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"WE ARE IN A REVOLUTION - ONE EQUAL TO THE
INDUSTRIAL - IT IS A SUSTAINABLE REVOLUTION"
INDUSTRIAL - IT IS A SUSTAINABLE REVOLUTION"
"A Green Future For Economic Development" | Wednesday January 26, 2011 | Raleigh, NC
Hundreds of Green Infrastructure
specialists from around North
Carolina gathered in Raleigh on
Wednesday to hear about the true
economic impact of open space
and to discuss solutions for pushing
forward on critical issues related
to its preservation. Keynote
speakers included noted greenway
designer Chuck Flink, Founder of
Greenways, Inc. and nationally
known author and Urban Land Institute Sr. Fellow Ed McMahon. The Summit also provided
breakout session tailored to G.I. issues including funding + grants and collaborative
initiatives as well as in-depth analysis of successful open space planning. In addition
various conservation + open space related groups provided further information +
educational resources in the Open Space Toolbox exhibitors hall.
"CHANGE IS A CONSTANT FOR OUR ECONOMY"
Morning Keynote speaker Chuck Flink led the charge with a strong defense of the value
well designed open spaces bring not only to our quality of life but to local economies as
well. Flink believes change is a constant for our economy but that green infrastructure can
be key to navigating that change successfully. "The Carolina Thread Trail alone provides
over $42 Million in tourism dollars and $250 Million in direct and indirect economic impact
from its construction" and "helped create an estimated 2,700 construction related jobs." He
went on to illustrate the significant added value green space has on the value of a nearby
homeowner's property stating "the National Association of Realtors reports an average
10-20% gain in value alone." But in the end, Flink says, it all comes down to buyers making
a lifestyle choice. "What is it you value in your community?"
Green space also equals better business. "It brings the opportunity to create jobs and is a
great investment" he said, citing $3 to $1 return on investment in many cases as well as
bottom line benefits to traditional public services such as overall lower infrastructure cost
for stormwater flood control. Flink also promoted the concept of Greenprinting, the
standardized inventory and analysis of an areas green infrastructure.
"IT IS A SUSTAINABLE REVOLUTION"
Afternoon Keynote speaker Ed McMahon
promoted the advancement of green
infrastructure as a necessary component of
planning at all levels. McMahon, author of the
book Green Infrastructure emphasized that
character and context make the place.
"Do you want the character of development to
shape North Carolina or the character of North
Carolina to shape development?" With great passion
he cited the tragic examples in nearby Virginia where what were once the hollowed
grounds of Civil War battles that shaped the very purpose of our nation are now overrun by
strip center development. "Every county needs a long term conservation plan" he feels,
otherwise these tragedies or worse will continue.
McMahon also feels "we need to preserve green space first . . . over 80 people a day are
moving to the Triangle". He emphasized we must begin to think more critically of the how
and why and not just do. "America's biggest conservation challenge is the accelerated
consumption and fragmentation of open space" and the issue needs to be addressed head
on in the planning process. McMahon also used his summit experience to remind us all of
the consequences of poor planning including the loss of natural areas, a decline in
productive farming, diminished community and degraded air. In addition, he also highlighted
the loss of free services once provided by green infrastructure after it is no longer there.
"Smart Conservation is needed . . . large scale linkages . . . green infrastructure is key"
were all thoughts that formed the skeleton of his thought process. McMahon feels strongly
that green infrastructure provides a certain predictability and certainty in planning and in life.
By providing us a grand vision for the long term, and based on a logical and defensible
framework, Smart Conservation can help ensure a sustainable existence for all of us.
Hundreds of Green Infrastructure
specialists from around North
Carolina gathered in Raleigh on
Wednesday to hear about the true
economic impact of open space
and to discuss solutions for pushing
forward on critical issues related
to its preservation. Keynote
speakers included noted greenway
designer Chuck Flink, Founder of
Greenways, Inc. and nationally
known author and Urban Land Institute Sr. Fellow Ed McMahon. The Summit also provided
breakout session tailored to G.I. issues including funding + grants and collaborative
initiatives as well as in-depth analysis of successful open space planning. In addition
various conservation + open space related groups provided further information +
educational resources in the Open Space Toolbox exhibitors hall.
"CHANGE IS A CONSTANT FOR OUR ECONOMY"
Morning Keynote speaker Chuck Flink led the charge with a strong defense of the value
well designed open spaces bring not only to our quality of life but to local economies as
well. Flink believes change is a constant for our economy but that green infrastructure can
be key to navigating that change successfully. "The Carolina Thread Trail alone provides
over $42 Million in tourism dollars and $250 Million in direct and indirect economic impact
from its construction" and "helped create an estimated 2,700 construction related jobs." He
went on to illustrate the significant added value green space has on the value of a nearby
homeowner's property stating "the National Association of Realtors reports an average
10-20% gain in value alone." But in the end, Flink says, it all comes down to buyers making
a lifestyle choice. "What is it you value in your community?"
