Sophia Ferries-Rowe Urban Planning Portfolio 2022
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody” - Jane Jacobs
Sophia Ferries-Rowe
(They/She)
Indianapolis, IN and Cincinnati, OH | ferriesh@mail.uc.edu | (317) 418-2597 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-ferries-rowe/
Passionate, driven, and diligent student with experience in engaging communities, managing projects, analyzing and presenting data, and working collaboratively. Willing and excited to learn new skills in short time frames to meet the demands of a project. Committed to producing exceptional work and improving the lives of others through communication and community initiatives.
Education
Work Experience
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
JAN. 2021 - McBRIDE DALE CLARION DEC. 2021 Cincinnati, OH
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning Class of 2024 | Cincinnati, OH 3.99 GPA Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Minor in Spanish
BREBEUF JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL Class of 2019 | Indianapolis, IN 4.37 GPA
Achievements DAAP Dean’s List (2019, 2020, 2021) Thrive Program Mentor (2021, 2022) Student Diversity & Inclusion Council (2019) Cincinnatus Scholarship Recipient (2019) National Merit Scholar (2019)
Skills Advanced: Microsoft Office, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator
Intermediate: ArcGIS, SketchUp, Spanish language
Novice: AutoCAD
Planning consulting firm specializing in comprehensive plans, development services, and zoning codes
Planning Intern (Full-Time)
• • • • • •
Create graphics for comprehensive plans Conduct demographic research Explore case studies and best practices Prepare materials for and attend public engagement events Synthesize results of community input Co-author reports with Greg Dale, FAICP including Ethics chapter for Ohio APA Guide to Planning
AUG. 2020 - UC RESIDENT EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT PRESENT Cincinnati, OH
Desk Assistant (Part-time)
• • • • •
Check residents in and out Manage packages Submit maintenance reports Enforce housing policies Provide great customer service
JUNE 2019 - CENTER OF WELLNESS FOR URBAN WOMEN SEPT. 2019 Indianapolis, IN
Summer Intern (Part-Time)
• • • •
Collect and analyze results of resident interviews Meet with community leaders Outline policies and write legal documents Create web page for the Let’s Bike program
JAN. 2018 - BEGGARS FOR THE POOR MAR. 2020 Indianapolis, IN
Public service organization providing aid to people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis
Volunteer (Part-Time)
• • •
Respond to clients’ needs Direct them toward local resources such as medical and dental clinics, clothing drives, mental healthcare Organize inventory to create inviting, efficient system
CONTENT
01
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SIT DESI
02 REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
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03
05
TE IGN
Technical Skills
04 NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE January 2021 December 2021
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Table of Contents
Co-op: McBride Dale Clarion McBride Dale Clarion is a private consulting firm in Cincinnati. During my year with the company, I had many responsibilities including the following. • Creating graphics for comprehensive plans and public engagement • Summarizing survey data to identify key planning issues • Writing reports on various topics • Working directly with clients to coordinate efforts during the planning process
Ohio APA Guide to Planning I co-authored the Ethics chapter of the Ohio APA Guide to Planning alongside Greg Dale, FAICP. I reviewed the past chapters Dale had written on the subject, synthesized the most important information, and wrote sections on social justice and environmental planning that were not included in previous chapters. The Guide to Planning is pending publication. Below is a paragraph from the section about equal choice and opportunity in planning. Link to Chapter Draft
As downtown areas and historic districts become more desirable due to their vibrant cultures and the availability of amenities, it is essential to keep accessibility and inclusivity in development discussions. Increased desirability results in increased investment, but it also leads to gentrification: the evolution of an area due to an influx of wealthier residents and an influx of their wealth into an area. Gentrification is commonly accompanied by the displacement of racial or ethnic minority groups from historically minority-occupied communities with rich and profound connections to the neighborhood. Planners must find ways to balance the demand for residential and commercial spaces in urban areas with the retention of current residents and their resources. One attempt at striking this balance is to encourage (or at least not discourage) availability of affordable housing units in market-rate developments. This can be achieved by requiring or incentivizing developers to include below-market-rate units within a development or in some other way contributing to the affordable housing stock. Critics of this policy assert that the policy reduces overall socioeconomic diversity and makes housing more expensive. While it is an imperfect approach, inclusionary policies came from asking how planning and development could be more inclusive and equitable. Continuing to keep equity in the forefront of development decisions will ensure better solutions arise in the future.
