Village planners discuss sustainable design

The concept of sustainability is transforming the Valley from building design to transportation modes, and it's happening fast.

As the fifth largest city in the United States, Phoenix's growth is booming and it's becoming necessary to start thinking of our future and where we want to be in the next few years.

Ahwatukee Foothills, with an increasing amount of residents and retail opportunities, may need to start considering ways to improve the use of its land space and expand living options.

Marcie Rosenberg, a land-use planner for a Phoenix law firm, gave a presentation on the importance of sustainability within Arizona communities at the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee meeting Sept. 22.

The idea tries to offer people of all types of income and living situations a more convenient, healthy and attractive environment.

"It's an overall emphasis on many areas," said Laurel Arndt, an environmental planner and member of the planning committee. Arndt believes a change in an entire area at one time will be more successful in impacting the people than single sustainable projects.

Christine C. Hood, the village planner, said sustainability would most likely affect the village core, at 48th Street and Ray Road. The four corners of shopping plazas could be connected and made more accessible for the people.

"We need to take some of these sustainable ideas and create more of a pedestrian, more of a shaded development at all four corners," Hood said.

By extending sidewalks and placing parking lots behind the retail, the area could appear more attractive and inviting, urban planners say.

High density shopping areas could also include more trees, better lighting, narrower streets and a mix of retail, restaurants and housing.

Housing options are also key to a successful community. Ahwatukee Foothills mainly offers single-family homes and apartments, but not many town homes or mixed-use developments with retail on the bottom.

Rosenberg gave nine ingredients to attain a successful sustainable community:

- Mixed land uses

- A range of housing types

- Thriving economies

- Environmentally responsive design

- A variety of transportation choices

- Compact development

- Making places safe

- Promoting healthy living

- Community engagement

She also said some examples of where sustainable practices can be found in the Valley include downtown Chandler, Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix and Mill Avenue in Tempe.

"Now is the time to move ahead," Rosenberg said. "This is about the future and looking at the big picture."

Callie Baumgartner is interning this semester at the AFN. She is a sophomore at Arizona State University.