Smart Growth/Transportation
Why?
Sprawl development strikes at the heart of our environmental, economic and social and even physical well-being. It causes us to use ever more energy, thus adding to the climate change problem. And it destroys valuable habitat. Moreover, the ever-expanding road system to serve sprawl is unsustainable and unaffordable.
"Smart growth" is a term that embraces development around transit stations, connects people to their communities, promotes energy-conscious growth, and prioritizes transit, bike paths, and sidewalks over more highways and more gridlock.
How?
- Defining Smart Growth. The term Smart Growth has been used to mean lots of different things. To make it clear what Sierra Club means by "smart growth," we drafted our Smart Growth Principles. We use the Principles to evaluate proposed master plans, projects and zoning codes. Before the Sierra Club will support any plan or project, it must meet what we call the "first tier" principles: transit-served location, land use that improves balance between jobs and housing, and efficient use of land. Our second tier principles include pedestrian-friendly designs, green features, and affordable housing.
- Advocating for Smart Growth in Master Plans. Much of Montgomery County's decisions on growth are made through the master plan revision process. We advocate for the incorporation of smart growth features into the plans, and we work with community residents to make sure their voices for smarter growth are heard in the planning process. Our successes include work on the Shady Grove and Twinbrook Metro station area plans. Right now, we are working with the West Gaithersburg residents to oppose an unwarranted, Bethesda-level density development plan for their community.
- Promoting Transit Over Traffic. Smart transportation must march in step with smart growth, if we are to reverse the march of sprawl and global warming. We have worked hard to oppose the Intercounty Connector freeway and its potential offspring, Montrose Parkway and the Techway to Virginia. Those fights continue!
We are also strong advocates for the Purple Line light rail, which will connect downcounty urban centers and Metro lines; and for effective transit in the I-270 Corridor from Shady Grove to Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Clarksburg.
What You Can Do to Help
Check out our volunteer opportunities!
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