Citizens Handbook for Smart Growth: For Citizens By Citizens

Citizens Handbook for Smart Growth:

For Citizens By Citizens

F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse

What’s Your Role?

Tools & Resources for You

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25-28

20-24

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Local Organizations

Contact Us

Table of Contents

What is Smart Growth?

Dear Citizens: A Letter to You

Smart Growth Concepts

Concentrate Development

Maintain Homes

Invest in Infrastructure Think Green

Complete Streets Public Transportation

Physical Accessibility Community Collaboration

Celebrate Diversity

Promote CNY’s Image

Define Your Neighborhood

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5

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9-10

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Green Space

Acknowledgements

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What is Smart Growth? Smart growth is a better way to build

our communities

How? § Mix land uses § Promote compact building design

§ Make multiple housing opportunities and choices available

§ Create walkable neighborhoods

§ Foster a strong sense of place

§ Preserve open space

§ Develop in existing communities

§ Provide a variety of transportation options

§ Make development predictable, fair and cost-effective

§ Endorse collaboration between everyone

More information at www.smartgrowth.org/why

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Dear Citizens, Promoting smart growth is one way that citizen trustees can make Central New York the best place to live, learn, work and play. This smart growth booklet is written just for you. It is full of tips that YOU can do. Look them over and try the ones that are easy, such as keeping your sidewalk shoveled, or placing a rain barrel under your gutters to Save the Rain, or planting a community garden. Then challenge yourself! The smart growth booklet was created by citizens for citizens, not by any political or marketing organization. F.O.C.U.S. thanks the people who met every other week for over a year to share their vision about smart growth. All of their ideas are incorporated. F.O.C.U.S. recognizes the hard work and intense effort by Sue Fassler, recent SUNY ESF and Syracuse University (Maxwell School) graduate, to make this a booklet that you will use. We wish Sue a great future in whatever she endeavors.

This is a good time for you TO HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CNY. We want to hear from you; our contact information is on the back cover. Good luck and keep track of your efforts so you can let us know how well you achieved your visions!

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Director, F.O.C.U.S Greater Syracuse

Citizens can shape their

future by acting on these concepts:

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Maintain Homes Homes on this street were once in disrepair, but today many have been renovated. Improving one home in a neighborhood can have a domino effect and spur similar repairs in the surrounding area. Proper home care improves local property values.

§ Maintain, repair and upgrade old homes; reuse and find new purposes for older buildings and seek to ensure universal design (for persons of all abilities)

§ Support safe, healthy, accessible and affordable

housing for all § Know your municipality’s building code regulations

and report buildings that do not meet codes to your local Department of Code Enforcement or Public Works

§ § Insulate your home to be energy efficient and use energy efficient appliances

§ Renters, homeowners and landlords should maintain their homes to make them attractive

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Define Your Neighborhood Celebrate the unique culture and population in your neighborhood! Publicize what makes your area unique and promote a vision for its future.

§ Attend neighborhood, town, county and school meetings and planning sessions — be an engaged citizen on all levels. Get involved

§ Explore what makes your neighborhood unique then create and implement a vision for your neighborhood’s future

§ Create and join neighborhood organizations/associations and engage in policy design

§ Plan unique beautification projects in your neighborhood and install signage to welcome visitors and residents to your neighborhood

Photo Credit: SMTC

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Celebrate Diversity Diversity can take many forms (age, ethnicity, education, income) and is a key component of healthy, successful, vibrant and welcoming communities.

§ Welcome people of all backgrounds, respect everyone and strive to eliminate language barriers

§ Organize and attend festivals that showcase different cultures

§ Start a community newsletter to provide ongoing support and highlight local news

§ Know your neighbors and reject discrimination of all kinds

§ Seek to live in a community in which all income levels and cultures are represented — create a culture of inclusion

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Public Transportation Transit-oriented development promotes high-density/mixed-use development so that people can access goods and services without a car — so that walkability and public transit are prioritized.

