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| SUPPORT PSG
while you shop at Ukrops! |
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You can help PSG earn a portion of this year's $200,000 Golden Gift payout! Just use your UVC card, and you will earn 1 (one) point for every dollar you spend at Ukrop's from March 2 through March 28, 2009. When you receive your Golden Gift Certificate in the mail in May, please mail your points to us and we will redeem them for a portion of the payout! Thanks for your support! More info.
One lucky contributor, randomly chosen, will win a free ticket to the River City Saunter in September! |
| OPPORTUNITIES |
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Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden 25th Anniversary Symposium
No Child Left Inside: Restoring Nature to Early Childhood
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Featuring presentations by: Jane Kirkland, Robin Moore, Yusuf Burgess. $25 includes lunch; advance registration required. More info and registration. This symposium is for everyone concerned about the healthy development of today's children, including early childhood professionals, teachers and administrators, recreation leaders, healthcare providers, parents, urban planners, architects, and designers.
A Grassroots Conversation About Richmond's Possibilities
America on the Eve of Civil War Conference
Attend the nation's first major event commemorating the sesquicentennial of the Civil War at the University of Richmond on April 29, 2009, 8:45-4:30. The program sets an inclusive and innovative tone launching a national conversation about the Civil War over the coming years. More info and registration.
2009 Call for Entries: National Award for Smart Growth Achievement
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for the eighth annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to public-sector or private sector applicants that have used the principles of smart growth to create better places. More info.
Celebrate Trees! Richmond Arbor Day Program
Saturday, April 4, 2009, 10 am - 2 pm, The Carillon - Byrd Park. Tree climbing {weather permitting}, Free bare-root trees, Workshops led by certified arborists, Fun Hands-on Environmental Learning. More info. |
| SMARTER GROWTH AND THE ECONOMY |
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The Evolving Economic Landscape
These interactive maps show historic changes in population in different U.S. cities, suggesting how well each area might bounce back from the current downturn. With the right investments in public transit and walkable communities, the Richmond region can weather the storm.
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SAVE OUR
HISTORY |
Magnolia Grange in Chesterfield
Preservation Virginia is accepting nominations for its 2009 Virginia's Most Endangered Historic Sites list, issued annually to raise awareness of Virginia's historic sites at risk from neglect, deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy.
The nominator must be a local person who will be willing to speak publicly to the issue. The
Richmond region has a wealth of historic sites, too few of which are protected for future generations
to enjoy. Applications are due March 30th! For questions contact Sonja Ingram 804-551-3249. More info. |
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| SAVE OUR CITIES AND SUBURBS: Brazen Idealism in Paris |
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Proposals for a Sustainability and Connectivity in Paris
A new Master Plan aims to transform Paris and its surrounding suburbs into the first sustainable "post-Kyoto city," a reference to the treaty on climate change, with an expanded Métro system and sprawling new parks. The goal is to create a plan for a greener, more sustainable city, and to break down the isolation between the outlying neighborhoods and the historic center. The most thought-provoking designs operate on multiple levels, reaching beyond the issue of sustainability to address deeply entrenched social ills. Read more.
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Thank you for subscribing to PSG's Enewsletter, the Regional Scoop.
It must be the spring weather. Hopes of regionalism are less dim (see Mayor Jones visit to Chesterfield) and conversations about citizen engagement are ever brighter (see How will you help your community in the next 20 years?).
Stay tuned for how you can be part of PSG's regional Voices for Mobility Choices project - we'll host bus tours, community meetings on Bike and Pedestrian projects, leadership training programs, and present regional land use and transportation solutions to the community! We want your voice! Email psg@psgrichmond.org to volunteer or support the project.
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| PSG Highlights: News Feature on Growth |
In case you missed it last time: PSG Featured on CBS 6, "Vanishing Virginia"
Greg McQuade reports on one man's stand against urban sprawl and listens to perspectives from planners, developers, farmers, and Partnership for Smarter Growth on the effects of rapid growth in the Richmond region. Aired November 18th and 19th, 2008.
