This is coolbert: I have perhaps seen some of these Wright designed or at least inspired homes. Along perhaps it is the east side of Main street in Lombard, just south of Roosevelt road, is a group of odd looking homes. Flat roofed, oddly shaped homes from what most people are used to. I bet these were all built originally in the 1950's. Small by today's standards. Those flat roofed homes were a trademark of Wright's. And they have a bad reputation for leaking. Perhaps with modern materials and techniques this problem can be abated?
More sites for Wright tract housing for "everyman":
click here.
click here.
The last site is a blog site about PostUsonian homes!!?? So maybe the trend for such housing is still with us, albeit in an adapted form??
"The Usonian home did not have a basement. Instead, it was built on a concrete slab with subfloor heating to supplement the central fireplace. Dwellers in Usonian homes typically wore sweaters in the winter; in the summer they relied on shade from the long roof overhang to cool the house as there was no air conditioning.
The flat roof, although simple to build, was famous for leaks. There were no gutters or downspouts. All but one Usonian was designed as a single story dwelling."
NOT SO SURE IF I WOULD LIKE THE HEATING, THE LACK OF COOLING, AND LEAKS.
coolbert.
Ideas, Great Thoughts, Not so Great Thoughts, and Proposals on City and Regional Planning.
This is coolbert: Did Frank Lloyd Wright ever design "tract homes"? I believe he did. Here is a web site to go to that shows one of these homes [click here]. What others he may have designed is not clear to me. I ask this question because it seems that while the great man was a prolific designer of homes for the wealthy, he did not seem to do a lot for tract housing. Of course, such a concept did not become a reality until Levittown after WW2, or so it seems to me. I live in a tract housing sub-division that until recently did have some vacant lots. These vacant lots were filled one at a time by a custom builder who erected homes on the lots that were about the same type as the original tract homes put up in the subdivision. All except for one exceptional home I have passed by many times. And always comment to myself as I do so, "this looks like a home that Frank Lloyd Wright would have designed". Except it has aluminum siding and is built with conventional tract housing material. Looks pretty good too. I wonder if anyone has ever decided to build an entire sub-division of such tract housing, based upon the concepts of the great man???
coolbert.
coolbert.
PLANNING CHARETTE
<>The American Planning Association has published an article about the Utica Planning Charette on their Web Site. You may find the link to it at the top of this page: http://www.planning.org/features/. The article is shown below.Illinois Chapter Leads Tornado Recovery Plan Charrette
By Grace Bazylewski and Craig Harlan Hullinger, AICP
The Village of North Utica, Illinois was hit by a tornado on April 20, 2004, that killed nine people and destroyed the north end of the historic village. The Village Hall, Township Hall, Ambulance Building, and 56 other homes and structures were destroyed.
The village, FEMA, and other governments and citizens produced the Utica United Recovery Plan, a document that called for the expenditure of about $20 million dollars to restore the town and to construct a number of improvements to the community. Some of the major improvements called for were the rerouting of a state highway through the downtown, the removal of the downtown from a floodplain, the enhancement of the historic Illinois and Michigan Canal, improvements to the local economy and tourism, and the reconstruction and beautification of the historic town.
The Pro Bono Committee of the American Planning Association's Illinois Chapter led a planning charrette to assist the citizens in developing the plan. The committee has helped numerous communities over the last eight years on a variety of issues and planning programs. A "charrette" is a design session held over a short time period and designed to produce quick results. Assisted by the Illinois Association of Landscape Architects, the Pro Bono Committee led a five-hour charrette on September 25, 2004.
The charrette was a success.
About 110 people attended the event that began at the fire station directly across from the area destroyed by the tornado. Mayor Fred Esmond introduced the participants, who gave a short introduction to the town, the disaster, and the recovery plan. Smaller groups were created for walking tours of the town, then those groups were broken down into 10-person teams charged with researching and expanding the recovery plan findings and recommendations.
