Transcript File - Mountain View Coalition for Sustainable Planning

Planning for Change: How to be an
Effective Advocate
www.greenbelt.org
How to Use an EIR as an Advocacy Tool
Elements of Livable Communities
A Mix of Uses
• Walk to shops and services
• Support local businesses
• Access daily needs without
driving
• Link trips to community
uses such as schools and
libraries
Elements of Livable Communities
Connectivity and Mobility
* Transit can’t do it alone
* Walkable places are essential
* Lower parking standards in TOD,
unbundled parking costs
* Car sharing and shared parking
* Bike and pedestrian connections
* Bus connectivity and high quality
transit service
Transportation for Walkable and
Healthy Communities
* In the Bay Area, Transit
Zone Households are:
* 30% Car-Free
* Driving 50% less
* 4 times more likely to
walk
* 10 times more likely to
use transit
MTC 2007, New Places, New Choices
Rising Energy Costs
Unsafe Communities
How to cross the street on foot…and survive?
Climate Change
What is an EIR?
Where is an EIR in an approval process?
When to comment on an EIR?
EIRs: How to comment effectively
• Decide on your concerns/goals and read
relevant sections first; think through
questions as you analyze
• Emphasize your local expertize but base
comments on data not emotion
• Be specific, succinct and professional
• Use standard intro, body conclusion format
• Cite sections directly; focus on facts; quote
professionals
• Focus on content not grammatical errors
• Make sure your take home message is clear
Other resources:
Planning and Conservation League Foundation
Office of the Attorney General
EIRs: Mountain View
Break out groups
Land Use
Transportation
Population Housing and Employment
Global Climate Change
Alternatives
What are you looking for?
What are your goals?
How would you comment?
If it is difficult, tell us why
http://www.mountainview2030.com/
Environmental Planning Commission
will hold an information session Jan. 11, 2012.
EIR comments are due January 13
Ellie Casson
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Thank you