This year, the Environmental Protection Agency looked at "articulate" city plans that aimed for a more sustainable future. There were five plans across that nation that were awarded for "achievement in smart growth."
Old North Saint Louis, became one of the country's most disinvested urban neighborhoods. Recently, the neighborhood-based Old North St. Louis Restoration Group and the Regional Housing and Community Development Alliance worked with residents and newcomers to rehab the district's great housing stock
According to Kaid Benfield, Old North "build new homes in character with the old; hosted block parties, house tours, farmer's markets and a food co-op..." He also mentions that the community wins, and so does the environment, because the Old North neighborhood in Saint Louis is the very antithesis of sprawl.
Another honoree is the Uptown Normal Roundabout in Illinois. "Originally conceived just to manage traffic, the Uptown Normal (Illinois) Roundabout, winner in the civic places category, has evolved into a gathering place that increases business for local merchants."
FULL STORY: The Best Smart Growth Projects in America
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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