The findings of each group were presented to the larger group at the end of the session. These findings will be incorporated into the downtown improvement plan, tourism plan, and economic development strategy currently under development by the North Central Illinois Council of Governments. Grants have been or will be provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Economic Develoment Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Charette also served as the initial public participation portion of the planning program. Work of the teams included downtown improvement plan physical improvements, facade improvement recommendations, economic development strategy, tourism development marketing work, park improvements, etc. Interesting recommendations included the proposed development of the Illini Native American Village, riverfront parks, a marina, the development of a quarry into a lake, and numerous other positive ideas and proposals for the community.
Long term success and implementation of the projects identified in the charrette depend on the local participants. Local government and individuals must now sort out proposals and decide which ones to implement. Local leaders will have to take ownership of the plan, and develop a consensus to successfully implement it.UTICA UNITED RECOVERY - FEMA 142 N. MILLS STREET
PO BOX # 188 NORTH UTICA, ILLINOIS 61373
815 667 4111 Mobile 202 431 7708 Fax 815 667 4679
www.Utica-il.gov Craighullinger@Utica-il.gov craig.hullinger@dhs.gov
UTICA PROGRESS REPORT
Thursday, November 10, 2004
HAPPY MARINE CORPS BIRTHDAY & VETERANS DAY
The Marine Corps celebrates its 229th birthday today, unhampered by progress. On a sad note, three of our Marines from my old Chicago Reserve unit were killed in Iraq this week.
GIFT
Mayer Trucking gave the Village a check for $31,000 to assist in removing debris and fallen trees, and for the planting of new trees in public spaces. Our thanks to Mayer Trucking and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for this gift.
TOWNSHIP / VILLAGE HALL SITES
The Village and Township continue to look for possible sites for the new governmental buildings. So far we have not found a workable, affordable site, but we are continuing to look. The Village Board and the Township Board met on Wednesday November 9, 2004 to continue discussions on a possible joint building effort. The Township is interested in working with the Village, and the two governments will continue to look for a workable site for a possible joint venture.
Bill Garfield has taken over the EDA oversight from Jack Arnold. Our thanks to Jack for his leadership and energy. We look forward to working with Bill.
PLANNING PROCESS
We have run into a delay with obtaining State CDBG funds for the planning effort. The COG advises us that they must conduct an environmental assessment before we can use these funds, since some construction will be in the flood plain. We are working with the State to try to break the CDBG funding into two parts so that we can proceed quickly.
The Village Board discussed the planning process. They determined that the Planning Commission should supervise the development of the planning process, with work provided by the COG. The Village will also require architectural and landscape architectural assistance from private consultants to ensure that the plan can be put to bid to construct the streetscape as soon as possible.
The Planning Charette at the Village of North Utica, Illinois on Saturday September 25, 2004 was a great success. Over 100 local residents, and city planners and landscape architects attended the event. The group toured the downtown, and then broke into 8 smaller groups to focus on specific issues of interest to the village.
At the end of the session each group presented their findings and recommendations. A number of excellent concepts and proposals were made. The Village will incorporate many of these ideas into the downtown improvement plan currently underway.
Our thanks to all who attended, and to the Fire Department who hosted the event. Special thanks to the Grace Bazelewski and the Pro Bono Committee of APA, who planned and coordinated the event.
At the end of the session each group presented their findings and recommendations. A number of excellent concepts and proposals were made. The Village will incorporate many of these ideas into the downtown improvement plan currently underway.
Our thanks to all who attended, and to the Fire Department who hosted the event. Special thanks to the Grace Bazelewski and the Pro Bono Committee of APA, who planned and coordinated the event.
