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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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
Select Local Organizations that Contribute to Smart Growth
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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Select Local Organizations that Contribute to Smart Growth
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
Select Local Organizations that Contribute to Smart Growth
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)
F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse
City Hall Commons 201 East Washington Street Suite 704
Syracuse, NY 13210
315-448-8732
Phone
focussyracuse.org
F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse
§ 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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@FocusSyracuse
Facebook F.O.C.U.S. Greater
Syracuse, Inc.