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Loveland Comprehensive Master Plan The City of Loveland Comprehensive Master Plan was one of the larger projects on which I worked. While I worked on many maps and writing sections for the plan, the primary section I worked on was the Loveland-Madeira Corridor. The goal for the corridor was to increase walkability and better connect it to Downtown Loveland. The plan recommendations for this corridor include: • Shared lane markings on the street to promote safety for bikers • Continuous sidewalks on both sides of the street • Street trees along the road for pedestrian safety and comfort • Plants in the berm to increase stormwater retention • Development of large parking lots to decrease the amount of impervious surface and increase use throughout the day Link to Comprehensive Master Plan Draft
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Expanded Green Buffer
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Outdoor Seating
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Commercial use on Goodwill lot
Greenspace & Corridor Branding
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The key recommendations for this section include a new commercial use in the Goodwill Parking lot, an increased buffer from the road, landscaping within the parking lot, and a new 4-way intersection at Valley View Lane and Loveland-Madeira Road.
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
Table of Contents
TECHNICAL SKILLS
City of Loveland
Comprehensive Master Plan LOVELANDMADEIRA CORRIDOR
KROGER
SECTION
Property Line
Loveland-Madeira Rd
Green Buffer
Retained existing sidewalk
SEGMENT 1
LOOKING SOUTHWEST TOWARD OASIS AND KROGER Image : Segment 1 of corridor from Highridge to Miamiview
Safe and convenient pedestrian access pathways to the Kroger grocery store from the Loveland Heights neighborhood and River Ridge apartments.
LOVELAND ELEMENTARY SHOPPER’S HAVEN
Property Line
SECTION
Property Line
Retained existing sidewalk
Green Buffer
Loveland-Madeira Rd
Green Proposed Buffer sidewalk
Shopper’s Haven
SEGMENT 2
LOOKING NORTHEAST TOWARD LOVELAND ELEMENTARY AND SHOPPERS HAVEN Image : Section 2 of corridor from Miamiview to past Shoppers Haven
Bike and pedestrian access to the Shopper’s Haven and Loveland Elementary locations to support heavy foot traffic in these areas and to promote bike activity & commercial interest up the corridor.
LAUNDROMAT
AUTO-SALES
EXISTING BUILDING
Property Line
SECTION
Retained existing Green Buffer sidewalk
Image : Section 3 of corridor from Shoppers Haven to W Loveland Ave.
CITY OF LOVELAND, OH COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN PIECING TOGETHER TOMORROW TODAY
Loveland-Madeira Rd
Green Proposed Buffer sidewalk
SEGMENT 3
LOOKING NORTH TOWARD W LOVELAND/LOVELANDMADEIRA INTERSECTION Improve pedestrian and bike access along roadway to increase visibility, provide ease of access and promote opportunities for local businesses through direct connectivity to downtown core. There is potential for a new 4-way intersection at Loveland-Madeira and Valley View that will also provide access to the Chestnut Property once it is developed.
LOVELAND December 13, 2021
This is one of the boards that was created for a public engagement event to collect feedback on recommendations for the Loveland-Madeira Corridor. From the survey responses, we made the pocket park in Section 2 larger and added more amenities such as bike racks.
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Williamson County Growth Management Plan Williamson County, TN is a quickly growing county south of Nashville. To manage the rapid growth, each jurisdiction and the county itself are drawing urban growth boundaries to guide development. The next step will be to establish an intergovernmental agreement to manage implementation. I prepared maps and multiple presentations for planners and other stakeholders.
This map shows the current jurisdictional boundaries as well as the proposed urban growth boundaries.
Link to Symposium Presentation Outline of the regional planning process for staff planners and other stakeholders Link to Advisory Group Presentation Comparison of old and new urban growth boundaries to begin finalization of regional plan
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Table of Contents
Harrison Township, OH Strategic Plan The Harrison Township Strategic Plan set objectives and actions for the plan’s six main themes. The plan established a direction for the township to move in that would increase the overall quality of life. My contribution was a master Excel sheet that the township uses to track plan implementation. Link to Strategic Plan
Link to Implementation Tracker
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Golf Manor, OH Strategic Plan Golf Manor is village just outside Cincinnati that has immense potential as a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. However, It is a first-ring suburb of the city and suffers from issues common to those neighborhoods such as aging infrastructure, lack of growth opportunity, and decreasing property values. This strategic plan seeks to actively engage community members to establish a strong identity in the community and a direction for future development.
