Encouraging Practical, Smart Growth We need to develop a stronger balance between our land use and our natural resources. Kathy will advocate for smart community design, encouraging local green space, reduced traffic and pollution and nearby amenities. Kathy on encouraging smart growth: Developments and redevelopments have typically been considered standalone, with their impacts evaluated separately. A new approach is needed. Here are some of my recommendations that address infrastructure commitments in a creative, partnership-building way: New developments should retain mature trees and require full size plantings instead of leveling the land and planting small trees which will take years to provide beauty, shade for energy efficiency and buffering of pollution. This would automatically establish more neighborhood open space, pocket parks and playground options that are within walking distance, reducing car trips, congestion and fuel waste. Promote dual use and partnerships similar to the arrangement between our schools and the Department of Recreation and Parks. Our senior centers and schools are currently overcrowded and require cars to access. By regional planning of combined use neighbor facilities, developers have a concrete goal of what they are contributing to, allowing them and the community to see their investment instead of just contributions of in-lieu fees.	Related Articles Preservation Priorities, The Baltimore Sun Read the article> Kathy's Letter to the Editor in response to "Preservation Priorities" Read the letter> Kathy Reiner Martin Seeks Repayment of Open Space Money Read the article>
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