Institute of Urban Studies
Contents Who We Are .......... 1 What We Do ........... 3 What We Have Done .......... 13
WHO WE ARE
SHIMA HAMIDI, PhD
NAN ELLIN, PhD
ALAN KLEIN, MCRP
:: Research Staff
Ahoura Zandi
Ali Mohammed Adil
Baishakhi Baiwas
Golnaz Keshavarzi
Kaustubh Gosavi
ALAN KLEIN, MCRP
shima.hamidi@uta.edu PhD, Director Dr. Hamidi, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, has been involved on several national grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Transportation Research Board, National Institute of Transportation and Communities, American Association of Retired Persons, National Institute of Health and Ford Foundation and Smart Growth America. She has written over 25 journal articles and one book on transportation, urban design, walkability, as well as urban form and its quality of life impacts. The results of her research were presented in a national press release in partnership with Smart Growth America and have been cited in more than 100 national and regional newspapers and magazines such as Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and CNN Money.
SHIMA HAMIDI, PhD
NAN ELLIN, PhD
nan.ellin@uta.edu PhD, Executive Director Dr. Ellin’s research, creative work, teaching, community engagement, and administrative activities aim to transform challenges into opportunities for promoting urban, environmental, community, and institutional health and well-being. Her writings have been cited and translated into thirteen languages. She has been recognized for her research and creative work with numerous awards, speaking engagements throughout the world, and invitations to serve on governing boards. Ellin’s efforts bridge disciplines and professions, theory and practice, the classroom with the community, and academic and general audiences.
awklein@uta.edu MCRP, MBA, Assistant Director Alan’s concentration is on community and economic development and revitalization, with focused experience in analyzing and assisting rural and suburban communities in Texas. After receiving his BA in English and an MBA in finance from the University of Texas at Austin, Alan had many years of experience in the thrift and banking industries in Texas, and earned his Masters of City and Regional Planning from UT Arlington in 2010. Since that time, he has assisted communities throughout Texas as a private consultant then as Assistant Director of the Institute of Urban Studies.
Kukhyoung Kim
Myriam Igoufe
Yalcin Yildirim
Yanikka Lemons
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WHAT WE DO We are currently rebranding the Institute to be a major player in advancing the DFW region and State of TX through research and outreach accomplished by obtaining significant research funding from national organizations such as HUD and NSF and from local foundations and other regional partners. We engages in 4 types of activities.
INVITE
Investigate
As a neutral broker, the Institute of Urban Studies convenes representatives from public, private and nonprofit sectors to address timely topics, identify mutually agreed upon goals, and advance an agenda for achieving them. Part of what it will take to achieve the goals is research, funded through grants and contracts. In addition to specific research related to goals, The Institute of Urban Studies serves the public by gathering statewide data on urban demographics, growth, economics, equity, air and water quality, and so forth, and provides an open data source.
Inform
Implement
The Institute of Urban Studies produces newspaper and magazine articles, reports, books, websites, videos, documentaries, and TV/radio programs that contribute to raise public awareness and elevate the discussion around improving the health and vitality of cities, towns, and communities in order to generate informed action. These graphically rich materials inform, inspire, and incite to action.
The Institute of Urban Studies assists communities throughout the region with managing growth, achieving equity and environmental sustainability, revitalizing districts, implementing green infrastructure, and more. These projects are implemented by students and faculty through workshops, studios, independent studies, and the Arlington Urban Design Center.
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reate an entity that invites collaboration between faculty, graduate students, staff, and professional practitioners to investigate pressing issues within our built environment and places of work, residence, and recreation and formulate innovative solutions, then inform professional, academic, policy making and civil organizations and implement these solutions in communities large and small throughout the United States.
