CNT Update, February 2007
CNT Update, February 2007
February 2007
Sustainability News
1. Transit in Chicago Needs a Voice
2. Chicago Slims Down
3. LEED Certification Extends to Neighborhood Development
CNT News
1. Will Chicago Transit Keep Up with the Rest of the Nation?
2. CNT Testifies at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
3. Climate Change Taken Seriously at Local Level
4. New Staff
CNT Toolbox
1. Book Spotlight: “Street Smart: Streetcars and Cities in the 21st Century”
2. CNT in the News
3. Job Openings
Local Events
1. CNT Sponsored Event: Book Reading at Quimby’s
2. Wild Things Conference
3. People Reversing Global Warming
4. Revving Up the Red
***************
CLIMATE-FRIENDLY TIP: For tons of great, inspired tips, check out the website TreeHugger for videos individuals have submitted with their thoughts on how to combat global warming. Check out video #81 from Chicagoans Robert Aguilar and Dorothee Royal-Hedinger with commentary from the Energy Cooperative’s Anthony Star.
***************
***************
Sustainability News
***************
1. Transit in Chicago Needs a Voice
It appears the ongoing drama that is Chicago’s mass transit system has come to a critical point. From the recent event held by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning on how Chicago can become innovative in integrating transit options, to the resurrected idea of building a “Crossway Express,” the way in which our city utilizes transit is in conflict: will we cater to a more congested, car-oriented, air-polluted environment or will we seriously implement Chicago’s ambitious green agenda with a world-class mass transit system that can sustain population growth, as well as serve as a model for reliable, efficient, environmentally and economically significant means of mobility.
Thus far, a major problem has been the failure to properly address the nature of the problem; instead dredging up past nonsensical diversions like the Crossway Express, thus avoiding the real issue head-on: underfunding of the RTA.
The need for solid, focused transportation advocacy is giving birth to the TransitFuture Campaign. CNT is organizing a transit coalition to advocate for immediate short-term transit system improvements, a reconstituted RTA that is accountable and equitable, increased system coordination that provides efficient, reliable and resilient services, and additional operating revenue and new sources of capital funding for a transit system indicative of a world-class city.
The Chicago region has the second largest transit system in the country. Yet is it treated as an afterthought when it comes to transportation funding. Mass transit is not an adjunct to highways, but a necessary requirement for 21st century cities to remain economically competitive. Illinois lawmakers need to pay attention to what good transportation choices actually do for our households, businesses and economy.
To receive updates on the Campaign, sign up for CNT’s new TransitFuture listserv, by sending an email to: transitfuture-subscribe@cnt.org
To contribute to the TransitFuture campaign, please make a secure, paperless donation at: https://ssl.cnt.org/
2. Chicago Slims Down
Who wasn’t anxiously awaiting the results when Men’s Fitness recently released the results of its annual “Fattest Cities in the Nation” poll? It was somewhat reassuring to read that Chicago was not at the number one spot for the second year in a row. Our city’s rank fell to number thirteen, still not exactly something to tout. These results suggest that our urban environment-and our physiques-would benefit from more mobility options like biking and walking.
It would appear that fitter people typically live in places that support a less car-centric lifestyle. One of the characteristics of a fit and healthy city is walkability. There have been concentrated efforts to make Chicago a more walker-friendly city. Groups such as Logan Square Walks bring people together who are interested in promoting a more walker-friendly environment by identifying places that are not accommodating to pedestrians, all while doing the thing they love: walking around and enjoying the urban environment of Chicago. Wintertime also proves an obstacle for walkers in the city. Press coverage this season has revealed that while the city focuses on clearing streets in a snowstorm, sidewalks are not properly managed and walkers are left climbing snowdrifts on treacherous sheets of ice.