UTICA DESIGN MEETING FOCUS ON DOWNTOWN FIRE STATION SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2004 8:30 AM TO 1:00 PM
Join your fellow citizens, city planners, and landscape architects in refining and improving the plan for Utica. Projects include: Downtown streetscape & landscape Front and rear design of downtown buildings Improvements to the I & M Canal and bikepath Improvements to water quality, fountains, aerators Design & location for a Village and Township Hall Strategies to promote economic development & tourism Neo traditional development Housing redevelopment The location and the design of a memorial Park expansion near the I & M Canal Park plan for land along Illinois River and Rt. 178 Plan for Illini Native American Museum & Living Farm The work developed by the group will be included in the detailed plans to be developed by the COG, consultants, and Village Engineer. Everyone is invited & encouraged to attend
AGENDA FOR THE PLANNING MEETING SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2004
at 8:30 am at the Utica, Illinois Fire Station in Beautiful Downtown North Utica, Illinois
8:30 REGISTRATION, VIEW PLANS & GRAPHICS IN FIRE STATION
9:00 INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Esmond or Clerk Brown Welcome everyone
Grace Bazylewski Welcome, explain process
9:15 PRESENTATION OF RECOVERY PLAN
John Paige & Craig Hullinger briefly discuss plan
Grace assign people to teams
9:30 WALKING TOUR
Led by Mayor, Trustees, Plan Commissioners, Paige, Hullinger, Lindeman, Fesco, Oliphant, Brown, Heitz
10:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 WORKING LUNCH - any fine restaurants in beautiful downtown Utica
12:30PM RECAP OF FINDINGS - Reconvene entire group, each presents - Grace
1:00 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WHAT NEXT - IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
Will be incorporated into next set of plans, which include Downtown Improvement Plan Facade Improvement Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Marketing Work, Codification, I & M Improvement, Park development, etc. COG Planners, Village Engineer, & Recovery Manager are there to ensure that findings are included in subsequent plans.
GENERAL RULES
TOPIC AREAS
1. Downtown Plan - for existing downtown, streetscape, facades
2. Downtown Plan for area destroyed by tornado
3. Plan for I & M Canal through town - landscape, water flow, bikepath, etc
4. Plan for expansion of downtown park to the northeast and to the south across the I & M
5. Park Concept Plan for 13 acres at north of IL River and east of Rt 178.
6. llini Native American Museum and Living Farm north of Il River and east of Rt 178
7. Tourism Marketing Plan, Historic preservation, presentation
8. Economic Development Strategy
9. Anything else for the good of the community - THE RECOVERY PLAN ACTUALLY HAS SOME 20 INTEREST AREAS TO CONSIDER
American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners Charrette Rules
The day will be divided into three major sections
1. A general introduction of the community, a recap of activities taken to date, a tour and a general visioning session undertaken by the whole group to confirm and/or select breakout session topics
2. A series of small group discussions listing on indicators to measure community assets listing approaches to facilitate change listing of priorities for action conceptualization of ideas through graphics
3. A summary session for the entire group
In order for the day to go smoothly and effectively the following are the rules of engagement for the exercise:
There are no observers. This is a participation exercise. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join in and everyone has something to contribute.
There are no right or wrong answers as we think about the future of the neighborhood and its residents.
Respect the opinions of others. Encourage others to participate.
Commit yourself to a team approach together we can find solutions and directions.
Think in terms of how to make things happen.
For the small group discussions select a topic of interest and/or expertise.
If you came with your spouse or relative or another member of your block club or the same organization
consider splitting up to different focus groups to spread your knowledge and input.
Most of all -----------have fun!!!
Three categories of participants
Local residents: these are the experts on local conditions, issues and history. They hold the knowledge of what the community has to offer, the barriers they face and the future they see for themselves. We ask the local residents to be up-front, candid and vocal about their experiences, expectations and needs in improving their community.
APA/AICP/LAS attendees: these attendees come to the charrette with expertise in a wide variety of planning practice, experience and application. They are the resources in planning methods that they have seen applied in other communities across the country. We ask the attendees to listen to the residents and draw upon their professional expertise in incremental problem-solving to seek attainable solutions to the issues being discussed.
