The Importance of Sustainability in Bay Area Towns and Neighborhoods

Steve Clark, Owner and General Contractor, RFC Renovation and Design
James Huling, Director of Operations, RFC Renovation and Design
Axel Stelter, Owner and Designer, Pre-Design, Inc.

In cities throughout the Bay Area, neighbors watch as older homes are torn down and replaced with mini or mega mansions and commercial developments. At the same time, new and affordable middle class homes are built in ever-growing and congested commute corridors, miles and miles away from well-paying jobs and once-vibrant city neighorhoods. This pattern of change has and continues to cause increases in carbon emissions, greenhouse gases and higher oil prices.

Will our affluent cities become a play center for only the rich? Will the middle class be able to afford city homes? Will the younger and older generations be able to establish their own urban community identity and place?

Clark and Huling, veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Stelter, an urban planner and designer, know that Bay Area communities will grow and thrive with affordable urban housing sustainability and revitalization. They believe in affordable, sustainable city homes and neighborhoods. They, along with their families, have developed a plan that addresses city home renovations and renewals, environmental awareness, community support and involvement and a diverse work team that includes military veterans. Learn how the RFC renovation and design team transformed an old barbershop into an affordable three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a terrific deck and backyard. Hear about a woman in her mid-twenties who was able to afford her first home and became an inspiration for the neighborhood after the RFC team saved an old house in rough shape. Learn now how the RFC team plans to convert a vacant, dilapidated church into a home with disability access and accommodations.

MLF: Environment & Natural Resources/Business & Leadership
Location: SF Club Office
Time: 5:30 p.m. networking reception, 6 p.m. program
Cost: $20 non-members, $8 members, $7 students (with valid ID)
Program Organizer: Ann Clark
Also know: Photo depicts an RFC project in its "before" state. Part of the New Visions for the Environment Series.