Green space also equals better business. "It brings the opportunity to create jobs and is a
great investment" he said, citing $3 to $1 return on investment in many cases as well as
bottom line benefits to traditional public services such as overall lower infrastructure cost
for stormwater flood control. Flink also promoted the concept of Greenprinting, the
standardized inventory and analysis of an areas green infrastructure.
"IT IS A SUSTAINABLE REVOLUTION"
Afternoon Keynote speaker Ed McMahon
promoted the advancement of green
infrastructure as a necessary component of
planning at all levels. McMahon, author of the
book Green Infrastructure emphasized that
character and context make the place.
"Do you want the character of development to
shape North Carolina or the character of North
Carolina to shape development?" With great passion
he cited the tragic examples in nearby Virginia where what were once the hollowed
grounds of Civil War battles that shaped the very purpose of our nation are now overrun by
strip center development. "Every county needs a long term conservation plan" he feels,
otherwise these tragedies or worse will continue.
McMahon also feels "we need to preserve green space first . . . over 80 people a day are
moving to the Triangle". He emphasized we must begin to think more critically of the how
and why and not just do. "America's biggest conservation challenge is the accelerated
consumption and fragmentation of open space" and the issue needs to be addressed head
on in the planning process. McMahon also used his summit experience to remind us all of
the consequences of poor planning including the loss of natural areas, a decline in
productive farming, diminished community and degraded air. In addition, he also highlighted
the loss of free services once provided by green infrastructure after it is no longer there.
"Smart Conservation is needed . . . large scale linkages . . . green infrastructure is key"
were all thoughts that formed the skeleton of his thought process. McMahon feels strongly
that green infrastructure provides a certain predictability and certainty in planning and in life.
By providing us a grand vision for the long term, and based on a logical and defensible
framework, Smart Conservation can help ensure a sustainable existence for all of us.
"Do you want the character of development to
shape North Carolina or the character of
North Carolina to shape development?"
-Ed McMahon, Sr. Fellow | ULI
CHUCK FLINK DELIVERS KEYNOTE ON THE
DOLLARS + SENSE OF OPEN SPACE TO A
PACKED HOUSE
"We are not victims, we are determinants of
the future."
-Chuck Flink, Founder | Greenways, Inc.
"It's ok to spend on issues that are beneficial
to the community, such as quality of life."
"If you care about public open space then
you must care about public transit."
"Density demands quality design."
"People need a place where they cane come
together and talk freely about these issues
without the politics."
"We are suffering a Nature Deficit Disorder."
"Hand in hand with Smart Growth we need
Smart Conservation."
shape North Carolina or the character of
North Carolina to shape development?"
-Ed McMahon, Sr. Fellow | ULI
CHUCK FLINK DELIVERS KEYNOTE ON THE
DOLLARS + SENSE OF OPEN SPACE TO A
PACKED HOUSE
"We are not victims, we are determinants of
the future."
-Chuck Flink, Founder | Greenways, Inc.
"It's ok to spend on issues that are beneficial
to the community, such as quality of life."
"If you care about public open space then
you must care about public transit."
"Density demands quality design."
"People need a place where they cane come
together and talk freely about these issues
without the politics."
"We are suffering a Nature Deficit Disorder."
"Hand in hand with Smart Growth we need
Smart Conservation."
DAY 1 NOTE
Cycling tourist to NC's Outerbanks provide
$60 Million in revenue and spur 1,400 jobs.
NC's PARTF (Parks + Recreation Trust Fund)
has generated 646 grants, $136 Million in
awards and helped preserved 5,500 acres
during its 15 year life.
NC's Clean Water Management Trust Fund
has generated 1,500 grants, protected 4,863
miles of buffers and safeguarded 455,000+
acres of of open space (that's equal to
330,000 football fields) since 1997.
Through tax incentives NC's Natural Heritage
Trust Fund has helped protect 200,000 acres
of former agricultural lands from development.
$60 Million in revenue and spur 1,400 jobs.
NC's PARTF (Parks + Recreation Trust Fund)
has generated 646 grants, $136 Million in
awards and helped preserved 5,500 acres
during its 15 year life.
NC's Clean Water Management Trust Fund
has generated 1,500 grants, protected 4,863
miles of buffers and safeguarded 455,000+
acres of of open space (that's equal to
330,000 football fields) since 1997.
Through tax incentives NC's Natural Heritage
Trust Fund has helped protect 200,000 acres
of former agricultural lands from development.
SUMMIT FACTOIDS:
SUMMIT ATTENDEES REVIEW DIX PARK PLANS
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