Agency representatives: there are a number of agencies and organizations that serve the community. These are often the "tool keepers" that hold the information to programs and tools that can get things done in the neighborhood. We ask these tool keepers to participate by keeping a keen eye out for
opportunities to use their treasure chest of tools.
In the large group
Listen to the presentations.
Contribute to the general discussion.
Ask for clarification as needed. There are no dumb questions!!!
Be respectful of other's perspectives.
Try not to be repetitive but build on the discussion of others.
Once in the small groups
Introduce yourselves: include personal information - what brings you to the charrette, what you hope to achieve in participating and so on.
Residents include how long you have lived in the area, what you like or dislike about their community.
Planners identify where you come from, what do you do in your profession.
Select record keeper and spokesperson:
The record keeper's job is to accurately capture and record the major points of discussion. The record keeper needs to be a good listener and be able to quickly record what the group discusses.
The spokesperson's responsibility will be to report back to the entire group of attendees when we reconvene on the findings of the individual focus group. Local residents are encouraged to take on these roles.
Small group activities - Take some time clearly state the issue for discussion what would be the ultimate solution or outcome envisioned?
If you do not understand anything presented do ask for clarification.
Challenge your fellow participants to think outside the box.
Do not dominate the discussion. Listen listen listen!!!!
Think in terms of doable steps in recommending approaches and setting priorities.
The reporter and the spokesperson in each small group should be ready to report. If they need some help in clearly presenting the findings of your group do help them along.
at 8:30 am at the Utica, Illinois Fire Station in Beautiful Downtown North Utica, Illinois
8:30 REGISTRATION, VIEW PLANS & GRAPHICS IN FIRE STATION
9:00 INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Esmond or Clerk Brown Welcome everyone
Grace Bazylewski Welcome, explain process
9:15 PRESENTATION OF RECOVERY PLAN
John Paige & Craig Hullinger briefly discuss plan
Grace assign people to teams
9:30 WALKING TOUR
Led by Mayor, Trustees, Plan Commissioners, Paige, Hullinger, Lindeman, Fesco, Oliphant, Brown, Heitz
10:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 WORKING LUNCH - any fine restaurants in beautiful downtown Utica
12:30PM RECAP OF FINDINGS - Reconvene entire group, each presents - Grace
1:00 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WHAT NEXT - IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
Will be incorporated into next set of plans, which include Downtown Improvement Plan Facade Improvement Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Marketing Work, Codification, I & M Improvement, Park development, etc. COG Planners, Village Engineer, & Recovery Manager are there to ensure that findings are included in subsequent plans.
GENERAL RULES
TOPIC AREAS
1. Downtown Plan - for existing downtown, streetscape, facades
2. Downtown Plan for area destroyed by tornado
3. Plan for I & M Canal through town - landscape, water flow, bikepath, etc
4. Plan for expansion of downtown park to the northeast and to the south across the I & M
5. Park Concept Plan for 13 acres at north of IL River and east of Rt 178.
6. llini Native American Museum and Living Farm north of Il River and east of Rt 178
7. Tourism Marketing Plan, Historic preservation, presentation
8. Economic Development Strategy
9. Anything else for the good of the community - THE RECOVERY PLAN ACTUALLY HAS SOME 20 INTEREST AREAS TO CONSIDER
American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners Charrette Rules
The day will be divided into three major sections
1. A general introduction of the community, a recap of activities taken to date, a tour and a general visioning session undertaken by the whole group to confirm and/or select breakout session topics
2. A series of small group discussions listing on indicators to measure community assets listing approaches to facilitate change listing of priorities for action conceptualization of ideas through graphics
3. A summary session for the entire group
In order for the day to go smoothly and effectively the following are the rules of engagement for the exercise:
There are no observers. This is a participation exercise. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join in and everyone has something to contribute.
There are no right or wrong answers as we think about the future of the neighborhood and its residents.
Respect the opinions of others. Encourage others to participate.
