Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

Reinvigorating The Hill In Turners Falls, Ma, Patrick Burns

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

This masters project will focus on the site of the Hillcrest and Sheffield Elementary School campus in the "The Hill" neighborhood of Turners Falls, MA. This project aims to create a vision of possibility for an underutilized neighborhood amenity. This project reviews social, demographic, physical data of the neighborhood in Turners Falls as well as research on play, nature play, outdoor experiential learning, and the local ecology of Montague Wildlife Management area. To execute this goal, the study aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Revitalize an underutilized space into a neighborhood asset;
• Improve elementary school campus reinforcing a positive learning …

Bournewood Hospital: Designing A Healing Landscape, Winfield Henry

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

Currently in the United States there are 51.5 million Americans suffering from mental illness (Mental Illness, 2021). With trends having been on the rise over the past decade, particularly for depression and anxiety, and showing a significant jump during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that behavioral health hospitals utilize all available treatment methods (Daly et. al., 2021, & Goodwin et. al., 2020). While the outdoor environment has played a role in mental and physical healthcare since the 11th Century, it has been largely lost until the late 1900s. Through research and evidence-based design, a holistic approach to healthcare is …

Correctional Landscape Studies: Improving The Restorative Potential, Allyson Fairweather

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

The United States is the world’s leader in incarceration with 2.2 million people currently in the nation’s prisons and jails. On average, one-third of former offenders will return to prison for re-offence within three years of their release (Bureau of Justice Statistics 2018). This cycle is known as recidivism, and demonstrates a major reflection of the criminal justice system’s failure to provide rehabilitation that meets the needs of the incarcerated population. However, horticultural therapy in prison may offer a sliver of hope. Also referred to as Green Prison Programs (GPPs), studies indicate that participants in these programs gain valuable job …

Boxborough Economic Development Study: Phase 2, Technical Memo, Henry Renski, John Mullin, Camille Barchers

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The Town of Boxborough’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) contracted with the Center for Economic Development at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to produce an economic development study. Phase II began in January of 2020 and provides a deeper evaluation of the development scenarios proposed at the completion of Phase I, involving four key components: 1. Summarize the results from a survey of citizen preferences on the Phase I scenarios. 2. Produce a series of "vignettes" to explain the key elements of the different scenarios to the public. 3. Assess the potential market demand for specific office, retail, and other commercial …

Boxborough Economic Development Study: Phase 1, Technical Memo, Camille Barchers

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The Town of Boxborough’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) contracted with the Center for Economic Development at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to produce an economic development study. Phase 1 of the study, conducted from September through December 2019 by Regional Planning Studio master’s students, began with an investigation of existing conditions and public opinion on economic development and concluded with four plausible future economic development scenarios designed to support the eventual creation of the Town’s long-term economic development plan.

Innovation Districts As A Strategy For Urban Economic Development: A Comparison Of Four Cases, Joshua Drucker, Carla Maria Kayanan, Henry Renski

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Innovation districts are a relatively new strategy in urban economic development. They have been fast gaining attention and popularity, due in part to energetic third-party promotion and the apparent successes of two early adopters: Barcelona and Boston. As additional cities establish and promote innovation districts, it benefits policymakers to possess information regarding their characteristics and suitability as an economic development approach.

We conduct in-depth case studies of four innovation districts in the United States—located in Boston, Detroit, Saint Louis, and San Diego—that present contrasting settings, policies, and outcomes. The empirical information is drawn primarily from interviews with the innovation district …

Towards A Passenger Station On The East-West Massachusetts Train Line - The Case For Palmer, University Of Massachusetts Amherst Center For Economic Development, Umass Design Center

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this report is to examine the feasibility of the Town of Palmer becoming a passenger stop on a proposed East-West rail line that would connect to Union Station in Springfield and South Station in Boston. The report is presented in two parts. Part one presents the primary reasons that would make the case for a stop being placed in Palmer. The second presents a series of case studies to stimulate ideas on how Palmer could promote further growth through the creation of transit oriented development (TOD) around any future stop.

The findings in this report are based …

An Incremental Intervention In Jakarta: An Empowering Infrastructural Approach For Upgrading Informal Settelments, Christopher H. Counihan

Landscape Architecture Masters Theses Collection

Incrementalism is a growing movement within multiple design disciplines that approaches design with sustainable, social, and resilient aims structured around participatory, infrastructural, and phased approaches to design. Carefully considered structural and independent infrastructural frameworks allow infill and accretion according to the demands and needs of individuals and communities. This paper outlines the theories, case studies, and conditions driving incrementalism. My research has informed my project proposal for an incremental upgrade of a slum located in Jakarta using a phased, soft infrastructural, resident facilitated upgrade and development strategy creating new housing units, productive landscapes, and urban form. Incremental development will foster …

Site Evaluation Study For A Horse Park In Massachusetts, Henry Renski, John R. Mullin, Jonathan G. Cooper, Sarah Lang

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This assignment required CED to work with an Advisory Board – consisting of Association members, equestrian center operators, equine studies managers, and equestrian merchants – to create a vision of the park and center, to determine its markers of success and to undertake an economic feasibility study that would show potential financial returns to the Commonwealth.