§ Join or start bicycle, car and/or ride sharing programs

§ Promote sheltered non-smoking bus stops with seating, lighting and technology that indicates when buses will arrive

§ Request routes that allow access to many services at once — you should be able to walk from place to place easily from a central location

§ Choose to make public transit the center of your community and live near transit hubs

§ Encourage employers to offer discounts on transit tickets — contact Centro’s Employer Fare Deal Program

§ Work with public transportation authorities to ensure access prior to completing development plans

Photo Credit: SMTC

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Complete

§ Use existing roadways and sidewalks and support expansions of walkable networks

§ Attend meetings that discuss rehabbing roadways/walkable sidewalks and be a part of the decision-making process

§ Participate in or create bicycle/motorist/pedestrian safety training programs

§ Know and abide by the rules of the road regardless of your mode of transportation

Complete streets have designated

bicycles as well as sidewalks for

welcome public transit and many

trees, flowers and

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§ Pursue development that is accessible to walkers, bicyclers and wheelers

§ Promote bicycle racks, lighting, benches and sheltered bus stops to be installed on streets

§ Be aware of and respect other road users

§ Leave your car at home — walk!

Streets lanes for both cars and

walkers. They also

have a center area featuring

lights for safety.

Photo Credit: SMTC 10

Physical Accessibility Ramps and properly maintained infrastructure are necessary in ensuring that every person can access the goods and services they need.

§ Support equal access to goods, services and recreational opportunities

§ Build ramps, maintain sidewalks and have automatic doors so that citizens of all abilities have access

§ Crosswalks should be accessible to all senses — be well-lit, well-labeled and have audible direction signals

§ Electric ports should be available for multiple electrical devices — from phones to wheelchairs

§ Public transit should be accessible for people of all abilities

§ Signage should have a font size large enough for all to read

Photo Credit: SMTC

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Community Collaboration Accessibility also means that all residents have the ability to be engaged and proactive citizens in order to have their voices heard and enable collaboration. It is more than just providing the means to ensure that people can enjoy available goods and services!

§ Ensure that all people have access to the information they need to make knowledgeable decisions about their future

§ Information should be available in multiple languages and in braille where possible

§ Ensure that information is distributed electronically, posted in public areas, printed in newspapers and spread through word of mouth to all citizens

§ Meetings, festivals and other gatherings should be well labeled, advertised and conducted in a location that everyone can easily access

Photo Credit: SMTC

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Green Space Public parks and open spaces allow for a breath of fresh air! They help bring community members together and offer the opportunity for unique beautification projects.

§ Sustain and plan for shared green spaces in urban, suburban and rural areas — maintain and keep these areas clean and green

§ Establish an association or group to maintain public parks

§ Plan and implement a community garden program to grow herbs, food and/or flowers

§ Value open spaces and retain the rural character of undeveloped land

§ Protect environmentally sensitive land and historical landmarks from development

§ Recognize the value and benefits of reclaimed property and previously vacant lots

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Concentrate Development One aspect of high-density development is mixed-use space. A mixed-use building serves many purposes and has a variety of space available, such as retail, commercial, office and residential.

§ Encourage development of buildings and neighborhoods with a mixture of commercial, office, shopping, and housing space

§ Promote multiple housing options for people of all incomes

§ Encourage businesses to locate within walkable distances and near public transit to keep neighborhood growth concentrated

§ Purchase locally grown food and other goods to support local farms and economies

§ Identify areas where there are no grocery stores (food deserts) and work to ensure better access

§ Work with and encourage local officials to update zoning to allow for mixed-use development

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Invest in

§ Hold government accountable for inventorying, inspecting, maintaining, repairing and upgrading public infrastructure such as bridges, roads, sidewalks and sewer/stormwater systems

§ Make sure that you aren’t causing damage to infrastructure — don’t pour grease or flush wipes down the drain

§ Report sidewalks and streets that need repair to local Departments of Public Works or similar offices

§ Maintain sidewalks in front of your home and in the community to ensure walkability in all seasons — remove snow in the winter

The basic structures that are needed

pipelines) are

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§ Support a complete and walkable network of sidewalks in your community

§ Know the sidewalk maintenance policies for your neighborhood and help shape policy improvements

§ Upgrade, maintain and repair your home sewage and electrical lines

§ Reuse existing infrastructure wisely to cut back on cost

Infrastructure for everyday operations to occur (buildings, roadways called infrastructure.