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Table of Contents
Rural Preservation in the Floyd’s Fork Watershed, KY Jefferson County is a rapidly urbanizing county south of Louisville, KY. The Floyd’s Fork watershed is home to most of the remaining rural land in the county as well as The Parklands, an immense natural amenity for the entire region. I reviewed the relevant plans for the watershed and analyzed the policies in place. The main observation was that current policies are not sufficient to achieve the sustainability goals that were adopted for the Floyd’s Fork district through multiple strategic and comprehensive plans. I co-authored a report with Greg Dale, FAICP outlining the lack of cohesion between the goals and implementation strategies. The result was a list of recommendations for the county that would allow for the preservation of the rural character and natural amenities of Floyd’s Fork. Below is an excerpt from the report: CURRENT PLANNING AND ZONING POLICIES The South Floyds Fork Vision calls for the preservation of rural landscapes, agricultural lands, natural resources, dark skies, wildlife habitat, ecosystems, and open spaces. The plan seeks to protect these resources by limiting development to low impact uses. Plan 2040 also states that Floyds Fork should preserve natural amenities, even as it continues to depict suburban scale development. The plans suggest that future development should have a minimal impact on the natural resources and rural landscape. The vision of remaining a rural district has been clearly stated in Plan 2040 and the South Floyds Fork Vision. The land use regulations do not align with the vision. Land use in the county is regulated through a layered approach: base zoning designations, form districts, and overlays. Floyds Fork is a unique region that requires individualized regulations to preserve the rural character. However, the base zoning and form district designations are currently the same as the suburban districts of the Louisville Metro. The only aspect of land use regulation that differentiates Floyds Fork from the suburban areas is the Development Review Overlay, which is ineffective to realistically preserve the rural character. Link to Entire Report
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REGIONAL ACCESS PLANNING Summer 2021
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Project Description This work explores what access along the Mill Creek in Cincinnati could look like and how increased access would help make this waterway a greater asset for the surrounding neighborhoods, the city, and the region.
Rethinking Access Though access is typically an idea rooted in physical spaces, our approach for this project encompasses both the physical elements and the perceptual aspects that make something feel more inviting.
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REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN 5 Tenets of Access and Plan Goals The five tenets below were identified using the framework of access on the previous page. Success in each of these themes would determine how well the Mill Creek Access Plan meets its goal of providing a safe, unique, high-quality asset for the region.
Amenities/Maintenance
Continuity
Provide access to necessary amenities and develop plan to clean and maintain the Mill Creek
Create a singular, cohesive path that is adjacent to the water
Visibility
Placemaking
Increase visibility of the Mill Creek and highlight the urban environment
Create destinations that reflect the neighborhoods and engage visitors
Multi-Modal Access
Ensure universal access and encourage alternative forms of transportation along the Mill Creek
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Actions, Strategies, and Metrics of Success Action items, development strategies, and metrics of success were identified for each tenet of access. Specific sites were selected where development strategies would be applied. Below are the results of this process for the Amenities/Maintenance tenet.
Success Metrics: •
Bathrooms every half mile
•
No visible dumping sites or litter
•
10 volunteers a month for maintenance opportunities
Action Items: 1. Provide bike amenities 2. Place along the path
essential amenities (restrooms, trash cans, etc.)
Bike Amenities
Essential Amenities
23 1 3. Install
signage in the surrounding areas
1 23
Signage
1
23
1 1 23
23 1
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REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN Strategic Plan The strategic plan shows the ideal route of a multi-modal path along the Mill Creek. It follows the water as closely as possible and takes visitors through the distinctly urban land uses along the creek.
Existing Bridge Proposed Bridge Long Term Trail Plan Floating Boardwalk Alternative Plan Red Bike Existing Parks Sites Commercial Districts
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Implementation Plan The work plan below displays the order in which actions would be taken, predicted duration, and level of impact. The larger dots around the action label signify that the action will have profound or wide-reaching impacts.
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REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN Mill Creek Path - Regional Implementation This map shows the order in which different sections would be installed, how long the sections would be, and the areas through which they would pass.
Section 1 1.45 mi
Section 2 1.1 mi
Presence of the Mill Creek
Section 4 1.5 mi
I-75
Section 3 1.5 mi
Estimated Total Cost Section 1 $3,760,700
+ Section 2 + Section 3 + Section 4 = $22,310,438 $4,854,200 $4,890,200 $8,805,338
Based on Shared Use Path Cost memorandum from Toole Design
Community & Financial Partners
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Mill Creek Path - Neighborhood-Scale Implementation The Carthage Neighborhood Business District would be greatly enhanced by increased foot traffic in the area. This is an analysis of the area, a proposed path for the trail, and a phasing plan for small-scale implementation.
Carthage Neighborhood Business District Hamilton County Fairgrounds Auto-oriented infrastructure Connection to Hamilton County Fairgrounds Poor circulation patterns for pedestrians
Long-term, locally-owned anchor businesses
Shop Residential Grocery/Eatery Lack of traffic calming, placemaking, buffers
Institutional Service/Office
Wide sidewalks and right-ofways on Vine St.
