Grow Smart Awards 2011

“Growing Closer: Density and Sprawl in the Boise Valley”

Citizen Advocacy Award

A new book produced in the Investigate Boise Student Research Series that explores sprawl and density in the Boise Valley, and advocates for good growth.

Hailey 2010 Comprehensive Plan Update

Public Planning and Policy Award

A series of neighborhood workshops involving the citizens of Hailey helped create a user-friendly Comprehensive Plan in step with desires of the community. The plan is an excellent model- it includes measurable benchmarks, is clean, clear, and to the point, and includes smart growth components such as reinforcing a focus on downtown and ensuring streets safely accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers (“complete streets”).

Education Corridor

Redevelopment Award

A master plan for an education corridor along the Spokane River that encourages community and stakeholder collaboration, fosters distinctive communities with a strong sense of place and builds upon the special place that began with Native American gatherings. The plan preserves open space, parks, environmentally critical areas and public assess to the Spokane River.

The Springs Apartments

Residential Award

These apartments were built on community-donated land (originally part of an old gravel pit) to provide affordable housing in McCall. Built using structural insulated panels, photovoltaic light posts, mini-split HVAC systems and Hardi Plank siding and trim to be durable and sustainable for the climate. This project is an excellent example of creating affordable housing opportunities in small communities.

Star River Walk Master Plan

Small Community Award

This recreation amenity that is the anchor of the town was created using the Boise River and platted open space along it. The process and community involvement involved were outstanding. Completed in less than two years, this project brought together diverse interests in a small community to work together to show how to get things done in small pieces. The River Walk provides an excellent pedestrian opportunity that helps create a healthy community.

The Children’s School

Green Building Award

This renovation prioritized green elements and considered the nature and upkeep of the school, reflecting the high standards of the program and its neighborhood. The school made a valuable commitment to a location near existing neighborhoods, which enables students to walk and bike. Location, local resources and existing features spurred the project that incorporated environmentally sensitive improvements and a goal of LEED Certification. By committing to smart growth principles in the school, students and parents are able to experience the benefits firsthand.

Woodside Boulevard Reconstruction and Complete Streets Initiative

Transportation Award

A multimodal project that will resurface a 35-year-old, 2.44 mile collector street, add sidewalks, bike lanes, bus shelters, bike parking and a landscape buffer zone and install a roundabout at one congested and unsafe intersection and a signal light at a second one. This project incorporates almost all of the smart growth principles and celebrates and enhances opportunities for pedestrians.

Pete O’Neill

Charles Hummel Award

The Charles Hummel Award recognizes leaders exemplary in dedication to and implementation of smart growth principles, reflecting a respect for place as well as for design and function.

Among O’Neill’s smart growth accomplishments are: developing River Run, Spring Meadow and Bown Crossing in Boise; being an active and long-time participant on the Blueprint for Good Growth and on the Treasure Valley Air Quality Council; and for being instrumental in helping the Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC) build a strong downtown.