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Greenbelt Alliance In the News

April 11, 2002

Valley Roundup

Stop Sprawl Handbook

Greenbelt Alliance has released a hands-on guide for civic leaders and local citizens detailing how infill development can help the area grow smarter. "Smart Infill" shows how the region can achieve more livable communities and more sustainable development by developing underutilized land within existing urban areas.

Tom Steinbach, executive director, said, "The Bay Area is at a crossroads. Either we get serious about guiding new development toward our existing cities and towns, or we risk losing the high quality of life, open space and diversity that makes this region so wonderful."

The guide offers strategies for well planned infill housing and mixed use development including zoning changes, design guidelines, public participation processes, revised parking requirements and neighborhood revitalization. A core conclusion is that local governments should focus not just on individual infill projects, but on broader efforts to produce more livable and socially diverse neighborhoods through a variety of housing, shops, restaurants, cafes, parks, pedestrian oriented streets, child care facilities and other services and amenities.

There are photos and case studies illustrating successful development. The publication is available free of charge on-line at www.greenbelt.org, or hard copies may be ordered at a cost of $10, including shipping and handling.

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