Individuals and groups in a community are affected by their visual and built environment.
Traditional methods of shaping support for civic projects are continually changing, and the idea of “community engagement” is changing along with them. From engagement in interactive and constructive processes, to getting involved in particular areas in a neighborhood, there are many ways to participate in making your community a place you enjoy.
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Focus
Many communities already have broad Comprehensive Plans or established historic districts. More have neighborhoods which require additional attention to accommodate specific needs, e.g. teardown concerns or commercial revitalization. Social networking technology and the latest digital publishing methods can help to conserve and promote neighborhoods and their property values, such as through local heritage publications. For example, the link here is an example of a neighborhood historic-architecture inventory I developed using CommunityRemarks / SiteVista technology.
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Involvement
I believe it is important to balance public and business interests. For municipalities, I chaired local façade improvement and downtown business committees, including the Glenview Appearance Commission for many years. I also recently founded the Friends of Downtown Glenview organization, based on a national MainStreet model, using the latest digital networking and social media techniques.