Commit yourself to a team approach together we can find solutions and directions.
Think in terms of how to make things happen.
For the small group discussions select a topic of interest and/or expertise.
If you came with your spouse or relative or another member of your block club or the same organization
consider splitting up to different focus groups to spread your knowledge and input.
Most of all -----------have fun!!!
Three categories of participants
Local residents: these are the experts on local conditions, issues and history. They hold the knowledge of what the community has to offer, the barriers they face and the future they see for themselves. We ask the local residents to be up-front, candid and vocal about their experiences, expectations and needs in improving their community.
APA/AICP/LAS attendees: these attendees come to the charrette with expertise in a wide variety of planning practice, experience and application. They are the resources in planning methods that they have seen applied in other communities across the country. We ask the attendees to listen to the residents and draw upon their professional expertise in incremental problem-solving to seek attainable solutions to the issues being discussed.
Agency representatives: there are a number of agencies and organizations that serve the community. These are often the "tool keepers" that hold the information to programs and tools that can get things done in the neighborhood. We ask these tool keepers to participate by keeping a keen eye out for
opportunities to use their treasure chest of tools.
In the large group
Listen to the presentations.
Contribute to the general discussion.
Ask for clarification as needed. There are no dumb questions!!!
Be respectful of other's perspectives.
Try not to be repetitive but build on the discussion of others.
Once in the small groups
Introduce yourselves: include personal information - what brings you to the charrette, what you hope to achieve in participating and so on.
Residents include how long you have lived in the area, what you like or dislike about their community.
Planners identify where you come from, what do you do in your profession.
Select record keeper and spokesperson:
The record keeper's job is to accurately capture and record the major points of discussion. The record keeper needs to be a good listener and be able to quickly record what the group discusses.
The spokesperson's responsibility will be to report back to the entire group of attendees when we reconvene on the findings of the individual focus group. Local residents are encouraged to take on these roles.
Small group activities - Take some time clearly state the issue for discussion what would be the ultimate solution or outcome envisioned?
If you do not understand anything presented do ask for clarification.
Challenge your fellow participants to think outside the box.
Do not dominate the discussion. Listen listen listen!!!!
Think in terms of doable steps in recommending approaches and setting priorities.
The reporter and the spokesperson in each small group should be ready to report. If they need some help in clearly presenting the findings of your group do help them along.
AGENDA FOR THE PLANNING MEETING SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2004
at 8:30 am at the Utica, Illinois Fire Station in Beautiful Downtown North Utica, Illinois
8:30 REGISTRATION, VIEW PLANS & GRAPHICS IN FIRE STATION
9:00 INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Esmond or Clerk Brown Welcome everyone
Grace Bazylewski Welcome, explain process
9:15 PRESENTATION OF RECOVERY PLAN
John Paige & Craig Hullinger briefly discuss plan
Grace assign people to teams
9:30 WALKING TOUR
Led by Mayor, Trustees, Plan Commissioners, Paige, Hullinger, Lindeman, Fesco, Oliphant, Brown, Heitz
10:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 WORKING LUNCH - any fine restaurants in beautiful downtown Utica
12:30PM RECAP OF FINDINGS - Reconvene entire group, each presents - Grace
1:00 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WHAT NEXT - IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
Will be incorporated into next set of plans, which include Downtown Improvement Plan Facade Improvement Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Marketing Work, Codification, I & M Improvement, Park development, etc. COG Planners, Village Engineer, & Recovery Manager are there to ensure that findings are included in subsequent plans.
