Draft MTP/SCS Comments Received - sacog

SCS Health & Equity Metrics August 2011
if SACOG is unable to include indicators suggested below and in attached Appendices as
performance measures, that you do include them in a monitoring plan for the MTP/SCS, that in
TPA planning, you consider these (or very similar) indicators, and when planning begins for the
next MTP in two years, these health and equity indicators are incorporated.
The health and equity indicators (Appendix C) include four actual health outcomes indicators:
fatalities and injuries from collisions, respiratory disease from vehicle emissions, and physical
activity due to transportation choices. Of these, SACOG is already measuring two: fatalities and
injuries. Eight of the indicators are transportation and land use health “determinants” – or planning
elements that we know from scientific literature predict health behaviors. SACOG is already
measuring some of these indicators (see table in Appendix A). Finally, our last indicator is the
measurement of all other indicators with regard to equity concerns – depending on the indicators
SACOG chooses, many of these are already included in SACOG’s social equity analysis. In sum, we
applaud you on what you are doing for health and equity and request that you do just a little more
to protect the health of all people in the SACOG region, and in particular those most vulnerable to
past planning decisions leading to environmental injustices. To see a comparison of SACOG’s
performance measures and the Health and Equity in SCS Metrics, please see Appendix A. We are
not suggesting that SACOG abandon the valuable and hard work you have done to prioritize and
choose your performance measures, merely that you consider the addition of metrics we set forth
below.
Appendix A is for comparison purposes only. Our requests and recommendations are included in
the body of this letter and in Appendix B.
Chapter 2 – Planning Process
‐ We commend SACOG for a robust public participation process that has been very participatory
and thorough.
Chapter 3 ‐ Land Use Forecast
Housing
‐ The increase in housing choices near transit and increased focus on transit is very positive.
‐ Health evidence supports SACOG’s intention to provide a good housing choice mix in all
community types, noting the population changes that are going to take place and housing
choices that will be changing. The goal of providing more attached and small lot single‐family
units for the changing demographics is beneficial.
‐ Compact development in areas with rich mixes of commercial, residential, and retail supports
increased physical activity, more social interaction, and decreased regional VMT and air
emissions. One concern and recommendation about housing, particularly in the Center and
Corridor Communities, is that development of housing within a 1,000 foot buffer to busy
roadways be studied as to the health dangers for local residents and to help suggest
mitigations to potentially allow such development.
‐3‐
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