View Part I of the Feature
View Part II of the Feature |
| Regional Highlights: Your 2 cents on Transportation, Green Infrastructure, and Affordable Housing |
Tell it to the Feds! Weigh in on Citizen Engagement in Regional Transportation Processes as part of the MPO's Certification Review
Who: Officials from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and YOU
What: Public Listening Session on Regional Transportation. When: Wednesday, March 25; 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, 9211 Forest Hill Ave., Suite 200
 Have your thoughts on transportation processes in the Richmond region been heard? Please plan to attend this important meeting and share your opinions and suggestions on the state of regional transportation planning in the Richmond area. Or fill out a written comment form.
Learn about Green Infrastructure Planning in the Richmond Region at the Next Capital Region Greenway Forum Meeting
Who: Capital Region Greenway Forum Meeting, open to citizens
What: Presentation by the Green Infrastructure Center and Karen Firehock and Networking with Citizens and Planners from across the Region
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 6 PM
Where: Byrd Park Roundhouse - Byrd Park, Richmond.
Participate in Affordable Housing Awareness Week and Kick Off Bus Tour and Party
 The essential need for affordable housing in the Richmond area is an issue of growing importance, as it affects the health and economic well-being of communities and people across the region. To highlight this shared concern, fourteen local non-profit housing organizations are partnering AHAW. Kick Off Bus Tour and Party, Sunday, March 29, 2009, 3:00-7:00, Main Street Station. More info and register.
Affordable Housing Awareness Week, April 19-25, 2009. Includes A Day's Work for Workforce Housing, Party with a Purpose, BB&T Bus at Neighborhoods in Bloom, and a Homeless Simulation - Walking In Their Shoes. More info and register. |
| Locality Highlights: Richmond, Henrico, Powhatan, Hanover, New Kent |
RICHMOND:
Envision Richmond Kick-Off Meeting a Success
 Over 150 people gathered at the Expansion Joint on January 15th to connect with one another, learn about smarter growth in the City of Richmond, and explore the citizen role in shaping the future of our communities. The City's Department of Community Development, Rachel Flynn, presented on strategies for a more vibrant city, and PSG Coordinator Sheila Sheppard shared PSG's Blueprint for a Better Region power point presentation on PSG's grassroots eduction mission and smarter growth principles. Participants enjoyed refreshments courtesy of Gray Haven Winery and Ukrop's / First Market Bank and the tunes of River City Band. Scoot Richmond displayed the scooter we're raffling on May 17th at the Rockett's Landing Triathlon (More info). Listen to the audio, courtesy of John Murden of Church Hill's People's News.
Citizens Continue to Raise Concerns about 2026 Comprehensive Plan; Planning Commission Recommends Plan to Board of Supervisors
 Despite carefully conveyed citizen concerns about the Henrico County 2026 Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission has recommended the Plan to the Board of Supervisors. Learn why some of your neighbors have concerns about the Plan: read Citizen Concerns Summarized by Envision Henrico. The citizens involved in the analysis of the Plan have been communicating to Planners and their Elected Officials that the plan should:-Consider All Taxpayers
-Update Capacity Analysis and Demand Estimate Plan for Transportation and Mobility Choices
-Conserve Open Space and Prime Agriculture
-Protect and Capitalize on Rivers and Wetlands
-Protect and Capitalize on Historic Resources
-Ensure Greater Citizen Role in Henrico Planning
Parents in Henrico Neighborhood Organizing for Sidewalks Near Local School
This week parents, neighbors, and officials joined together at Tuckahoe Elementary School to discuss proactive solutions for the serious lack of sidewalks and safe walking routes to the local schools. Sidewalks and bike paths currently do not have a line item in the Henrico budget. See Channel 8's Coverage.
Contact Lila LaCroix, President of the University Heights Neighborhood Association, lilalacroix@verizon.net for next steps and how to make an impact.
POWHATAN:
Public Forum and Workshop on Green Infrastructure in Powhatan
Wed. April 8, 7-9, Village Building - Conference Room, 3910 Old Buckingham Road
 Purpose: The workshop will demonstrate new tools for conserving natural assets - such as timber land and forests, tree canopy, rivers and drinking water sources, agricultural soils, wildlife habitat and human values such as hiking, fishing, boating, and historic landscapes - and showcase maps for Powhatan county and how the county fits into the region's green infrastructure network. Leading environmental planner Karen Firehock will present. Hands on activites working with local planning tools and maps will illustrate applicability.