Photo Credit: SMTC

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Photo Credit: SMTC

Think Green Green infrastructure, such as rain barrels (above), seeks to reduce pollution and provide positive environmental benefits for everyone.

§ Save energy — plant trees on the south side of your home to shade sunlight in the summer and let it in during the winter

§ Construct a rain garden to help reduce rainwater flowing into our sewer system

§ Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater from your roof and use it to water your garden

§ Limit paved areas to allow water to slowly filter into the ground

§ Encourage officials/planners to adopt codes that permit green infrastructure and to include green infrastructure as an important element for all repairs and new construction

Photo Credit: savetherain.us

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Promote CNY’s Image Volunteer groups have the ability to make a real difference in a neighborhood! Shaping the future requires getting involved. People involved in improvement work feel a sense of accomplishment and inspire others to join.

§ Celebrate the good things and promote positive news and change

§ Welcome newcomers and continually engage current residents

§ Encourage installations of public art featuring local artists

§ Clean up your neighborhood — organize neighborhood cleanup days and pick up litter

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§ Support local businesses

§ Talk up our region

What’s Your Role? Citizens

§ Volunteer to be on a committee that incorporates smart growth principles in planning

§ Lead by example and support smart growth policies

§ Support businesses and vote for local officials that promote/practice smart growth principles

Private Sector § Know and implement smart growth principles

§ Educate and encourage clients to do the same

Elected Officials

§ Identify opportunities for smart growth

§ Know and understand citizen’s needs and desires

§ Pursue funding and vote for smart growth projects — such as updating zoning codes

Planning Boards § Encourage and approve smart growth development

§ Gather information and visions from citizens, involve general public early on

§ Know what improvements are needed

§ Recommend updating zoning laws and codes to support smart growth

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§ Attend public meetings, get involved and work with officials to create and implement smart growth policies

Tools for You

“Tools for You” aims to provide you with a list of resources to help you achieve the smart growth concepts outlined earlier in this handbook! This section directs you to sources of funding for smart growth projects, offers resources that will help you decide what types of projects you should pursue in your area and acquaints you with programs that aim to help make you an informed and more engaged citizen. It also introduces you to the Regional, County and City sustainable development plans so you can become familiar with the exciting things that are being planned for our future.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Neighborhood Development

(LEED-ND)

Rating system composed of three categories: § Smart Location and Linkage § Neighborhood Patterns and Design § Green Infrastructure and Buildings

Functions to: § Promote and rate sustainable land use and

neighborhood design patterns

Check out the Citizen’s Guide to LEED Neighborhood Development: How to Tell if Development is Smart

and Green at nrdc.org 20

usgbc.org/leed#rating | 1-800-795-1747

Smart Growth Strategy Builder

Provides: § Practical smart growth strategies § Explanations of complicated policies § Flexibility to pick and choose segments to use OR § A complete tool to lead neighborhood change

Regional, County and City Sustainable Development Plans

The Regional Sustainability Plan (VisionCNY): § Access the report at: cnyrpdb.org/reports.asp § Focuses upon 7 challenge areas § Provides a set of short-term opportunities, long-term

initiatives, project recommendations and project impacts for each challenge

smartgrowthamerica.org | 202-207-3355 Tools for You

smartgrowthamerica.org | 202-207-3355

The Onondaga County Sustainable Development Plan: § Access the report at: future.ongov.net § Focuses upon 10 character areas § Provides specific policy statements and actions plans to

address key challenges City of Syracuse Comprehensive Plan 2040: § Access the report at: syrgov.net/planning.aspx § Focuses upon 7 component parts § Identifies policies, actions, regulations and investments

that the city plans to pursue in the future 21

Purpose: § Administering the transportation planning process for

Onondaga County as well as small portions of Madison and Oswego Counties

§ Forum for cooperative decision making

Tools for You

ongov.net/planning | 315-435-2611

Syracuse-Onondaga County Planning Agency (SOCPA)