Creating A Successful Wayfinding System: Lessons Learned From Springfield, Massachusetts, Yanhua Lu

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

The masters project presents findings from recent work the author completed related to wayfinding, and wayfinding systems. This work began as part of a graduate urban design studio, followed by work as a research assistant at the UMass Design Center in Springfield, on a new “demonstration” wayfinding system installed in Springfield, Massachusetts. The wayfinding project was done in association with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and the Springfield Office of Planning and Community Development, was implemented with the main goals of improving public health by encouraging more people to walk.

Wayfinding systems are increasingly seen as an important part of …

A New Vision For An Old Institution: Addressing The Challenges For Urban And Peri-Urban Agriculture At The Waltham Experiment Station, Kevin C. Hartzell

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

Urban and peri-urban agriculture has a new place in (sub)urban landscapes because of the suite of ecosystem services it can provide including, but not limited to; increased local food production, waste recycling, stormwater infiltration, and reconnecting urban dwellers to their food source. The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Waltham Experiment Station, located in Waltham, Massachusetts, is poised for redevelopment as a model for multi-use urban agriculture production, research, and education as well as a living laboratory to monitor and document the ecosystem services provided to the surrounding community. This project will focus on educational and research categories within the theme of …

Becoming Sustainable In Our Own Way: Sustainability At The Flagship Massachusetts Public University, Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham, Dennis Swinford

Campus Planning Community and Conference Presentations

This presentation was delivered at the 2016 World Symposium on Sustainable Development at Universities . It outlines a case study of the comprehensive sustainability efforts undertaken by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and evaluates its progress by applying Kotter’s 8-step approach to change management to multiple phases of the campus development efforts. Emphasis is placed on efforts to integrate sustainability goals with campus master planning, facility plans, green building policies, governance and educational and operations teaching and research initiatives. The presentation also outlines concrete steps for comprehensive physical planning that universities may consider as they integrate change management practices for …

Publications From The Mastering Mills Symposium, Center For Economic Development

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

Through the Center for Economic Development's research, consulting and technical assistance efforts, it has become increasingly apparent that increased knowledge concerning the revitalization of old mills and mill communities is necessary. The problem is particularly acute in smaller communities and in areas of slow growth, where problems and solutions are addressed differently than larger towns near urban locations. The purpose of this symposium was to gain an understanding of the methods that can protect and enhance mill character and the economic viability in mill communities. It included several presentations, panel discussions, and opportunities for audience involvement. Presentations and any supplemental …

Promoting Productive Agriculture In Massachusetts: An Analysis Of Chapter 61a Land In Hardwick, Massachusetts, Sarah Lang

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this study is to look at the role MGL Chapter 61A plays in promoting agricultural production within the state of Massachusetts.

Towards The Creation Of A Horse Park In The Commonwealth Of Massachusetts: A Feasibility Study, Henry Renski, John R. Mullin, Jonathan G. Cooper

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This study finds that the development of a Massachusetts Model horse park represents a significant economic opportunity for the Commonwealth. Capital costs are not expected to exceed $150 million. The annual economic impact is expected to approach $99 million and lead to the creation of more than 950 jobs throughout Massachusetts. Economic activity resulting from the facility’s development would also generate an additional $5 million in state and local tax revenues per year.

Mastering Mills: Recommendations For Planning Massachusetts Mill Communities, Angelica Carey, Madison Burke, Alexandra Smialek, Margaret Palmer

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This paper is meant to summarize the findings and recommendations that came directly from attendees at the “Mastering Mills” Symposium in order to influence future state policies regarding mill revitalization, especially for rural communities.

Orange Arts And Economic Development: Identifying Non-Traditional Innovative Educational Opportunities For Economic Development In The Town Of Orange, Massachusetts, Brendan Conboy, Michael Goulding

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The purpose of this collaboration is to develop creative, ‘out of the box’ solutions for a wide range of economic development issues in Franklin County, Massachusetts. One area of focus is in identifying innovative and educational opportunities that promote economic development strategies for the town of Orange, Massachusetts.

