Community Planning  - This section focuses on particular actions that local governments and citizen groups can take to make our communities in the Hudson Highlands more sustainable.  Issues and programs to focus on include:

 

  • comprehensive recycling program

  • local agriculture

  • abundant natural resources, including water and habitat

  • easily accessible public transportation

  • bike paths

  • hamlet centers that encourage walking

  • energy conservation and use of alternative energy sources in municipal facilities

 

A key element that most significantly influences many of the above is the pattern of  residential and commercial development in a community. Land use and zoning is necessary to both conserve land for agriculture and habitat, as well as locating higher density development where it can be served by public transportation.  Put succinctly, curbing sprawl enhances sustainability.

 

Local agriculture, recycling, and biodiversity have their own pages on this site.  To the right are links to other sites of interest.

 

Plan Putnam

Connecting residents of Putnam County

 

Philipstown Comprehensive Plan 

 Chapter 3 includes a non-regulatory action for a public education campaign to encourage sustainable living.

 

Sustainable Hudson Valley

 

The Nature Challenge

A Canadian effort created by David Suzuki

Sustainable Communities Network

 

www.sustainable.org

 

Taking Action for Sustainable Communities

A workbook to help you change your world. Just published - this workbook provides a step by step guide for community leaders who want to achieve integrated goals of a safe and healthy environment, a vibrant local economy, good governance, and a deep sense of respect and care for the whole community of life.