Call for proposals! NY Upstate Chapter Conference

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The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA), Southern Tier APA Section is proud to announce that the 2024 Annual Chapter Conference will be held in Ithaca, New York at the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, from Wednesday, October 9 through Friday, October 11.  The Planning Committee is now seeking proposals for presentations from those willing to share their talents to make this year’s program memorable.

The conference theme “Planning for Protopia: Designing with Empathy in Upstate New York” will bring together urban planners, designers, and community stakeholders to envision and create a future for Upstate New York that is prosperous, equitable, and sustainable. This year's conference emphasizes the importance of designing with empathy – understanding and incorporating the lived experiences and needs of diverse residents into the planning process. This Conference is an opportunity for planners and allied professionals, planning students, and community advocates to learn and share successful strategies for revitalization in their communities and the Upstate region.

The 2024 Conference Planning Committee is developing a conference program to bring various planning, design and other allied professionals together to learn from each other, as well as acquire new skills. We are seeking presentations that present cutting edge skills and/or highlight current issues relevant to planners throughout Upstate New York. We are also developing ideas for mobile workshops and ways to encourage involvement of graduate students and citizen planners. Sessions are also sought on Law, Ethics, Equity, and Sustainability & Resilience that would fulfill the 1.0 hours (each) of AICP Certification Maintenance (CM).

If you have a presentation that you would like to share at the conference, please submit your session proposal by 4:30 pm on July 22, 2024 through this short online form .

If you have questions about sessions, submittal requirements or related topics, please contact Ray Burger at rburger@dryden.ny.us or 607-844-8888 ext 213. Questions about the conference can also be directed to the Southern Tier Section Director, Greg Hutnik at planner@danby.ny.gov.

Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s inaugural Greenways Advocacy Summit

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Join us for a pivotal moment in the future of New York’s greenways! Registration is now open for Parks & Trails New York’s inaugural Greenways Advocacy Summit, to take place on Monday, May 20 at the Egg Performing Arts Center in Albany. This event will be the premier gathering of statewide advocates dedicated to expanding New York’s network of multi-use trails.

The morning program will feature a lineup of a dozen trail experts, showcasing innovative initiatives and leading policy advancements in greenway development. In the afternoon, we'll engage in legislative meetings in the Capitol to secure support for the Greenway Trails for a Green Future bill package as well as funding in next year’s state budget for trail development.

Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to help our greenways have a powerful voice in Albany.

For more details and to register, visit our website. For questions, email me at dcarey@ptny.org.

Your participation is crucial to the future of New York’s greenway network. Join us to be a key player in this vital movement!

Event: North Country Housing Symposium

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The North Country is facing its own unique set of challenges as we navigate the housing crisis. This symposium will bring together a variety of perspectives and expertise that can provide guidance, tools, and important data for your role in tackling housing issues in your own community.

Registration is required and closes on March 10, 2024. Register here to attend.

NOTE: The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Assocation is not responsible for the event. Please contact the host for more information. CM credits for AICP members may be self-reported unless the event is otherwise approved and recognized by the Chapter for CM credit. Local land use board members (e.g. planning board, zoning board of appeals, etc.) required to obtain annual traning shouls verify with thier appointing jurisdiction if this training satisfies local requirements.

UAlbany GPSA visits Lake George, Albany Rural Cemetery Tour next

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The Geography & Planning Student Assocation (GPSA) at the University at Albany recently explored Lake George at its most recent event. The GPSA is a student organization in the PAB-accredited Master of Regional Planning program at UAlbany. It seeks to educate and involve the next generation of urban planners.

“We had an excellent turnout, and the presentations provided valuable insights into the ambitious plan to transform Lake George into a vibrant year-round community,” said GPSA Liaison Devendra Kanithi. “The enthusiasm and collaboration of community leaders and stakeholders were inspirational.”

The GPSA’s next event is a guided walking tour of Albany Rural Cemetery on April 24, 2024. It will include a demonstration of the Albany Rural Cemetery Explorer (ARCE) app which was developed in partnership with the University at Albany. In addition to UAlbany students, the program is open to members of the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association. For more information, contact the GPSA at GPSA@albany.edu.

Free Webinar!

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The Affordable City: Supply, Stability, and Subsidy — and Lessons Since 2020

Thursday, February 22, at 1:00 p.m. ET

Participants of this live webinar are eligible for 1.5 AICP CM credits.

A webinar with Shane Phillips, Author of The Affordable City: Strategies for Putting Housing Within Reach (and Keeping it There)

There is no single solution to the U.S. housing crisis. In The Affordable City, Shane offers more than 50 policy recommendations, beginning with a set of principles and general recommendations that should apply to all housing policy. The remaining recommendations are organized by what he calls the Three S’s of Supply, Stability, and Subsidy. 

During this presentation, Shane will review the core principles of the housing crisis, his Three S’s approach, and what lessons he has learned since his book was originally published in 2020.

