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.

Chapter Sponsorship Announcement

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Did you know there are 550 members across Upstate New York, representing professional planners in a wide variety of organizations? The New York Upstate Chapter of the APA offers a cost-effective way for your organization to reach our professional membership and promote your services and products throughout the year. Will you be one of our sponsors this year?

Chapter sponsorship enables your organization to be recognized by our members in the Chapter website, social media, The Upstate Planner, our electronic newsletter sent to members three times annually, our weekly email updates, and our social media accounts. Our website receives more than 1,500 visits per month and our growing social media reach includes more than 500 followers on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram (new in 2023).

In order to communicate Chapter initiatives through our website, social media, newsletter and email updates, we need your support. Please take a moment to look over the attached form to see which level best suits your firm. You can donate online at https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2439257 or complete the attached fillable form and send payment though the Chapter’s website www.nyupstateplanning.org/sponsorship-opportunities.  

If you have any questions, please contact Sean Maguire, our Chapter President, or Tanya Zwahlen, the Chapter Administrator at 585-315-1834 or tanya@highland-planning.com. 

Call for Nominations is now open

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Call for Nominations!

Serving as an elected leader in APA offers a tremendous opportunity to sharpen your skills, expand your networks, and work directly to strengthen the impact of the organization. The portal for candidate self-nominations will be open through May 30th at https://apa.directnominations.net and includes all the groups and positions up for election this year. Learn more at https://www.planning.org/elections/

Chapter Administrator, expressions of interest sought

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The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association is seeking expressions of interest from qualified firms or individuals able to provide the services of Chapter Administrator. The Chapter Administrator provides services as a consultant in accordance with a Scope of Services and is not an employee of the Chapter or the American Planning Association. The term of the agreement for the engagement is typically 12 months. The Chapter is accepting expressions of interest through May 24, 2024. A full request for proposals is expected to be released by May 31, 2024.

Prior scopes of service have included the following tasks:

  • Coordinate of communications among Executive Board, Sections and the general membership as directed, primarily through electronic forms of communication and often occurs weekly.

  • Assist with the Annual Conference and a spring chapter event, including soliciting and managing sponsorships, and promoting both events.

  • Assist the Professional Development Officer to register and promote upcoming Certification Maintenance and other development opportunities.

  • Manage chapter communications, including email updates (via MailChimp or similar), postings to the web site (CMS-based), and monitoring the Chapter email account (via Google Workspace).

  • Solicit sponsorships for the website, annual conference, and any other opportunity by email and possibly phone follow-ups.

  • Act as a liaison to partner organizations on behalf of the Chapter in order to facilitate more effective communication between the Chapter and our allied professional organizations, including AIA, ASLA, and the New York Planning Federation (NYPF).

  • Perform additional tasks not included in the scope and assigned by the Executive Board as agreed upon and documented in a written task order on an hourly or other fee basis.

You may submit an expression of interest to the Chapter President via email at president@nyupstateplanning.org. Please provide the following:

  • Name of the firm or individual expressing interest.

  • A summary of key qualifications and experience working with membership-based organizations.

  • Annotated resumes of key staff assigned to provide Chapter Administrator support.

  • A fee proposal based on approximately 250 hours of work per year in consideration of the scope above.

  • Contact information for additional questions or follow-up.

NYUAPA Seeking Nominations

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The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association (NYUAPA) is seeking nominations for its 2024 Professional Awards Program. Applications in the following categories will be considered:

  • Comprehensive Planning

  • Best Practice

  • Grassroots Initiative

  • Implementation

  • Public Outreach

  • Great Places in Upstate NY

    • Streets

    • Neighborhoods

    • Public Spaces

  • Distinguished Leadership

    • Michael J. Krasner Professional Planner Award

    • Upstate Fellow

    • Elected Official

    • Citizen Planner

    • Planner Emeritus

Applications may be submitted starting on April 1, 2024 and must be submitted by June 14, 2024. Awardees will be recognized at the NYUAPA Chapter Conference held in October of this year in Ithaca. Awardees are strongly encouraged to attend.

For information, please click here. Questions can be directed to Chapter Vice President and Professional Awards Program Chair, Sarah Gatti at vicepresident@nyupstateplanning.org

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Seeking Water Leadership Program Participants

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The EFCN Water Leadership Program helps enhance early and mid-career water professionals’ leadership skills and occupational knowledge. Our flexible 12-week learning experience aims to give rising water leaders the training and resources needed to face challenges of utility management with confidence. 

Upon acceptance, participants will dive into a dynamic learning experience, featuring a blend of live, interactive trainings and expertly curated asynchronous modules. Secure your spot in the EFCN Water Leadership Program and propel your career to new heights.We are currently seeking participants for cohorts in the Southwest and Midwest regions and NY and NJ.

For more information, please see our pamphlet.

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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/.

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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