GENERAL RULES
TOPIC AREAS
1. Downtown Plan - for existing downtown, streetscape, facades
2. Downtown Plan for area destroyed by tornado
3. Plan for I & M Canal through town - landscape, water flow, bikepath, etc
4. Plan for expansion of downtown park to the northeast and to the south across the I & M
5. Park Concept Plan for 13 acres at north of IL River and east of Rt 178.
6. llini Native American Museum and Living Farm north of Il River and east of Rt 178
7. Tourism Marketing Plan, Historic preservation, presentation
8. Economic Development Strategy
9. Anything else for the good of the community - THE RECOVERY PLAN ACTUALLY HAS SOME 20 INTEREST AREAS TO CONSIDER
American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners Charrette Rules
The day will be divided into three major sections
1. A general introduction of the community, a recap of activities taken to date, a tour and a general visioning session undertaken by the whole group to confirm and/or select breakout session topics
2. A series of small group discussions listing on indicators to measure community assets listing approaches to facilitate change listing of priorities for action conceptualization of ideas through graphics
3. A summary session for the entire group
In order for the day to go smoothly and effectively the following are the rules of engagement for the exercise:
There are no observers. This is a participation exercise. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join in and everyone has something to contribute.
There are no right or wrong answers as we think about the future of the neighborhood and its residents.
Respect the opinions of others. Encourage others to participate.
Commit yourself to a team approach together we can find solutions and directions.
Think in terms of how to make things happen.
For the small group discussions select a topic of interest and/or expertise.
If you came with your spouse or relative or another member of your block club or the same organization
consider splitting up to different focus groups to spread your knowledge and input.
Most of all -----------have fun!!!
Three categories of participants
Local residents: these are the experts on local conditions, issues and history. They hold the knowledge of what the community has to offer, the barriers they face and the future they see for themselves. We ask the local residents to be up-front, candid and vocal about their experiences, expectations and needs in improving their community.
APA/AICP/LAS attendees: these attendees come to the charrette with expertise in a wide variety of planning practice, experience and application. They are the resources in planning methods that they have seen applied in other communities across the country. We ask the attendees to listen to the residents and draw upon their professional expertise in incremental problem-solving to seek attainable solutions to the issues being discussed.
Agency representatives: there are a number of agencies and organizations that serve the community. These are often the "tool keepers" that hold the information to programs and tools that can get things done in the neighborhood. We ask these tool keepers to participate by keeping a keen eye out for
opportunities to use their treasure chest of tools.
In the large group
Listen to the presentations.
Contribute to the general discussion.
Ask for clarification as needed. There are no dumb questions!!!
Be respectful of other's perspectives.
Try not to be repetitive but build on the discussion of others.
Once in the small groups
Introduce yourselves: include personal information - what brings you to the charrette, what you hope to achieve in participating and so on.
Residents include how long you have lived in the area, what you like or dislike about their community.
Planners identify where you come from, what do you do in your profession.
Select record keeper and spokesperson:
The record keeper's job is to accurately capture and record the major points of discussion. The record keeper needs to be a good listener and be able to quickly record what the group discusses.
The spokesperson's responsibility will be to report back to the entire group of attendees when we reconvene on the findings of the individual focus group. Local residents are encouraged to take on these roles.
Small group activities - Take some time clearly state the issue for discussion what would be the ultimate solution or outcome envisioned?
If you do not understand anything presented do ask for clarification.
Challenge your fellow participants to think outside the box.
Do not dominate the discussion. Listen listen listen!!!!
Think in terms of doable steps in recommending approaches and setting priorities.
The reporter and the spokesperson in each small group should be ready to report. If they need some help in clearly presenting the findings of your group do help them along.
at 8:30 am at the Utica, Illinois Fire Station in Beautiful Downtown North Utica, Illinois
8:30 REGISTRATION, VIEW PLANS & GRAPHICS IN FIRE STATION
9:00 INTRODUCTIONS
Mayor Esmond or Clerk Brown Welcome everyone
Grace Bazylewski Welcome, explain process
9:15 PRESENTATION OF RECOVERY PLAN
John Paige & Craig Hullinger briefly discuss plan
Grace assign people to teams
9:30 WALKING TOUR
Led by Mayor, Trustees, Plan Commissioners, Paige, Hullinger, Lindeman, Fesco, Oliphant, Brown, Heitz
10:00 BREAKOUT SESSIONS
11:30 WORKING LUNCH - any fine restaurants in beautiful downtown Utica
12:30PM RECAP OF FINDINGS - Reconvene entire group, each presents - Grace
1:00 GENERAL DISCUSSION OF WHAT NEXT - IDEAS AND CONCEPTS
Will be incorporated into next set of plans, which include Downtown Improvement Plan Facade Improvement Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Marketing Work, Codification, I & M Improvement, Park development, etc. COG Planners, Village Engineer, & Recovery Manager are there to ensure that findings are included in subsequent plans.
