Crown Hill Neighbors

GREEN ECONOMICS

Cities are just beginning to recognize the economic benefits of preserving green space. The trees in Crown Hill’s north woods have a dollar value—$400,000 a year worth in terms of controlling storm runoff, cleaning the air we breathe, and sequestering greenhouse gases.

"Quality of life” issues are tougher to quantify monetarily—a problem with the valuation metrics employed rather than the inherent value of such issues—but they have an intrinsic value critical to a city’s well being. Indianapolis business leaders are eager to recruit and retain young professionals and to initiate “anti-brain drain” strategies. A recent study commissioned by the group CEOs for Cities of 1,000 college-educated professionals age 25 to 34 found that fully two-thirds of respondents would decide first on where to live, and then look for employment in the area. Respondents rated factors they considered most important when selecting an area for relocation and the highest ratings were given to quality of life issues—finding a place that is safe, clean and green.

Green space in a city contributes enormously and in a measurable way to quality of life for its citizens. The Crown Hill parcel is a large piece of valuable woodland green space, the closest to the heart of our city. Help us keep it green.

Alliance of Crown Hill Neighbors; P. O. Box 88770; Indianapolis, Ind. 46208 crownhillneighbors@hotmail.com