Agenda Text
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That the Committee on Open Space, Environment and Energy provide feedback on the SomerVision 2040's chapters on 1) Public Space & Natural Environment and 2) Climate & Sustainability with respect to metrics, key tasks, and other strategies as noted within.
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Official Text
That the Committee on OSEE provide feedback on the SomerVision 2040's on the two chapters below with respect to metrics, key tasks, and other strategies.
1) Public Space & Natural Environment
Metrics: 105 NEW ACRES OF OPEN SPACE by 2040. This goal, based off of SomerVision 2030's numbers, sets an ambitious target for creating additional open space in the city. Related indicators include the percent of households within a 5-minute walk of open space and the number of trees planted in public spaces.
Key Action Steps:
• Create an OPEN SPACE ACQUISITION STRATEGY that identifies target parcels.
• Study our open spaces to ensure they are accessible to pedestrians and do not have significant barriers. Use "SAFE ROUTES TO PARKS" as a model for park access.
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2) Climate & Sustainability
Compilation of Draft Metrics and Action Steps:
CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Metrics: 80% DECREASE IN CARBON EMISSIONS from 2014 levels by 2040. Reducing carbon emissions is the most important strategy for mitigating climate change, and this specific goal was first identified in the Climate Forward Plan. Related indicators include the percent of buildings' energy use from sustainable sources and the share of buildings with solar panels.
Key Action Steps:
• Develop policy incentives to ENCOURAGE SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOR relating to consumer awareness - particularly for building energy consumption, but also for consumer goods and transportation choices
• Educate Somerville residents and businesses on CLIMATE ISSUES AND AVAILABLE ACTIONS, to build a citywide culture of engagement and awareness