Chazen a Better Design

Sustainable Design Inventory in the Hudson Valley

The Chazen Companies, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program, is inviting architects, engineers, and others to showcase examples of completed Better Site Design (BSD) and Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management tools that reduce flooding, conserve open space, and preserve water quality in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Some examples include infiltration basins, rain gardens, wet ponds, porous pavement, and vegetated swales. Accepted work examples will be used in a guidance manual and an interactive website to help promote their use throughout the Hudson River Estuary.

“We’re really excited about Better Site Design and Low Impact Development approaches, and want to showcase model examples,” said Fran Dunwell, director of the Hudson River Estuary Program. “By pointing to completed examples, and giving credit to firms already using these techniques, we hope to see them used more widely in the future to protect water resources and the Hudson River Estuary.”

An on-line entry form has been established so firms working in the Hudson River Estuary can submit photos and written descriptions of completed projects throughout the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Only submissions matching practices described in the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual and the NYS Better Site Design manual are being sought. The Estuary Program has hired the Chazen Companies to coordinate this inventory and review each submittal. All submittals should be registered on-line before September 25, 2008 on The Chazen Companies’ website at www.chazencompanies.com.

The Hudson River Estuary Program is a regional partnership seeking to conserve the river’s natural resources, promote their full public use and enjoyment, and address pollution that affects use and enjoyment of the river. The complexity of the issues surrounding conservation of the Hudson River ecosystem requires a multi-disciplinary approach, engaging a broad representation from local government, nonprofits, environmental and conservation organizations, academia, and businesses.

The Chazen Companies provide professional engineering, environmental, and site design services throughout the Northeast. The firm’s engineers and landscape architects help developers and municipalities select LEED certifiable and other sustainable practices. Engineer David Poulson P.E., active on Chazen’s Sustainable Project Team, said “Clients and architects expect these approaches, and today they make sense financially, technically, and for the environment.” The firm also provides professional services in environmental, land surveying, and planning disciplines.

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