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designlansing@lansingmi.gov
What else is going on around Lansing...
Tri-County Regional Planning Office completed the Regional Growth Project in 2005, two implementation activities based on it can be found here:
http://www.mitcrpc.org/pdfs/Growth%20Project%20Summary.pdf
http://www.greaterlansingurbanservice.org/
Michigan Trais & Greenway Alliance "Heart of Michigan Trails Project"
http://www.michigantrails.org/projects/heart-of-michigan-trails/
Greater Lansing Next
is a regional plan for strategic growth that lays out the priorities for action necessary for a better economic future and improved quality of life in our region.
http://greaterlansingnext.com
A collaborative Culture Economic Development Plan for Greater Lansing’s Urban Center.
http://www.lansingmi.gov/Lansing/pnd/planning/CulturalEconomicDevelopmentPlan.pdf
Lansing Parks & Rec Master Plan
http://www.cityoflansingmi.com/parks/index.jsp
CATA Transportation Study
www.MiGRTrans.org
Design Lansing Phase IV
During the summer months the consulting team at JJR will be compiling all of the notes from the public meetings held over the past 18 months, as well as other supporting data to create the Draft Plan. The Draft Plan will be presented to the Public in the fall. The process calls for the Master Plan to be presented to the Planning Board, be reviewed at public meetings and then, after board approval, sent to the City Council for their approval. During this process, there will be opportunities for the public to look at the Draft Plan and comment on it. As we make the arrangements for these meetings, the schedule will be published here in our newsletter as well as posted on our website. This is a long process, and we are thankful for all of you who will stick with us over the months ahead.
Concepts For Change
Through our public engagement sessions during the Design Lansing Master Planning process, we have heard from many people who not only have ideas of what they do and do not like about the physical conditions in Lansing, but also about the “culture” of Lansing. Most people agree that there is much to like about the residents here, but wish our community was more open to change.
A willingness to embrace change involves taking risks, but there are ways to mitigate those risks; the best is to get involved in the process! A large part of the Design Lansing Master Planning has been in engaging the public. We hope through these efforts that the community will feel comfortable with the concepts for change that have been proposed in our plan, and support us as the process moves forward.
Another way to ease the fear of change is to stay informed. We have posted all of the presentations and notes on our website to help keep this process open and available to the public: www.designlansing.net. It will be important as we enter the final phase of this process that anyone who has questions about what is in our plan be able to easily access the materials. We also plan to have printed copies of the Draft Plan here at the office for anyone to stop in and review.
And finally, we encourage all of our partners out in the community to engage their friends, neighbors, and co-workers in positive conversations about the potential we have here in the City. A positive attitude can be contagious, spread some around!
“We don't accomplish anything in this world alone ... and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.”
~ Sandra Day O'Connor
Planning Vocabulary:
CORES AND CONNECTORS:
A strategy for strengthening Traditional Business Areas by concentrating retail uses in mixed-use cores to create shopping destinations linked by connectors of higher density housing and residentially scaled office that increase the population density within walking distance of the core(s).
What We Learned From You…
The big ideas that describe the vision that guided the planning effort and shaped the objectives, strategies, and policy recommendations.
Livability:
- Enhance and beautify the physical appearance of the community.
- Provide amenities that support healthy lifestyle that are accessible to all.
- Encourage urban gardens and other ecological activities in the city.
- Nurture strong education systems.
- Support vibrant cultural amenities.
Community Building:
- Implement strategies to strengthen and preserve our neighborhoods.
- Develop a culture of progress, respect, and openness to change, with an eye towards a better Lansing!
- In partnership with other agencies, participate or lead in efforts to develop better life skills for all citizens.
Stewardship:
- Promote Lansing’s achievements and successes.
- Market our assets vigorously.
- Build citizen capacity for community leadership.
- Encourage a sense of ownership and pride in Lansing citizens and property owners.
- Encourage reinvestment in Lansing’s assets, both private and public.
"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or other time. We are the ones we are waiting for."