Primary Areas of Study Regional Economic Development Innovative Transit & Transportation Solutions Quality Growth inside Existing Cities Innovative Solutions to Environmental Issues Air Quality, Public Health & the Built Environment
visi
Community Development/Redevelopment
Spatial Analysis for Community & Economic Development Resilient Economies and Communities Public Policy for the Built Environment Corporate Sponsorship (3%)
Research Database Subscriptions (7%) GIS Data & Analysis Services (10%)
State Appropriation (5%)
Re s
ea
hG rc
(25%) s t c
(5 0 %)
oje r P
Foundation s
Lines of Business
ts/ ran
Funding sources/
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Pa id
Goals
year
year
year
year
1 3 5
10
2 Full Time
12 Graduate
Staff
Students
3 Full Time
20 Graduate
Staff
Students
4 Full Time
30 Graduate
Staff
Students
8 Full Time
50 Graduate
Staff
Students
Quarterly
Speaking Series
Magazine
Data Repository for
Workshops with certificates,
the State of Texas
symposium series
Joint Annual Conference
Independent Storefront
Endowed Chair
Endowed
Peer Reviewed
Scholarships
Journal
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SERVICES
REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: :: ASSESS BASIC AND ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE :: DEVELOP LOCAL CAPACITIES :: EVALUATE GOODS AND SERVICE NEEDS
INNOVATIVE TRANSIT AND TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS: :: ENHANCE WALKABILITY AND DESIGN OF COMPLETE STREETS :: IMPROVE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIVITY TO PUBLIC TRANSIT :: ASSESS LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE OF TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
QUALITY GROWTH INSIDE EXISTING CITIES :: IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP FACTORS FOR A QUALITY LIFE :: ENGAGE IN SYNERGISTIC INFILL DEVELOPMENT :: TAILOR RECOMMENDATIONS TO ASPECTS OF NICHE, HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY VALUES
SERVICES
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: :: AUDIT LOCAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION PROFILE :: EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT :: DEVELOP LOCAL LOW CARBON SOLUTIONS
AIR QUALITY, PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: :: ENHANCE THE DIVERSITY OF TRANSPORTATION TYPES :: IMPROVE PUBLIC SERVICES AND VARIETY OF BUILDING TYPES :: ENGAGE IN GREEN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/REDEVELOPMENT :: PRESERVE LOCAL HERITAGE AND ENHANCE BELONGINGNESS :: REVITALIZE LOCAL ECONOMIES :: LEVERAGE LOCAL SYMBOLS AND VALUES FOR PLACE BRANDING AND REBRANDING
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SERVICES
SPATIAL ANALYSIS FOR COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: :: EXPLORE CONSUMER PROFILE AND IMPLEMENT APPROPRIATE MARKETING METHODS :: UNDERSTAND DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS OF NEW DEVELOPMENT :: ENCOURAGE PEOPLE AND PLACE DEVELOPMENT
RESILIENT ECONOMIES AND COMMUNITIES: :: DIVERSIFY LOCAL AND REGIONAL VARIETY OF USERS AND OF ATTRACTIONS :: BROADEN THE RANGE AND REACH OF LOCAL COMMERCE :: DEVELOP CONTEXT-SENSITIVE STRATEGIC PLANS
PUBLIC POLICY FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: :: LEVERAGE TAX POLICY, SECURE PUBLIC GOODS AND ASSESS PUBLIC REVENUE PROCUREMENT :: ANALYZE COST-BENEFIT SCENARIOS OF TRANSPORTATION, OR OTHER PUBLIC GOOD PROPOSALS :: EXAMINE POLICY MEASURES THROUGH MODELING OF A VARIETY OF SCENARIOS
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WHAT WE HAVE DONE Around 230 projects since 1969
More than 85 communities & organizations involved
8 state agencies projects 4 federal agencies projects 33 economic development projects 3 comprehensive plans 7 APA awards
Location Of Past Projects *Bubble size indicates the number of projects done by IUS.
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promoting healthy families
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Date: 2014-2015 Location: Corinth, TX
Recreation and Open Space Plan
he City of Corinth, a growing suburban community northwest of Dallas, needed to address its current and potential needs for parks, open space, and recreational activities to ensure citizens’ desired future quality of life. With land increasingly scarce due to development pressure, and desiring to maintain fiscally responsible future maintenance levels, Corinth sought to develop a plan to maximize current parkland while improving accessibility, connectivity, and overall programming of park facilities.
The IUS team interviewed park patrons, administered an online public survey on park experiences and preferences, and worked with a steering committee of interested citizens throughout the planning process. In addition to onsite facility evaluations, demographic analysis and projections, and detailed needs assessments, this public engagement process was key to developing the overall vision and goals for the plan.
