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Learn more about Thimble Creek Village
Check out these additional PDFs and PowerPoint presentation to learn more about the background and future ideas for the Thimble Creek Village.
Beavercreek Road Concept Plan (PDF) - the purpose of the Beavercreek Road Concept Plan is to provide a conceptual master plan to be adopted as an ancillary document to the City of Oregon City’s Comprehensive Plan, including framework plan maps, goals and policies, descriptive text, graphics and draft development code.
Thimble Creek Village Presentation (PPT) - this presentation takes a closer look at the proposed Green Economy Center (GEC) for Thimble Creek Village.
GEC Feasibility Report (PDF) - this report summarizes findings in assessing the feasibility of a Green Economy Center in Clackamas County, Oregon.
EASC Points Worksheet (PDF) - this worksheet is designed as part of the Earth Advantage®, Inc. Sustainable Community (EASC) standard pilot project by Earth Advantage, Inc. The purpose of the EASC is to provide a certification system for entire residential and mixed use communities that complements the Earth Advantage Silver certification standard for individual dwellings.
Beavercreek Road Concept Plan (PDF) - the purpose of the Beavercreek Road Concept Plan is to provide a conceptual master plan to be adopted as an ancillary document to the City of Oregon City’s Comprehensive Plan, including framework plan maps, goals and policies, descriptive text, graphics and draft development code.
Thimble Creek Village Presentation (PPT) - this presentation takes a closer look at the proposed Green Economy Center (GEC) for Thimble Creek Village.
GEC Feasibility Report (PDF) - this report summarizes findings in assessing the feasibility of a Green Economy Center in Clackamas County, Oregon.
EASC Points Worksheet (PDF) - this worksheet is designed as part of the Earth Advantage®, Inc. Sustainable Community (EASC) standard pilot project by Earth Advantage, Inc. The purpose of the EASC is to provide a certification system for entire residential and mixed use communities that complements the Earth Advantage Silver certification standard for individual dwellings.
January 13, 2008, Editorial from Friend of Thimble Creek Development, George Beard.
Racing to stay ahead of the pack
After more than three decades of showing the world how to think and live green, Portland has a unique opportunity to brand itself as sustainability's global leader
Portland does one thing better than any other city in the world. It thinks green. The seed was planted 35 years ago when Gov. Tom McCall drove a dagger through the heart of the jobs vs. environment argument. Oregon can, he insisted, have both. The state then proceeded, through three decades, to showcase how making short-term sacrifices to secure environmental goals could indeed spawn long-term rewards.
This fresh market reality places cities -- not generally known for being light on their feet -- in extreme peril. Those that have a clear sense of purpose and direction will flourish. Those lacking this trait will wilt.
Few understand this better than Mark Edlen, the Portland real estate developer whose towers are hailed as the world's greenest. Which likely explains why people from all over are beating a path to his Pearl District door. They arrive with a simple question: How's it done?
It's done, Edlen makes clear, by setting some pretty high standards. His blueprint calls for buildings that generate more energy than they consume, and consume more waste than they generate. He wants that model to work for spiffy condos in The Pearl, techno hospitals in South Waterfront and affordable housing downtown. Edlen is convinced that Portland's nexus of expertise in the sustainable design, engineering and construction trades leads the world.
He's also convinced the world has noticed, and is hellbent on catching up. All this means Portland now faces a very brief opportunity to brand itself as sustainability's global leader, and then race to remain ahead of the pack. The sole realistic shot Portland has at achieving that goal involves quickly engaging the city's higher education community. All of it.
Portland's first priority must be creating a major research institute. Imagine a National Center on Sustainability that would anchor the emerging "innovation quadrant" of degree programs offered in the city by Portland State University, Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. Imagine, too, a system-wide commitment to infuse sustainability into all college-level programs. And, yes, to reach down into public schools.
Some of this will require new financial resources. That's a task for the 2009 Legislature. In the meantime, much can be accomplished by refocusing current resources.
None of this can wait. The world today is watching Portland. China and India are developing vibrant -- and vast -- economies. Current consumption patterns cannot endure. We all will have to use fewer resources, use them more wisely, reuse them, then recycle them. That is the core of sustainability. That is the manner of living Portland must role-model for the world.
George K. Beard
Executive Leadership Institute
Hatfield School of Government
Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, Oregon 97207 USA
503.772.0222
gbeard@pdx.edu
www.eli.pdx.eduwww.hatfieldschool.pdx.edu
www.summerinternships.us
After more than three decades of showing the world how to think and live green, Portland has a unique opportunity to brand itself as sustainability's global leader
Portland does one thing better than any other city in the world. It thinks green. The seed was planted 35 years ago when Gov. Tom McCall drove a dagger through the heart of the jobs vs. environment argument. Oregon can, he insisted, have both. The state then proceeded, through three decades, to showcase how making short-term sacrifices to secure environmental goals could indeed spawn long-term rewards.
