Posted: 10/12/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Brad Vest Carle Park in West Urbana is a staple of the environmentally minded community.

Taking a walk through West Urbana's tree-lined streets during autumn reveals a bright mix of red, orange and yellow foliage shading the sidewalks and narrow streets. These results of West Urbana's sustainability efforts help create a community that residents enjoy living and working in. West Urbana was recently honored for its sustainability efforts and selected as one of 10 Great Neighborhoods in America for 2007 by the American Planning Association.

"It's always nice to see recognition for something you love and have fought for all these years," said Betsey Cronan, co-coordinator of the West Urbana Neighborhood Association.

She expressed some amazement at being put into the same category with other neighborhoods such as Pike Place Market neighborhood in Seattle, Wash., and North Beach in San Francisco, Calif.

"It's a pretty rarified company we've been put into there," she said.

According to the APA Web site, West Urbana was chosen because of its sustainable design, which encourages commuters to walk, bike or use public transportation. The percentage of residents who choose to use these alternatives to cars is about triple the national average. The neighborhood was also recognized for its "inviting neighborhood spaces," such as Carle Park and the Urbana Free Library, and its focus on maintaining a high quality of life.

"The planning profession is helping to point out how our communities can give people very good quality of life while still being sustainable," said Cynthia Hoyle, a transportation planning consultant certified by the American Planning Association.

Libby Tyler, community development director for Urbana, said West Urbana's recognition as a great neighborhood brings a sense of pride to the community, and it is confirmation for the neighborhood to continue doing positive things. Besides the walk-ability and beauty of West Urbana, Tyler said she also thinks its real estate diversity was a factor in the selection process. While the neighborhood has some larger, more elaborate homes, there are also more affordable ones, Tyler said.

Hoyle said there are few college towns in the country where the faculty can afford to live within walking distance of work. This aspect of West Urbana needs to be preserved, she said.

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