Key plan recommendations include: • Focusing on adding or modifying amenities within existing facilities, especially accessibility and safety features, in order to make the parks and trails easier and safer for the broadest possible user profile • Addition of a carefully selected group of additional park features, including an off leash dog park, splash pads, fishing docks, and multi-use sport courts • Connection of the city’s trail system to the Elm Fork Trail portion of the regional Veloweb • Improved connectivity within the city’s trail system • Specific park and open space recommendations for the city’s proposed Town Center development • Prioritization of implementation • A detailed guide to potential funding and public engagement resources
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Bunche Park/Dunbar High School Plan
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Date: 2014 Location: Fort Worth, TX Award Winner, Texas APA 2015
Neighborhood - Small Area Plan
he Bunche Park redevelopment and design is a collaborative effort between Dunbar High School and the Institute of Urban Studies. The project arose from a week long summer camp hosted by UTA faculty for Dunbar High School students in the summer of 2014. With a passion for their neighborhood and a desire to make a positive impact, students chose Bunche Park as an opportunity to enhance their community.
conceptual Plan Pedestrian Circulation
The overall plan goal is to utilize the park to foster community and serve the greatest number and range of people – a place to feed both mind and body. The plan includes a selection of programming ideas and activities and a conceptual design for the site. Dunbar students worked with the Institute to assess the current situation, including property ownership around the park, applicable zoning, building codes, and other regulations, and site and environmental conditions. Students collected case studies from other neighborhoods to draw potential applicable lessons. This analysis was added to input from community residents to arrive at three alternative concept plans. After additional community input, these plans were revised to arrive at a final park conceptual design.
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Neighborhood - Small Area Plan
The final park concept included: • A central plaza with food court space to serve as a multi-purpose area for festivals and community activities • A community library with study facilities and programming for high school and middle school after school enrichment • Open space and rest areas within the park, including picnic tables and artistic seating • Bike and pedestrian trails connecting within the park and to schools and included sports fields • A community garden
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Discover downtown Mineral wells
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Date: 2014-2015 Location: Mineral Wells, TX
Redevelopment Plan
ineral Wells has a long tradition as a destination community. First as a resort, then as a military training center, and currently as a place to escape to the unique natural environment of the Palo Pinto Mountains. The impending redevelopment of the iconic Baker Hotel presents Mineral Wells with a clear opportunity for resident and visitor alike to rediscover Mineral Wells.
Public engagement forms a key aspect of the planning process. In addition to an online survey and in-person interviews, a steering committee of interested citizens provided crucial advice and feedback throughout the planning process.
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PHASE I
PHASE II
DESIGN PROCCESS Phasing Strategy PHASE III
Redevelopment Plan
The location of activity nodes, core businesses, institutions, and residential areas all informed the phasing for the plan. The Phasing strategy leverage the heritage of area, concentrating Phase 1 around the most influential downtown nodes in order to create a downtown “city square� pedestrian thoroughfare along with development of key amenities. Phase 2 expands on Phase 1 and connects the developed downtown square to the residential areas to the west and to the civic and institutional uses to the south of Highway 180. Phase 3 further ties the downtown core into remainder of the overall study area.
The proposed physical design for downtown focuses on key proposals: • • • • • •
Creation of a downtown pedestrian square Multi use infill development Integration of additional activity nodes within downtown Connection of northern and southern parts of downtown Improved gateways and signage Parking 24 | Institute of Urban Studies
Palestine 2040
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Date: 2014
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he City of Palestine, Texas needed to update its outdated comprehensive plan. Facing the need to redevelop its historic downtown, and plan for future development while maximizing the efficient use of public resources for infrastructure development and redevelopment, Palestine contacted the Institute of Urban Studies for assistance.
Location: Palestine, TX Award Winner: National APA - 2014
Texas APA - 2014
Comprehensive Plan
Public engagement formed the base of the plan. In combination with onsite analysis and evaluation of demographic and economic trends for Palestine and Anderson County, an online
public input survey provided the basis for establishment of the draft plan vision and goals. A carrying capacity analysis demonstrated that Palestine could accommodate likely future growth within its existing corporate limits. Public input meetings and plan presentations further refined the vision. The plan is organized into sections for Community Vision, Future Land Use Plan, Downtown, Neighborhoods and Housing, Parks and Open Space, and Business and Employment. The plan includes detailed implementation strategies and timelines and an extensive resources section. To improve implementation, the Palestine 2014 identifies four key projects: • A downtown redevelopment plan for Palestine’s historic downtown area • Creation of neighborhood program to engage and involve citizens • A citywide greenway and trails network to preserve green space and connect neighborhoods with retail and park and recreation facilities • A Medical District to further develop a nascent medical services sector within the city 26 | Institute of Urban Studies
Wellness through transportation
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Date: 2014-2015 Location: Grand Prairie, TX
On-Street Bike Facilities Plan
ycle Grand Prairie was developed as a part of the North Central Texas Council of Government’s University Partners Program in cooperation with the City of Grand Prairie. The purpose of Cycle Grand Prairie 2015 is to address on-street bikeway needs by providing a structural framework for developing on-street bike facilities which will become a part of a larger on- and off-street system for future growth and development.