In the process, Portland emerged as a global leader on four fronts:
- In the planning for, and designing of, sustainable cities.
- In rigorous husbanding of marine and stream environments.
- In artful fostering of sustainable forestry and agriculture.
- In innovative harnessing of renewable energy.
Time now to relax, right? Not exactly.
This fresh market reality places cities -- not generally known for being light on their feet -- in extreme peril. Those that have a clear sense of purpose and direction will flourish. Those lacking this trait will wilt.
Few understand this better than Mark Edlen, the Portland real estate developer whose towers are hailed as the world's greenest. Which likely explains why people from all over are beating a path to his Pearl District door. They arrive with a simple question: How's it done?
It's done, Edlen makes clear, by setting some pretty high standards. His blueprint calls for buildings that generate more energy than they consume, and consume more waste than they generate. He wants that model to work for spiffy condos in The Pearl, techno hospitals in South Waterfront and affordable housing downtown. Edlen is convinced that Portland's nexus of expertise in the sustainable design, engineering and construction trades leads the world.
He's also convinced the world has noticed, and is hellbent on catching up. All this means Portland now faces a very brief opportunity to brand itself as sustainability's global leader, and then race to remain ahead of the pack. The sole realistic shot Portland has at achieving that goal involves quickly engaging the city's higher education community. All of it.
Portland's first priority must be creating a major research institute. Imagine a National Center on Sustainability that would anchor the emerging "innovation quadrant" of degree programs offered in the city by Portland State University, Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Oregon and Oregon State University. Imagine, too, a system-wide commitment to infuse sustainability into all college-level programs. And, yes, to reach down into public schools.
Some of this will require new financial resources. That's a task for the 2009 Legislature. In the meantime, much can be accomplished by refocusing current resources.
None of this can wait. The world today is watching Portland. China and India are developing vibrant -- and vast -- economies. Current consumption patterns cannot endure. We all will have to use fewer resources, use them more wisely, reuse them, then recycle them. That is the core of sustainability. That is the manner of living Portland must role-model for the world.
George K. Beard
Executive Leadership Institute
Hatfield School of Government
Portland State University
P.O. Box 751
Portland, Oregon 97207 USA
503.772.0222
gbeard@pdx.edu
www.eli.pdx.eduwww.hatfieldschool.pdx.edu
www.summerinternships.us
Charette No. 1
From a letter to Thimble Creek Charrette participants on October 24, 2007.
The Thimble Creek Brain Trust
On behalf of the Herberger Family and for my part and Bill's, we want to thank you again for your time, talents and input today. We were left so impressed with each of you. Thimble Creek is off to an impressive start because of you. There were so many big ideas today that it's impossible to find the best place to begin. So, I will keep this brief knowing that the ideas will begin to flow to these pages in the coming weeks.
I am grateful that I had the chance today to speak on behalf of my family about this land we have loved for so many decades. Serving the community is in our DNA. So, it's only natural that we desire to see the next stewards of this noble piece of ground adopt this "servant-leader" role. We want to see the natural areas maintained as habitat for all living things -- including people. But, we'd like to encourage that there be a light footprint left integrating what nature has given us with what is necessary for a sustainable and economically-viable community.
Our family recognizes that the approach we are taking might appear to be an unusual one. When you've worked the land for three generations you gain a special appreciation for its value. We believed that if we could take a little extra time to bring you into our collective consciousness then you'd more quickly appreciate our point of view. Based on the feedback we received this afternoon, it's apparent that our intentions were well-received.
For those of you who traveled to the four corners of the property today, you will note that the only thing we've allowed to spoil the land that slopes to Thimble Creek are the blackberries. We have purposely left this piece of our property (mostly) untouched and it is now ready to become a place where nature and people can interact, with nature taking the lead. It's a clean slate. What can we all imagine together for this spot in particular? That's part of our challenge. It might help to start with one small corner of the property and then broaden out to what could become the whole.
Like you, we've seen many pieces of a dream in our effort at self-education on sustainability and green building practices. You can now be a part of ensuring that the pieces come together in a special parcel of land where the Oregon Trail ended. It's just the beginning for us, though. We are all glad you are here and invite you to share your thoughts, best stewardship practices and the like.
Thank you so very much for your creativity and your involvement. See you on the 30th.
Rose Herberger-Holden
rose@ocgolfclub.com
The Thimble Creek Brain TrustOn behalf of the Herberger Family and for my part and Bill's, we want to thank you again for your time, talents and input today. We were left so impressed with each of you. Thimble Creek is off to an impressive start because of you. There were so many big ideas today that it's impossible to find the best place to begin. So, I will keep this brief knowing that the ideas will begin to flow to these pages in the coming weeks.