Find out more and register for this free webinar here.

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ACSP Task Force on Climate Change Lecture Series

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The ACSP Task Force on Climate Change has organized a spring lecture series on careers in climate planning. The poster is attached. There are three sessions, each featuring current or past planning students, with a strong showing from NY. I would be grateful if you could share this in your next newsletter.

  • Thurs Feb 22, 3-4pm EST: Climate Migration and Housing

  • Thurs Mar 14, 3-4pm EST: Decarbonization and Transportation

  • Tues Apr 23, 3-4pm EST: Climate Planning in Local Government

Click here for full details.

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Native American Land Rights: Impacts on Planning

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The Susan Christopherson Center is sponsoring a series of talks with authors on planning related topics.  Upstate NY author Cindy Amrhein has written a great book laying out a history of treaties, land deals and land claims, as well as the unique sovereign rights of the Haudenosaunee have that few planners actually know about.  

The Haudenosaunee now have territories in 10 counties in New York and with land claim settlements have the potential for acquiring thousands of acres of new territory he coming decades.  This will be an opportunity for planners at the county and local levels to become better informed. It is free and open to the public.

See CM Toolkit.

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Conference: Saratoga County

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Join the Saratoga County Department of Planning and Economic Development for our annual all-day conference at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, which includes:

  • 16 Education and Information Courses

  • Luncheon

  • Exhibitor booths

  • Training for volunteer members of planning boards, zoning boards of appeals, and municipal staff.

  • *Conference meets NYS 4-hour Mandatory Continuing Education Requirements.

  • CLE and AICP credits available.

Register today at https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/planning/annual-planning-zoning-conference/ .

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Upstate APA Conference Winners September 15, 2023

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The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) has announced the recipients of the 2023 Professional Awards.  Thirteen projects have been selected and were recognized at the 2023 Chapter Conference, held in Syracuse on September 15, 2023. These projects were deemed to represent excellence in planning throughout Upstate New York. 

Awards were made in seven categories, three of which were the works of students at either the University at Albany or University at Buffalo.

Best Practice

  • City of Watertown Zoning Ordinance Update

  • Plan Onondaga

  • Smart Growth in the Steel City: Utilizing Form-Based Zoning to Foster Resiliency, Sustainability, and Placemaking in Lackawanna, NY

  • Town of Ballston Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and Green Energy Program

Comprehensive Plan

  • Town of Dryden Comprehensive Plan

  • Mitigating Vacancy in Arbor Hill & West Hill: An Asset-Based Approach

Grassroots Initiative

  • Re-Envision Albany

Great Places in Upstate NY

  • Cattaraugus Creek Access Amphitheaters

Implementation

  • Elevating Erie

Public Outreach

  • Erie County Community Climate Action Plan

  • Citizen Planning School

Distinguished Leadership 

  • Mayor Megan Grenier

  • Stephen Iachetta

Details about each award winner can be found in the section below. 

ABOUT THE AWARDEES 

City of Watertown Zoning Ordinance Update

Following a comprehensive plan update, the City of Watertown began implementation by updating their 1950s-era zoning ordinance. The code was transformed into a form-based code that included parking maximums, allowances for urban agriculture, and support for multi-modal transportation. The update was informed by extensive public comment and is helping to energize Watertown’s neighborhoods, waterfront, and downtown. 

Plan ONondaga

Plan Onondaga defines a vision and goals for community success that includes the shared needs, goals, and challenges of the County and its municipalities, and facilitates a pathway to implement positive growth and change. Five themes give structure to the Plan including: strong centers, housing and neighborhoods, community mobility, greenways and blueways, and agriculture. Extensive public participation was a cornerstone of this Project, which was adopted in July 2023. With the adoption of PLAN ONondaga, the County has a framework for making investments in local planning and capital projects that work toward the county vision.

Smart Growth in the Steel City: Utilizing Form-Based Zoning to Foster Resiliency, Sustainability, and Placemaking in Lackawanna, NY

This project examined the City of Lackawanna’s existing zoning code and presented an alternative solution - the Lackawanna Regenerative Code (LRC). The LRC is a form-based code inspired by contemporary trends in land use regulation that can ultimately restore opportunity and growth within the city by utilizing smart growth principles and the transect theory to encourage walkable mixed-use development. This is a student project. 

Town of Ballston Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and Green Energy Program

Following a comprehensive plan update, the Town began implementation by developing a purchase of development (PDR) and green energy program. The Town is located within one of the fastest growing counties in NYS and is experiencing significant residential and commercial development pressure. The program is a voluntary incentive program that allows for greater residential density or greater commercial square footage for new development or redevelopment projects when PDR credits are purchased by the applicant. The program is intended to promote the protection of important agricultural and open spaces, and to encourage green energy initiatives. 

