On
April 14th,
I outlined four steps we can take to create a Greener Charlottesville. It’s time we took another big step forward to 
literally ‘Go Green’ through a significant expansion of green space in our City. Increasing green space benefits
our community in many ways by improving our environment and the quality of life for all citizens
1)
Increase our tree canopy from 32% to 40% or more, through an aggressive combination of public
and private sector efforts. We need to move beyond paying lip service to this goal and get to work in actually implementing
it, by engaging our schoolchildren, our garden clubs, our neighborhood associations, our City staff, our development/property
management partners, etc., in tree-planting activities. This could include the establishment of an offset program by which
developers plant more new trees than they displace in the process of doing urban-infill development.
2)
Encourage construction of green roofs
by making sure we take full advantage of new
state legislation that allows localities to offer incentives. We’ve already taken a small first step in this regard
by agreeing to waive certain fees for building projects that include green roofs, but I’d like to see the City become
even more proactive in the development of incentives for green roofs, including technical assistance and support for property
owners who choose to install them.
3) Convert areas of asphalt into green streets and green parking lots and identify opportunities for converting some existing streets
or parking areas into pedestrian throughways and pocket parks/community gardens.
4) Purchase and preserve green space and new park land with increased funding in our Capital budget. We can also enhance the parks that we
have now through increased planting of native species, protection of habitat, and conversion of sterile “green”
space into lush gardens.
This proposal is not in opposition
to creative urban-infill development, which I believe is preferable to continued suburban sprawl, which chews up a lot more
green space and makes us even more dependent on the automobile. While there's always going to be some disagreement
about what would make for a good infill project vs. a bad infill project, I'm convinced that we can grow our City’s
green space while maintaining a healthy economy. In the process, Charlottesville will become an even more vibrant place for
people to live, work, play, shop, enjoy nature, and run a business.
Media Coverage:
"Expanding Green Space in Charlottesville" CBS19
April 14, 2009
"Charlottesville Mayor Norris Calls for More 'Green' Space" NBC29
April 14, 2009
"Mayor Norris Makes Proposal For Greener Charlottesville" WINA April 14, 2009
"Mayor Dave Norris announces plans for greener city" The Cavalier Daily April 15, 2009
