Report

At our first Sustainability Conference (April 2016), we asked conference attendees to pose challenges for Pittsfield Township within each topical area. The idea is to keep us moving forward thoughtfully, deliberatively, and in a coordinated manner, toward our sustainability goals.

Here is the list of challenges posed to us for 2016-2017:

Incentivize use of public transit Coordinate better between land use and transportation planning  Regional land use planning  Continued focus on non-motorized amenities Improve/expand Farmers Market Set goal for % of new development that is mixed-use Park on west side of township Expand non-motorized to link better with regional trails/networks Regional stormwater management Promote local food access/local organic farming (CGAP) Promote native landscaping and regional detention solutions Public engagement on promoting environmentally friendly grounds maintenance practices Regional planning Community gardens  ADA accessibility  Affect a culture change on what a lawn could/should be

Define dollars needed to maintain existing infrastructure and new infrastructure Fund future infrastructure legacy  Create funding models that pay today what’s used today  Promote environmentally friendly and sustainable businesses Net present costs incorporated into long term Capital Improvement Plan Create long-range infrastructure business plan with revenue aspect  Create “payment in lieu” for stormwater management   Set up a replacement fund for infrastructure maintenance  New developments/infrastructure should be done in a way that provides & maintains water quality  Explore use of renewable energy in public facilities/incentivize use of renewable energy for businesses Commercial and multi-unit recycling needs to occur  Increase outreach to young citizens through the schools  Establish formal contact for all neighborhoods/areas in Township for two-way communication  Establish various ways for two-way communication (in-person, email, meetings, social media, etc.)