Health & Fitness
Re-Introducing the City of Fairfax Citizens for Smarter Growth
Last year I wrote a post introducing the City of Fairfax Citizens for Smarter Growth (CFCSG), a local group organized to promote economically and environmentally sustainable development within the city. We originally formed to encourage city council and mayoral candidates to be cognizant of the benefits of smart growth during their election campaigns, but found ourselves continuing to be involved in city projects, private development and planning efforts. Since then, the group has grown and has recently organized itself to more effectively tackle specific issues. There are three primary activities that the group participates in:
1. Development review: Whether by meeting directly with developers who are proposing a project in the city, or by communicating with city staff about these projects, CFCSG reviews development proposals for compliance with smart growth policies and the potential to improve the pedestrian realm, address environmental issues, respect the existing character and future aspirations for the city, and improve fiscal health. Our insight and concerns are formally communicated to the developers, staff, and council members.
2. Planning: As the city begins the arduous process of re-writing the zoning ordinance, CFCSG will be there to support policies that promote walkability and environmental responsibility. Specifically, this ordinance will need to address the Fairfax Boulevard Masterplan in some way and our goal is to encourage it to be written in such a way to encourage developers to “do the right thing”. CFCSG has been meeting with city staff to determine the most effective way for the group to be involved in this process. In the future, the group will likely be involved in comprehensive plan updates and other reports or studies conducted on behalf of the city.
3. Transportation and Infrastructure: CFCSG has played a key role in supporting pedestrian improvements for the Route 123/Fairfax Boulevard project that is currently under design. Our goal is to continue to be involved in city infrastructure projects to make sure they do not move the city in the wrong direction in terms of improving the pedestrian realm. One key concern is that VDOT standards often conflict with the needs of the immediate community, especially when it comes to creating a pedestrian friendly environment. This can be a challenge for city staff, but showing that they have community support for improving the pedestrian environment can give them a leg up when negotiating with VDOT.
In addition to the above three tasks for the group, we plan to be involved in next year’s elections as we were in the past as well as any other issues that may come up that could impact the future built environment of the city. If you are interested in participating in CFCSG, please visit our website for more information and to sign up to become a member.
2. Planning: As the city begins the arduous process of re-writing the zoning ordinance, CFCSG will be there to support policies that promote walkability and environmental responsibility. Specifically, this ordinance will need to address the Fairfax Boulevard Masterplan in some way and our goal is to encourage it to be written in such a way to encourage developers to “do the right thing”. CFCSG has been meeting with city staff to determine the most effective way for the group to be involved in this process. In the future, the group will likely be involved in comprehensive plan updates and other reports or studies conducted on behalf of the city.
3. Transportation and Infrastructure: CFCSG has played a key role in supporting pedestrian improvements for the Route 123/Fairfax Boulevard project that is currently under design. Our goal is to continue to be involved in city infrastructure projects to make sure they do not move the city in the wrong direction in terms of improving the pedestrian realm. One key concern is that VDOT standards often conflict with the needs of the immediate community, especially when it comes to creating a pedestrian friendly environment. This can be a challenge for city staff, but showing that they have community support for improving the pedestrian environment can give them a leg up when negotiating with VDOT.
In addition to the above three tasks for the group, we plan to be involved in next year’s elections as we were in the past as well as any other issues that may come up that could impact the future built environment of the city. If you are interested in participating in CFCSG, please visit our website for more information and to sign up to become a member.
http://fairfaxcitysmartergrowth.wordpress.com/
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