Preservation of the Past for a Greener Future

Graduates in the University of Maryland's fall 2007 Historic Preservation Studio developed a plan fpr the historic community of Greenbelt, MD. In order to provide a more expansive exploration of the Greener Greenbelt Initiative Charrette theme of preservation, methods to facilitate the protection of Old Greenbelt’s heritage as an historic planned community with unique architectural character have been identified as follows:

• Administrative Tools, which include local historic district designation and existing GHI regulatory practices;
• Land Management Tools, such as zoning authority, conservation district designation, easements and urban forestry initiatives;
• Public Outreach Tools, including increased participation in local heritage areas, the Teaching with Historic Places Program, and designation as a Preserve America Community;
• Community Revitalization Tools, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Program, and revitalization funding and initiatives;
• Financial Incentive Tools, which include Federal and State Rehabilitation Tax Credits and preservation grant programs; and
• Sustainability Tools, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program (LEED) and Green Communities Program.

As individual activities or as methods employed in tandem, these tools can provide the Greener Greenbelt Initiative with the ability to preserve the historic fabric and philosophies that will help make the community livable, sustainable and affordable for current and future residents and visitors.

Images/Documents

UM Historic Preservation Tools for Old Greenbelt - GGI_2007.pdf