PLANNING & ASSESSING INNOVATIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Transcription

1 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference PLANNING & ASSESSING INNOVATIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Neil Angus, MCIP, AICP CEP, LEED AP Environmental Planner Devens Enterprise Commission

2 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Presentation Devens Overview Tools and Techniques for Sustainable Neighborhood Development: LEED ND and its use as a Regulation Audit Tool Sustainable housing pilot (Cluster sub and EE buildings) Regulatory approaches focusing on neighborhood form and resiliency (complete streets, compact green building, GI, affordability and public health) Health Impact Assessment Process to evaluate new regulations & foster support/developer buy-in Innovative dev. pattern that has resulted in Devens. Using sustainable indicators to track the environmental, social and economic impacts of development. Resources Q&A

3 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Devens Overview 35 miles outside Boston 4400 ac. former base EPA Superfund Site 993 Sustainable redev. Excellent transportation access including Heavy Rail and Commuter Rail

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5 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Devens Overview 5.5mil. sq.ft. of dev. Eco-Industrial Park >5,000 jobs created Top economic development site 500+ residents 800 ac. open space Work and Play.Live?

6 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference The Problem: Outdated residential regulations from 993 Typical subdivision and street standards Sustainable redevelopment directive Many regulatory options but what works best for Devens?

7 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference (Part of) the Solution: Regulation audit/barriers using LEED ND as a guide Not just a rating system good planning tool

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12 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Beyond Buildings: LEED ND in Massachusetts Why LEED ND?: TBL Benefits Economic Consumer demand for walkability - important factor in deciding where to live (walkscore) Attracting and retaining workforce - 4 out of 5 millennials want to live in places where they have a variety of options to get to jobs, school or daily needs (50% WF by 2020); - 3 out of 4 will live in a place where they do not need a car. (Rockefeller Foundation and Transportation for America, 204) Density & Proximity to transit - increases property values - increase tax rev. Less land for parking = more economic dev. Lower personal car expenses Lower service costs. Single home on urban fringe $0,000 more in public services than one built in urban core (Source: Federal Office of Technology Assessment) Energy /resource efficiency from green buildings/infrastructure

13 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Beyond Buildings: LEED ND in Massachusetts Why LEED ND?: Environmental Reduces the rate of lost farmland and forest Reduced auto emissions and vehicle trips = improved air quality Ecosystem services of parks & green Infrastructure (UHI, SWM, noise buffering, air filtering, wildlife habitat, traffic calming). Public Health, Safety and Well-being Mixed use walkable neighborhoods = safe, less VMT, more active. Combat obesity. (/3 adults). City lbs. < suburbs (CDC) Promote increased happiness (accessibility, affordability, social interaction = increased well-being (cure for road rage!) Access to healthy/local foods Inclusionary, universal access, age in place EE buildings + infra. + RE = lower CO2, NOx, VOC (smog)= lower respiratory illness

14 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference (Part of) the Solution: Informing community planning and zoning (elements of a sustainable neighborhood) Regulation audit/barriers using LEED ND

15 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference LEED ND Technical Guidance Manual Examples of ND alt. to traditional zoning codes Single reference document to zone-in sustainability Research, case studies on reforming comp. plans, land development regulations, and infrastructure planning to achieve sustainability goals.

16 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference (Part of) the Solution: Phased Reg. Approach Biggest impediments to SD: Lot Size/Frontage Req. Bldg. & Infra. Efficiency Incentivize the right way Typ. cluster/density bonus In Exchange for: LID, EE, WE & IAQ Req. Resulting In: > efficient/resilient bldg. Expanding open space/gi connections Reduced infrastructure (const.& maintenance)

17 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference (Part of) the Solution: 20 Pilot housing project (public/private partner) Typical cluster sub. Showcase innovative res. GB practices. Alt. to traditional Single and multi-family housing development Social equity (not just for those who can afford it) State goal - ZNEB by 2030 (assist with market transformation) Existing Open Space Cluster Open Space

18 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference (Part of) the Solution: Aesthetics/fit with existing neighborhood character Replicable - construction for 2 st century Educate - ease of env. sensitive site design, GB, WE & healthy IAQ More resilient buildings and infrastructure

19 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Pilot Location/Context: Brownfield redevelopment Reuse existing infrastructure Accessibility & Services: Sidewalk connections Multi-purpose trails Bike lanes School Daycare Restaurants Playgrounds/recreation fields Industrial Park (jobs!)

20 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Elements of efficiency and affordability: East-west long axis - maximize active solar Passive solar south facing windows/roof solar shading Passive survivability (consistent internal temp. control) Right-sized homes (,000 sq.ft. to 2,200 sq.ft)

21 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference LID strategies: No gutters Pervious walkways Rain gardens Reduced lawn areas Street trees GI & UHI reduction

22 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Additional Features: Universal accessibility/age in place Educational sessions, tours and case studies throughout project High demand

23 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Showcase EE, WE and IAQ: Knowledgable Developer Double-wall construction Triple glazed windows Low/no VOC materials Air sealing and IAQ (build it tight!) EPA Water Sense Plumbing Fixtures Stronger, more resilient buildings (climate mit./adaptation) Typically higher building material costs, but.

