City sustainability update
January 29, 2010
University District Plan Enters Final Stages
For the past year, the City has been working on major amendments to the plan and zoning code pertaining to the area around University Avenue. After extensive public input, drafts of the new plan and zoning ordinance are available for review at http://www.las-cruces.org/cd/. The vision statement of the draft plan is as follows:
The University District is a thriving, walkable destination characterized by well integrated transportation modes and land uses. It is a safe, attractive and comfortable place to walk and bicycle, where transit is accessible and automobile traffic moves at a gentle pace. The district is a rich blend of vibrant commercial uses, the University, cultural resources and a mix of residential choices expressed in a bold urban design, landscaping, architecture and well-functioning connections to open space, transportation, campus, residences and businesses.
The first step in the approval process is a “yes” or “no” recommendation from the University Avenue Corridor Citizens Design Review Committee. The committee meeting is open to the public, and public comments are welcome. The meeting will be held Wednesday, February 3, at 10:30am, at City Council Chambers (200 N Church St). Following this committee recommendation, it will receive a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission before City Council considers approval. I encourage anyone interested in how the University District develops to please review this draft plan and zoning amendment, and make your opinion known. For more information or to submit comments, contact Susan Lowell, the lead Planner on the project (slowell@las-cruces.org or 528-3079).
Monthly Sustainability Forum Begins Feb 17th
I will begin hosting a monthly discussion of a wide variety of issues related to sustainability beginning Wednesday, February 17th. All meetings will be the 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 6:00-8:00pm, at the Munson Center (975 S. Mesquite), unless otherwise announced. The format will generally be a guest speaker or panel for the first hour, and then an “open mic” session where people can talk about ideas, make announcements, and network with others with similar interests. If anyone is interested in making a presentation at one of these meetings, or would like to request a particular guest speaker, feel free to contact me – there are open slots available.
The first meeting will feature a panel discussion on green building. Participants are:
Joni Newcomer, LEED-AP
Project Manager
NMSU Facilities Planning & Construction
Joni will discuss the basics of what it means to be LEED
Gary Yabumoto, AIA, LEED-AP
Principal
ASA Architects
Gary will talk about the High Performance Schools program he is involved in with Las Cruces Public Schools
Don Rudisill
Las Cruces Resident and Homeowner
Don will discuss his experience as the owner/designer of the first LEED Platinum home in Las Cruces.
Hope to see you there!
Thomas Schuster
Sustainability Officer
City of Las Cruces
PO Box 20000
Las Cruces, NM 88004
Phone: (575) 528-3069
Fax: (575) 528-3155
E-mail: tschuster@las-cruces.org
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