Hancock County Sustainability Coalition Meeting Objectives:

1) Progress on Goals 2) Action Committees3) Kent Ohio’s experience with sustainability

May 6, 2011

Background In early fall 2010, several sponsoring

organizations wanted to explore the idea of creating a county-wide Sustainability Plan

These organizations brought in Dr. Portney (Tufts University) in October to inform community leaders about benefits and possibilities associated with sustainability

After this meeting of community leaders, a Steering Committee was formed to move planning process forward

Steering Committee Dr. Michael Reed, Univ. of Findlay Dr. Melissa Green, Owens Community College Kathy Kreuchauf, Community Foundation Tony Iriti, Findlay-Hancock County Alliance Dionne Neubauer, Chamber of Commerce Gary E. Pruitt, Hancock County Parks Christian H. Pedersen, Kirk Energy Group William Homka, HRPC

The Steering Committee undertook several tasks before the second HCSC meeting in January, 2010

Define “sustainability” as it applies to our area

-and-

Identify the benefits to be gained by becoming of a sustainable community

Sustainability—defined“Community Sustainability involves creating a way of life in which the

(1) economy, (2) community, and (3) the environment …

work together so as to ensure the health and prosperity of present and future generations within Findlay/Hancock County.”

Benefits of Sustainability stronger economic base which attracts and retains businesses and young professionals

financial savings through reduced energy use and increased recycling

healthier and more biologically diverse natural environment which promotes active, healthy lifestyles

proactive, visionary approach to community planning that increases citizen input and avoids development that is molded by short term goals

new and stronger community alliances which promote common goals such as green/sustainable ways of developing and living

The 1/19/11 HCSC meeting allowed theSteering Committee to…. Obtain feedback on how best to

approach and/or structure sustainability within the community

Formulate ideas for short and long-term sustainability projects that could be undertaken

And the priorities are… Promote a “Complete Streets” program Develop a Community Gardens program and incorporate use of Rain Gardens within each Construct multi-use pathways that connect

residential developments to park locations and downtown

Promote a countywide land banking program Increase pubic access and participation in recycling Incorporate sustainability within flood mitigation

plan (e.g., trails, art work, entertainment venues) Improve water quality in the Blanchard through

mitigation of non-point source pollutants (e.g., fertilizers, non-compliant septic tanks)

Work for passage of sustainability resolutions by both the City and County government

Your ideas at work…Two project ideas have already received notable attention and success:

Complete Streets program

City Gardens + Rain Gardens

Complete StreetsComplete Streets program is a nationwide, non-profit movement whose goal is to promote street design which accommodates all varieties of street users such as walkers, bikers, runners, roller bladers, etc.

Complete Streets cont.Complete Streets increase recreation, add safety, reduce gas usage and create a better sense of community

Complete Streets Cont.What we’ve done… Met with local stakeholder groups (Hancock

Handlebars, Findlay Striders, Volksporters, Owens CC, Hardin East) and developed a Complete Streets petition

Petition was submitted to City Council and explained by HCSC at the April 12 meeting of City Council

It received a warm reception from Council

Community GardensA second project which has received considerable success is the Community Gardens of Hancock County and the affiliated Rain Garden project.

Gardens cont. Bolstered by a host of community agencies

and groups such as our HCSC, The United Way, Blanchard Valley Green Coalition, the MENTOR Initiative, OSU Extension, the community garden idea has taken shape

Many meetings later, we have arranged to have a community garden installed at the Family Center on N. Blanchard Street

Gardens cont. This garden location has 25 plot spaces Plot use includes 14 low to moderate income

and 11 unrestricted income level families Land has been plowed, families have been

selected, and it is ready to go

Gardens cont. Our plan is to have a small, demonstration rain garden installed very close to the community

garden

Gardens cont. Rain gardens collect and filter rain water before it returns

to our waterways The rain garden was designed with the assistance of two

University of Findlay professors Funding was obtained through the Community Foundation

Gardens cont. Our plan is to have a small, demonstration rain garden installed very close to the community

garden

Let’s keep the momentum going! with limited resources, we’ve experienced

notable success with two projects in a short period of time

we need your help and energy to move these and other projects forward

We’re asking those who are interested to sign up for one of the following committees

Subcommittees Complete Streets Committee

Objective: work to create a draft resolution to be submitted City Council; provide continued support and guidance as to eligible projects. Pathways Committee

Objective: work with Hancock Parks to develop a model project connecting a residential neighborhood to park and/or downtown area. Sustainability Plan Committee

Objective: work to develop a comprehensive Community Sustainability Plan that can be submitted to City and County government for formal adoption. Community Inventory Committee

Objective: create a questionnaire to be used in the fall by University of Findlay students to survey community agencies and businesses regarding their sustainability/green practices.

Comments or feedback?

Contact:

Dr. Michael ReedUniversity of Findlay

reed@findlay.edu

Thank you!