Susan Moses

Susan J Moses

Sue Moses

Smart Growth and Sustainable Development

Planning for Transit and Smart Growth in Southeastern Massachusetts. For the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation, participating in a study of the economic development and smart growth potential of expanded commuter rail service to Fall River and New Bedford. Evaluating opportunities for transit-oriented development around proposed stations, and assessing the potential for sprawl as the 31-town area grows in response to improved transportation service. Developing recommendations for smart growth tools that communities can adopt to limit sprawl, concentrate development, and create jobs.

Massachusetts Smart Growth Toolbox. As part of a team of consultants, participated in the development of a Smart Growth Toolbox for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Developed the transit-oriented development section of the toolbox, and provided input into several other areas of the toolbox. The toolbox can be viewed at http://www.mass.gov/envir/sgtk.htm.

Smart Growth Circuit Rider. As a consultant to the Essex County Forum Smart Growth for Livable Communities, provides technical assistance to the 34 municipalities in the County on issues related to Smart Growth. Work includes conducting workshops on smart growth topics (including planning regulations, affordable housing, the Community Preservation Act, and transit-oriented development), developing model bylaws and smart growth tools, grant writing, and general outreach and assistance.

Guidelines for Evaluating Sustainable Development Projects. Assisted the Federal Highway Administration with the development of project and program evaluation guidelines for its Transportation and Community System Preservation pilot program, a newly-established grant program aimed at achieving sustainable development through innovative approaches to community and regional planning and development.

Case Studies: Projects that Combine Affordable Housing and Open Space Protection. For the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, researched Massachusetts examples of projects that combine the development of affordable housing with the preservation of open space. Highlighted projects utilize a wide range of techniques and innovative strategies to achieve these oft-times competing goals. Prepared a Power Point presentation documenting study results, which can be viewed here.

Town of Rowley Master Plan. Participated in the development of Rowley’s 2003 Master Plan. Prepared the economic development and open space sections of the plan. Conducted visioning workshops and designed community-wide survey. Managed mapping activities.

Tools for Ecosystem Protection. For the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management: North Shore, prepared the C-O-A-S-T Toolbox to document several land use planning and resource management models and strategies designed to mitigate the impact of development on natural resources and ecosystems. These include strategies to reduce the impacts of new subdivisions on both resources and infrastructure, networking and training programs for local officials and technical staff, introduction of coastal access issues in the classroom, and water quality and protection initiatives.