Pattern Books for Communities

Now in our 17th year, the Planning Commissioners Journal provides concise information designed to make planning commissioners more comfortable - and effective - in their role. Available now, the PCJ's current issue, "Pattern Books for Communities", covers a wide range of topics giving citizen planners the background and perspective they need on planning issues they face.

Included in the Fall 2008 issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal:

"Pattern Books: A Planning Tool", by Amy Souza
--- Pattern books filled with historical and architectural data and guidelines can help cities and towns protect and enhance their identity. The push to create them often comes after a community creates a special redevelopment district, or witnesses buildings that seem out of place. A look at the growing use of pattern books.

"Where Do We Want to Go?", by Jim Segedy, FAICP, and Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICP
--- Communities benefit when their plans establish clear-cut goals and target areas for future growth. City and town plans are also increasingly stressing the value of local entrepreneurship in maintaining community character and strengthening the economy.

"GIS and Planning", by Thomas L. Millette, Ph.D.
--- An overview of the world of geographic information systems, with examples of some useful planning-related applications. Plus sidebars on how citizen planners in one New York county are making use of GIS, and a look at the future of GIS.

"The Endemic Problem of Information Overload", by Elaine Cogan
--- As a planning commissioner, do you sometimes suffer from information overload? Some suggestions for relief.

"Ten Things to Avoid", by Ric Stephens
--- Planning consultant (and commissioner) Ric Stephens on ten practices and behaviors for planning commissioners to steer clear of.
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In Future issues: Innovative Approaches to Stormwater Management | How Phone Trees Can Increase Public Participation | An Introduction to Transit-Oriented Development | Strategies for Avoiding Contentious Public Hearings | Good vs. Bad Density | Using Zoning Incentives | Planning Strategies to Promote Energy Conservation | and much more
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For details on our Fall issue and subscription information: www.plannersweb.com .

Our PlannersWeb site features a wide spectrum of informative -- and sometimes offbeat -- news and notes, as well as an outstanding archive of conversations, projects, and ideas. Take a look a where we've been and where we are going.

For additional information, please contact:
Wayne Senville
Editor, Planning Commissioners Journal
P.O. Box 4295
Burlington, VT 05406
www.plannersweb.com