Educational Segment for KAZU Radio

Aired 2. April 2005

New Development on the Former Fort Ord: The East Garrison

I'm Carrie Mann.

Of the many new developments planned for the former Fort Ord, the County's East Garrison project promises to be a model of "new urbanism"-a pedestrian friendly, dynamic and interactive community.

Sustainability will be an important factor as well. In addition to the sustainable community design, the development will incorporate recycled materials, maximize energy efficiency and promote water conservation. And they will landscape with native and drought resistant plants and establish a recycling program.

But this development is unique in another way. Many groups had an interest in developing the land at East Garrison, groups representing a youth camp, equestrians and Native Americans, among others.

So the chosen developer, Woodman Development, held two design charettes. The charettes were several days each of intensive design and planning work. Traditionally a developer decides what they want to do and draws up plans. They then show their completed plans to those interested. The community can protest, but not a lot more.

In this innovative charette process however, all the interested parties were invited to come face to face with the developers to work on finding the solutions together. This made for a highly charged, sometimes contentious process with amazing results. The final plans include something for everyone. If the new development at East Garrison is anything like their planning process, it will be vibrant and diverse, with a real spirit of community.

Learn more on the Sustainable Base Reuse Institute website at basereuse.org.

For KAZU, I'm Carrie Mann.

last updated: April 2005