Planning Commissioners Journal

Green Essentials: our July Special Offer

2009-07-06T15:55:25-04:00

Note from Planning Comm'rs Journal Editor Wayne Senville about our July special:

There's growing interest in "green infrastructure" -- ways of relying more on natural systems to handle the impacts of development (such as stormwater runoff), while also decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels.

The articles in this new collection from the Planning Commissioners Journal will provide you with an introduction to a number of related issues: from energy conservation at the local level to how our Main Streets can support efforts creating more sustainable communities.

As a planner or planning commissioner you have a key role in helping shape your community's priorities. You can take the lead in bringing information to the table that will help show others in your community the benefits of better development practices. Let our Green Essentials reprint collection help you out.

Order all of the following articles for delivery by first-class mail, as a bound 62-page reprint collection for an introductory price of just $20.00. Flat shipping & handling fee of $5.00 regardless of quantity of reprint sets ordered. Planning Comm'rs Journal subscribers save even more: activate your additional 25% discount for this item before ordering.

You can also order by phoning our office at: 802.864.9083 -- best between 10am and 3pm Eastern time. Say you're calling about the July Green Essentials special offer. If you're a subscriber, you will also receive the additional 25% discount. Local governments can be invoiced on orders.

Contents of Green Essentials:

Building Lego's Biggest Model No. 10189

2009-07-03T08:33:00-04:00

Wish there were a time-lapse video of building the real thing from 1632 to 1653. But lacking that, this home made video is fun to watch -- at least if you enjoy Legos!

OK, you'd prefer to see a real building constructed? Here's one video I came across. It documents the construction of the Joseph Wright Centre in Derby, England. It was filmed over a year, and pulls together 21,680 images from a web cam.

Fore! for the Fourth

2009-06-30T07:37:00-04:00

From PCJ General Manager Betsey Krumholz:

Looking to play a round of golf -- disc golf that is -- over the upcoming July 4th weekend. Don't plan on doing it in Burlington, Vermont.

"The debate over same-sex marriage may have been emotional, but it's got nothing on the ongoing disc-golf fracas in Burlington (Vermont)" reports Shay Totten in Burlington's Seven Days newspaper.

Readers of the daily Burlington Free Press have been "treated" to the continuing saga of a proposed disc-golf course to be located in one of the city's parks.

Disc-golf involves throwing a modified "Frisbee" (discs) into chain baskets (holes) at the end of a fairway. Most courses have multiples holes -- usually between 9 and 18 -- and use "hazards" like trees, water features, or other irregularities in the terrain to create a more or less challenging course for users.

Players throw a disc (weighing less than half-a-pound), with the goal of making the fewest number of throws to reach each hole. It can be played in rain and snow, by young and old, by the fit and by the, well, less fit.

Then why the fracas?

Apparently the sound of chain-saws in one city park drew the attention of neighbors, even when the publicly noticed Parks and Recreation Commission meetings about the proposed disc-golf course did not.

At a supplemental public hearing on the issue after the work on the approved course was underway, dozens of outraged residents expressed concerns about the impacts on other recreational uses within the park, potential environmental damage from the discs on the flora and fauna, and the (alleged) inappropriate behavior by (potential) players.

But an equally large group of advocates praised the sport for being inexpensive, family-friendly, a great way to exercise outdoors year-round, and a fun and inclusive activity for all ages -- perfectly suited for this park.

Family-oriented sports enthusiasts versus environmental protectors. And both sides faulting city government for not providing clear information and an open process. Money spent, trees cut, and angry neighbors. As of now, disc-golf is dead in Burlington, rejected by the city's Parks & Recreation Commission after a heated debate.

Perhaps this is a "Tale of Two Cities" because Springfield, Minnesota had no such drama.

Derek Tonn was one of driving forces behind the Springfield Municipal 14-Hole Disc Golf Course which is free to all, and open year-round. There the course was proposed by community members who were looking for ways to improve recreational opportunities for families and youth.

The City Manager and City Attorney worked with citizens (like Derek) to identify appropriate site locations. "Throwaway land" -- municipally owned space on the old landfill, a strip adjacent to an existing rail-line, and some within the flood plain -- was found to be suitable for the purpose. With the approval of the governing body, the city engaged a professional designer to lay out the course.

Derek, an avid disc-golfer himself, worked with the course designer to make sure that it would be attractive to players, as he believes that "so much of the success or failure of a course is in the design." They paid specific attention to areas of competing use (such as where bikers may ride near the fairways), degraded or potentially dangerous spots (where concrete and road materials had been dumped), and to sensitive environmental areas (like the river banks). Hundreds of volunteer hours went in to trimming trees, filling in holes, clearing brush, and making the space attractive and safe.

The $7,200 they raised from city coffers and private sources has been well spent, he says. His proudest moments come when he hears his community refer to this area now as "park" space. He isn't aware of any conflicts or safety issues, and the course is even being expanded.