One aspect of CNT’s work has focused on making more and safer routes to school for children. Recently, as part of the Safe Routes to School partnership, CNT along with the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the League of Illinois Bicyclists presented its “Safe Routes to School” report to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The groups are under contract through 2009 to provide training, outreach and program development services for IDOT. The contracted work includes web site development, communication and promotional work and training sessions throughout the state. The team will also assist in developing the state’s School Travel Plan template and application.
Focusing on the walkability and bikeability of the region is an important solution to making certain Chicago is not known for its oversized citizens but perhaps for its oversized sidewalks and luxurious bike paths.
To read more about CNT’s work on creating diverse transportation options, go to http://www.cnt.org/tsp/trans/ctaqc/sr2s
3. LEED Certification Extends to Neighborhood Development
Now that green buildings are becoming popular for sustainability-minded organizations, cutting-edge architects, and PR-minded businesses, the U.S. Green Building Council is thinking bigger and has begun its pilot program for LEED-certified neighborhood developments (LEED-ND). It is logical that the next step is to create neighborhoods that achieve certain “green” standards. These neighborhoods will be identified much in the same way that a building would be, through evaluation and compliance with a set of technical standards for how developers can build sustainable residential and commercial neighborhoods instead of furthering automobile-dependent sprawl.
The LEED-ND will use four categories to measure the level of certification a potential development would be awarded: Smart Location & Linkage, Neighborhood Pattern & Design, Green Construction & Technology, and Innovation & Design Process. These classifications will apply to every facet of the development, from the materials used to construct the buildings to the location that the developer has selected to build the neighborhood.
Many of these same principles are also considered for a green building. CNT’s Platinum-certified Green Building renovation involved criteria such as location as well. CNT’s office is conveniently located near many transportation options and provides showers and bike racks to further accommodate walking and biking. To read more about CNT’s Green Building renovation, visit the site at: http://building.cnt.org/
***************
CNT News
***************
1. Will Chicago Transit Keep Up with the Rest of the Nation?
CMAP’s recent “Innovation + Integration” event, focused on linking jobs, housing and transportation, and it was evident that Chicago is glaringly behind other U.S. cities in a key component of this: transit planning and funding. Lead speaker, Shelly Poticha of Reconnecting America, put the challenge out to Chicago planners and leaders to take advantage of the enormous asset that transit can be to our city.
The purpose of “Innovation + Integration” was to highlight best practices for linking transit assets with jobs and housing in the region. Yet it seems that the first step for us in the Chicago area is to demonstrate to our State leaders how important transit is to the economy and quality of life throughout the region.
Across the country, transit ridership is on the upswing, according to Poticha. With the combined “perfect storm” of congestion, gas prices, and cost of owning and operating a car, residents of metropolitan areas are demanding that transit be a viable option for commutes to work, households errands, and accessing recreation and entertainment amenities. And, despite Chicago’s extensive system, ridership is actually on the downswing in the region.
So while the rest of the nation’s cities blow past our ‘extensive’ system by coordinating transportation options-including light rail and streetcars-with housing and development activities, Chicago may continue to be plagued by congestion, air pollution and a car-oriented environment. All is not lost here in Chicago, though. As an example of some of the progressive and truly visionary work going on in Illinois, the mayor of Blue Island, Donald Peloquin, spoke about his city’s plans to redevelop around transit stations and cargo distribution centers as a means of reinvigorating the old industrial city, while the Mayor of Arlington Heights, Arlene J. Mulder pointed out just how suburbs like Arlington Heights are working to integrate transit to make their cities more walkable and livable.
To hear audio of the presentations made at “Innovation + Integration”, including CNT’s Scott Bernstein, visit http://chicagoareaplanning.org/innovation/#agenda.
2. CNT Testifies at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District
On February 15, Cook County water officials approved their first ever comprehensive stormwater management plan. This progressive step is good news for advocates of serious stormwater management in Cook County. In 2004, the Illinois General Assembly gave the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District authority over management of stormwater for all of suburban Cook County, and this stormwater management plan is an indication that progress can actually be made when the appropriate authority manages it.
