Georgetown Project Earns National Environmental Award from EPA

The Georgetown Land Development Company project, which will redevelop the former Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill in Redding, Connecticut, earned one of the most coveted awards for Smart Growth in the country from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

GEORGETOWN, CT (PRWEB) November 15, 2005 -- Four years after Stephen Soler, through his company the Georgetown Land Development Company, took ownership of the former Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented the prestigious National Award for Smart Growth Achievement to the town of Redding, CT for the Georgetown Land Development Company project.

This successful effort brought together a private developer, local and state government, and public participation throughout the entire planning process. The result of this collaborative effort is a remarkable New England village and a new model for developments nationwide.

According to Mr. Soler, “This is a great opportunity to showcase the former Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill site and highlight the benefits of working proactively with the community. Too often developers do not take into account the community’s desires and the need to make these projects not only work for the developer, but for the community as a whole. Our approach has been very inclusive and the result will be an idyllic place to live and visit. It is an opportunity to show first hand the benefits and successes that are possible with public/private partnerships that encourage community input.”

Former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman created the National Awards for Smart Growth Achievement in January 2002. Through this program, EPA seeks to recognize exceptional approaches to development that benefit the economy, public health, and the environment.

The award recognizes communities that have used the principles of smart growth in a unique way to preserve and enhance their quality of life while helping to protect public health and the environment. EPA Associate Administrator for the Office of Policy, Brian Mannix presented the award. "These communities provide valuable models for putting smart growth principles into practice," said EPA Associate Administrator Mannix. "This year's award winners all demonstrate how America can reduce pollution and fuel costs by creating communities where walking, biking and public transportation link people to the essentials of life."

Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy said receiving this award is incredibly significant for Redding and the entire state. “The National Award for Smart Growth recognizes outstanding achievement and is highly competitive across the country. While this award highlights the work of the Georgetown redevelopment project and their positive relationship with the town of Redding, it also demonstrates, in a very real way, Connecticut’s ability to encourage and support Smart Growth development. We need to see this type of project replicated in other environmentally sensitive locations across the state.”

Natalie Ketcham, First Selectman of the Town of Redding, accepted the award along with Stephen Soler today at an awards ceremony held at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC. Ms. Ketcham praised the EPA for recognizing the importance of Smart Growth principles and Mr. Soler for remaining true to his vision while including as many people as possible in the planning process. “This is an important day for Redding and for all of Connecticut because we have a new model for making the idea of Smart Growth a reality and creating environmentally friendly, fiscally sound, uniquely New England communities.”

Ms. Ketcham said, “Four years ago the Town entered into a public/private partnership for the revitalization of this site by selling the tax liens on the property to Georgetown Land Development Company. Since that time, they have consistently involved the public in the planning process and have demonstrated that they are leaders in the area of environmental remediation and protection. I am very proud of our work together and of the results.”

Soler said, “The support of the Town has been terrific. It is our hope this private/public partnership model and fiscal model can be used throughout the State of Connecticut and the country as a new, and more successful, approach to redeveloping environmentally challenged properties and promoting the principals of Smart Growth to create smart communities.”

About the Smart Growth and the Award:

Communities all over the United States are using the principles of smart growth. They are reusing previously developed land; providing more housing and transportation choices; preserving open space; and developing vibrant places to live, work, shop, and play. These techniques are also protecting our environment. The EPA recognized one such community in each of five categories. The Town of Redding earned the Award for Small Communities.

Former EPA Administrator Christine Todd Whitman created the National Awards for Smart Growth Achievement in January 2002. Through this program, EPA recognizes exceptional approaches to development that benefit the economy, public health, and the environment.

The EPA received 63 applications, making the selection of five winners highly competitive. Award recipients advanced through a multi-step process based on their replicability and effectiveness in advancing smart growth and the level of citizen and stakeholder participation or partnerships. The EPA requested advice on entries from a panel of external experts representing a broad range of constituencies. An internal EPA review panel then provided additional recommendations on the entries. EPA’s Associate Administrator for Policy, Economics and Innovation made final award determinations.

Key principles of smart growth include:

• Create walkable neighborhoods.

• Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.

• Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas.

• Reinvest in and strengthen existing communities while achieving regional development that is more balanced.

• Provide a variety of transportation choices.

• Encourage citizen and stakeholder participation in development decisions.

About the Georgetown Land Development Company:

Georgetown Land Development Company (GLDC), a socially conscious real estate development firm, based in Georgetown, Connecticut, owns the Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill site. As owners of the 55 +/- acre site, GLDC believes that it is time for a new vision of Georgetown guided by the principles of sustainable, “green” development. The village of Georgetown will include:

•    A pedestrian-friendly environment that collects traffic rather than creating it, featuring

a village center, open public spaces and easy access to public transportation

•    A return of the Georgetown Train Station, with access to New York City

•    A diverse community with single family houses, town houses, affordable senior housing, artist-style lofts and affordable artist work/live lofts

•    A renovation of historically significant structures

•    A hydroelectric dam and power plant using the existing infrastructure for power

•    Functional green technology, including photovoltaics and green roofs

In addition, Georgetown will offer:

•    Restaurants that accommodate and are appropriate to the community

•    A health facility that features a 50-meter state-of-the-art pool

•    A multi-purpose performing arts center, in acknowledgement of the active local arts     community

•    A strategically placed public safety facility

•    A wide assortment of quality retailers, selected to reflect the needs of local residents and complement the character of the village.

“In short,” says Soler, “it’s the art of the possible. We’ve designed the kind of place where people will love to live, work and have fun.” Groundbreaking is set for spring 2006 with an estimated completion date in 2009.

Further information about Georgetown Land Development Company can be found at www.GeorgetownLand.com.

For more information about the US EPA’s Smart Growth Award please visit www.EPA.gov/piedpage/awards.htm.

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Peter Barhydt

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Peter.Barhydt@AberdeenAssociates.com