Making Maryland\u2019s Downtowns More Sustainable<\/p>\n
From Oakland to Ocean City, Maryland\u2019s citizens share the same goal
\nof living in healthy, vibrant communities where they can live, work
\nand prosper. As a result, communities have a major investment in the
\ninfrastructure \u2014 streetscapes, schools, water\/sewer lines \u2014 of their traditional
\ndowntowns and neighborhoods. These communities are also faced with the
\nchallenges of the coming decades including an increasing population, rising
\nenergy costs, limited resources, water and air pollution, and climate change.<\/p>\n
This guide, a collaboration between the Maryland Department of Housing and
\nCommunity Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Department of Natural
\nResources (DNR), is designed to address those challenges, giving communities
\nthroughout Maryland an important set of principles, guidelines, and examples of
\nhow to pursue and implement sustainable practices. Sustainability emphasizes the
\nbalance between economic, social and environmental resources needed for today with preserving those same resources for
\nfuture generations. In order to maintain and even expand those resources, there needs to be a focus on best practices such
\nas compact mixed use development, rehabilitation and reuse, and pedestrian orientated design \u2014 all major characteristics
\nfound in Maryland\u2019s historic Main Street communities.<\/p>\n
Since 1998, DHCD\u2019s Main Street Maryland
\nprogram has strived to improve the economy,
\nappearance and image of the State\u2019s traditional
\nbusiness districts, utilizing the National Main Street
\nCenter\u2019s Four-Point Approach\u2122. In addition to the
\nFour Points, DHCD has initiated a Clean, Safe
\nand Green strategy to increase sustainability in
\nMaryland\u2019s designated Main Street communities.<\/p>\n
With a commitment to adopting green strategies
\nthat impact and benefit businesses, residents and
\nvisitors, Main Street Maryland communities
\nprovide some best practices that can be
\nimplemented in downtowns across the State. There
\nis a strong connection between how we treat the
\nbuilt environment and the quality of our natural
\nenvironment\u2014this guide brings that connection
\ninto focus.<\/p>\n
We can reshape our communities by reinvesting in older areas, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency. Making Making Maryland\u2019s Downtowns More Sustainable From Oakland to Ocean City, Maryland\u2019s citizens share the same goal of living in healthy, vibrant communities where they can live, work and prosper. As a result, communities have a major investment in the infrastructure \u2014 streetscapes, schools, water\/sewer lines \u2014 of their traditional downtowns and neighborhoods. These communities are … <\/p>\n
\nMaryland\u2019s downtowns more sustainable ensures that communities will be Smart, Green and Growing for generations
\nto come.
\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.green.maryland.gov\/greendowntown\/green_guide.pdf<\/a>oldId.20100506121526360<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"