2021 October newsletter

Fun events, recent news, and action items

Dear {{FirstName or 'Friend'}},

Join us for one or more of our fall Smart Growth Social Goes Local events! Instead of our usual big party at Eastern Market, we are going local, staying outdoors, hosting smaller meetups with local partners, and highlighting the importance of creating great places for people.

Keep reading to find out about a social event near you, our transit book talk, and news and action items on climate, street safety, and transit-oriented communities.

Regional

TPB study confirms CSG case on climate

Having convinced the Transportation Planning Board to study what it would take to reduce CO2 emissions from transportation, we can report that early results confirm our point that we need both electric vehicles and less car dependent communities and transportation systems. Our Senior Policy Fellow, Bill Pugh, shares the findings in his recent post at GGWash.

Alternatives to Maglev: Equitable Transit for All Marylanders (Sep 21 event recording)

We partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association, Sierra Club, Del. Jared Solomon, and the West Baltimore Project to discuss the negative environmental and community effects of the Baltimore-Washington Maglev, and the many benefits of alternate transit investments.

Forum, Oct 26: Join us for a transit book talk with Christof Spieler! (register)

Our co-host, Island Press, recently released the second edition of Christof Spieler’s wildly popular book “Trains, Buses, People.”

Christof will discuss the evolving conversation around transit, and share updates on fare policies, wayfinding, inclusivity in transit, and N. American transit systems. Purchase using code WEBINAR with Island Press for 30% off.

D.C. Forum, Oct 6: “Shaping the Future of Chevy Chase DC,” with Historic Chevy Chase & Ward3Vision (register)

Join us to check out Ward3Vision’s urban design concepts for sustainable, compact development, including affordable housing along Connecticut Avenue. Following a 25-minute presentation by architect Matt Bell, we’ll have a 50-minute discussion to share ideas.

Event, Oct 14: Mixer and meetup with Ward3Vision & Cleveland Park Smart Growth (event in our “Smart Growth Social Goes Local” series, register)

Join us for this outdoor smart growth mixer in the closed service lane along Cleveland Park’s “Main Street.” We’ll hear from ANC 3C Commission Chair Beau Finley on changes that will create a

more vibrant and inclusive community. Let's celebrate a little street reclaiming in Cleveland Park!

Maryland

Take Action: Support this inclusive, sustainable blueprint for Montgomery County (send an email)

The Planning Board’s draft of Thrive Montgomery 2050, a new general plan, unabashedly embraces urbanism and smart growth.

The Council’s planning committee is reviewing through Oct 18 before forwarding to the full Council. The draft is excellent, but we’re pushing for even bolder policies for affordable housing.

Event, Oct 23: Walking tour and picnic with Montgomery for All (event in our “SGS Goes Local” series, register)

Join us for a guided walking tour of Wheaton Regional Park led by Alison Gillespie (Open Streets Montgomery) with speakers from Montgomery Parks. We'll discuss the intersection of parks and urbanism, and planned upgrades to the park. Followed by a picnic-style social!

Take Action: Submit your comments on Ride On Reimagined Study scope of work! (submit comments)

We’re excited that our Better Buses campaign with nearly 30 groups helped spark the RideOn Reimagined study. We think this comprehensive assessment of the bus network should consider frequency, reliability, service area coverage, affordability, and the quality and safe accessibility for bus stops. Share your thoughts on the study scope through November 1.

A win for transit-oriented communities in North Bethesda!

Plans are moving ahead for the first phase of the Strathmore Square project, a 2,200-unit walkable neighborhood at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station.We’ve supported this project

and transit communities for all of our Metro stations, because they’re key to sustainable growth, reducing how much we drive, and fighting climate change.

Virginia

Gum Springs protest for a safer Richmond Highway

Our NoVa Advocacy Manager, Sonya Breehey, joined the Gum Springs community demanding a safer Richmond Highway. Yes, that’s a coffin in the picture – highlighting the risks residents already face. Now VDOT is proposing the equivalent of a 13 lane road (!) in this section with bus rapid transit, 6 thru lanes, high speed right turn lanes, double lefts, and an unsafe 45 mph design speed. We’re pushing to shrink it and for a 35 mph design speed.

Take Action: Support Alexandria’s Mobility Plan (AMP) (send an email)

Alexandria’s mobility plan rightly focuses on moving people more efficiently and safely through public transit, walking, and biking, and prioritizes equity. Learn more at the project website and be sure to send a letter of support to the Planning Commission and Council!

Social event, Oct 6: Walking tour and social with Liveable Alexandria (event in our “SGS Goes Local” series, register)

Join Liveable Alexandria and CSG for a walking tour and social.

We’ll do a short walk through the lower King Street streeteries and beautiful new public waterfront, hear from Scudder Wagg of Jarrett Walker Associates about their exciting DASH bus network redesign, and enjoy refreshments, snacks, and networking.

Social event, Oct 12: Happy hour biergarten social in Tysons (event in our “SGS Goes Local” series, register)

Join CSG and your fellow Fairfax County advocates at Starr Hill Biergarten for a happy hour social. The Biergarten is at The Perch, a rooftop park at the Capital One Center. We’ll have a

chance to observe the development of the new Tysons under a plan which CSG helped spark in the mid-2000s.

Forum, Oct 20: Get to know the Arlington County Board candidates (register)

CSG is cosponsoring a forum organized by EcoAction Arlington for candidates campaigning for a seat on the Arlington County Board. Where do they stand on climate change, energy, smart growth, resiliency, equity, and natural resources? Read the candidates’ responses to the environmental questionnaire.

Thanks for all you do, Stewart Schwartz

Executive Director Coalition for Smarter Growth

Images from Joe Flood, Flickr; Sonya Breehey; Travis Maiers, Greater Greater Washington; Travis Crouse, Maryland Historic District, VA Department of Transportation, National Parks Conservation Association, Christof Spieler, Ron Eichner, Montgomery Planning, MW Transit Photos, Fivesquares Development, Sonya Breehey, City of Alexandria, EcoAction Arlington

Support a thriving D.C. region today by donating!

Visit us online at smartergrowth.net

Coalition for Smarter Growth

P.O. Box 73282

2000 14th Street NW

Washington, DC 20009

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