Forging Ahead: Towards An Arts Center In North Quabbin, Leonard Kendall, Stephen Meno

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report is a feasibility study to assess the potential adaptive reuse of mill buildings in the North Quabbin region as a site for an arts education center that would specialize in large-scale sculpture fabrication. This report relies on interviews with experts and conducting case studies on similar instances of creative economy revitalization.

A Call To Arts: Integrating The Arts Into Downtown Orange, Ma, Leonard Kendall

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report is an implementation plan for a demonstration project to integrate the arts into the economy of the town of Orange. It includes recommendations for the town to develop an arts-led economy as well as an arts chapter for the master plan. This is the last report in a series of three that have analyzed creative economic development strategies for the region.

Working Draft, The Mill And The Mill Town Pilot Feasibility Checklist: Redevelopment Of Once And Future Mill Sites, John R. Mullin, Erica Roper

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This checklist was designed by the University of Massachusetts Center for Economic Development to identify how prepared a town is to revitalize its Mill buildings and to help potential developer identify priorities and viable redevelopment sites. The high volume of abandoned mills in New England demonstrates the need for creative tools to serve as a preliminary filter for redevelopment opportunities.

Vermont Futures Project: Vermont Economic Indicators And Dashboard., Henry C. Renski

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

http://www.vtfuturesproject.org/vermont-economic-snapshot/
Statistical data compendium website with narrative.
Prepared on Behalf of the Vermont Futures Foundation.

Mastering Mills: Recommendations For Planning Massachusetts Mill Communities, Angelica Carey, Madison M. Burke, Alexandra 'Ola' Smialek, Margaret Palmer

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This paper provides specific recommendations that have been prioritized in an effort to influence state policy that will positively support mill revitalization.

Syllabus: Introduction To Permaculture, Lisa Depiano

Sustainability Education Resources

The Permaculture Design Course is a three-credit course that offers students a foundation in permaculture history, ethics, principles, design process, and practical applications. The framework behind the theory and practice of permaculture is rooted in the observation of natural systems. By observing key ecological relationships, we can mimic and apply these beneficial relationships in the design of systems that serve humans while helping to restore the natural world. This course trains students as critical thinkers, observers, and analysts of the world(s) around them, and then goes on to provide students with the tools needed to design for inspired and positive …

A Model Ecotourism Master Plan Chapter For Rural Massachusetts Communities: A Case Study Of Hardwick, Ma, Sarah Lang, Madison Burke

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

The primary purpose of this project is to create a model chapter on ecotourism to better leverage the available natural resources within rural towns (under 50,000 population) in MA as an economic development strategy.

Long-Term Population Projections For Massachusetts Regions And Municipalities, Henry C. Renski, Susan Strate, Daniel Hodge, William Proulx, Katherine Paik, Steffen Herter

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Creative Placemaking: A Case Study Exploration Of How Creative Economy Strategies Can Provide Potential Opportunities For Revitalization In Downtown Chicopee, Ma, Laura Selmani

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Masters Projects

Chicopee, a former industrial center in western Massachusetts, is experiencing a stagnant economy, high vacancy and a steady loss of population. City of Chicopee wants to increase downtown visibility and bolster its economy by attracting in the area people constituent of creative class. This research represents an attempt to identify creative strategies to develop the neglected downtown of Chicopee. After more than a century of economic blight, vacancy and declining population, the city wants to research and exploit the potential of arts and culture as means to a physical, social and economic revivification of its downtown.

A key aim of …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Cape And Islands Region: Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Cape and Islands region. This report is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines recent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s sub-sectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

The Advanced Manufacturing sector has an almost negligible presence …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Central Region: Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Central region. This report is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines recent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s subsectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

Advanced Manufacturing is a particularly vital component of the Central region’s …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Northeast Region: Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Northeast region. This re-port is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines re-cent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s subsectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

More people in the Northeast work in Advanced Manufacturing than in …

A Profile Of Advanced Manufacturing In The Boston/Metrowest Region:Key Industry And Occupational Trends, Henry C. Renski, Ryan Wallace

Center for Economic Development Technical Reports

This report provides a detailed examination of Advanced Manufacturing in the Boston/MetroWest region. It is part of an eight-part series, each focusing on different areas of the Commonwealth. It examines recent employment and earnings trends; analyzes key occupations in Advanced Manufacturing’s subsectors, looking for common labor needs and comparing wages to similar workers in other industries; identifies the most common and critical skills needed by employers; and offers a detailed demographic profile of Advanced Manufacturing to highlight areas of critical concern for the future health of the industry.

With nearly 50,000 workers and over 1,000 businesses, the Boston/MetroWest region’s Advanced …