Editor’s Notes & Interviews

PlannersWeb & PCJ Editor Wayne Senville

illustration by Paul Hoffman for the Planning Comm'rs Journal

Notes, updates, and interviews by Planning Commissioners Journal & PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville

Editor's Notes & Interviews

The Return of Downtown?

Did you see a recent article in Forbes Magazine, “Downtowns: What’s Behind America’s Most Surprising Real Estate Boom”? See related articles we’ve published and join us on LinkedIN to discuss: Are there barriers in your community to having more downtown housing? Are there programs to encourage it?

Editor's Notes & Interviews

Bridging the Digital Divide … in Our Libraries

by PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville

Planners are increasingly relying on the web and online tools to gather public input. But there are concerns about the “digital divide” and whether all segments of the community can participate. A look at how public libraries are helping reduce the digital divide.

Worth a Look: Discussion on LinkedIn of Della Rucker’s Last PlannersWeb Column

Note from PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville:

I want to encourage you to check out our PlannersWeb group page on Linkedin. Right now, there’s a lively discussion of Della Rucker’s most recent PlannersWeb column. You’ll find some quite interesting insights — and Della also responds to several of the comments.

Editor's Notes & Interviews

“Reshaping Suburbia” Conference this June

We’ll be reporting from the International Making Cities Livable (IMCL) Conference in Portland from June 23rd to 27th. The focus of the Conference is on reshaping suburbs, a topic we’ve covered in the past — and will continue to report on. We hope to meet some of you in Portland this coming June! (click on heading above for details)

Editor's Notes & Interviews

“It’s Like Planning in a Big Doll House”

PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville, reporting from Bath, Maine.

Bath, Maine, is just nine square miles in size, with a population a little under 9,000. But it has a thriving downtown and riverfront. A look at some of the ingredients that have made downtown Bath so strong.

Editor's Notes & Interviews

Keeping the Economy Afloat

PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville, reporting from Bath, Maine

The small city of Bath, Maine, calls itself the “City of Ships.” We’ll see why in this report about Bath and its giant employer, the Bath Iron Works.

Editor's Notes & Interviews

Free Online Course on Technology for Cities

Details on a free online course offered in May 2013: Technicity. The course will explore how the increasing availability of networks, sensors and mobile technologies allows for new approaches to address the challenges that our cities face.

Editor's Notes & Interviews

Swinging through Topsham

PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville, reporting from Topsham, Maine (Oct. 5, 2012)

Ten of us piled into a mini-van for a tour of Topsham, Maine (population about 9,100) — Brunswick’s suburb to the north. Stops included the historic Bowdoin Mill; a remarkable active-adult housing development; and the famous John A. Roebling-designed Swinging Bridge across the Androscoggin River.

Editor's Notes & Interviews

Taking a Hit … and Bouncing Back

PlannersWeb Editor Wayne Senville, reporting from Brunswick, Maine (Oct. 4, 2012)

In 2005, the Brunswick (Maine) Naval Air Station was designated for closure — one of more than 350 military installations ordered closed between 1989 and 2005. A look at progress on redevelopment plans for this sprawling, 3300 acre facility.

Editor's Notes & Interviews

Building a New Downtown – Part II

In part II of this posting, we take a closer look at how the Town of Mansfield, Connecticut worked with UConn and and a private developer to move forward on its new downtown, Storrs Center. Including some tips from some of the project participants.

Editor's Notes & Interviews

Building a New Downtown – Part I

As someone who lives in a university town, I can tell you it’s not every day that the university’s and town’s perspectives on a key issue are closely aligned. But that’s the case in Storrs, Connecticut, where the University of Connecticut (UConn) and the Town of Mansfield both agree that what they really want an need is a new downtown center. A look at the development of Storrs Center.

Editor's Notes & Interviews

We Don’t Let Planning Get in the Way: Pt. II

How did Blue Back Square get developed? West Hartford Community Services Director Rob Rowlson takes us on a tour of the development, and explains why the Town’s developer-friendly approach led to positive results.

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