Baltimore's first test of the EcoDistrict green neighborhood program was enabled by a lawsuit that delayed the State Center redevelopment project for four years.
"[Caroline] Moore, the lead developer for the 28-acre State Center project, said the setback caused by a lawsuit — which was dismissed this spring — has created a chance to incorporate the latest environmental techniques into the designs. The project could introduce Baltimore's first "ecodistrict," creating a zone with a set of common environmental goals and infrastructure systems to help meet the targets," reports Natalie Sherman.
Although this will be the first development project to move forward under the EcoDistricts model, the idea is being considered for other development opportunities, like Harbor Point and the west side around Lexington Market, "where the city is looking for developers for a number of major sites."
EcoDistricts have already been tested in Portland and Washington D.C., and for those looking for more information on the relative merits of EcoDistricts, a recent feature by Eliot Allen compared EcoDistricts to other green neighborhood systems.
The article concludes by hinting at some of what's to come for EcoDistricts: "Next week, the group is planning to announce eight cities with specific projects to show what an ecodistrict looks like beyond the planning phase."
FULL STORY: 'Ecodistricts' discussed for new Baltimore developments
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