborhood.”

Each quarter, the SGA evaluates 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 are publicized by the Alliance and highlighted by the Alliance during regular Alliance events. Since the recognition program began last year, the SGA jury has recognized more than a dozen applications in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia (see attached list). The program also lent its support to the City of Falls Church for its City Center plan and to Eastern Village Cohousing in Silver Spring, Maryland.

“Developers are increasingly aware that a recognition of their proposal from the SGA jury can prove very helpful as they move forward with their projects,” Black said. “Because these projects tend to be innovative and complex, obtaining approvals from the local jurisdictions is often challenging. Through the recognition program, the SGA strives to highlight the benefits these projects offer to the surrounding communities and help break down barriers in the approval process.”

In addition to the development recognition program, the SGA is planning other activities, including a recognition program for conservation initiatives. Information on the application process can be viewed on the web or through e-mail: sga@uli.org.