Concentrate on riverfront, Verona sustainability study suggests
Share with others:
In the spring, students from Carnegie Mellon University performed a sustainability needs assessment for Verona.
The purpose was to define what needs to be done to make the community more sustainable for the future and how to do it.
Matthew Mehalik teaches the sustainable community development course at the H. John Heinz III College School of Public Policy and Management, where students were enrolled. He also is a program director for Sustainable Pittsburgh, which promotes maintainability through the integration of economic prosperity, social equity and environmental quality. He said that over the past few years, there has been substantial interest in redeveloping small towns and a renewed interest in smart growth.
The course teaches students sustainable and green development practices and how to integrate them into community strategies; the impact of public planning; and engaging communities in revitalization strategies.
Dr. Mehalik said students get to apply what they learn on a major community project, meeting the needs of a real community with real people, where they "make a difference."
The student team -- Emil Dinu Popa, Kathy Hrabovsky, Iyabo Lawal and Srnithya Lavu -- met with borough officials and residents and toured the community throughout the semester. The results of their study were presented to borough council last week.
The team determined that the focus of the assessment "should capitalize on Verona's greatest strength -- the riverfront location." It was believed that enhancing riverfront access and recreational activities would lead to a sustainable future.
Economically, this would increase local job opportunities as well as funding for grants and loans for projects to enhance revitalization of the community image and services offered. In addition, tax revenues would be increased to maintain long-term community services.
Environmental goals are to improve environmental quality overall as well as quality of life for residents and generate revenue through increases in outdoor activities and in attracting new residents to those activities.
Social goals include an economically diverse population for revenue and employment, access to community services for all and a celebration of cultural differences to add interest and attract new residents and visitors to the area.
First Published July 7, 2010 7:39 pm
