Greenbelt Alliance is excited to support and has officially endorsed the proposed SMART Village Phase 1 infill development by Cornerstone located at 34 6th Street in Downtown Santa Rosa. With the development’s nexus to the Railroad Square SMART Station, this project exemplifies the Climate SMART development we’ve all been waiting for. As the most prominent site in the historic Railroad Square District, Phase 1 of the proposed development will be the catalyst to bring about new life in this part of town through a residential/mixed-use building accompanied by an outdoor community pool and open gathering spaces for residents and neighbors to explore.
The SMART Village Phase 1 development proposes a 6-story, residential mixed-use building comprising 110 market-rate studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments with 10% of units reserved for low-income qualified households. The development will go beyond simply leveraging existing transportation and infrastructure and will feature many sustainability features aimed at energy & water savings, reduction of a local heat island effect, and providing healthy indoor air quality.
To be resilient in the face of climate change starts with better identifying climate-related risks to our communities, built environment and natural systems, and taking an educated, holistic, and equitable view on how to address them. Creating higher density living enhances the quality of life in supporting a diverse array of retail goods and services, arts and cultural activities, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Community spaces are imperative to good developments, and the proposed SMART Village Phase I is set to provide the first of a series of community spaces within the masterplan. A community pool with associated indoor space, including public facilities with grills and play equipment will allow residents, neighbors, and the community to enjoy this place to the fullest extent possible. This project is a huge step to show how developments can survive and thrive without parking.
The proposed 34 6th Street development not only aligns with the City’s planning vision and goals for Downtown, but charts the path for fulfilling a vision for the areaBy endorsing climate SMART development projects, we’re preventing growth on our natural and agricultural lands. Learn more about sprawl threats around the Bay Area by downloading our At Risk report today. You can also find out more about our Endorsement Program here. Of course, we’re always here to help so feel free to contact our team for more information and support., and Railroad Square for that matter, in promoting an “energetic commercial and cultural center” with the necessary housing, public spaces, and community amenities in creating the vibrant community we all desire.
According to GreenTRIP—a free online tool created by Transform that models traffic and greenhouse gas impacts of residential projects in California—the SMART Site will result in:
- 2,094 fewer miles driven every day compared to the Sonoma County average.
- 57% fewer GHG impacts every day compared to the Sonoma County average.
- 14% less parking use every day compared to the Sonoma County average.
- Parking when compared to Municipal requirements:
- Saving $6,700,000 in parking construction cost if built with 0.98 instead of the municipal requirement of 2.2 spaces/unit.
- Saving 5,280 sq.ft. in parking spaces which could be allocated to 7 housing units of 745 sq.ft.
By endorsing climate SMART development projects, we’re preventing growth on our natural and agricultural lands. Learn more about sprawl threats around the Bay Area by downloading our At Risk report today. You can also find out more about our Endorsement Program here. Of course, we’re always here to help so feel free to contact our team for more information and support.