As reflected in the City’s 2010 Comprehensive Plan and Master Transportation Plan, the plan’s purpose is to provide safe and accessible surface transportation to natural areas, entertainment, and activity centers. It also provides multiple and viable modes of transportation alternatives and connects the region to adjacent cities, the Regional Veloweb, and offers other forms of transit through the Grand Prairie park-and-ride facility. In addition to rigorous analysis of geographic, street, traffic, and demographic data, city engagement formed an important part of the final plan development. Citizens expressed their needs and desires concerning their bike system through: • A series of meetings with targeted focus groups, including homeowner associations, the school districts and the YMCA • An online survey hosted on the City’s website • Outreach through person-on-the-street interviews by UTA
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CyCle Grand Prairie 2014 Plan Info. : Proposed Bikeway Network (Phase III)
On-Street Bike Facilities Plan
Grand Prairie Boundry
Proposed 6’ Bike Lane
Highway
Existing Bike Facilities
Major Arterials
Existing Park
Existing Trail
Educational Ins.
.25 & .50 Ml Radius
.25 & .50 Ml Radius
Regional Veloweb
Employment Ctr. .50 & 1.00 Ml Radius
Shared Lane (Wide Curb) Proposed 5’ Bike Lane
Connectivity (Proposed
lanes
University of
Texas
arlington Institute
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URBAN S t u d i e s
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Specific plan elements include: • Overall plan vision and goals • Recommendations for creating a culture of cycling • Recommendations for overall phasing, staffing, and development and maintenance of partnerships • A preferred on-street facilities map identifying a system of on-street bike routes • Detailed design guidelines
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City of aledo 2013
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Date: 2013 Location: Aledo, TX
Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
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ledo, Texas is a suburban/exurban community in Parker County. Facing intense development pressure from the expansion of the Dallas/Fort Worth “Metroplex”, Aledo worked with the Institute to develop a Master Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan to guide future growth and development while exemplifying Aledo’s vision of a community of excellence.
The plan incorporates Aledo’s Safe Routes to School Plan as the basis for the overall trails plan, as well as recommendations from the city’s strategic master plan. In addition, students performed a parks facilities inventory, multiple needs assessments, and undertook a series of citizen engagement meetings. Preliminary trail system and park concept plans were presented to the public for comment, and modified based on that feedback.
Final plan recommendations include: • Concept plans showing proposed facilities for each of Aledo’s existing parks plus a proposed large park concept plan • A citywide trails plan and trails guidelines • Proposed subdivision dedication policies • Implementation and prioritization of needs
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he purpose of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan for the City of Saginaw is to provide visionary guidance and strategic management for future parks and recreation development in the city. In addition to the city and the Institute, other parties were involved the planning process included the Saginaw/Eagle Mountain Independent School District, various homeowners associations, Tarrant County, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Quality for a lifetime
The study for the plan involved researching the city and the regional ecological, economic, and demographic aspects of Saginaw. Public engagement included interviews, surveys, and interactive meetings. The design of the planning process aimed to deliver a final product that achieves the goals of Saginaw’s citizens and considers the broader reach of the city within the region. Specific plan elements include:
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Date: 2013 Location: Saginaw, TX Award Winner: TEXAS APA - 2013
Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
• Park facilities inventory • Needs assessment • Overall parks and recreation vision and goals • Strategies for growth • Strategies for success
• Detailed conceptual plan for major existing parks including proposed new splashpad, dogpark, and skatepark facilities • An analysis and recommendations for new recreation and aquatics facilities • Strategies for connectivity, including a master trails plan • Prioritization and implementation guidelines
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Grayson county thoroughfare plan
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Date: 2013-2015 Location: Grayson County, TX
Comprehensive Plan
t is anticipated that Grayson County will experience strong growth in the rapidly growing North Texas region. The thoroughfare plan is long-range, planning for thoroughfare needs for the next 25 to 30 years. Public input was a key aspect of the planning process used to update this plan. Public input opportunities consisted of stakeholder interviews - including discussion with owners of large development tracts throughout the county, an interactive community
forum, information from local cities and towns, and Regional Mobility Commission presentations. In order to better determine future roadway demands, the planning team, under the direction of Dr. Ardeshir Anjomani of the School of Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington, undertook a sophisticated,
proprietary analysis of future development potential. The resultant development potential map, combined with results of community input and population and employment projections form the basis for two scenarios: 1. Likely Growth 2. Likely Growth plus Large Landowner Plans
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Keeping our county roots
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Date: 2014 Location: Pilot Point, TX
Comprehensive Plan
he City of Pilot Point is a unique destination that offers a blend of strong economic development within a natural environment and a tranquil equestrian setting. The historic Downtown Square reflects the strong entrepreneurial spirit in a walkable shopping, living, and dining district. Visitors to the beautiful Lake Ray Roberts are greeted with a gateway and a passage along winding pastoral settings that preserve open space and re-
flect the North Texas Horse Country, that typifies Pilot Point. The comprehensive plan articulates the vision for the future community and outlines the goals, objectives, and actions to achieve the desired vision.
