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<br /> Since September 11th , it has been difficult to focus on much elected leaders who also served on the>Conrnssion ,or who.
<br /> ..,.,
<br /> beyond issues of national security or concern for the families of made presentations about the efforts in their communities; These
<br /> victims of the tragedy. Other issues that commanded our atten- are people who care deeply about their towns and cities , and
<br /> lion prior to that date seem to pale in comparison to the import about the environment on which we all depend,These_: are' also
<br /> of these events and the U. S . and global response . Yet our leaders who are committed to finding solutions that work �for
<br /> President has urged us to continue on with our lives , and we their communities .
<br /> must . This is a time for individuals , families , and organizations to We hope that this report will make it easier for your com-
<br /> look inward, to assess what is truly of value to us , and to be vigi- munities ' locally elected leaders to find Smart Growth solutions
<br /> lant in living those values , protecting that which is dear to us . that have worked in other places in North Carolina . The report
<br /> For the members of the North Carolina Chapter of the is organized into five key categories : Downtown Revitalization,
<br /> Sierra Club, this has meant checking in with each other, asking Land Use, Open Space Preservation , Traditional Neighborhoods
<br /> about family and friends . It also means reconfirming our mission and Transportation . Each category has a lead story about a strate-
<br /> of protecting our natural resources and environmental systems gy or project of particular note , followed by shorter descriptions
<br /> " for our families , for our future ." It has never been more appar- of other examples from across the state .
<br /> ent to me how much our U. S . resources - man-made, human, I trust that you will find these examples as inspirational as I
<br /> and natural - mean to the identity of our nation . The efforts of have . We know that most people in North Carolina value our
<br /> the state Chapter of the Sierra Club to protect our state 's natural natural resources , our historic resources , our agricultural tradI
<br /> resources were important before September 11th . They continue tion , and our quality of life . Poll after opinion poll has made this
<br /> to be so today, and as we move forward . clear. We are very fortunate , though, to have so many people
<br /> One of our Chapter's key campaigns has been working for who are committed to protecting these resources , these values .
<br /> " Solutions to Sprawl :" Our approach has been to educate the The North Carolina Chapter of the Sierra Club will continue to
<br /> citizens of North Carolina , including community leaders , about stand with them , and you , as we work together to find Solutions
<br /> the ills associated with sprawling land development, and the to Sprawl throughout our state .
<br /> promise held in new ways to build and improve our communi-
<br /> ties . In many respects , these " new ways ," called Smart Growth
<br /> strategies , are predicated on the town-building practices found in John Tallmadge
<br /> our historic small towns , city centers and neighborhoods , yet Chair, Solutions to Sprawl Steering Committee
<br /> updated to reflect our current transportation and lifestyle choic North Carolina Sierra Club
<br /> -
<br /> es . Increasingly, these Smart Growth strategies can be found in
<br /> use today in communities throughout North Carolina . This
<br /> report highlights a number of examples selected to demonstrate
<br /> the good work that our local leaders are doing on this issue . It
<br /> should also serve as inspiration to activists , local officials , and
<br /> other community leaders who are looking for ways to stop
<br /> sprawl and promote a better approach to development .
<br /> In 1999 , the North Carolina General Assembly created a
<br /> Smart Growth Commissi
<br /> on on to study Smart Growth strategies ,
<br /> and to recommend changes in legislation, state and local policies
<br /> to encourage practices that would better protect the natural
<br /> resources and the high quality of life that we enjoy in North
<br /> Carolina. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve
<br /> on the Smart Growth Commission . Through that experience, I
<br /> gained an appreciation for the talent and ability of the locally
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