Offers: § Planning § Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping § 911 Address Administration (approving street

names/addresses) § Syracuse Office of Zoning Administration § Links to other resources

Provides and Promotes: § Effective infrastructure § Natural resource stewardship § Built-environment (building) planning § Economic growth planning

Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council smtcmpo.org | 315-422-7753

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Many projects: § City of Syracuse’s Bicycle Plan § Long-Range Transportation Plan § Transportation Improvement Plan § These plans and more can be found on the SMTC

website

Syracuse First syracusefirst.org | 315-470-1964

Tools for You

Purpose: § Create a thriving and sustainable local economy § Expand local business potential § Encourage people to purchase from local independent

businesses § Educate citizens about advantages of local businesses

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

nyserda.ny.gov | 518-862-1090

Funding for: § Energy education § Workforce development § Renewable energy technology applications

Programs to increase energy efficiency for: § Residential homes § Commercial/Industrial applications § Provide nonpartisan influence on public policy through

education and advocacy § Multifamily buildings 23

Composed of: § Network of locally owned, independent businesses and

organizations

Tools for You

League of Women Voters of Syracuse Metropolitan Area

lwvsyr.org | 315-396-8225 Mission is to: § Provide nonpartisan influence on public policy through

education and advocacy § Encourage informed and active participation of citizens

in government

Membership organization that requires registration and is open to men and women of all ages

Goal is to: § Familiarize citizens with how their local governments are

organized and how services are funded and delivered § Teach people about citizen involvement § Give people the tools to be active and well-informed

citizens and local leaders Provides: § Free 8-week interactive course program § Information on economic vitality, social equity and

healthy environments 24

Members often make professional contacts, gain knowledge through discussion and discover new interests and skills

Citizens Academy: Sponsored by F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse and University College of SU

focussyracuse.org 315-448-8733 | suce.syr.edu 315-443-9378

Select Local Organizations that Contribute to Smart Growth

Creates: § A process involving city residents, businesses and

organizations in neighborhood planning

Identifies: § Neighborhood’s unique assets and constructs a specific

plan and priorities for the future

Operates on different scales and locations: § Downtown, Westside, Southside, Valley, Eastside,

Eastwood, Northside and Lakefront

“Select Local Organizations that Contribute to Smart Growth” seeks to provide you with a brief (and certainly not complete) list of organizations in the Greater Syracuse area that incorporate smart growth concepts. This list includes groups that aim to revitalize neighborhoods and create comprehensive citizen driven plans for the future as well as many other worthwhile efforts.

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ARISE ariseinc.org | 315-472-3171

Mission: § Ensure that everyone, regardless of disability, has the

power to make life choices and achieve their dreams § Help individuals and families navigate disability services

syrgov.net/tnt_home.aspx | 315-448-8005 Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today


The Greater Syracuse Land Bank syracuselandbank.org | 315-422-2301

Syracuse Grows syracusegrow.org | 315-443-4890

Aims to: § Return vacant, abandoned, underutilized and tax

delinquent properties to beneficial use § Purchase and stabilize properties then sell them to

responsible developers

Offers a variety of programs: § Tenant to homeowner program § Green lots for community gardens (some are $1

lease/year) § Volunteer beautification projects § Residential renovation energy improvement standards

Provides: § Advocacy, programming, education and resources to

support food justice § Community gardening and urban agriculture by

individuals and groups

Aims to: § Ensure that every community member has access to

healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food

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Home HeadQuarters homehq.org | 315-474-1939

Aims to: § Create housing opportunities to improve the lives of

underserved CNY and Upstate NY residents § Revitalize underserved communities by delivering

affordable home and energy improvement loans and grants

Provides: § Education for first time homebuyers § Financial and homeownership counseling § Foreclosure prevention § Real estate planning and development