24 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Cost neutral: Open floor plan/daylighting Passive solar No central heating/cooling No duct work Tankless hot water heating Affordable construction ($200-$350K)

25 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Pilot Results: Exceeding expectations HERS index: HERS -36 single family home. Generates enough excess power 202 UGSBC Innovation In Green Design Award an EV for 30,000 miles/yr. 205 APA SCD Excellence in Sustainability Award APA MA Chapter Outstanding Planning Award

26 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Pilot Follow-Up (the rest of the Solution): Seeing is believing! - Pilot helped gain public support & justify additional reg. updates in 203 Elements that came out of the original audit A step further than initial pilot focus on neighborhood pattern/design and increased walkability, connectivity Diversity of housing types Design for people first!(leed ND)

27 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Accommodating the missing middle: 940 s to today auto dependent development Shifting demographics Unmet and growing demand for mm Walkable context (key!) Doing more with less (smaller, well-designed units, less maint.) Helps keep dev. costs down (making housing available to a larger segment of population). Educating decision makers on these issues and LEED ND audit helped further justify new regs.

28 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference DEC 203 Reg. Updates: Even smaller lot sizes than original cluster and smaller building footprints Homes framing the street (form) Build to Zones Garages in rear/side Max. block length (walkability) Connected/Complete streets Mix of incentives and requirements: -Reduced lot size, frontage and setbacks -Higher density: 7-20 DU/acre (transit supportive) Min. EE, WE and IAQ requirements -LID and Green Infrastructure

29 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference DEC 203 Reg. Updates: Mix of housing types (mm) Proximity to OS (health/active) Climate Mitigation: -EE, WE (lower GHG) - Lower vehicle use - Less impervious (<UHI) Building Resiliency: -durability -passive survivability Climate Adaptation: -LID

30 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference People-Oriented Design Connected and Complete Streets (sidewalks, bike, UA, trail access) No cul-de-sacs! Traffic calming measures & GI

31 Planning Intersection and Assessing Design Innovative Standards Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Minimize crossing distance for pedestrians Universal accessibility Adequate lighting Bump-outs (traffic calming) Textured surface (traffic calming)

32 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Additional street types: Complete Streets

33 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Additional street types: Neighborhood/Pedestrian (woonerf)

34 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Additional street types: Green Alleys Pervious pavement Reinforced turf Min. pavement width All additional street types: Narrower widths (less pavement, reduced UHI, less stormwater) Incorporate GI and LID - more adaptable to changing climate

35 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Green Infrastructure Guidelines:

36 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Additional approach to evaluate new regulations: Additional research on the benefits of designing and regulating spaces for people first. Decisions and their impact on development patterns and the overall health of the population Foster additional support for implementation of new regulations

37 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference What is an HIA? Not just what we eat - where & how we live impacts physical and mental health. Voluntary process to eval. potential impacts of plan, project, policy Comprehensive review through a health lens More informed choices about improving public health through the built env. Not a new concept - more popular with current obesity epidemic, climate change and air quality

38 Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 990, 2000, 200 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference (*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 5 4 person) No Data <0% 0% 4% 5% 9% 20% 24% 25% 29% 30%

39 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Canadians are Catching Up!

40 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Why an HIA? Growing body of Research: Neighborhood design impacts physical activity levels Identifying local health issues and inequalities (social equity) Evaluate how our regulations will influence public health Public engagement Inform and influence decision makers Further Devens sustainable redevelopment goals DEC Healthy Community by Design Proclamation in 203;

41 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Healthy Community Design Principles Mixed-land use: homes, shops, schools, and work are close together Housing for different incomes and different stages of life Reduced auto use (public transit, ped. & bike-friendly) Accessible, safe places and spaces Green spaces and parks within walking distance Fresh, healthy food access

42 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Healthy Community Benefits: Improve air and water quality Lower the risk of traffic-related injuries Incorporate physical activity into everyday life Increase social connectivity and sense of community Promote good physical and mental health Sustainable Development Principles

43 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference 6 Steps for an HIA

44 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Screening: Are new regulations effective at promoting better public health? Scoping: Local Health issues: Obesity, Lack of Exercise, Poor Air Quality. Who to Involve: planners, developers, residents, businesses, hospital, universities, local and state env. & health officials Assessment: Data collection and evaluation of local health issues Review of local plans, policies and guidelines Research on how they may/may not influence local health issues

45 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Two Development Scenarios Comparison tool to assess potential impacts of new development policies as they relate to public health. 2 mock development scenarios: Scenario : design using new regulations. Scenario 2: design using original subdivision regulations Planning and public health exercise Inclusive process: planners, developers, residents, businesses, hospital, local and state env. & health officials

46 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference 20 Unit Development Scenario # (30 acres) ComGdn Park Com Gdn Park Housing Mix: 30 single family 6 single fam. cottage 6 two-family 28 multi-family (#of units) 30 multi-family (9x 3-4 units) (4x 6-2 units)

