The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) has announced the recipients of the 2021 Professional Awards.  Seven projects have been selected and will be recognized at the 2022 Chapter Conference due to the pandemic that forced the Chapter to hold a virtual conference in 2021.  These projects were deemed to have at least met the criteria of the award and illustrate great planning in Upstate New York.

“Each year, the New York Upstate Chapter has the wonderful challenge of reviewing applications from our colleagues and communities and learning more about what is happening around the state," said Sean Maguire, Chapter Vice President and Chapter Awards Chair.  “We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Professional Awards highlighting the best in planning across Upstate New York creating great communities for all.”

Awards were made in two of the categories available – Best Practice and Comprehensive Planning.  One project in each category was the work of students at either the University at Albany or the University at Buffalo.

Best Practice

• Amherst Farmland Protection and Agricultural Development Plan

• Revitalization and Redevelopment Design Plan for Sewall’s Island and Factory Square

• Lark Street Improvement Study

• LivCo Wayfinding Strategy

• Erie Grown

• Delaware County Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Mitigation and Adaptation Opportunities (Student Project, University at Albany)

Comprehensive Planning

• Willert Park Courts - A.D. Price Homes: A Study of People and Placemaking (Student Project, University at Buffalo)

LivCo Wayfinding Strategy Livingston County identified the need to undertake a County-wide wayfinding study to improve vehicular and pedestrian navigation, support economic development, and visually connect the nine villages and destinations throughout the County with uniform and consistent signage. Incorporating feedback from a robust public engagement strategy and building off of numerous County and Regional initiatives, this study lays the groundwork for an informative, functional, and identifiable wayfinding system.  Detailed cost estimates and implementation strategies were identified for each of the nine Villages to plan for future capital improvement programming and grant opportunities. In addition to wayfinding, this study provides recommendations and general streetscape design guidelines to help create inviting, comfortable, and navigable environments in each of the nine Villages. 

For more about the award, click here.