GENERAL RULES
TOPIC AREAS
1. Downtown Plan - for existing downtown, streetscape, facades
2. Downtown Plan for area destroyed by tornado
3. Plan for I & M Canal through town - landscape, water flow, bikepath, etc
4. Plan for expansion of downtown park to the northeast and to the south across the I & M
5. Park Concept Plan for 13 acres at north of IL River and east of Rt 178.
6. llini Native American Museum and Living Farm north of Il River and east of Rt 178
7. Tourism Marketing Plan, Historic preservation, presentation
8. Economic Development Strategy
9. Anything else for the good of the community - THE RECOVERY PLAN ACTUALLY HAS SOME 20 INTEREST AREAS TO CONSIDER
American Planning Association/American Institute of Certified Planners Charrette Rules
The day will be divided into three major sections
1. A general introduction of the community, a recap of activities taken to date, a tour and a general visioning session undertaken by the whole group to confirm and/or select breakout session topics
2. A series of small group discussions listing on indicators to measure community assets listing approaches to facilitate change listing of priorities for action conceptualization of ideas through graphics
3. A summary session for the entire group
In order for the day to go smoothly and effectively the following are the rules of engagement for the exercise:
There are no observers. This is a participation exercise. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join in and everyone has something to contribute.
There are no right or wrong answers as we think about the future of the neighborhood and its residents.
Respect the opinions of others. Encourage others to participate.
Commit yourself to a team approach together we can find solutions and directions.
Think in terms of how to make things happen.
For the small group discussions select a topic of interest and/or expertise.
If you came with your spouse or relative or another member of your block club or the same organization
consider splitting up to different focus groups to spread your knowledge and input.
Most of all -----------have fun!!!
Three categories of participants
Local residents: these are the experts on local conditions, issues and history. They hold the knowledge of what the community has to offer, the barriers they face and the future they see for themselves. We ask the local residents to be up-front, candid and vocal about their experiences, expectations and needs in improving their community.
APA/AICP/LAS attendees: these attendees come to the charrette with expertise in a wide variety of planning practice, experience and application. They are the resources in planning methods that they have seen applied in other communities across the country. We ask the attendees to listen to the residents and draw upon their professional expertise in incremental problem-solving to seek attainable solutions to the issues being discussed.
Agency representatives: there are a number of agencies and organizations that serve the community. These are often the "tool keepers" that hold the information to programs and tools that can get things done in the neighborhood. We ask these tool keepers to participate by keeping a keen eye out for
opportunities to use their treasure chest of tools.
In the large group
Listen to the presentations.
Contribute to the general discussion.
Ask for clarification as needed. There are no dumb questions!!!
Be respectful of other's perspectives.
Try not to be repetitive but build on the discussion of others.
Once in the small groups
Introduce yourselves: include personal information - what brings you to the charrette, what you hope to achieve in participating and so on.
Residents include how long you have lived in the area, what you like or dislike about their community.
Planners identify where you come from, what do you do in your profession.
Select record keeper and spokesperson:
The record keeper's job is to accurately capture and record the major points of discussion. The record keeper needs to be a good listener and be able to quickly record what the group discusses.
The spokesperson's responsibility will be to report back to the entire group of attendees when we reconvene on the findings of the individual focus group. Local residents are encouraged to take on these roles.