Save the Rain savetherain.us | 315-435-2260

Seeks to: § Improve the water quality in Onondaga Lake and

its tributaries through projects that both citizens and larger organizations can do

6 types of sustainable infrastructure in County: § Rain gardens § Green roofs § Bioswales

§ Rain barrels § Cisterns § Permeable pavement 27


CENTRO- Central New York Regional Transportation Authority

centro.org | 315-442-3400

Aims to: § Be responsive to CNY community’s transportation

needs § Provide safe, convenient, reliable and environmentally

responsible services

Provides: § Connecting services to other transit hubs § Reduced fare options for employers § Online schedules § Email and text alerts for service disruptions

Arc of Onondaga arcon.org | 315-476-7441

Mission is to: § Assist individuals with developmental disabilities so they

can achieve their fullest potential

Provides: § Residential, day, employment, clinical and recreation

programs to people with developmental disabilities § Two subsidiaries that focus upon early intervention

preschool and a vocational program 28

Acknowledgements

“Citizens Handbook for Smart Growth” BY CITIZENS FOR CITIZENS

For over a year, 45 self-selected interested citizens met to share their ideas on how to make CNY a smart growth community. They recommended that as a result of their deliberations that a handbook be written that would provide easy to follow tips on

what citizens can do.

These citizens come from a variety of professions and backgrounds including: Syracuse and Onondaga County

Planning Departments, CENTRO, Parks and Recreation, Onondaga County Libraries, programs for persons with

disabilities, National Grid, real estate, Home Builders and Remodelers, DOT, SMTC, RPDB, Cornell Cooperative

Extension, Onondaga County Health Department, Cancer Society, engineering companies, social service agencies, and

many private citizens.

Our utmost thanks to the many Bob’s and Dan’s, Kathy and Karen, Chris and Kevin, Luis and Lucille, and the many John’s along with Shanti, Seigfried, Aimee, and Erin. Thanks also to Alex and Andy, Peter, Tom and Travis, and multiple Jim’s. Cheers to Beata, Lisa and Luke, Jason, Nancy, and so many Mike’s but not to forget Mary, Phil, Craig, Bart, Sarah and

Kevan. And a special shout-out to Megan and Aaron for tying up the final loose ends.

Production of the Handbook by Sue Fassler, SUNY ESF and

Syracuse University graduate, deserves special acknowledgement along with thanks to her supervisor who provided direction and creativity, Jennifer Creighton, F.O.C.U.S. Director of Programs.

If you have read this far, we thank you. Keep the handbook handy. We hope you will find it useful to you and your

neighbors.

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About F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse

F.O.C.U.S. is a citizens’ engagement organization that enables citizens to learn about, understand, and participate in decisions

that affect the quality of life and economic future of all members of the community. This serves to strengthen the

democratic process.

F.O.C.U.S. provides knowledge about issues that promotes quality deliberation, debate, discussion, and decision-making.

Citizen engagement leads decision makers to make better decisions that more directly relate to citizen needs. It also

increases citizens’ sense of responsibility, trust, and understanding of government as well as allows public officials to share ownership with citizens for controversial decisions.

Your Notes

Created by Susan Fassler: M.P.A (Syracuse University) & M.P.S. (SUNY ESF)


City Hall Commons 201 East Washington Street Suite 704

Syracuse, NY 13210

315-448-8732

Phone

Mail

Email

focussyracuse.org

[email protected]


§ Promotes intelligent, inclusive, sustainable decision-making by citizens through education and outreach

§ Encourages, facilitates and nourishes citizen engagement

§ Enhances the quality of our lives and

economic future by enabling citizens, organizations and government to work together

Contact Us

Website

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Twitter

@FocusSyracuse

Facebook F.O.C.U.S. Greater

Syracuse, Inc.

Citizens Handbook for Smart Growth: For Citizens By Citizens

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