Centennial Park Cemetery’s Post

After a rewarding journey, I finished with Hobsons Bay City Council this week. It's been a privilege to work in such a supportive organisation and to serve the Hobsons Bay community. I stepped into the role without any significant leadership experience, just as Council adopted their first Urban Forest Strategy. I knew that leading both the operational and strategic functions would be challenging but I never anticipated it would be so rewarding. I'm thrilled to share some of the team’s achievements and milestones over the past 3-years 🎉🎯✅ Improvement of Policy and Procedures 📑 Development of a new Tree Policy, 2021, which has proven to be instrumental in providing a transparent framework for responding to all tree related enquiries in a consistent and fair manner.  (https://lnkd.in/gU4eSG-F) Creation of a Canopy Delivery Plan, 2022, setting clear direction for the implementation of the actions associated with the Strategy (https://lnkd.in/g424_ETx) Development of Council’s first proactive Open Space Tree Inspection Framework, including the programmed inspections of over 45,000 open space tree assets. Implementation of Tree Amenity Fees. Not only providing a revenue stream, but acting as a significant deterrent to the removal of healthy established trees. Surprisingly, there is often another design that incorporates the tree when the applicant understands the amenity fee! 💰🍃 (https://lnkd.in/gqtTx8hM). Planting of over 25,000 advanced trees 🌲🌳 Planting of 45,000 tube stock trees through the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West program. (https://lnkd.in/g9shyZPs) None of this would have been possible without the backing and encouragement from our Councillors and Executive and from the support from our colleagues throughout the organisation. I'm grateful for the relationships we've created 🤝 Lastly, my fav aspect has been witnessing the team's exponential growth. Five previously unqualified team members became fully qualified arborists, a further two are currently working towards the qualification. One team member progressed to achieve their Graduate Certificate and one is working towards their Diploma. It's been awesome to see their hard work paying off and the impact it has made to our service delivery 📈 #NewBeginningsInNewSocks #Gratitude #Teamwork #NextChapter

In the greater Cleveland area, where I live, there have been so so many changes in ownership and management of senior living communities in the past five years. But this newest announcement represents the largest change of which I am aware. When prospective residents and their families are touring communities, I’ve noticed that they are asking more questions about consistency of ownership, management company, and even the leadership team at the community. When they’re significant changes at the top, those changes can filter down to the day-to-day activities within the community and to almost every single employee. This change is not generally just “behind the scenes”. It has an impact. Let’s see what the impact of this major change to the largest providers will be.

I am a proud Buffalonian. I love the city, its history and its people. However, I also feel quite strongly that the city is at risk of being left behind. The truth is uncomfortable, but that does not make it any less true. For a city like Buffalo, the status quo can be deadly. Today I dive into a topic that has been nagging me for some time. My hope is that this article can help foster conversations that inspire change. Buffalo and WNY desperately need new leaders with bold visions and master planning capabilities. New ways of thinking are needed to reinvigorate a city that is being left in the dust by cities that had until recently fared similarly. I am tired of traveling and asking "why can't Buffalo have this?" I know Buffalo is capable of more, and I will do whatever I can to push for a brighter, prosperous future. I welcome you to like, share and comment with your thoughts. #buffalo #buffalony #economicdevelopment #realestatedevelopment #buffalodevelopment #cleveland #detroit #cincinnati #overtherhine #otr #columbus #publicpolicy #masterplanning #development #newyork #newyorkstate #wny #buffalobills

Sharing for our friends in the Town of Johnstown Town of Johnstown seeks input from residents as they apply for NYS funding to update the Comprehensive Plan   Since early 2024, the Town of Johnstown established a committee to look at the Comprehensive Plan and make recommendations for an update. Known as the EnVision Town of Johnstown Initiative, the group consists of Supervisor Christina VanValkenburgh, Deputy Supervisor Paul Catucci, Planning Board Chair Jes Bearden, Planning Board Vice Chair Lance Gundersen, Code Enforcement Officer Jeff Persch, and the Fulton County Planning Department. The committee hopes to apply for a Smart Growth Comprehensive Planning Grant through New York State Consolidated Funding Application. If awarded, the State will cover 90% of the update, with and 10% coming from the Town to hire a consultant. A Comprehensive Plan is a long-range planning document that determines a community’s vision, goals, objectives, policies, strategies, and aspirations for future growth, development, preservation, and recreation discussing but not limited to transportation, utilities, land use, recreation, and housing. Smart Growth is an approach of development and conservation strategies that can help protect our health and natural environment and make our communities more attractive, economically stronger, socially diverse, and resilient which may include principles such as walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly streetscapes; compact, mixed-use community design; municipal centers; a diversity of housing options for all incomes, ages and abilities; safe, accessible public spaces; ample parks and outdoor recreational opportunities; green buildings; and infrastructure. “The current Comprehensive Plan is roughly 20 years old and does not address certain changes in the geographic landscape, such as the increased presence of renewable energy, desire for more recreational activities, growth in agribusinesses, and changes in types housing for older adults and first-time homebuyers,” says Christina VanValkenburgh, Supervisor. “Updating our Town’s Comprehensive Plan will engage, and educate the residents and Town Officials while giving the ability to envision how we would like the Town to look over the next five to ten years.” Between now and June 14, 2024, the Town has set up a questionnaire for residents to submit feedback. This feedback will be beneficial when applying for the grant, and if awarded, will be used to update the plan. Both the Survey and the Comprehensive Plan are available by going to the Town of Johnstown website, www.townofjohnstown.org, or by visiting Town Hall. The survey is also available by going to https://lnkd.in/epEr-6wc. For any questions, please contact the Town of Johnstown at 518-762-7070 x3.