Audience: Citizens, county and town government staff, elected and appointed officials, conservation groups, developers, watershed groups and anyone interested in ensuring that as their community develops, it will grow in patterns that maximize both ecological and economic assets.
Hosts: The GIC is a nonprofit organization that has partnered with the Richmond Regional Planning District, The Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Capital Region Land Conservancy to help assess and map the region's green infrastructure assets.
Questions: Call Mike Christin at Capital Region Land Conservancy: 804-874-8615. A Forum in Hanover and Ashland was held on March 18th. More info.
Hanover and 'New Urbanism'
The Hanover County Planning Commission met yesterday for a public hearing on a rezoning case for a proposed "New Urbanism" community called Providence Creek. The mix of residential and commercial space would be on state Route 54 east of Interstate 95. The MX zoning on 63.4 acres would permit the creation of 232 building lots and residential units for a gross density of 3.66 dwelling units per acre, and approximately 130,000 square feet of retail and office space. Area residents have raised concerns of traffic routing and volume, as well as encroachment on historic property and "leapfrogged" development that could deplete Ashland business.
Stay tuned to this project by visiting Coalition for Hanover's Future and signing up for their enewsletter. Read Michael Paul William's New Urbanism proposal in Hanover raises old issues.
CHESTERFIELD:
Citizens Organize in Chesterfield for Recycling
to learn more. The Board of Supervisors will take up the issue on Wed. March 25 at 6:30 pm.
Chesterfield Seeks to Battle Blight
After decades of trying to get a handle on booming suburban growth, Chesterfield County's greatest challenge has become dealing with the neglected neighborhoods left in its wake. Read article. |
Volunteers/Commute/Quote of the Month
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Volunteer of the Month: James Crenshaw
PSG thanks James Crenshaw, our Volunteer who is currently coordinating ticket sales for the Scooter Raffle Drive! James is works with ALCOA with logistics and is a native of Richmond. Thank you, James, for your commitment to smarter growth in Richmond and PSG! Email James at psg@psgrichmond.org if you would like to help us sell raffle tickets for the Scooter.
Creative Commute of the Month: Public Transit
In Raleigh, with backing from road builders and environmentalists, a House committee endorsed legislation that would let Triangle voters increase the local sales tax to pay for buses and rail transit. Read more.
Quote of the Month: Revitalization in a Recession
"We were wowed by the history of this place." Ben Moss, of Bow Tie Partners, on why the New York based father-son company decided to locate one of their Movieland Multiplexes in Richmond. The company specializes in taking on projects in urban settings and tying the development ot the existing styles and history of the area. The project is an example of infill development because it utilizes a site with existing infrastructure. See The Story of Movieland. | |
The grassroots movement for smarter growth starts with you. Thank you for staying connected and taking action.
Sincerely,
Sheila J. Sheppard
Coordinator, Partnership for Smarter Growth
p: 804-225-1902
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| OUR STEERING COMMITTEE |
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Locality representatives:
Charles City:
Fred Fisher
Goochland:
Ennion Williams, Hank Hartz
Hanover:
Martha & Lynn Wingfield
Henrico:
Jane Koontz, Lynn Wilson
Petersburg:
Richard Taylor
Powhatan:
Pam McCune
Richmond:
Barbara Williamson
State & Regional Representatives:
Virginia League of Conservation Voters -Education Fund:
Lisa Guthrie
Coalition for Smarter Growth:
Stewart Schwartz
Southern Environmental Law Center:
Trip Pollard
Back Porch Initiatives:
Virginia Walters
The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter:
Glen Besa and Charles Price
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Citizens of Chesterfield County are organizing a coalition, Recycle Twice Chesterfield, to oppose the proposal to reduce the frequency of residential curbside recycling collections in the county effective July 1, 2009 from the current once every two weeks to once every four weeks. See 
