2011 1

RESOLUTION R-6-11

 

A Resolution of the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Cheverly, Maryland whereby the Town adopts the Recommendations of the

Green Infrastructure Plan

 

        WHEREAS, the Cheverly Green Plan defines green infrastructure as a system of interconnected protected natural areas that support essential ecological functions, sustain valuable biodiversity of plant and animal life, and contribute to community wellbeing; and

 

        WHEREAS, the Town of Cheverly recognizes that green infrastructure naturally manages stormwater, reduces environmental degradation, and improves air and water quality, thus performing many of the same functions as traditionally built infrastructure, often at a fraction of the cost; and

 

        WHEREAS, the Town of Cheverly recognizes that our mature tree canopy and established natural areas contribute to the our region’s biodiversity, aesthetics, property values and quality of life, and that these resources require routine maintenance and investment to thrive; and

 

        WHEREAS, the Town of Cheverly benefited from a grant from the Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance program of the National Park Service to evaluate best practices in green infrastructure and develop a plan and recommendations appropriate for our community; and

 

        WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Cheverly appointed a citizen task force to develop a Green Infrastructure Plan for the Town, and that this body has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to this effort, including hosting over ten public meetings and workshops to engage the community; and

 

        

        WHEREAS, the Town of Cheverly has already demonstrated its commitment to the principles of Green Infrastructure through several of its routine actions such as: its private property tree planting program, rain water catchment system on Town Hall (and use of the captured rainwater for irrigation), dedication of the Cheverly Community Gardens, underwriting of a town-wide citizen composting program, and other activities; and,

 

        WHEREAS, the Cheverly Green Plan will serve as a model for inner beltway communities in Prince Georges County and around the region; and

 

        WHEREAS, rising temperatures in urban areas, as the consequence of increased paving and minimal tree cover, result in the urban heat island effect and in higher energy costs for the Cheverly’s citizens and businesses; and

 

        WHEREAS, the plan will help the Town pursue funding from outside sources to fund green infrastructure projects and activities; and

 

        WHEREAS, The Town of Cheverly recognizes green infrastructure’s important contribution towards improved air quality, land conservation, wildlife preservation, water quality improvements, economic development, and thus quality of life in our community.

 

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Cheverly, Maryland, in Regular Session hereby adopts the Recommendations of the Cheverly Green Infrastructure Plan as a framework to inform investment and activities of the town. ~

 

         ADOPTED by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Cheverly, Maryland at a Regular Meeting on August 11, 2011, at which meeting copies were available to the public for inspection.

 

Adopted: ________________

 

Attest:___________________                              ___________________________________

                                                        Mayor                                   

 

__________________________________              ___________________________________

Councilmember                                   Councilmember

 

__________________________________              ___________________________________

Councilmember                                   Councilmember

 

__________________________________              ___________________________________

Councilmember                                   Councilmember