This current plan is not the complete version that environmental groups envisioned, however. A missing component in the current draft is the focus on wetland protection and promotion of ecologically sensitive buildings.
CNT’s Natural Resources portfolio manager, Steve Wise, was at the meeting to testify on the importance of managing stormwater through land and other assets that, unlike centralized treatment facilities, may utilize community resources, open space, roadways or municipal property. Steve stressed the importance of implementing many of these proven green initiatives immediately. Many of these measures need to be adapted to local circumstances, but the evidence that such efforts will pay off is clear and well-documented. The District can use green infrastructure to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater and Lake Michigan with clean water, and enrich communities by creating green spaces.
With funding from the Joyce Foundation, CNT is promoting green infrastructure to assist the District in making stormwater best management practices – or Green Infrastructure – a central element of the County’s stormwater management program. In many cases, green infrastructure improvements can be readily implemented.
To read more about CNT’s work in Green Infrastructure, see our Natural Resource page at http://greenvalues.cnt.org/ where you can calculate the value of various green infrastructure projects.
3. Climate Change Taken Seriously at Local Level
A recent article in The New Yorker stated the reality of global warming: “…because there isn’t going to be any meaningful help from George Bush, and the U.S. isn’t going to be changing its mind and joining the Kyoto Protocol, we’re at the beginning of a movement to take responsibility at the local level.” From individuals deciding to switch to hybrid cars (or ditch their cars altogether) to companies deciding to conduct business in an energy-efficient green building, it is apparent that thus far, most efforts to reduce the strain of greenhouse gases on our planet has been a result of the initiative of smaller groups.
In this same vein, individual cities are deciding that the seemingly daunting and complex problem is best dealt with at a local level. The New Yorker article challenged its city to make serious strides at the local level much like Chicago and London.
CNT’s Scott Bernstein was recently chosen to serve on the Chicago Climate Change Task Force, which is charged with guiding the development of a Climate Action Strategy for Chicago in collaboration with the Chicago Department of the Environment. CNT is excited that Chicago is taking a leadership role in addressing the real and urgent challenge of global warming, and we are glad to lend our expertise to the effort. To support this undertaking, CNT is working with the City to document the baseline greenhouse gas emissions of Chicago and investigate sustainable mitigation opportunities that offer net economic benefits to the residents and businesses of Chicago.
Taking responsibility at the local level relies on personal accountability that, when taken large-scale, can make heavy strides in combating a problem that affects not just one city, but a collection of cities-and the entire planet.
4. New Staff
CNT is growing and filling up with excellent new talent.
Linda Young is CNT’s new Research Manager. She has 18 years experience working in community planning for the nonprofit and public sectors, working on a variety of community development and policy issues. She holds a Masters of Urban Planning from University of Michigan and a M.S. in Historic Preservation Planning from Eastern Michigan University.
I-GO has a new Fleet Manager, Michael Neuner, who will be managing I-GO’s fleet around the city from his bike!
***************
CNT Toolbox
***************
1. Book Spotlight: “Street Smart: Streetcars and Cities in the 21st Century“
The streetcar renaissance is becoming a solution to urban issues that appeals to planners, environmentalists, mass transit advocates, government, and private enterprise and could be an integral part in the movement back to America’s cities.
Reconnecting America, a national organization formed to link transportation networks and the communities they serve, recently published a book on the streetcar revival, “Street Smart: Streetcars and Cities in the 21st Century.” The book is a great reference for the history of streetcars all the way up to their newfound role in the 21st century. Its beautiful images of streetcars makes it a great coffee table book for historians and transportation enthusiasts alike. CNT’s Scott Bernstein writes the chapter on the history of streetcars.