A worthwhile read about our 1901 Project in Sports Business Journal, highlighting the ambitious vision for green space and how the entire project team came together to bring it to life. "RIOS, the 1901 Project’s master planning architect, suggested the park question solution: Elevation. Ten of the development’s 25 acres of green space will be draped atop ground-level buildings housing retail, restaurants and entertainment. In two spots, the parks descend off the ground, rising at a gentle slope that is scalable by people of all abilities, eventually reaching 20 feet high. And thus, said Annie Cazares, United Center vice president of development and strategy, 'In the same square footage, you can get a dollar today and a dollar tomorrow.'"

The term "placemaking" has become ubiquitous in conversations around public spaces, echoing through community meetings, policy discussions, and architectural studios. It has morphed into a buzzword, laden with both promise and skepticism. The definition remains as fluid as the spaces it seeks to transform, begging the question, what does placemaking really mean? Placemaking embodies a multitude of interpretations, from grassroots community engagement to top-down urban renewal initiatives. Many define and embrace it as a means to foster vibrant, inclusive communities, others offer critiques, questioning its ability to truly empower marginalized voices or challenging its susceptibility to co-optation by commercial interests. During Placemaking Week and beyond, we'll embark on a journey to explore what placemaking and placekeeping truly mean for the Neighborhood Design Center. Yet while our internal definition is evolving, we embrace shared placemaking practices. Our community engagement around placemaking remains deeply rooted in place-based interventions that respond to the distinctive needs and aspirations of local neighborhoods. Check out our latest article where our team explores the current state of placemaking. Read the article and comment below how you define placemaking: https://bit.ly/4bFDghh

Arizona's urban areas are seeing a revitalization in real estate with an increase in mixed-use developments. These projects are attracting diverse populations and stimulating local economies. Learn more about these transformative e changes. -The District at Sportsman's Park A 62-acre project in Glendale that includes a Mattel Adventure Park, BetMGM Sportsbook, office, hospitality, shopping, restaurant, and retail space - Laveen Towne Center A 90-acre development in Phoenix that connects high-density residential with retail through paths - Park Union A development in Phoenix's Deer Valley area with shared paths that allow residents to walk into retail without going to a street - Scottsdale Quarter A 28-acre development in Scottsdale that includes retail, restaurants, a cinema, entertainment, office, residential, and a hotel - Block 23 A high-rise development in downtown Phoenix that includes retail, office, residential, and a grocery store - Plaza del Rio Arizona's largest non-hospital medical campus that includes medical office, commercial office, retail, single-family residential, and senior living - Park Central A reimagined mall site in central Phoenix with large floor plates, high ceilings, and ground-level indoor/outdoor work experiences https://smpl.is/9vafb #SupportOurMilitary #militaryassistancemission

While difficult to definitively define, placemaking is part of everything we do as elected officials.

Exciting news for Johns Creek! https://lnkd.in/gm2WA7Yn Toro Development Co. is set to break ground on Medley, a 43-acre mixed-use project at the former State Farm campus, aiming to create a vibrant town center for the community. With completion expected by late 2026, Medley will feature retail, entertainment, office spaces, and diverse residential options, enhancing the city's walkable, integrated living experience.

LPA’s Sport + Recreation practice is headed to New Orleans for the Athletic Business Conference, Nov. 19 – 22, where we’re partnering with some of our favorite clients and collaborators for four presentations. Catch us at our sessions, or at Booth 426. 𝗪𝗲𝗱, 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝟮𝟬, 𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗮.𝗺. – 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Community spaces thrive when they bridge generational divides. In this session, LPA's John Courtney and Matthew Porreca join Richard Joaquin and Brian MacDonald from the City of Tracy to show how multi-generational recreation centers can promote community and serve diverse needs. 𝗪𝗲𝗱, 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝟮𝟬, 𝟰:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺. – 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 Inclusive design is the future of community spaces. Join LPA’s Winston Bao and Nicholas Casolari, AIA, DBIA, along with Kate Smith from the City of West Sacramento, to learn how projects can blend accessibility, culture, and budget, demonstrating that inclusivity and functionality can go hand-in-hand. 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝟮𝟭, 𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺. – 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Community aquatic facilities don’t have to be money pits. LPA's John Courtney and Justin Caron of Aquatic Design Group will showcase paths to profitability in a session teaching financial strategies that drive revenue, cut costs, and enhance sustainability for long-term success. 𝗙𝗿𝗶, 𝗡𝗼𝘃 𝟮𝟮, 𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬 𝗮.𝗺. – 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Public sports and recreation projects start with community input. Closing out the conference, LPA’s Eric Baumgartner and John Courtney team and Kevin Lyons of FlashVote share methods for gathering critical data and community feedback, ensuring that projects reflect public needs and priorities from start to finish. #athleticbusiness #thoughtleadership #design #architecture #ESG #aquatics #community #sports #recreation #parks #multigenerational #wellness