LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) hasn't exactly unleashed a flurry of new sustainable, dense development. But, as the economy strengthens, innovative projects in Oakland, Syracuse, and Milwaukee are beginning to take flight.
LEED for Neighborhood Design (LEED-ND) is an innovative program introduced in 2007 that rates entire neighborhoods in terms of sustainability, as opposed to the older LEED program, which rates single buildings. As Urban Land's Brad Berton reports, development of LEED-ND projects has been slowed by the recession. Recently, however, projects have started to take shape in some cities.
"Updates of early activities in three LEED-ND pilot participants-the Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; the SALT District in Syracuse, New York; and Tassafaronga Village in Oakland, California-demonstrate that pilot projects have plenty in common but offer considerable contrasts as well," writes Berton. "A common characteristic of initial activity in these three districts is that obsolete or blighted properties are being transformed into functional homes and nonresidential spaces heavy on sustainable elements."
Not only are such projects incorporating sustainability principles into their design, but also those of housing affordability, historic preservation, and public space. For example, Tassafaronga Village in Oakland, California, includes 99 apartments for Section 8 renters, as well as a public park, library, and elementary school.
Berton provides updates on the features and status of each of the three projects.
FULL STORY: LEED for the Neighborhood
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis
SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.
Study: How to Revitalize Downtown Minneapolis
A proposal calls for a reevaluation of the city’s skyways, a focus on street-facing businesses, and an improved public realm.
Milwaukee Residents Challenge Freeway Expansion
Residents are voicing opposition to a planned expansion of Interstate 94, arguing that the project would eliminate the limited green space in the neighborhood.
New York Congestion Pricing Approved by MTA Board
The program took another step forward as the board approved a proposed pricing scheme, but lawsuits still stand in the way of full implementation.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.