~ Barack Obama
Public Participation Makes For Good Planning
Thank you to all of you who came out to one of our Design Lansing events, your participation has been so valuable to this process! Special Thanks to everyone who braved the weather to get to our January and February Meetings - we know it isn’t always easy to come out on a cold winter night when there are so many demands on people’s time. Next step in the process is the consultants and staff will be bringing all of the elements together and putting together the Draft Plan. This Draft Plan will be presented to the public for comment in late spring. We are planning to make viewing the Draft as easy as possible in hopes of bringing as many citizens into the process as possible. Stay tuned!
"If you plan cities for cars and traffic, you get cars and traffic.
If you plan for people and places, you get people and places."
~ Fred Kent
How Do I Love Thee, Let Me Count The Ways!
The things that people like about Lansing:
- Parks: All parks! Rivertrail, Zoo, and Hawk Island were the most frequently mentioned.
- Convenience: Short commutes, and lots to do nearby!
- Historic Architecture: We love the Capitol, old churches, old houses, and those beautiful little BWL pumping stations around town!
- Our Neighborhoods: We love the sense of community our neighborhoods provide.
A Tale of Two Cities?
As we have had conversations about Lansing around town, one thing that has become obvious is Lansing is like two cities in one! Many people we talk to love their neighborhood. Those who live in one part of town, typically appreciate the "small town" feel or the wide lots and curving streets and suburban character in their area. Those from an older neighborhood like the urban characteristics of houses on small lots and the walkable convenience. What our planning will address is not how to make the two more alike, but how to make each better, while creating a cohesive community.
The current conditions tell us that past practices are not sustainable and we need to be more thoughtful in how we move toward becoming an appealing viable 21st century city. The success of Lansing will ride on the ability of our citizens and leaders to guide us through the coming changes, with creativity and flexibility.
What’s in a Name?
“The term green infrastructure was selected to emphasize its difference from traditional conservation practices and the need to change several popular perceptions about green space planning and protection. Where-as green space is often viewed as something that is nice to have, the term green infrastructure implies something that we must have. Protecting and restoring our nation’s natural life support system is a necessity, not an amenity.
- Where-as green space is often thought of as isolated parks, recreation sites or natural areas, the term green infrastructure emphasizes interconnected systems of natural areas and other open spaces that are protected and managed for the ecological benefits they provide to people and the environment.
- Where-as green space is often viewed as self-sustaining, the term green infrastructure implies something that must be actively maintained and at times restored.”
From:
Green Infrastructure:
Smart Conservation for the 21st Century
Mark A. Benedict, Ph.D.
Edward T. McMahon, J.D.
www.sprawlwatch.org
“Successful City Planning: Public action that generates a desirable,
widespread and sustained private market reaction.”
~ Alexander Garvin
Design Lansing Survey Results:
When we look at the things people like most about Lansing, one frequent theme is "Lansing is a small town with a big city feel". Although Lansing is a city of a little over 100,000 residents, small as cities go, it has colleges, state government, several major corporations and institutions that insure we have amenities (theater, sports, arts, bookstores, music, restaurants) and services (health care, travel options, shopping choices) beyond what is usually available in a city this size.
This is not just perception. Marketing data indicates the mid-Michigan area in general has a fairly high level of demand for, and support of, such amenities and services. Just sometimes it's not as high as we hope it might be. Effective planning identifies and builds on such strengths.
Place Making
Creating a sense of place means taking advantage of an area’s unique features and attributes and highlighting local histories and traditions. Cultural amenities, memorable natural areas, dynamic urban centers, and vibrant neighborhoods all contribute towards strengthening a city’s identity and sense of place. Enhancing these features can help a city to further stand out among its peers and continue to attract the businesses and diverse populations that are vital for long-term prosperity.
- Creating a visually rich atmosphere
- Building economic opportunities
- Fostering a healthy environment
- Serving a diverse range of people and lifestyles
Planning Vocabulary:
Sustainable:
Goods and practices that meet today’s needs without compromising the needs of future generations. Sustainable activities consider economic, societal, and environmental implications.
