Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

Collaborative Decision-Making Processes In Planning: Opportunities And Challenges In The City Of Rafaela, Argentina, Maria Belen Alfaro

Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014

There is a large body of literature in the planning field on the topic of collaborative processes of decision-making, particularly in the United States and Europe. However, there appears to be less debate on the subject of complementing these ideas with contributions from urban governance. This research aims to contribute to that complementary work. In order to accomplish that, this thesis presents first a theoretical analysis of collaborative rationality and urban governance contributions. This analysis focuses on the articulation of those aspects that can offer a more holistic framework for addressing urban issues in a more inclusive way. Second, it …

Environmental Justice And Roma Communities In Central And Eastern Europe, Krista Harper, Tamara Steger, Richard Filcak

Anthropology Department Faculty Publication Series

Environmental injustice and the social exclusion of Roma communities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has roots in historical patterns of ethnic exclusion and widening socioeconomic inequalities following the collapse of state socialism and the transition to multi-party parliamentary governments in 1989. In this article, we discuss some of the methodological considerations in environmental justice research, engage theoretical perspectives on environmental inequalities and social exclusion, discuss the dynamics of discrimination and environmental protection regarding the Roma in CEE, and summarize two case studies on environmental justice in Slovakia and Hungary. We argue that when some landscapes and social groups are …

Across The Bridge: Using Photovoice To Study Environment And Health In A Romani Community., Krista Harper, The Sajó River Association For Environment And Community Development, Hungary

Anthropology Department Faculty Publication Series

This photo essay is the product of a partnership between Prof. Krista Harper, the Sajó River Association for Environment and Community Development, and community organizer Judit Bari. The project took place in a small city in northeastern Hungary hit hard by factory closings since the collapse of state socialism in 1989. The Roma community, about 20% of the town’s population, has been especially vulnerable. A team of six young people participated as photographers and discussion participants, working closely with Harper and Bari. Other community members joined discussions of the images. The team held a photo exhibition in the neighborhood where …

Parking Regulation Strategies And Policies To Support Transit-Oriented Development, Ryan W. Lundergan

Masters Theses 1911 - February 2014

This thesis identifies and explores the effects that new parking strategies and policies could have on transit-oriented development (TOD) success levels. Additionally, it makes the case for TOD parking regulation reform, and is designed to educate planners and stakeholders on how to successfully and responsibly shape parking regulation in the planning and implementation process, so that land use in the region allows the synergistic provision of sustainable transportation specifically to the Boston region.

Transit-Oriented Development is viewed and defined differently throughout research and literature, with its most common traits being compact, mixed use development near transit facilities and high-quality walking …

Wild Capitalism: Environmental Activism And Postsocialist Political Ecology In Hungary, Krista Harper

Anthropology Department Faculty Publication Series

"Wild Capitalism" examines environmental issues in the "New Europe" of the twenty-first century. Specifically, it looks at how the meanings of "civil society" and "environment" have changed as environmentalists encounter the political and ecological realities of life after state socialism. Although environmentalism is a global social movement, environmental politics is a grassroots process in which activists creatively translate environmental issues into cultural idioms and political processes.

Gill, Massachusetts: The Mariamante Parcel, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

In December of 2004, the small Massachusetts town of Gill took a tremendous step to influence its own future. A fifteen acre parcel of land in the south of town, near the intersection of two important town roads, had been put up for sale by its previous owners. The land had been under an agricultural preservation restriction, a program enabled by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 61 A. As part of this restriction, if the land were ever sold, the town would have right of first refusal.

The town's recent Community Development Plan has identified the parcel as a prime site …

Economic Development Plan Town Of Warren, Massachusetts, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This section of the Comprehensive Plan identifies economic development strategies within the framework of various development opportunities available to Warren given its current economic and geographical standing within the region. These economic development strategies strive to meet the needs and desires of the residents of Warren, Massachusetts based on their input and an analysis of local and regional economic trends and conditions. These potential economic strategies, intended to promote future economic growth, are in alignment with the Town’s core values and community goals.

Warren currently has two village centers, an active mill complex, significant open space, rivers and wetlands, and …

Town Of Billerica, Massachusetts Master Plan Appendix B Community Charrette Results, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This is Appendix B of the Town of Billerica, Massachusetts Master Plan. This Appendix contains the results of a Community Charrette in Billerica, Massachusetts that helped identify the desires of residents in the community.

Town Of Billerica, Massachusetts Master Plan Appendix C Community Survey Results, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This is Appendix C of the Town of Billerica, Massachusetts Master Plan. This Appendix contains a summarized report of the results of a community survey.

Town Of Billerica, Massachusetts Master Plan, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Billerica is a community rich in history and burgeoning with change. We come from colonial, agrarian roots, participated in the industrial revolution and enjoyed our day as a vacation destination. Billerica changed as the post war economy changed and became a haven for those, many from the city, seeking a close-knit community to raise families. We are now at the forefront of a high technology economy that has brought with it jobs, hotels and more change. As a community we struggle with our desire to preserve our historical character as a rural community and our realization that economic development is …

Town Of Billerica, Massachusetts Master Plan Appendix D, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This is an appendix for the Town of Billerica, Massachusetts Master Plan. This Appendix contains a community buildout analysis for Billerica.