To order a copy, send an email to annette@cnt.org
2. CNT in the News
Car-sharing in Chicago is as popular as ever. Many people are realizing that ditching their cars saves them money, reduces air pollution and makes their lives more stress-free. Read about more I-GO in the Chicago Defender.
http://www.chicagodefender.com/page/local.cfm?ArticleID=8534
CNT’s Scott Bernstein has been traveling the globe advocating for the return to streetcars as a viable supplement to a mass-transit system in urban areas. Recently he wrote for the Ohio chapter of the American Institute of Architects newsletter on the benefits of streetcars in Columbus.
http://weblog.cnt.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/AIAOH-Streetcar-SB-07.pdf
A Crosstown Express revival in Chicago? How pragmatic can it be that a resurrected transportation “solution,” already deemed inappropriate for a city and its mayor that insists on growing through mass transit and other ‘green’ initiatives, is on the table again?
Read more about it at http://weblog.cnt.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/Tribune.Crosstown.022107.pdf
3. Job Openings
I-GO Operations Manager, posted 1/16
http://www.cnt.org/jobs?job=i-go-operations-manager
Center for Science in the Public Interest, Grassroots Organizer
http://www.cspinet.org/about/jobs/200610032.html
Interfaith Housing Center, Director of Communications and Advocacy
http://www.interfaithhousingcenter.org/mainpages/45jobs.html
***************
Local Events
***************
1. CNT Sponsored Event- Book Reading: “Green City: People, Nature and Urban Places”
Mary Soderstrom’s latest book, “Green City: People, Nature and Urban Places” examines how people have brought nature into cities over history. The book considers eleven cities around the world, including Chicago, to see how people and nature have interacted over the course of history. The book points out how, by attempting to bring gardens and greenery into cities, citizens and their city administrators have created a “Green Paradox.” Soderstrom finds a lesson in hope and, often a warning in how well the cities have dealt with the paradox.
Come meet Mary, listed to her read from her new book and look forward to an engaging discussion in the fascinating issues involving the green movement in urban environments. She will be at Quimby’s Books on Thursday, March 29 at 7:30 PM. For more information, contact annette@cnt.org
2. Wild Things Conference
The Wild Things Conference is chance for restoration experts, citizen scientists and others concerned with and intrigued by Chicago-area nature to exchange ideas and network. Participants can choose from over 100 workshops on bird conservation, land restoration, wildlife monitoring, native landscaping, habitat preservation, advocacy, invasive species and much more. Plan to enjoy a full day of learning, networking and inspiration. Sponsored by Chicago Wilderness partner organizations. $25 before February 12, $30 after. $15 for students. Add $10 for buffet lunch. More information and registration at www.habitatproject.org/WildThings or 847-965-9239, ext. 21.
3. People Reversing Global Warming
Climate Chicago presents “People Reversing Global Warming,” Sunday, March 4 at 2:00-5:00 PM, located at UNITE Hall, 333 S. Ashland, Chicago. At this session participants will hear the new statement of purpose that has been developed for the coalition, and be part of an exercise to develop teams focusing on issues that were identified at the First Town Hall Meeting. A representative from the City of Chicago will be coming to announce the formulation of the new City Global Warming Response Plan. If you plan to attend, please visit the campaign website at: www.climatechicago.org
4. “Revving Up the Red”
Do you want to take part in creating a new vision for the Edgewater Red Line Stations and retail districts – Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale and Granville? Join your neighbors in a hands-on session to build a vision for improving the physical surroundings and retail selection at the stations and adjacent retail districts. Sessions held on March 5 from 7-9 PM at St. Andrew’s Church, 5649 N. Sheridan, Chicago will focus on the Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations; Thorndale and Granville stations will get their time in the spotlight on March 12 at Loyola’s Simpson Multi-purpose room.
Space is limited, reservations required. Call or email to register: 773-506-4016, info@edgewaterdev.org.
**********************
You can support our efforts in building more sustainable urban communities by making a donation online. Visit: http://www.cnt.org/support. You can also support CNT as part of Earth Share of Illinois workplace campaigns. For more information about workplace giving, contact Nicole at nicoleg@cnt.org. Thank you for your generosity!
Questions about anything you’ve read or interested in learning more? Contact Annette at annette@cnt.org