spaces in the context of developing a resilient community. Plan components include future land use, transportation, economic development, historic preservation and downtown redevelopment, and parks and open spaces.
The plan focuses on maintaining a mix of small town, urban, suburban and resort properties, and preserving valuable agricultural and open
The plan includes detailed implementation and resource sections.
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Waxahachie alternative trail ScenarioS he City of Waxahachie engaged the Institute
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Date: 2014 Location: Waxahachie, TX
Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
of Urban Studies at The University of Texas at Arlington to assist with planning alternative construction scenarios for two trails as amendments to the City’s Master Parks, Recreation and Open Space plan. Key considerations for the scenarios included providing a range of alternatives in terms of construction cost, ongoing maintenance expenses, and type of trailhead, signage, and on-trail
amenities. Additional important considerations included connectivity with Waxahachie’s broader trail network and their park network, as well as providing opportunities for bike and pedestrian access to schools, shopping, and entertainment.
Two trail scenarios are presented: the Little Creek Hike and Bike Trail and the MKT Hike and Bike Trail. Each trail plan is divided into multiple segments and includes detailed trailhead amenities. Key challenges include development of safe roadway crossings and repurposing two long railway trestles on the MKT Hike and Bike Trail.
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What our clients say
:: James Parajon, Director of Community :: Charles P. Barnett,
Assistant City Manager, Haltom City: The [community& business] surveys were critical in creating healthy dialogue between staff and council regarding the direction of the city.
Development and Planning, City of Arlington : the Design Center has…proven that it is an important and needed element for design and development in Arlington. The Center’s free conceptual design service has saved clients over half a million dollars through various entities; such as, neighborhood groups, non-profit organizations, local business, and the City.
:: Allison Thompson,
Director of Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation : [IUS] retreat facilitation services and reporting have provided the CEDC with a valuable product that already is being used by the board as a working tool for achieving board goals
:: Bob Stimson, President, Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce :
The aim is to help people get started in the development process. Many times, people don’t know what to do, where to go. We believe this storefront will become that place to start, some place business and development representatives can go to for answers.
:: Jeffrey Lyons, Development Services Director, City of Palestine : I wanted to take an opportunity to express my gratitude to [the] staff at the University of Texas at Arlington Institute of Urban Studies for their work on the City of Palestine’s Comprehensive Plan. The updated plan was comprehensive and multi-faceted. The goals and strategies for achieving the results developed during the citizen input session were well thought out and provide a clear path to ultimately guiding the city to realization of the public’s vision.
:: Ray Long, Mayor, City of Vidor : :: Bill Shipp, City Manager, Royce City :
…Strategic planning brought the council together to think long range, plan systematically and set strategic priorities for the upcoming budget.
I thought it was excellent work, and they did a great job of explaining their plan. We will use their [comprehensive land use] plan as a basis for our zoning plan later this year.
:: Robert Eldridge, Executive Director,
Kaufman Neighborhood Development Org. : As a result of the market analysis, KNDO was able to win the approval of their accountants and bankers as well as getting interest from a developer… we have used the study to obtain grant money from public and private sources.
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