I am grateful that I had the chance today to speak on behalf of my family about this land we have loved for so many decades. Serving the community is in our DNA. So, it's only natural that we desire to see the next stewards of this noble piece of ground adopt this "servant-leader" role. We want to see the natural areas maintained as habitat for all living things -- including people. But, we'd like to encourage that there be a light footprint left integrating what nature has given us with what is necessary for a sustainable and economically-viable community.
Our family recognizes that the approach we are taking might appear to be an unusual one. When you've worked the land for three generations you gain a special appreciation for its value. We believed that if we could take a little extra time to bring you into our collective consciousness then you'd more quickly appreciate our point of view. Based on the feedback we received this afternoon, it's apparent that our intentions were well-received.
For those of you who traveled to the four corners of the property today, you will note that the only thing we've allowed to spoil the land that slopes to Thimble Creek are the blackberries. We have purposely left this piece of our property (mostly) untouched and it is now ready to become a place where nature and people can interact, with nature taking the lead. It's a clean slate. What can we all imagine together for this spot in particular? That's part of our challenge. It might help to start with one small corner of the property and then broaden out to what could become the whole.
Like you, we've seen many pieces of a dream in our effort at self-education on sustainability and green building practices. You can now be a part of ensuring that the pieces come together in a special parcel of land where the Oregon Trail ended. It's just the beginning for us, though. We are all glad you are here and invite you to share your thoughts, best stewardship practices and the like.
Thank you so very much for your creativity and your involvement. See you on the 30th.
Rose Herberger-Holden
rose@ocgolfclub.com
LEED for Neighborhood Development Links
The LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for neighborhood design. LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a development's location and design meet accepted high levels of environmentally responsible, sustainable development.
Currently in its pilot period, LEED for Neighborhood Development is a collaboration among USGBC, the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
There are four projects in Oregon in the LEED ND Pilot. They are:
For a complete list, visit: LEED ND Pilot Projects List.
Here's some additional information from the press release for the 2007 LEED ND Pilot...
LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Launches
New rating system shifts focus to sustainable development in green urban neighborhoods. Submitted on 02/6/2007
With the release of the LEED-Neighborhood Development pilot rating system this week, it is clearer than ever that green building design and community form shouldn't go it alone. The most powerful strategy for achieving environmental sustainability is incorporating high-performance buildings in compact, mixed-use neighborhoods that reduce driving by making walking and transit attractive options for commuting and other trips.
A joint venture of the Congress for the New Urbanism, the US Green Building Council, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, LEED-ND acknowledges that more than a third of greenhouse gases and a similar share of other environmental impacts are generated by buildings (primarily heating and cooling them) but another third is generated transporting people and goods to and from those buildings. Through a multi-year research and review process, the LEED-ND partners have identified draft criteria that will guide developments to achieve significant improvements in sustainability on both of these fronts, as well as related ones such as water management and habitat preservation.
During the pilot phase, the LEED-ND rating system is tested against real world projects in order to improve the system and its applicability in the marketplace. In addition, participants in the pilot program have the opportunity for their development to be among the first projects to be recognized with LEED-ND certification. New Urbanist practitioners -- with their expertise in developing compact, complete, and connected neighborhoods -- can help in the refinement of the LEED-ND rating system by participating in the pilot program.
"Just as other LEED systems have improved building efficiency and energy performance, LEED-ND will reward efficient use of land and the building of complete and walkable communities," said John Norquist, President and CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism. "It is helping to reinforce a more complete understanding of sustainability that extends all the way from the individual building to the neighborhood and community."
Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council said the expanded focus on green communities is important. “The future of green building is to think beyond just buildings, by addressing important issues like density development, community infrastructure, resource availability, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. LEED for Neighborhood Development is an important and exciting step towards transforming the marketplace to create a healthy and sustainable future.”
How to Apply
The LEED-ND pilot application process closed on April 6, 2007. Several hundred applications were received and are now being processed. We will continue to keep CNU members updated on the pilot process and when new drafts of the rating system are made available.
Approximate Development Timeline
2007: LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot program launches
2008: Public comment periods begin for post-pilot version of LEED for Neighborhood Development
2009: LEED for Neighborhood Development ballot and launch.
The pilot program is expected to conclude in 2008. Based on feedback gathered during the pilot, the rating system will be revised to improve its applicability to the marketplace. The revised rating system will then be balloted according to USGBC's consensus process and undergo approval by CNU and NRDC.
Response to Public CommentsThe LEED for Neighborhood Development Core Committee completed a preliminary draft in September 2005 and immediately afterwards held a 45-day comment period for the corresponding committee. Over 4,000 comments were submitted, and the core committee greatly appreciated the depth and breadth of responses that the corresponding committee took the time to submit. With the help of consultants, the core committee reviewed all of the comments received, and assimilated many of them into the pilot draft rating system.
