Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability refers to the managing of environmental, economic, and social development in ways that balance resources and needs, nature and humanity. Environmental sustainability satisfies basic human needs (clean air and water) and conserves the natural, cultural, and historical environment while providing for managed growth and development, also known as Smart Growth.

Smart Growth adds homes and jobs to a community while protecting and preserving environmental resources. Principles of Smart Growth include:

• Allowing for mixed land use within the community
• Making use of compact building design as opposed to large, sprawling development patterns
• Creating walkable neighborhoods
• Preserving open space and natural beauty in our community
• Encouraging construction and development in existing communities
• Ensuring that Smart Growth is cost effective and within reach of developers

Goals and Action Plans

• Enhance community character through the preservation of cultural, historical, and natural resources
  • Revitalizing historic neighborhoods through the preservation and conservation of historic buildings will ensure that Hagerstown maintains its charm and character.
  • Maintaining and creating parks provides open spaces for community and individual activities.
• Promote a healthy environment for Hagerstown residents
  • Protecting local flora and fauna, maintaining clean water sources, and conserving soil quality provides a healthier environment for all.
  • Creating environmentally sustainable building policies encourages development which has a minimal impact on the environment.
  • Decreasing our community's net greenhouse gas emissions will ensure a clean environment for future generations.
• Encourage the re-use of land and buildings
  • Encouraging the development of existing buildings for new industrial, commercial, or residential uses will prevent urban sprawl and revitalize existing neighborhoods.