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CORNING, NY – Larson Design Group (LDG) is proud that its team members are frequently recognized as subject matter experts in their respective fields and are invited to share their knowledge with others. Kristin VanHorn, a Project Manager on LDG’s Planning and GIS team, recently served in just such a role at the Annual Conference held by the Upstate NY Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA).
SCOPED Executive Director, Judy Cherry and Kristin VanHorn, Project Manager at LDG
Kristin shared her expertise as part of “A Tale of Two Downtown Revitalization Initiatives (DRIs)” – an insightful panel discussion of how a community-led DRI process results in a robust, inclusive plan that reflects the singular assets of a community and how the people who live there benefit from what it proposes. The DRI push is a program of the State of New York, offering up to $10 million in matching grant funding for capital improvement projects that revitalize downtown areas, such as new developments, building rehabilitation, or public space enhancements.
Kristin explained the importance of involving the community in a DRI process through the lens of two case studies, both based in Upstate New York: Watkins Glen (DRI Round 2) and Utica (DRI Round 4). She shared that by professional planners and local stakeholders working closely together on this program, a diverse range of residents, perspectives, and unique community assets came to be represented in each DRI’s projects and areas of focus.
“This approach to downtown revitalization is critical to identifying the most impactful projects for any given community, and it serves as a vital link in the chain of building a trusting relationship with the community and creating equitable, long-lasting public engagement,” Kristin said.
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Kristin and the rest of the panel also noted the importance of “sustainable revitalization” for a community, citing an example from Watkins Glen in which the town implemented a waterfront redevelopment project that was tied to downtown revitalization and the growth of a year-round economy. The discussion also discussed in depth how communities can leverage funds, in particular from the NY Department of State, and other sources to make the most of public/private investment.
SCOPED Executive Director, Judy Cherry and Kristin VanHorn, Project Manager at LDG
ABOUT LDG
Founded in 1986, LDG is an award-winning, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm offering full-service capabilities and a national reach. For more than 30 years, we have been providing an extraordinary breadth and depth of value-driven solutions to our diverse client base and investing in the sustainable business practices and innovative technologies that allow us to pursue our shared vision: creatively shaping our world. For more information, visit About – Larson Design Group.