Greener Greenbelt Initiative

Greener Greenbelt Initiative
The Greener Breenbelt Initiative: A Blueprint for America Project of PVAF and AIAPV
As their initiative for the AIA150 Blueprint for America, The Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation and the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter will be holding a series of charrettes for the Town of Greenbelt, Maryland in 2006, 2007 and 2008. These charrettes will endeavor to examine, and make recommendations on, four major areas for the citizens of Greenbelt:

Preservation - As a model of New Deal era ideals, Greenbelt was heralded for the revolutionary concepts of the town plan, the quality and scope of its open spaces, the forward-looking expression of its architecture, and the commodiousness of its modest dwellings. All of these characteristics have been eroded over the past seventy years, at times quite intentionally. Increasingly, a new generation in Greenbelt recognizes its uniqueness. There is a growing commitment to reclaiming those qualities that make Greenbelt a special place.
Livability - When it opened, Greenbelt was considered somewhat too remote from Washington DC. Today, Greenbelt is wedged within the National Capital region. "Inside the Beltway", it is a close-in suburb. With proximity come the familiar challenges of urban life: public safety, education, healthcare, traffic and transit, access to employment and services. While regional opportunities increase exponentially, keeping "Old" Greenbelt viable becomes increasingly difficult; for example, retaining retail tenants in the Town Center. Redefining the role of the local community and neighborhoods within the structure of a megalopolis will determine Greenbelt's livability into the future.
Affordability - At the height of the Great Depression, Greenbelt was built to provide families with an affordable place to live. With development intensifying throughout the metropolitan region, Greenbelt is becoming expensive. Like many neighboring communities, Greenbelt is faced with making fundamental choices about its future. What strategies can help to retain the modest character of Greenbelt's townhouse clusters while allowing expansion so that families can continue to live there? How can open space be preserved despite rising property values and tax rates? Keeping the promise of providing affordable housing for families is being tested in today's economic climate.
Sustainability - Matching the optimism and idealism that created Greenbelt, many of today's residents believe fervently that sustainability will help meet the challenges of preservation, livability and affordability, as well as degradation of the environment. In addition to regional problems, water quality in Greenbelt Lake is poor and air quality is clearly affected by adjacent highways. Individual dwellings and townhouse clusters need comprehensive systems upgrades to both improve performance and increase energy-effectiveness. Renewing communal open spaces can restore the historic character of Greenbelt, provide recreational opportunities for residents, and contribute directly to improving water and air quality. Sustainability serves as the core value of the Greener Greenbelt Initiative.
For more detailed information about our initiative, you may download the DRAFT Grant Application.
Where the Money Comes From:
If you would like to make a donation to this initiative (tax deductible as a charitable contribution), make your check payable to "Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation" and mail to:
Potomac Valley Architecture Foundation
Attn: Blueprint for America
3907 Metzerott Road
College Park, MD 20740-2078

Volunteers Needed:
In order to make our initiative effective, we will need numerous volunteers. If you would like to help, please drop us an , now:
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