WASHINGTON (July 26, 2002) – A jury formed by the Smart Growth Alliance has recognized two development proposals as offering land use, transportation and environmental advantages for the Washington region.
The Smart Growth Alliance is a coalition of five regional organizations: the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Metropolitan Washington Builders Council and ULI Washington (a district council of the Urban Land Institute). These organizations, some of which have long been on the opposite side of 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 mixed-use development proposals – a project in Bethesda combining residential, restaurant and retail uses, and one in North Bethesda combining residential, retail, restaurant and entertainment uses -- were the first selected under a new recognition program announced by the Smart Growth Alliance in May. Through the program, sponsored by Pepco, the alliance plans to highlight “smart growth” developments 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.
The Smart Growth Alliance members are advised and supported by representatives of 40 organizations, including the public sector, universities, businesses, local foundations, and environmental and civic groups from throughout the region. The Smart Growth Alliance 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 Smart Growth Alliance jury and a partner in Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP in Washington, said both projects fulfilled the criteria set by the Smart Growth Alliance for measuring 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 attract new businesses, reduce traffic congestion, retain a top-caliber workforce, and enhance air and water quality.”
One of the recognized projects is a transit-oriented development proposed for a 34.2-acre site adjacent to the White Flint Metro station in North Bethesda. Owned by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the property will be developed by LCOR, Inc., under a long-term lease from WMATA. LCOR’s proposal calls for construction of a 2.8-million-square-foot mixed-use development, including 1.2 million square feet of office space, 200,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and 1.4 million square feet of residential development.
According to LCOR, the mix of employment, housing, shopping and entertainment uses will generate an estimated 6,500 additional daily Metro trips at the White Flint station.
The project emphasizes mass transit use, and is designed to minimize the impact of traffic, said Mike Smith, senior development manager for LCOR. “The urban town center LCOR will develop at the White Flint Metro station combines commercial and residential uses to create a pedestrian-friendly place, where people live, work and are entertained within steps of public transportation. This is an infill development opportunity that maximizes existing infrastructure and creates a focal point for the North Bethesda community,” Smith said.
The other project, also in Bethesda, is known as Arlington East, phase VII of Bethesda Row, a seven-block site in the community owned and redeveloped by Federal Realty Investment Trust. Earlier phases of the project included construction of retail space, a “streetscape” with decorative sidewalks and landscaping, renovation of existing storefronts and construction of office space. Development is underway on a new major grocery store to serve the area. When completed, Arlington East will offer nearly 60,000 square feet of street-level retail space with 180 rental apartments, in close proximity to the Bethesda Metro Station.
Arlington East has been designed to blend in with the earlier phases of the project, said Alex Inglese, managing director of Federal Realty Investment Trust. “We are committed to ensuring the success of Bethesda Row for both its existing tenants and the surrounding communities, and will continue to make enhancements that provide the same level of excellence that has already been achieved,” he said.
In addition to the two development proposals receiving recognition from the Smart Growth Alliance jury, a plan to revamp the downtown area of the City of Falls Church also received jury support. The jury noted that the proposal contains key elements of smart growth, including a focus on: intertwining quality public space with private development, improving walkability, and providing a sense of community.
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; a recognition program for conservation initiatives; technical assistance workshops; and fundraising.
Information on the application process is available at www.sgalliance.org or by e-mailing:sga@uli.org.
