Sustainable, Equitable, SMART: An Ideas Competition for the Pioneer Valley

In 2008 the Valley Development Council was formed to promote and advocate for smart growth housing and land use strategies in the Pioneer Valley. Members of the Council include representatives from diverse areas of expertise including architecture, building trades, community development, housing, municipal planning, real estate, land conservation and many others who are interested in working together on targeted implementation of the smart growth strategies outlined in Valley Vision 2, the new regional land use plan for the Pioneer Valley.

As part of its public outreach, advocacy and education agenda, the Council hatched a plan for a “smart growth ideas” competition. The Council saw value in using actual parcels already under consideration for development by stakeholders. Exhibits of entries, a “Peoples Choice Award”, gala celebration and several public events are planned as part of the competition outreach.

It is the hope of the Council that architects, planners, landscape architects, designers and students will help demonstrate, through their designs of the three selected sites, the unlimited possibilities for future development in the region where growth can be: “Sustainable, Equitable and Smart”.

Smart Growth Strategies for the Pioneer Valley

Encourage Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TND)
Promote Compact, Mixed Use Village Centers
Revitalize Urban Core Areas and Downtowns
Develop Incentives for Cluster Development
Improve Housing Opportunities and Neighborhood Quality
Redevelop Brownfields
Preserve Farmlands and Support Farm Businesses
Establish Greenbelts and Blueways for Open Space Protection
Build an Intermodal Pedestrian Bicycle and Transit Network
Protect Environmental Quality and Prevent Pollution
Control Commercial Strip Development
Improve Infrastructure in Urban Areas and Limit Infrastructure Expansions
Encourage Sustainable Design
Overhaul Antiquated State and Local Zoning Laws
Promote Regional Solutions to Growth Problems
Assist Small Towns in Addressing Unique Growth Problems

AIA’s 10 Principles for Livable Communities

Design on a Human Scale
Provide Choices
Encourage Mixed-Use Development
Preserve Urban Centers
Vary Transportation Options
Build Vibrant Public Spaces
Create a Neighborhood Identity
Protect Environmental Resources
Conserve Landscapes
Design Matters

Smart Growth Principles

Mix Land Uses
Take Advantage of Compact Building Design
Create a Range of Housing Opportunities and Choices
Create Walkable Neighborhoods
Foster Distinctive, Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place
Preserve Open Space, Farmland, Natural Beauty, and Critical Environmental Areas
Strengthen and Direct Development Towards Existing Communities
Provide a Variety of Transportation Choices
Make Development Decisions Predictable, Fair, and Cost Effective
Encourage Community and Stakeholder Collaboration in Development Decisions