65809
Community Association Presents
April, 2002 Meeting Notes
League of Women
Voter's Sustainability Study
Dr. Ruth Bamberger-
Professor of Political Science at Drury University; Past faculty sponsor
of Drury Environmental Club; Chaired the League of Women Voter Springfield-Greene
County Study on Sustainability 1999-2001.
Ruth presented the
final position statements developed from a two year study by members of
the League of Women Voters on sustainable community growth principles
and how they apply to Springfield and Greene County.
Some results of the
study as it relates to Springfield and Greene County:
A Sustainable Community
gives top priority to quality of life, economic vitality and resource
conservation and balances population, consumption of resources and pollution
with the "carrying capacity" of the region.
Signs of Sustainability in Springfield-Greene County:
AAA accredited schools, Opportunities in higher education, Neighborhood
Preservation, Diversified economy, Low unemployment rate, Cost of living
93% national average, Clean water & air, Center City re-development
of Jordan Valley Park Parks and Trails
Challenges to sustainability in Springfield-Greene County:
Population growth: 1990-2000 15.6% growth
Loss of farmlands in Greene County
Unbalanced commercial and housing developmental pattern
Development requiring dependence on the automobile
Increased traffic congestion
Low wages, 17% below Missouri state average
Poverty: 18.5% of children in families below the poverty line
Low graduation rate: Springfield R-12 graduation rate is 73.1%
Based on 2000 Census, Division of Economic Security, Bureau of Labor Statistics,
and the Springfield R-12 School District
The League of Women
Voter's position statements cover four categories:
I. Environmental Sustainability
A. Population Growth
B. Directed Growth
C. Urban Sprawl Containment: maximizing in-fill, re-development
D. Trees: their importance to clean air
II. Economic Vitality
A. Consequences
of Growth: containment of future development
B. Job and Wage Profile
C. Industrial Development: tax incentives
III. Social Sustainability
A. Housing Stock,
physical integrity
B. Maintaining Neighborhoods
C. Enforcement of Housing Standards
D (Schools: the LofWV is currently undergoing a study on schools)
IV. Center City/Transportation
A. Mixed Use Development
and Re-development
B. Better Balance of needs of various groups impacted by growth and
land use.
C. Green Spaces, Walking and Biking Trails, Sidewalks
D. Improved Cooperation between City and County Governments
E. Regional Planning in the area of Transportation and Growth
F. Establishment and Support of New Bus Routes, Explore Alternative
Transportation Options
G. Springfield-Greene Concept Plan: improve and landscape the City's
existing major arterial roads as an alternative to buildingroads around
the city
For
a booklet of the study results and/or the position statements:
Contact the League's office: 417-881-5877
http://www.lwvsgf.org
Contact Dr Bamberger at: rbamberg@lib.drury.edu
|