Auto-Oriented Public Service Bank Strength
Rising Hispanic population brought in new businesses
Vacant residential and commercial units make the corridor look rundown
Opportunity Weakness Threat
Source: The Community Building Institute’s market analysis of the Carthage NBD
1. 10-ft shared-use path & 4-ft green buffer on at least one side of the street 2. Shared-use path 3. Stormwater infrastructure 4. Street trees, pedestrian-scale lighting, signage 5. Crosswalks, kinetic tiles, Red Bike stations
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SITE DESIGN Fall 2020
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Table of Contents
Project Description English Woods is a neighborhood on the west side of Cincinnati that once housed many middle income families in CMHA homes. The 1950s homes were removed in 2009, after which the neighborhood was left alone and neglected. This work from Fall 2020 explores how the site could be revitalized and become a thriving community with a variety of uses.
Site Analysis
Road Hierarchy Arterial Collector Local
The site has steep slopes on all sides, leaving it isolated from the city. It also has large forested areas that are currently inaccessible to residents. Future development seeks to connect the site more with the rest of the city and create more opportunities for residents to interact with the natural environment.
Landslide Potential Low Moderate Medium-High High Very High
Flora On-Site Native Species Invasive Species Black Locust Honey Locust Goldenrod Southern Magnolia
Amur Honeysuckle
Sugar Maple
Climate
Red Oak Pine
River Birch
Possible Heat Dome Southwest Winds Tree Canopy Off-Site Noise On-Site Noise
American Elm Swamp White Oak
Oregon Crabapple Frost Grape Little-leaf Linden Osage Orange
Callery Pear
Johnson Grass
Eastern Red Cedar
Amur Honeysuckle
Scarlet Firehorn
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SITE DESIGN Suitability Analysis The site analysis maps informed where different uses would be most appropriate on the English Woods site. These suitability maps shaped the final development plan.
Commercial
Parks & Recreation
Suitability Rating
Low High Moderate Low High Moderate Low
Topography
Moderate
High
Tree Canopy
High
High
Moderate Low
Moderate Low
Proximity to Roads
Bedrock
Infrastructure Topography
Suitability Rating
High Moderate Low
Institutional
Residential
Suitability Rating
High Moderate Low High Moderate Low
Infrastructure Topography
Infrastructure Topography
Suitability Rating
Moderate Low
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Bedrock
Noise
High
High Moderate Low High Moderate Low High Moderate Low
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
Table of Contents
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Final Site Design A’
The final site design for English Woods provides diverse housing options, unique recreational opportunities, and a range of commercial and institutional uses that bring the community together.
Mixed Use: 10.6 Acres (including mixed institutional uses)
Apartments: 8.3 Acres
Commercial: 0.48 Acres
Duplexes: 2.2 Acres Single-Family: 1.5 Acres
Private Greenspace Semipublic Greenspace Public Greenspace Preserved Greenspace
A
Residential, Commercial, and Mixed-use Section This section displays a few of the many land uses in the development plan, including the parking garage and grocery store that will serve residents and visitors in the neighborhood.
A
A’ 124
140
170
140
146
205
SingleFamily Homes
Duplexes
SingleFamily Homes
Duplexes
Triplexes
Grocery & Parking Garage
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140
175
MixedUse
MixedUse
46
Westwood Northern
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SITE DESIGN Design Elements
Duplex & Single Family
Apartments
Residential, Offices, Open Space & Commercial
Community Cen Commercial
These thumbnails display the variety of uses on the site. Housing diversity, access to the natural environment, and community-building were the driving factors behind the site plan.
Senior Living
Phasing This phasing plan shows the order in which the neighborhood would be developed to maximize utility, promote community development, and minimize disturbance from construction.
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nter &
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Table of Contents
Large Single Family
1-Bedroom Apartments
Community Center & Greenspace
Grocery & Parking Garage
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NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION Spring 2020
SPRING GROVE VILLAGE CAFÉ
SPRING GROVE COMMUNITY GARDEN
BARBER SHOP
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Table of Contents
Project Description Spring Grove Village is a neighborhood on the north side of Cincinnati that has a rich history and great potential for the future. The neighborhood is best known for being the home of Spring Grove Cemetery, but the rest of the community is not as well known. This work from Spring 2020 explores how the community could strengthen its identity, connect more with the Mill Creek on the south side, and increase quality of life for its residents.
Project Approach The plan’s recommendations were driven by site visits and interviews with the president of the Spring Grove Village community council and multiple long-term residents in the community. Below is the wordle inspired by these site visits and interviews. It reveals that Spring Grove Village is a great neighborhood that offers working class residents employment, housing, recreational, and social opportunities. The plan seeks to highlight and enhance these amenities as well as the tight-knit nature of the community that residents enjoy.
