 |
|
|
How Does Sustainability Relate to the Comprehensive Plan?
In the draft Comprehensive Plan 2000: A New Century, A Renewed Future,
Buffalo is described as an ethnically diverse city built on the sweat and
dreams of generations of working people, that is now a center for learning
and a promising incubator for high-tech industry. This is truly an exciting
set of characteristics with which to integrate sustainability.
In addition, the Plan reflects the need for flexibility as it states:
"…these are not static ideas. As our City’s self-vision changes,
with input from all the vibrant sectors that make up any municipality,
the document itself will be changed to reflect that reality."
As a center for learning, Buffalo should look to the relevant case
studies in Sustainability Initiatives Across the Country.
Let us join the ranks of model cities that have redirected themselves
on a sustainable path. The comprehensive plan outlines objectives for
the city, while the Guiding Principles will outline the
administration’s commitment to sustainability. A Sustainability
Network will provide a structure to achieve the implementation of
those objectives based on a sustainable strategy. As stated
in Sustainability Initiatives Across the Country:
"An increasing number of communities around the country
and globe have begun to articulate holistic visions for their
city or region. Holistic thinking like holistic medicine
looks at the whole system rather than problems individually.
This approach prepares communities to effectively address a
broad range of issues as they recognize the significance of
interconnectedness."
For each action step that the draft Comprehensive Plan 2000
articulates, entities are identified that would need to display
leadership and take on responsibility. Many of the action items
would benefit directly from the Sustainability Coordinators and
Network. Consider the following five items listed:
#1 – Initiate and Support the Formation of an Urban Growth Boundary.
#16 – Continue to make Brownfield Redevelopment a City Priority.
#35 – Use Community-Access Television for Public Education.
#40 – Prevent and Mitigate Negative Environmental Impacts to all.
#45 – Link Cultural Facilities.
These are aggressive, proactive, intelligent and achievable
goals that will demand the wisdom of sustainability as well
as an integrated, collaborative approach based upon democratic values.
more information:
Overview |
Goal & Activities
|
|
|
|