Small group activities - Take some time clearly state the issue for discussion what would be the ultimate solution or outcome envisioned?
If you do not understand anything presented do ask for clarification.
Challenge your fellow participants to think outside the box.
Do not dominate the discussion. Listen listen listen!!!!
Think in terms of doable steps in recommending approaches and setting priorities.
The reporter and the spokesperson in each small group should be ready to report. If they need some help in clearly presenting the findings of your group do help them along.
This is coolbert: Saw an interesting idea for tract housing the other day. They are called English row homes. Narrow single family homes, unattached, two story, on narrow small lots with only a few feet between adjacent homes. Two car garage unattached in back with alleyway. Each row home has a porch in front. Some fronts have porch on second level as well. Close to the street. Almost no yard work period. Designed with that in mind. Don't know what the layout is inside or what amenities are available or included. Basement? Not sure. Get more homes on the same area of land and provide single home housing at probably a cheaper cost. Smaller lots, less taxes, etc. Not a bad idea. Look cookie cutter like but not in a bad way. Each front has slight alterations so no two adjacent are alike. Affordable good housing at a price most people can bear. I need to find out more, such as interiors. Being built in Oswego? Get more and will post more later.
coolbert.
coolbert.
Grace Bazylewski
is putting together an APA PRO BONO CHARRETTE for UTICA, IL
the town near Starved Rock, Illinois that was damaged by the
recent tornado. Shoud
THE TASK WOULD BE TO REDESIGN THE AREA OF
THE DOWNTOWN THAT HAS BEEN DESTROYED IN THE RECENT
STORMS. IT WOULD BE ON A SATURDAY IN LATE JUNE OR
JULY.
LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
DETAILS ARE STILL BEING WORKED OUT.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BE
INTERESTED.
GRACE BAZYLEWSKI
VILLAGE OF LANSING
708 895 7174
is putting together an APA PRO BONO CHARRETTE for UTICA, IL
the town near Starved Rock, Illinois that was damaged by the
recent tornado. Shoud
THE TASK WOULD BE TO REDESIGN THE AREA OF
THE DOWNTOWN THAT HAS BEEN DESTROYED IN THE RECENT
STORMS. IT WOULD BE ON A SATURDAY IN LATE JUNE OR
JULY.
LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.
DETAILS ARE STILL BEING WORKED OUT.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BE
INTERESTED.
GRACE BAZYLEWSKI
VILLAGE OF LANSING
708 895 7174
This is coolbert: Convention centers. Everyone wants a convention center now. It used to be that Chicago, because of it's centralized location, was the place to go in the country for conventions. That is no longer the case. Cost of setting up and operating a convention, airplane travel, etc., have meant that other urban centers compete successfully with Chicago for convention business. And besides cost and location, Chicago cannot compete with places such as Las Vegas and Orlando from the entertainment standpoint and the climate as well. No easy fix to these problems, if there is one at all.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Land fills. These enormous "Mount Trashmore" land fills have to be built with extreme care. If they are not sculpted properly, and the top is allowed to deteriorate as the innards of the land fill decay, you can end up with a cavity existing on the top of the land fill. This cavity will fill with water which will depress the cavity even more, and result in a snowball effect that will create a situation where the entire land fill may collapse. An avalanche will occur, crushing nearby persons and buildings with garbage. The smell afterwards will be overpowering for miles around. Landfills have only a short life where garbage is placed in them, but must be maintained for decades afterwards.
coolbert.
coolbert.
This is coolbert: Minor League baseball teams seem to be on the increase in a real big way. Kane County Cougars are a typical example. Professional baseball at a cheap price in an old time way. Price of major league ball seems to preclude a lot of customers. And the level of play for minor league ball is actually at a pretty high level of proficiency. Even a major league venue such as the Chicago area has a number of minor league teams now. A very good idea. Maybe football needs such a system too. Hockey team the Wolves are very successful.
coolbert.
coolbert.
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