The response to comment document summarizes the committee’s responses to the public comments. Sincere thanks to all of you who took the time to submit comments to help us refine the rating system.
About LEED for Neighborhood DevelopmentCNU is working with the U.S. Green Building Council and the Natural Resource Defense Council to lay the groundwork for a more coordinated and powerful environmental strategy: sustainability at the scale of neighborhoods and communities. The new joint venture known as LEED for Neighborhood Developments or LEED-ND is a system for rating and certifying green neighborhoods.
LEED-ND builds on USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design systems by expanding the project’s scope beyond individual buildings to a more holistic concern about the context of those buildings.
CNU would like to thank the EPA Development, Community, and Environment Division, the EPA Office of Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Blue Moon Fund, and the National Endowment for the Arts for their support of the development of LEED for Neighborhood Development.
Currently in its pilot period, LEED for Neighborhood Development is a collaboration among USGBC, the Congress for the New Urbanism and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
There are four projects in Oregon in the LEED ND Pilot. They are:
For a complete list, visit: LEED ND Pilot Projects List.
Here's some additional information from the press release for the 2007 LEED ND Pilot...
LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Launches
New rating system shifts focus to sustainable development in green urban neighborhoods. Submitted on 02/6/2007
With the release of the LEED-Neighborhood Development pilot rating system this week, it is clearer than ever that green building design and community form shouldn't go it alone. The most powerful strategy for achieving environmental sustainability is incorporating high-performance buildings in compact, mixed-use neighborhoods that reduce driving by making walking and transit attractive options for commuting and other trips.
A joint venture of the Congress for the New Urbanism, the US Green Building Council, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, LEED-ND acknowledges that more than a third of greenhouse gases and a similar share of other environmental impacts are generated by buildings (primarily heating and cooling them) but another third is generated transporting people and goods to and from those buildings. Through a multi-year research and review process, the LEED-ND partners have identified draft criteria that will guide developments to achieve significant improvements in sustainability on both of these fronts, as well as related ones such as water management and habitat preservation.
During the pilot phase, the LEED-ND rating system is tested against real world projects in order to improve the system and its applicability in the marketplace. In addition, participants in the pilot program have the opportunity for their development to be among the first projects to be recognized with LEED-ND certification. New Urbanist practitioners -- with their expertise in developing compact, complete, and connected neighborhoods -- can help in the refinement of the LEED-ND rating system by participating in the pilot program.
"Just as other LEED systems have improved building efficiency and energy performance, LEED-ND will reward efficient use of land and the building of complete and walkable communities," said John Norquist, President and CEO of the Congress for the New Urbanism. "It is helping to reinforce a more complete understanding of sustainability that extends all the way from the individual building to the neighborhood and community."
Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council said the expanded focus on green communities is important. “The future of green building is to think beyond just buildings, by addressing important issues like density development, community infrastructure, resource availability, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. LEED for Neighborhood Development is an important and exciting step towards transforming the marketplace to create a healthy and sustainable future.”
How to Apply
The LEED-ND pilot application process closed on April 6, 2007. Several hundred applications were received and are now being processed. We will continue to keep CNU members updated on the pilot process and when new drafts of the rating system are made available.
Approximate Development Timeline
2007: LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot program launches
2008: Public comment periods begin for post-pilot version of LEED for Neighborhood Development
2009: LEED for Neighborhood Development ballot and launch.
The pilot program is expected to conclude in 2008. Based on feedback gathered during the pilot, the rating system will be revised to improve its applicability to the marketplace. The revised rating system will then be balloted according to USGBC's consensus process and undergo approval by CNU and NRDC.
Response to Public CommentsThe LEED for Neighborhood Development Core Committee completed a preliminary draft in September 2005 and immediately afterwards held a 45-day comment period for the corresponding committee. Over 4,000 comments were submitted, and the core committee greatly appreciated the depth and breadth of responses that the corresponding committee took the time to submit. With the help of consultants, the core committee reviewed all of the comments received, and assimilated many of them into the pilot draft rating system.
The response to comment document summarizes the committee’s responses to the public comments. Sincere thanks to all of you who took the time to submit comments to help us refine the rating system.
About LEED for Neighborhood DevelopmentCNU is working with the U.S. Green Building Council and the Natural Resource Defense Council to lay the groundwork for a more coordinated and powerful environmental strategy: sustainability at the scale of neighborhoods and communities. The new joint venture known as LEED for Neighborhood Developments or LEED-ND is a system for rating and certifying green neighborhoods.
LEED-ND builds on USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design systems by expanding the project’s scope beyond individual buildings to a more holistic concern about the context of those buildings.
CNU would like to thank the EPA Development, Community, and Environment Division, the EPA Office of Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Blue Moon Fund, and the National Endowment for the Arts for their support of the development of LEED for Neighborhood Development.
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