Connecticut River Economic Adjustment Project, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this study was to inventory various environmental and economic criteria for the region. In the second phase the data was analyzed for implications for development potential. In phase three the Net Available Land Analysis methodology will be allied on the town level to two towns that meet one or more of the three Economic Development Administration criteria. The region chosen was Enfield, Connecticut and Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Economic Development And Planning Report, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report identifies the planning and economic development needs of the tristate region between the Blackstone River Valley and Quinebaug-Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridors in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

The Economic Impact Of Housing Investment Through The Community Preservation Act In Boston, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report attempts to look at the need for affordable housing and economic impacts of housing in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Its premise is that the economic impact of housing is significant and involves a multitude of factors, from the monetary effects of the construction process to the impact of personal income on the local economy.

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy For Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report was to establish the goals and objectives that would guide the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) of Berkshire County, Massachusetts. These goals and objects were the result of deliberations of the countywide CEDs Coordinating Committee.

Economic Development Of Erving, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report presents information on Erving, Massachusetts’ economy and main economic development issues. It begins with an analysis of demographic, labor, and employment statistics, then discusses some key issues that pose challenges to and provide opportunities for future development. It concludes with recommendations for taking action to address challenges and to seize opportunities.

Guide To Green Planning And Regulation Practices In Suasco Watershed, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report discusses six planning tools or techniques selected by the client that have been used in six different SuAsCo (Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers) communities. The six case studies highlighting these tools as they applied in the watershed and Eastern Massachusetts were assessed as to their strengths and weaknesses in light of current national practices.

Town Of Lawrence, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report takes a look at the town of Lawrence, Massachusetts. Lawrence, originally a rural farming town, was transformed into a major industrial center when Boston Entrepreneurs developed huge textile mills on the Merrimack River to use the power of its water falls. The mill owners built canals, a dam and reservoir, boarding houses and a machine shop for locomotives, creating one of the first industrial complexes in the country.

Town Of Andover, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Andover is a suburban community of 32 square miles with a population of 29,000. The town is located just 20 miles south of Boston at the intersection of I-93 and I-495. With easy access to the city and Logan Airport, Andover is home to many of the largest high-technology firms such as Hewlett-Packard, Raytheon, Digital, Gillette, and Genetics Institute.

Town Of Georgetown, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report focuses on the town of Georgetown, Massachusetts. While it was still widely forested, with many acres of open and recreation land, the town also had a walkable village core as well as industrial and commercial development. The town was renowned for its thriving antique industry and also boasted an organ manufacturing company, a supermarket and an expanding public golf and country club.

Town Of Methuen, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Methuen, Massachusetts played a significant role in this country’s industrial revolution, which began in the Merrimack Valley. In the mid-to late 19^th century, mills along the Spicket River and Spicket Falls produced hats, shoes, and textiles.

Town Of Groveland, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report takes a look at Groveland, Massachusetts. Groveland is a small residential community that retains all of the characteristics of a friendly rural town in the setting of a convenient suburb. The town was incorporated in 1850, and changed gradually from an agricultural community to one that is almost wholly residential.

Town Of Newburyport, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Newburyport is a diverse and thriving city that harmonizes commercial, residential and industrial needs. Nestled on the shores where the Merrimack River meets the Atlantic Ocean Newburyport is among the smallest cities in the state.

Moving Toward The Millennium With Open Space In Huntington, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report includes presentation and examination of community, environmental and conservation/recreation issues. The information is then analyzed according to the needs of the town and incorporated into recommendations for future action.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission Regional Assets Study, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report is intended to illuminate the region of the Merrimack River and its assets. The motivation for the study is simply this: The assets of the region have never been comprehensively compiled and, in an age of tremendous economic competition it is essential that this information be publicly distributed. The Merrimack River is located in the Merrimack Valley in Massachusetts.

Town Of North Andover, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

North Andover, Massachusetts lies along the banks of the Merrimack River and is surrounded by the Towns of Methuen, Haverhill, Boxford, Andover, Middleton, North Reading, and the City of Lawrence. The settlement of the town began in 1640 and was incorporated as Andover in 1646. North Andover is governed by an open Town Meeting form of government, a five-member Board of Selectmen and a Town Manager pursuant to a Home Rule Charter that went into effect in 1986.

Housing Equity Analysis Final Report, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

the Purpose of this study is to assess the impact of discrimination on rental housing opportunities in Massachusetts. We obtained information on the numbers and types of housing discrimination cases filed in Massachusetts with federal, state, and private non-profit fair housing organizations. A total of 3,431 complaints were reported in Massachusetts from the period of 1990 to April 1998. Our findings indicate clearly, that rental housing discrimination exist in the state of Massachusetts. One of the major problems that we found is the fact that most instances of housing discrimination do not get reported. Based on our work, we are …

Chicopee River Watershed Study Chicopee, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The goal of this studio is to provide our client with an assessment of conditions and attitudes within the Chicopee Watershed, which is located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. This information can then be used by the client in its effort to increase participation in watershed protection. To achieve this goal, the studio has set out four objectives. The first is to give an overview of land uses, social and economic trends in the watershed. The second is to review existing town regulations and compare them with model bylaws and regulations. The third is to gather opinions from the various people in …

Marketing The Rutland Heights State Hospital Rutland, Massachusetts, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report analyzed the characteristics of the Rutland Heights State Hospital site, town of Rutland, and the urban region of Worcester, Massachusetts. An assessment of the proposed re-use options provided in the State Master Plan was conducted. Finally, site management and marketing strategies were identified.

Downtown Redevelopment In Northampton A Model For Revitalization, Umass Amherst Center Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This study examined Northampton’s downtown redevelopment over the past two decades in order to draw out lessons for other Massachusetts towns and cities. The study used a number of methods: Interviewing key informants; tracing downtown redevelopment through city records and newspaper searches; analyzing commuting patterns into and out of the city; examining data on new businesses and compiling an inventory of lesbian and gay businesses, organizations and events