S U B U R B A N   C O M M U N I T Y

This Masters thesis investigated the value of human scale connections to those who live in conventional suburbs, if such connections could be retrofitted within an existing structure, and if so, how.  The thesis study approach also explored the potential for utilizing community participation processes in the design and planning of suburban environments. 

This community design research project utilized local expertise in combination with traditional landscape architecture methods to understand the existing physical and regulatory characteristics of Dewitt, New York.  The practical goal of this project was to help the community develop a land use program and to guide the development of alternative planning and design strategies.  Working in collaboration with the both the Dewitt town planner and recreation director, the researcher scheduled a series of workshops for residents to share their views about walking and biking connections within the community.  Information from the workshops was used to develop conceptual strategies for improvement, building upon the positive characteristics identified by the community. 

By improving the neighborhood environment for walking and bicycling, it might become possible to make better connections to a central trail system presently proposed by the Town, thus creating a valuable community-building link between the diverse settlement types within the geographic boundaries of Dewitt.  Some of the findings and recommendations from this study have already been incorporated into the Town of Dewitt Comprehensive Plant to retrofit or improve human-scale connections. 

For a more in depth discussion of this project, see Initiatives 2002 - 2003.