47 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference c c c c c c c c c c c c c c * *Cedar Street Neighborhood Road

48 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference 20 Unit Development Scenario #2 (60 acres) Housing Mix: 80 single family 22 two-family family 6 multi-family (#of units) (x6 unit)

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50 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Key Features of Development Scenarios

51 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Key Features of Scenarios cont

52 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Comparative analysis: ID links between Development Patterns and Public Health

53 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference HIA Survey: Priority Impact Areas & Development Scenarios Scenario Scenario 2 Local Health Issue: Lack of exercise

54 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference HIA Recommendations: Include traffic calming measures to reduce speeds (CSPolicy) Use architecture to assure privacy (density concern) Include community gardens & plots available for local businesses/neighbors (social interaction, fresh food, active lifestyles) Transit access (reduced auto.) Open space and trail connections Increased public awareness of planning, health and env. Continued community engagement (feedback loops) Reporting: devensec.com/news/grant_road_hia_final_report_w_exec_sum.pdf Valuable process critical feedback to support implementation of new regs.

55 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference So what actually happened?

56 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Expanding an existing neo-traditional neighborhood

57 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Grant Road Neighborhood Redevelopment Former military housing neighborhood (brownfield) Expansion of initial Sustainable housing Pilot Neigh. Design 24 unit mix of,2,3,4 unit NZE homes, townhomes & apts Affordable component (inclusive) Higher density (7-20 UPA) EE & WE inside and out (climate adaptation/resiliency) Connected/accessible, walkable Complete Streets used new street types Regulation audit and HIA significantly shaped development pattern

58 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference New Grant Road Neighborhood Redevelopment Neighborhood scale - designed for people first! -homes framing the street -Trail connections, dedicated bike lanes -Transit stop Healthy/active socially engaging neighborhood -sidewalks on both sides -community garden and active parks Green Infrastructure (LID, Street trees, wildlife corridor connections) HIA helped sell traffic calming measures to DPW and Public Safety

59 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Phase complete

60 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference New Grant Road Neighborhood Redevelopment

61 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference New Grant Road Neighborhood Redevelopment

62 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference But how do we know if these neighborhoods actually contributing to a more healthy and sustainable community? Monitoring and Evaluation stage of HIA Process You can t manage what you don t measure! Developed SI Report to track and measure specific metrics Partnership with UMASS Boston STAR Community Indicators

63 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Sustainable Devens: Framework and Seven Key Issues Defining and Measuring Figure. Sustainable Devens: Framework and Seven Key Issues Economic and Business Sustainability Environmental quality Social Sustainable Devens Natural resources Governance Transportation Public Health

64 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Devens Sustainable Indicators Process Update 2000 Report 43 metrics based on 7 SD key issues Not just residential all of Devens Similar process to HIA: Data collection (scoping what metrics?) Survey/community Engagement (assessment) Reporting Monitoring and evaluation (every 5 years) SWOT Analysis devensec.com/sustain/indicators/202indicators.html

65 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference S FOR 207

66 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Indicator Results Compared to 2000 Report % commuters using transit, biking, walking: 4% to 0% % percentage of roads with sidewalks: 27% to 57%. % of RE generated within Devens from 0 to > 3MW. % of green buildings within Devens from 0 to 4%. 80% of buildings built since 2008 are green buildings. Miles of recreational trails: 5.44 miles to 2.46 miles Results = feedback on what incentives, guidelines, policies and regulations are working and what is not and where we should be focusing our future planning efforts. devensec.com/sustain/indicators/202indicators.html

67 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Next Steps: Continued tracking and monitoring via sustainable indicators Biometrics: measurement and statistical analysis of people's physical and behavioral characteristics Biometric Tools - the Human Experience of New Residential Dev. understand subconscious react to various physical forms eye-tracking, cognitive science exercise with Tufts University help understand how development patterns impact our mental, emotional and social health

68 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Summary:. Evaluate and assess your plans & regs. to ensure they are guiding development in a sustainable form. Use available tools. 2. Balance of regulations, incentives and guidelines to facilitate smart, energy efficient, healthy growth 3. Seeing is believing - case studies showing that is can be done; 4. Use HIA s to more comprehensively evaluate projects, plans or policies 5. Manage through monitoring and reporting and make adjustments accrodingly

69 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Why should we do it? Changing demographics and consumer demand Smarter, healthier, more attractive natural and built environments Connecting people with places focusing on dev for people Setting a new standard for the future of neighborhood development and home building More data and information leads to more informed choices and planning decisions

70 Planning and Assessing Innovative Residential Development 207 CIP Conference Resources: Regulatory Evaluation Tools: LEED ND: Living Community Challenge: EcoDistricts Protocol: HIA Tools: APA Plan4Health website: plan4health.us/ CDC Healthy Places Initiative: Sustainable Indicators Tracking and Reporting Tools: STAR Communities: Devens SI Report EPA,HUD, DOT: