Chapter President Sean Maguire appointed to APA Governance Committee

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The American Planning Association has announced that Chapter President Sean Maguire has been appointed by the American Planning Association Board of Directors to its Governance Committee. Maguire will serve as a member of the committee starting January 1, 2024 and through December 31, 2024. The Governance Committee is charged with reviewing the Association’s Bylaws and governing policies and making recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Sean Maguire, AICP CEcD

“I’m honored to be invited to serve our association in this important role,” said Sean Maguire. “Recently, the APA published proposed changes to the Bylaws that are quite important to our members. I was pleased to join the New York Metro Chapter President on a letter asking for more time to consider these changes. I look forward to being involved in what is certain to be a very active discussion in the year ahead. I thank the APA President Angela Brooks and the APA Board of Directors for trusting me with this important responsibility and look forward to working with many of my colleagues in 2024.”

“As APA works towards achieving our strategic goals, we will again need the time and talent of many volunteers who graciously agree to serve,” said APA President Angela D. Brooks, FAICP.

Job Opening: GTC Program Manager, Rochester, NY

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JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Manager – Transportation Improvement Program is primarily responsible for overseeing the development and on-going management of the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC). This is a full-time position and additional planning responsibilities will be based on staffing needs. GTC is the federally required Metropolitan Planning Organization for the nine-county Genesee-Finger Lakes Region, which includes the Rochester, New York metropolitan area and is comprised of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates Counties. The Region is home to 1.2 million residents with nearly 30,000 establishments within its borders that provide 545,000 jobs. The surface transportation system includes approximately 27,000 federal-aid eligible lane miles, 1,600 bridges, public transit services in eight of the nine counties, extensive deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems, 340 miles of multi-use trails, and two Class I and several short line railroads.

For full details and to apply, please click here.

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Joint Statement by New York State APA Chapters

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On December 14, 2023, the New York Upstate and New York Metro Chapters of the American Planning Association issued a joint comment regarding the proposed bylaw changes presented by a committee at APA. The letter noted our concerns with the process and proposal and requested more time to review and comment.

A copy of the joint comment letter can be found below. To learn more about the proposed bylaw changes, please visit https://www.planning.org/leadership/bylaws/revisions/.

Job Opening: Senior Urban Planner/Designer, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany

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Senior Urban Planner/Designer Full-Time Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, or Albany New York Salary Range: $90,000-$105,000 / year Highland Planning is looking for a Senior Urban Planner/Designer to join our growing planning and design practice. The Senior Urban Planner/Designer will work closely with our clients, partners, and staff to deliver high-quality planning and design processes that help governments make better decisions. As a Senior Urban Planner/Designer, you will serve as a project manager, team mentor, and client partner, leveraging your design, planning, communication, and project management skills. You’ll be part of a team-centric culture where fellow consultants collaborate and support each other on projects and professional growth.

For full listing, or to apply click here.

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Job Opening: Senior Land Use Planner; Montpelier, VT

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Senior Land Use Planner

MONTPELIER, VT – The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) seeks a versatile and energetic Senior Land Use Planner to develop, implement, and manage projects across our 23 municipalities.

The Land Use Planner will be responsible for helping municipalities identify and achieve their goals in addressing the housing shortage, supporting municipal bylaw updates, protecting forests, water and farmlands, adapting to climate change and mitigating flood impacts, and revitalizing village centers. The position requires significant contact and coordination with municipal officials, volunteer boards, regional organizations, and State and Federal government.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of experience working in a planning-related field, including zoning, development, and town and city planning. Experience drafting planning and regulatory documents (such as comprehensive plans and land use regulations), as well as writing and public speaking, are required. Knowledge working with GIS is preferred. Attendance at evening meetings is required.

Interested in this position? Please apply by submitting a cover letter, resume and the contact information for three professional references to jobs@cvregion.com. Please be sure to reference “Land Use Planner” and your last name in the subject line. The salary range for this position is $57,000 to $80,000 dependent on qualifications. This position will remain open until it is filled. A review of applications will begin January 2, 2024. A complete job description is available at https://centralvtplanning.org/. Contact Christian Meyer (meyer@cvregion.com) with questions. CVRPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.

 

 

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Job Opening: Senior Planner, Clifton Park, NY

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MJ Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. is actively seeking a planner to join our team to assist with current and exciting future projects. This job offering provides an exciting opportunity for the ideal candidate to grow and advance in MJ’s  planning group. We are seeking a motivated candidate with a strong  interest in urban and regional planning that is well organized, resourceful, and creative.

This full-time position will be responsible for leading projects focused on land use, downtown revitalization, environmental planning, complete streets, waterfront revitalization, resiliency, comprehensive planning, brownfield redevelopment, open space planning, zoning, grant writing and municipal planning support. Creative community engagement is at the heart of our planning processes. MJ planners work closely with other disciplines within the company such as transportation, GIS, site/civil engineering, landscape architecture, and water/wastewater engineering to prepare consensus-driven, reality-based plans that are implementable.

For more details and to apply, click here.

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Job Opening: CEO, Watertown, NY

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Position: Chief Executive Officer

Agency: Watertown Local Development Corporation

The Watertown Local Development Corporation (WLDC), a local economic development agency based in Watertown, NY, seeks a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization and promote economic expansion and prosperity in the City of Watertown. The WLDC is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors who set policy, goals and direction for the organization. Major areas of focus include business development, loan underwriting, management of customer accounts, asset and cash flow management and marketing the WLDC’s loan funds to foster job growth, elimination of blight and to elevate the overall economic environment in the City. The CEO will oversee and manage all aspects of the organization, develop and maintain relationships with existing and new clients and work with partner organizations throughout the area. The selected candidate will provide strategic leadership working with the Board of Directors to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies.

For full job posting or to apply, click here.

 

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Job Opening: Senior Planner, Genesee County

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Genesee County is seeking to fill a Senior Planner position. This is a highly professional position involving responsibility for exercising independent judgment in the direct undertaking of professional planning work and related research, and in the supervision of such work undertaken by subordinates. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Director of Planning, and requires a large degree of independent responsibility, and a high level of professional performance in planning, assigning, reviewing, coordinating, and undertaking a variety of complex planning tasks. Does related work, as required. For more information and to apply, please see the job opening notice and specification.

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Job Opening: Planner, Rochester, NY

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Passero Associates has an exciting opportunity for an entry level planner to work on a diverse range of assignments supporting our municipal and land development service lines, as well as provide technical support to our architectural and aviation practice areas.

Responsibilities:

·       Review development proposals and plans for conformance with municipal codes, comprehensive plans, studies and regulations.

·       Preparation and review of land use applications (zoning analysis, special permit applications, variances, site plan review and historic preservation applications).

·       Conduct basic technical research in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), including the preparation of the appropriate forms, and supporting documentation.

·       Assist with preparation, coordination and submission of project submittal packages for zoning and site development review, including fee calculation, and the review and quality control of project drawings, maps, spreadsheets and applications.

·       Create digital and print presentation materials.

·       Establish and maintain a positive relationship with clients, co-workers, and the project team, including monitoring and updating entitlements processes and schedules.

·       Assist with the preparation of forms, reports, and grant applications.

·       Responsible for fieldwork in all-weather elements as requested with the ability to lift 25lbs.

For full details and to apply, click here.

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Job opening: Senior Planner, Rochester, NY

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Passero Associates has an exciting opportunity in Rochester, NY for a Senior Planner to work on a diverse range of assignments supporting our municipal and land development service lines, as well as provide technical support to our architectural and aviation practice areas.

Responsibilities:

·       Review of moderately difficult development proposals and plans for conformance with municipal codes, comprehensive plans, studies, and regulations.

·       Preparation of land use applications (zoning analysis, special permit applications, variances, site plan applications, subdivisions, rezonings, ordinance amendments and annexations), and review/quality control of project drawings, maps, spreadsheets, and applications.

·       Conduct technical research in accordance with State Environmental Quality Review and National Environmental Policy Act (SEQRA/NEPA), including the preparation of the appropriate forms, and supporting documentation, as well as assist with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).

·       Coordinate community review of public and private development projects, including, but not limited to, community surveys, stakeholder interviews, and community meetings.

·       Assist with presentations at public hearings and meetings on behalf of the clients, as assigned.

For full details and to apply, please click here.

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Job Opening: Environmental Research Analyst, Buffalo, NY

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The city of Buffalo is hiring for an Environmental Research Analyst. The incumbent is responsible for research and analysis of environmental concerns/ conditions of City-wide properties. The incumbent is responsible for research and analysis of environmental concerns/ conditions of City-wide properties. S/he may also assist in developing response plans to a variety of environmental disasters. Additionally, the incumbent researches and identifies ways in which human behavior can be changed so as not to damage the environment. Incumbents assist in analyzing data for preparation of various research studies or reports. Work is performed under direct supervision; however, the Environmental Research Analyst exercises considerable latitude for independent analysis and decision in the presentation of material gathered. This position does not involve supervisory duties

For full details and to apply, please visit their website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/buffalony/jobs/4288756/environmental-research-analyst-open-competitive?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

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Job Opening: IHHE Engagement Coordinator, Rochester, NY

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Please help find the perfect person to help lead the Institute for Human Health and Environment’s (IHHE) Engagement Pillar!   You can find out more about the IHHE here:

            https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/institute-for-human-health-and-the-environment.aspx             

The Environmental Health Engagement Coordinator (EHEC) will implement the strategic activities of the Institute for Human Health and the Environment (IHHE) Engagement Pillar to promote science-informed environmental health solutions in the Rochester region and beyond. The EHEC will facilitate communication, interaction, involvement, and exchange with diverse professional and community partners to conduct research, partner on community projects, provide services, translate environmental health research and inform policy change, implementation strategy, and evaluation.  The position has both strategic and operational responsibilities within the IHHE reporting to the Engagement Pillar Leader. In addition, the position provides operational support for the Engagement Pillar. The EHEC will collaborate with IHHE leaders to set priorities for the Engagement Core, coordinate with the Research and Education Cores, and evaluate and adapt the Core’s activities to strategically support the IHHE mission 

Experience in environmental health, public health, applied mixed-methods research/analysis, engagement in the Rochester region/community, and public policy will be particularly helpful in this position. The IHHE has a stated focus on climate change and environmental justice, in addition to other local and regional environmental health priority issue areas.

To find out more and apply, go to: https://www.rochester.edu/human-resources/careers/ and search for Job 247811 (or Department of Environmental Medicine), Health Project Coordinator.

The U of R is in the process of adjusting its position levels, but the current pay range for this position type is:

  • Min – 42,411.20

  • Mid – 59,363.20

  • Max – 76,336.00

Applicants must apply online. Include a cover letter addressing experience and qualifications and attach as part of the “resume” file. Position remains open until filled; please apply by Dec. 1  

EOE Minorities/ Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

If you have any questions, please contact Katrina_korfmacher@urmc.rochester.edu

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Job Opening: CDPRC Seeks Regional Planner→

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Job Opening: CDPRC Seeks Regional Planner

The Commission is seeking applicants for a full‐time position as a Regional Planner.  A range of planning and analytical skills are required to support our planning, economic development and water quality programs.   The position will be responsible for project management, data analysis, technical assistance, plan-writing, and public speaking. Other duties will include writing and reviewing publications and related program content, and other special projects. A full description of the position and how to apply can be found at https://cdrpc.org/about-us/opportunities-at-cdrpc .  Closing date:  December 11, 2023.

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Job Opening: NYS Department of State - Local Government Specialist

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The New York Department of State’s Division of Local Government Services is recruiting for a Local Government Specialist. Ideal candidates will have worked with local officials in local or county government.

https://statejobs.ny.gov/public/vacancyDetailsView.cfm?id=143598

DUTIES:
The core responsibility of a Local Government Specialist 1 in the Department of State’s Division of Local Government is to function as a direct resource for local government officials, though training and technical assistance in land use planning and regulation, local government administration and efficiency processes, and community development planning and implementation.

The Local Government Specialist 1 duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Draft and deliver training courses to local government officials on land use planning and regulations, community development, municipal operation and management, and opportunities for efficiencies in the delivery of local services.
• Provide technical assistance on planning and zoning, municipal operations management, and local government consolidation to local officials.
• Draft written materials to guide local officials on comprehensive planning, and land use regulation, consolidation of services, government efficiency, and other management topics.
• Assist local government officials on implementing long-range planning; facilitating inter-agency cooperation; and identifying, analyzing, and proposing solutions to community development needs.
• Prepare research and policy recommendations to offer resolutions to programmatic and public policy issues through the development of intergovernmental partnerships and municipal consolidation.
• Promote performance measurement to assess the effectiveness of local governments.
• Assist with the implementation of new policies and plans that affect New York's local governments; and,
• Manage community development and local government efficiency projects, including review of grant applications and administration of state contracts for the delivery of local government projects.

This position often works independently in the field and requires regular statewide travel as well as frequent evening hours.

Job Opening: Senior Planner, Ithaca, NY

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Senior Planner - Town of Ithaca

The Town is recruiting for a senior-level professional planning position which would be responsible for the performance of a variety of moderately difficult and complex duties in municipal and community planning.  This person, along with two other Senior Planners, assists the Director of Planning in implementing the functions of the Planning Department. The incumbent provides professional and technical support to various town boards and committees, prepares complex planning studies, reviews development proposals, and provides key development services, including consistent, timely, and accurate responses to inquiries regarding planning issues. The position requires an in-depth knowledge of NYS land use planning regulations, SEQRA, best planning practices in long-range development efforts, and the ability to present to a variety of audiences. Additionally, this position should have the desire to engage the development community to promote and ensure high-quality, equitable, strategic growth in accordance with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

Filing deadline: Monday, November 20, 2023, by 4:00 pm 

Civil Service Exam: Yes – provisional appointment 

Hiring Rate: $40.05 per hour 

Office Location: Ithaca Town Hall, 215 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (37.5 hour work week) 

Benefits: NYS Retirement System, Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick and Personal time, Health Insurance, Dental and AFLAC insurance optional, Free Parking on site.

Please direct any questions to Judy Drake, Human Resources Manager (607) 273-1721 or via email: Jdrake@town.ithaca.ny.us  

Full details and link to apply with Tompkins County Human Resources: https://www.town.ithaca.ny.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/seniorplanner1162023.pdf

For a list of qualifications, work activities, and skills required, please refer to the job posting at https://www.tompkinscivilservice.org/civilservice/vacancies.

Or see attached file here.

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Job Opening: Community Development Administrator; Poughkeepsie, NY

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Community Development Administrator - Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development

Salary: $91,025 

This is a provisional position in the Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development pending a future Civil Service exam. The work involves responsibility for formulating, coordinating, and administering the County's community development programs and for providing expertise in the areas of project development and financing, and federal grants procedures for community development and housing programs. Work is professional and administrative and involves formulating program policies and preparing the County's annual community development and housing projects covered under the program. Supervision is exercised over professional staff positions and clerical personnel assigned to the Community Development Program

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Formulates operating policies and guidelines for the County's community development programs, including evaluating existing policies and formulating revised policies; formulates and administers the Community Development budget; provides expertise in the areas of project development and financing, and federal grants procedures for community development and housing programs; prepares proposals for future funding of County-Federal cooperative programs and assists localities, non-profits, private developers, consultants in developing project applications; provides technical assistance to not-for-profit housing groups, private consultants and municipalities regarding housing and community investment opportunities; directs and implements studies related to housing and community development; prepares the County's annual community development grant applications;

coordinates and supervises all community development and housing work performed by the department, being responsible for the quality and quantity of work output; controls and directs the conduct of consultants employed under various community development grants; reviews and approves contracts and bills of the community development program; assigns workloads and supervises all the work of the community development staff for consistency with Department policy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EITHER: (A) Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Planning or a related field; OR: (B) Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Planning or a

related field AND at least two (2) years of work experience in the administration of a Community Development Block Grant Program, HOME Investment Partnership Program or New York State Housing program which shall have substantially included grants administration; OR: (C) Bachelor's degree and four (4) years’ experience in the administration of a public service or human service program which shall have substantially included grants administration; OR: (D) An equivalent combination of the training and experience within the limits of (A) through (C) above.

NOTE: Work experience as described above may be substituted for the education requirements on a year-for-year basis.

NOTE: Your degree or college credit must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education 

NOTE: You must provide a legible copy of your college transcript(s) for each college attended. Transcript(s) must show your name; your student identification number; the name of the issuing school; the type of degree received, if any; the date the degree, if any, was conferred; full course names; credit hours; grade earned for each course; and a cumulative Grade Point Average (G.P.A.). Transcripts can be submitted in person, by email to HRExams@DutchessNY.gov, or by postal mail to Dutchess County Human Resources, Exams Unit, 22 Market Street, 5th Floor, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Driver's License to operate a motor vehicle in New York State at the time of application and to maintain the position.

FINGERPRINTING: A fingerprint-supported background investigation is required before an appointment is made to some positions. Pursuant to New York State Executive Law, the Division of Criminal Justice Services requires that a fee accompany each such request for a search. It is due once a job offer is made and accepted by the applicant.

For immediate consideration, submit an application on or before 11/29/2023 

Apply online at www.dutchessny.gov/jobs, OR Download an application from www.dutchessny.gov/jobs,

and mail it to the Dutchess County Department of Human Resources, 22 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 

An EEO/AA Employer

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Job Opening: Municipal Energy Resilience Program Coordinator; Eastern Vermont

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Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) Coordinator

Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA) seeks a detail-oriented Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) Coordinator to assist with the successful implementation of Act 172 in the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) in close coordination with Vermont Buildings and General Services (BGS), supporting MERP partners/vendors, and NVDA staff. The MERP Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing the scheduling and implementation details of the VT Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERP) and will play a critical role in ensuring that our NEK municipalities have a competitive chance toward receiving $500,000 MERP implementation grants to help improve the energy performance and resiliency of their municipal buildings. The MERP Coordinator position is currently funded through June 30, 2028. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • ●  MERP Grant Application & Implementation Assistance: The MERP Coordinator will support NVDA communities by gathering all relevant and available documents needed for MERP grant applications, building energy assessments, and supporting the implementation of approved municipal projects for weatherization, thermal efficiency, and resiliency.

  • ●  Energy Resilience Programming & Technical Assistance: The MERP Coordinator will provide technical assistance to covered municipalities. This may include guidance on energy issues or goals / resources and training. The MERP Coordinator will support communication and coordination with NVDA municipalities. This includes, but is not limited to: municipal education and outreach, scheduling building energy assessments strategically within the region, coordinating building resilience projects with multiple scopes of work and providing guidance during the project delivery and implementation process (i.e. planning, design, and construction).

    This position requires excellent communication, organizational and time management skills. The ideal candidate must be able to prioritize tasks, handle multiple projects simultaneously and ensure that deadlines are met. The MERP Coordinator is expected to maintain accurate and up- to-date records of MERP schedules, grant timelines, and deliverables. Knowledge in building science & energy systems desired, as well as an understanding of, or interest in learning about, historic preservation and ADA building compliance. A strong interest in advancing energy justice and reducing energy burden is also desired. This position offers the flexibility to work from home or in the St. Johnsbury office. Attendance at in-person and night meetings will also be expected.

Significant travel time is expected to NEK municipal buildings this fall/winter as MERP energy assessments are conducted. Valid driver’s license required.

The NVDA is the regional planning and economic development corporation for the 50-town, 3- county region of northeast Vermont. Our purpose is to assist the communities in our region with local governance and to work collaboratively with them to address regional issues. Our office is located in St. Johnsbury – a community with vibrant downtown. Our workplace is friendly and highly flexible in terms of both workday and location. We offer competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including health and retirement. The expected annual salary range for this position is $50,000 to 55,000+ depending upon experience.

NVDA believes that a diverse and culturally proficient staff are pivotal to creating an environment free of inequities. Successful candidates must be committed to working effectively with diverse community populations and expected to strengthen such capacity if hired.
NVDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please email a letter of interest and resume (with references and contact information) in a single pdf to David Snedeker, Executive Director at dsnedeker@nvda.net. This position will remain open until filled. To learn more about the NVDA, visit our website at www.nvda.net. No phone calls please.

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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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