Town of Dryden Comprehensive Plan

Dryden2045 presents an inclusive vision focused on addressing sustainability and climate change and developing new mixed-use walkable development patterns within the Town. The plan recommends innovative solutions, such as accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, increased and improved recreational amenities, improved stormwater management systems, and other measures that improve the quality of life and work towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Public engagement was a top priority of the comprehensive plan, and despite the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the process successfully facilitated a diverse and engaged level of participation. The end result is a truly comprehensive plan that provides a clear roadmap for upcoming decision-making. 

Mitigating Vacancy in Arbor Hill & West Hill: An Asset-Based Approach

The project highlights potential strategies for preventing and mitigating vacancy in the Arbor Hill, West Hill, and Sheridan Hollow neighborhoods of Albany, New York. The project team applied the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) model and prioritized an equity and social justice centered approach to repurpose vacant lots and structures. Implementation has begun with project partners taking subsequent steps to secure funding and vacant land for redevelopment. This is a student project. 

Re-Envision Albany

Re-Envision Albany is the result of a largely volunteer-based collaborative advocating for a more vibrant, just, and sustainable state capital.Re-Envision Albany has created broad support for a reconnected Albany, leading to multiple letters, over one hundred signatories, national recognition, and contributing toward the approval of a $5 million study to reexamine interstate 787. The result of progress made by Re-Envision Albany demonstrates that groups of volunteers can assemble compelling visions that spark interest and lead to progress in addressing the immediate needs of today, remedying the damage of the past, and build toward a more just, sustainable, and community-oriented future.

Cattaraugus Creek Access Amphitheaters

To realize its potential to contribute to economic and job development through eco-tourism and outdoor recreation, Gowanda developed two amphitheaters on Cattaraugus Creek. The Zoar Valley Gateway Amphitheater is strategically located at several well-known fishing spots and “Grand Finale'' whitewater rapids. The more intimate Creekside Amphitheater is in the heart of downtown. These amenities are well-loved by residents and attract new and returning visitors. Development of the amphitheaters was a crucial step in restoring community pride, participation, and confidence by creating unique destinations that reflect the community and its character. 

Elevating Erie

This project aimed to revitalize the Erie Boulevard East Corridor, which served as the historical route of the Erie Canal between the Town of DeWitt and the City of Syracuse. 

The project began with an international ideas competition, generating numerous submissions and public engagement. Through collaborations between the two communities and state programs, a strategy was developed to involve the public in re-envisioning the corridor. The project's effectiveness led to New York State allocating over $20 million for the implementation of the Empire State Trail along Erie Boulevard - the largest single Empire State Trail allocation. 

The completion of the Erie Boulevard East portion of the Empire State Trail in 2020 has already resulted in increased tourism and positive impacts on local businesses. 

Erie County Community Climate Action Plan

Erie County has worked over the past two years to draft an equity-centered Community Climate Action Plan. The planning process was overseen by the Department of Environment and Planning with guidance from the Community Climate Change Task Force. More than 100 volunteers from almost 70 stakeholder organizations participated in Working Groups to create the draft Plan. Each Working Group was co-led by a volunteer and a County staff member. Public outreach during the planning process was robust and diverse, resulting in almost 10,000 people signing up for email updates and hundreds of public comments being received before the draft Plan was released. 

Citizen Planning School

Community members, known as Champions, apply and present a project idea that aligns with one of the five overarching goals of One Region Forward. Students from disciplines across the University at Buffalo work alongside former Champions of the program or other professionals in the field, known as Community Coaches, to provide technical assistance for the various projects brought forth by current Champions. 

Champions then share their ideas at an Idea Summit. Each Champion can walk away better equipped to act on the ideas they have, forming an understanding of assets and allies and  who they can collaborate with to achieve a common goal in strengthening the region.

Mayor Megan Grenier

During her twelve years as the first female Mayor of Menands, and six prior years as a Village Trustee, Mayor Megan Grenier has guided the Village in coordinating, funding, adopting, and implementing several public planning and zoning initiatives, These efforts culminated in the completion of the first-ever Comprehensive Plan in the history of the Village in 2020, followed by the adoption of major revisions to the zoning, site plan review, and form-based codes.

Mayor Meg is one of those leaders who has balanced the day-to-day demands of being a village mayor, while guiding a long-term vision for her community that is shared by her constituents. Her work has placed her community is a strong position to face the challenges of the future.

Stephen Iachetta

Steve Iachetta retired at the end of 2022 after a 38+ year career in planning, 31 of which were with the Albany County Airport Authority as an Airport Planner. At the Airport, Steve oversaw the Albany International Airport Capital Improvement Plan, and managed grants related to the new terminal development and airport safety and security improvement projects. His planning interests included work in sustainability and historic preservation planning, areas that he continues to support in retirement. 

Steve was heavily involved with the NY Upstate Chapter of APA, serving as Capital District Section President for six years during which time he mentored, engaged with and encouraged young planners to participate in the organization. His influence on a generation of young planners continues to be felt today.

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