10,000 Friends Of Pennsylvania Calls For Entries For 2009 Commonwealth Awards

10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania is seeking innovative smart development and design projects and the visionaries who are leading the way on smart growth from around the state to be considered for the 2009 Commonwealth Awards.

 

The deadline for submissions is April 3.

 

The awards, to be presented June 9 at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg, were developed as an annual juried program to raise awareness of projects that successfully demonstrate sound land use principles in the Commonwealth – from urban and suburban to rural development and redevelopment projects. An added feature for this year’s program is a series of awards for Pennsylvanians who have contributed to smart growth and have had a positive influence on their community, constituents and peers.

 

Award-winning submissions should reflect the objectives of 10,000 Friends, including revitalizing existing communities and business districts; strengthening local, regional, and state land use planning and implementation; encouraging future development near existing infrastructure; reducing traffic congestion and air and water pollution; providing housing for people of all ages and incomes; protecting historic, natural, agricultural, and recreational resources; reducing land and resource consumption; and conserving fiscal resources.

 

Entries in the Commonwealth Awards may include, but are not limited to, these types of projects: adaptive reuse and redevelopment, brownfield development, infill development, revitalization projects, transit-oriented development, mixed-use development, traditional neighborhood development, innovative new development – residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, responsible greenfield development, green/performance buildings, town center master plan, public building and multi-municipal plan.

 

Eligible projects must be located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the project must have been built or under construction since January 1, 2005. In addition, Awards and Commendations may be granted to projects under construction or proposed since January 1, 2005. Multi-phase projects may be evaluated and awarded based upon achievements during a specific phase.

 

Eligible entries are reviewed and scored by a distinguished jury of professionals. This year’s jury chair is Gary Hack, Paley Professor and Former Dean, School of Design, University of Pennsylvania.

 

Nominations are also invited to acknowledge the superlative efforts of Pennsylvanians who contribute to smart growth. Nominations are accepted in two categories: Contribution by a Citizen, and Contribution by a Public Official. Recipients will be cited for their direct contributions to smart growth and for their positive and valuable influence on their community, constituents, and peers. The selections will be made by 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania’s Board of Directors.

 

“Smart growth concepts make more sense than ever in a down economy,” remarked Judy Schwank, President and CEO of 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania. “Citizens are looking for more cost- effective and greener choices in housing and public spaces, transportation and their communities as a whole. We hope the Commonwealth Awards will highlight the work of designers, developers, builders, elected officials and others who are proving that smart development is making a difference in Pennsylvania.”

 

Please visit the 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania website for more information