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NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION Spring Grove Village History
1788 Fertile land attracts farmers to the Mill Creek.
1845
1851
1872
Spring Grove Cemetery opens during cholera outbreak.
Railroad is completed, which grants access to larger markets.
Chester Park horse track opens.
Understanding Spring Grove Village
$20,000 or less
88.2% unaffordable
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$20,000 to $35,000
65.6% unaffordable
$35,000 to $50,000
24.3% unaffordable
0% unaffordable $50,000 to $75,000
Housing Affordability by Income Level in SGV
0% unaffordable $75,000 or more
Spring Grove Village is a primarily Black or African American neighborhood. Many residents work in production and industrial jobs. There are many single-parent households and a lack of affordable housing. This is important information to ensure future development serves current residents’ needs.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
1891 Cincinnati streetcar is finished.
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
1965
Table of Contents
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Today
Spring Grove Village is implementing the SGV 2.0 initiative to improve the housing stock, engage local businesses, promote resident health, and embrace the diversity of the community.
P&G factory opens in Saint Bernard, providing jobs for SGV residents.
Civilian Employed Population Ages 16+ by Industry Sector Sales and Office
Production, Material Moving, Transportation
Service Sector
Business, Management, Science and Arts
Construction, Maintenance, Natural Resources
2017
2010
Spring Grove Village
2017
2010
Cincinnati
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NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION Development Recommendations
Improvemen rk
unity C en mm o C
iful: Park aut P Be
ues laq
SGV
ts
Pa
The map below highlights development ideas and where they could be applied to best strengthen the community and increase access to natural assets like parks and the Mill Creek.
Cro s
SG
l ra
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eautiful: M u VB
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Ave ve
g Spring Gro n i s
autiful: Sig n Be ag
SG V
Lo
ter
ct tri
siness D l Bu a is c
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
Table of Contents
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Community Business District These two buildings are located at the intersection of Edgewood and Epworth, where community buildings, local businesses, and pedestrian-scale infrastructure are currently located. With some intentional placemaking, this area has the potential to be a great gathering space for the community.
Present
Future
Sally’s Treats and Treasures
Visit the Local Business District! Located on E Epworth
Formal Commercial District Benches, flower beds, and signs indicating the shop’s name make this small business district more established and inviting.
Present
Future
HARMONY LODGE HANGOUT
Community Bulletin Bo
HARMONY LODGE, INC.
Inviting Seating Area Picnic tables and library boxes invite people to stay in the area longer than they might otherwise.
Community Café HANGOUT HARMONY LODGE A bulletin board and activities on the wall outside the café attract viewers and solidify this corner as a community destination.
HARMONY LODGE CAFÉ Community Bulletin Board
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TECHNICAL SKILLS Technical Skills
My technical skills have been developed through my university classes as well as personal projects and work during co-op semesters. These are a few examples showing my experience with various planning software programs as well as illustrative work.
ArcMap Online Income & Internet Access in Indianapolis
United American Cemetery Mapping
Link to web map
Link to web map
This project explores the relationship between income and internet access in Indianapolis, IN. An internet connection has become essential to life in America. I envision this map being used to guide where municipal internet should be installed to promote equity.
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As part of an honors seminar, I created a digital inventory of one of the only historic Black cemeteries in Cincinnati: United American Cemetery. I logged the coordinates of graves, recorded the names and dates on them, synthesized the information, and displayed it spatially.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
REGIONAL ACCESS PLAN
SITE DESIGN
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
TECHNICAL SKILLS
SketchUp and V-Ray SketchUp and V-Ray are great tools for visualizing the transformation of a space and communicating development strategies to stakeholders in a more concrete way.
Handmade and Digital Work These are a few examples of my illustrations including pen drawings for a school project, coloring book pages, and mural. One of the coloring books was commissioned by LaTasha Sandidge, a doula and owner of sā·cred birthright, and it was created for expectant parents, especially Black mothers.
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Final Thoughts Cities are widely recognized as places of great inspiration, passion, and culture. However, not everyone has equal access to these incredible resources. As an urban planner, I hope to help communities that have been historically ignored or harmed by past and present policies and planing practices to realize their full potential and execute their vision for the future of their neighborhoods and cities. Urban planning has the power to shape cities that embrace all people and allow them to thrive. The interdisciplinary nature of the field makes it uniquely suited to bridging the gap between economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. I look forward to gaining more experience and using that knowledge to prepare communities for success in the future.