Implementation Strategy 2: Sustainability <br />2 Adopt broad sustainability practices for public and private development and <br />infrastructure in order to offset negative impacts caused by increased <br />development intensities. <br />Address environmental factors such as natural resource protection, green buildings, energy <br />generation and use, water use and reuse and stormwater management; economic efforts that <br />attract and support locally-owned businesses, create local jobs and markets for locally- <br />produced food, goods and services; and social-based programs that create public gathering <br />spaces, support desirable businesses, enhance historical assets, and utilize innovative <br />technologies, businesses and services. <br />This is an important implementation strategy identified in the Empowering Innovation <br />document, but the work program and study efforts completed as part of this project did not <br />have the human and financial resources for the development of a Lower River Road <br />Sustainability Plan. <br />Short-Term Recommendations: <br />2.1 The River Road Community Organization (RRCO) in cooperation the City and <br />other stakeholders should prepare a Neighborhood Action Plan that includes <br />elements of the Lower River Road Concept Plan. (Also see Recommendation 5.1) <br />2.2 Prepare a Lower River Road Sustainability Plan. As an element of the <br />Neighborhood Action Plan, RRCO in cooperation the City and other stakeholders, <br />develop a work program, schedule and budget to prepare a Lower River Road <br />Sustainability Plan. The plan should address the following: <br />A. Environment: Establish performance goals for wildlife habitat, native <br />vegetation and tree cover, "green" buildings, on-site energy generation and <br />conservation, water use and re-use, pervious surfaces, on-site stormwater <br />infiltration and management, carbon emissions, and other relevant factors. <br />B. Economic: Develop recommendations for local economic sustainability that <br />attracts and supports locally-owned businesses, creates jobs for <br />neighborhood residents, and creates markets for locally-produced food, <br />goods, and services. <br />C. Social: Develop recommendations for public investments to create public <br />gathering spaces that will support a lively and healthy social atmosphere, <br />such as branch library, plaza/farmer's market, and open spaces. Incentives <br />for a small grocery or investment in a farmer's market may be needed. <br />Explore creating sub-areas for historic designations including heritage trees <br />and orchards as well as the public use of historic places. Consider <br />opportunities for public infrastructure and demonstration projects of <br />innovative technologies, businesses, and services, such as stormwater <br />