Disc-golf is growing, nationally, and it is likely that a course will be coming (or proposed) in a town near you. Perhaps the message in this tale involves being prepared -- and keeping your head up and your eye on the disc.

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For an introduction to disc golf (admittedly very pro disc golf):

Streets of Foam

2009-06-26T08:10:00-04:00

Sometimes even a television commerical can give you an interesting and different perspective on a typical urban streetscape. Take a look at Sony's "Foam City" commercial, shot in Miami. The second video clip below is on how the commercial was made.

According to the Gizmodo web blog, the world's largest foam machine was built to film the commercial, "and pumped out over 500,000 gallons of foam per minute."

The Kindle, Students, Backpacks, & Walking

2009-06-23T07:15:00-04:00

-- The new Amazon Kindle DX, has a 9.7 inch screen, and weighs just over one pound.
-- Amazon is working with several textbook publishers to have their books converted for use on the Kindle.
-- The average 11th grade student in California carries some 20 pounds of textbooks in his or her backpack. (For 1st graders, it's 8 pounds!). Backpack weight exceeds the "recommended maximum at nearly all grade levels from 1-12, presenting a health hazard for students."
-- Excessive backpack weight can prevent students from being able to walk or bike to school, setting a pattern for future auto-dependency.

Could this mean that the Amazon Kindle (and other similar devices) will promote walking, and walkable communities, by eliminating one significant reason why so many K-12 students are currently driven to school?

"Yes," says Fred Lane, who has written extensively on computers and technology (among other issues). Lane has some additional "expertise" as he's Chair of the Burlington, Vermont, School Board and father of a 10th grader who, Lane told me, "typically lugs around 20 pounds of textbooks." As Lane notes, that makes his son much more dependent on getting a ride to school than walking or biking, and also, "puts a big strain on his back."

While enabling students to walk more may not have been one of the primary motivations for Amazon, it's a fascinating potential "fringe benefit."

Lane feels that competition will likely drive prices of devices like the Kindle down. "Within five years most college students will be getting their textbooks on electronic readers ... because the cost savings will be so huge." In terms of K-12 use, Lane also see electronic devices replacing textbooks, though over a somewhat longer time frame.

One major advantage Lane points to is the ease of quickly updating material electronically, without needing to print out new editions of the textbook. Given the value in students to having up-to-date material in their textbooks, this is a important benefit.

[note: student photo from Flickr, reposted under Creative Commons License]

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Some additional details. First, from a posting, Amazon Kindle: Lightweight, Digital…Textbooks? (May 13, 2009) on The Bottom Line web site:

"In 2005, a Government Accountability Office report estimated that textbooks cost the average university student about $900 per year. These textbooks are often bulky and quite heavy; a literal burden on students' backs. Amazon.com has released a new version of Kindle, an electronic paper display which seeks to replace the traditional textbook for students.

Three textbook publishers that collectively publish 60% of the country's textbooks recently agreed to publish Kindle versions of their books. At least six universities will be running Kindle pilot programs ... Kindle DX weighs just over one pound, and is about a third of an inch thick; compared to even one textbook the weight and space savings are enormous, let alone several classes worth."

Here's a Table from the California backpack study I mentioned earlier,Textbook Weight in California: Analysis and Recommendations (April 14, 2004; link is to pdf file).

Interestingly, heavy backpacks cause injuries for a variety of reasons:

"The study found that the most common means of injury were tripping over the backpack (28%), followed by wearing 13%), and getting hit by the backpack (13%). ... it is clear that the actual weight of backpacks, given the presence of other materials carried by an average student, far exceeds the recommendations of health professionals. ... ... One issue is the general trend of removing lockers where students can store books in between classes. Lockers have been removed in many schools due to the proliferation of both weapons and drugs in schools."

What's the Kindle DX look like, and how does it work? Here's a 5 minute video overview:

Your Tour Guide in Melbourne

2009-06-19T08:55:00-04:00

OK, after last Friday's video short, let's get serious about how to promote cities like Melbourne using video. But there's no need to get too serious. You can be effective with a light touch, as this promotional video shows:

Here's another effective, but off-beat, promo on Melbourne; this one involves a giant ball of yarn.

Do Not Take It Personally

2009-06-16T15:39:00-04:00

How can you do a better job as a planning commissioner? Elaine Cogan in her latest "The Effective Planning Commissioner" column offers some basic principles for your consideration.

Learning to Enjoy Your Service on the Commission
by Elaine Cogan

From the Spring 2009 issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal. Available to order & immediately download. Use icon button at end of excerpt below.

Do you subscribe to the Planning Commissioners Journal? If so, we would be pleased to email you a complimentary .pdf of this article. Just email us at: pcjoffice@gmail.com (include the article title in your email). You may need to wait a bit if you email us when our office is closed. Not a subscriber? Consider starting with our Spring issue. Order online or phone us at: 802.864.9083 (Monday-Friday, 10am to 3pm Eastern).

Read excerpt from beginning of article:

One would be hard pressed to find another overworked, under-appreciated position in any community equal to being a planning commissioner. There usually is no financial remuneration, and the meetings often are tedious, technical, and sometimes contentious. Your best friends may disagree with a decision you make. Why, then, even bother? Surely, there are other uses you can find for your time.

One reason that seems to give commissioners a boost is that little goes on in the community that is not affected somewhat by planning. You have the opportunity to influence and lead the way to change that will be felt for years to come. Look upon these positive attributes as your challenge to execute the obligations of your office so that the experience is, indeed, one you savor.

Some principles to consider:

Do not take it personally. It would be gratifying if you and the other commissioners could deal only with the big picture, concepts, and ideas. Often, however, it is the nuts and bolts of how individuals can use their property that concern the commission, and this can become very personal.

When landowners get frustrated or angry, they may express themselves in ways that are not pleasant. You will survive and keep your sanity if you realize it is the system they rail against and the planning board and staff are convenient targets. Never forget, however, that even words expressed in anger can contain kernels of truth worth being considered.

Respect your staff. They are human. They err. Sometimes their mistakes are embarrassing or should be overturned. You are entitled, or even expected to, question your staff carefully, but do it privately. If you have to overturn their recommendation, vote on the facts as you see them, not hearsay or opinion. Never make them scapegoats in a public setting. This diminishes you in the eyes of the public and also undermines the confidence people will have in your staff in the future. ...

The full article can be ordered & downloaded. Click this icon for details.

If Nothing Better To Do, Come to Melbourne

2009-06-12T08:45:00-04:00

There's nothing more boring than the typical promotional videos put together by chambers of commerce about their own cities. In this Friday's video short -- and next week's as well -- we're highlighting two special looks at Melbourne, Australia. The week's, by Scott Purdon & Sophie Stone, is a great spoof on those cheerleading local videos.

Reporting from Michigan & Indiana

2009-06-10T22:07:00-04:00

From Planning Comm'rs Journal Editor Wayne Senville:

I'm now on the second leg of my "Circle the USA" trip. Just spent the day in Flint learning about their innovative Land Bank program.

You can see my first two reports from Dearborn ("When Rouge Turned Green") and Detroit ("Preservation or Demolition?"). I'll be posting reports from Troy and Flint, Michigan, and then from Goshen and Portage, Indiana, as time allows. Given the pace of my travel, some of the reports will need to wait till I return to Burlington, Vermont, next week.

The easiest way to follow my reports is to receive them by email. Just add your email address where indicated in the upper left part of our CircleTheUSA.com page.

How Do We Get There?

2009-06-08T08:36:00-04:00

What's the recipe for successful implementation of your community's plan? That's the focus of this installment of the Segedys' series on preparing the comprehensive plan.

How Do We Get There?
by Jim Segedy and Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy

From the Spring 2009 issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal. Available to order & immediately download. Use icon button at end of excerpt below.

Read excerpt from article:

This concluding article in the series will answer the final question we originally posed: "How do we get there?" In other words, what's the recipe for successful plan implementation. We'll draw on our experience to try to provide you some key ingredients.

1. Prioritize! How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Establish priorities for your plan's goals. Consider using a 1-5 scale for importance, visibility, "do-ability," budget availability, and other criteria. This will cut down on the inertia that can result from the task of plan implementation appearing to be so large that no one knows where to start. We like putting a space for this prioritization right in the plan itself.

We have found that a good role for the planning commission is to facilitate the setting of priorities with input from municipal departments and the public. You can do this through questionnaires or preference surveys, followed by a workshop that allows face-to-face interaction.

This process allows for open discussion of priorities and any obstacles to an item's implementation. Not only will you gain the perspectives of all parties affected by the plan, but you will also build public support and a sense of ownership of the plan that will carry through to elected officials as they set the budget and allocate resources.

2. Have a specific action plan. ... For each goal, your action plan should specify the steps that will be taken, in what order, by whom, and with what resources. Make the steps small and measurable. You can present these steps in either a list or a table, but make sure to link each item in the action plan to the specific plan goal it is meant to address. We like to include check boxes for each step, so that when they're complete, they can be marked off. ...

... article continues with: 3. Provide for local "adoption" of projects; 4. Find those early success projects and use them to build momentum; 5. Celebrate success; and 6. Have an annual review of the status of your plan's implementation.

The full article can be ordered & downloaded. Click this icon for details.

Other articles in this series by the Segedys:

How Do We Get There?
PCJ #74, Spring 2009

Community Self-Assessment: A Way of Looking at the Whole Picture
PCJ #73, Winter 2009

Where Do We Want to Go?
PCJ #72, Fall 2008

This Plan's for You
PCJ #71, Summer 2008