Discussion
7pm
Van Alen Institute
30 West 22nd Street, Manhattan

How neighborhoods receive new development often reflects how included residents feel in the development process. Whether we're making way for a high-rise residential tower or converting a vacant lot into a community garden, people need to feel heard. Approaches to promote and harness that listening should be a significant part of any city-maker's toolkit.

With voices from urban design, city planning, architecture, and community activism, this talk will explore the risks and rewards of helping the public become real collaborators in changing their neighborhoods. Topics of discussion will include: Who is the "citizen planner"? How do needs and desire translate into design? What strategies can help communities truly shape plans for their neighborhoods’ growth and vitality?

Moderator:
David van der Leer, Executive Director, Van Alen Institute

Panelists:
Michael Parkinson, AICP, Bronx Neighborhood Studies Manager, NYC Department of City Planning
Traci Sanders, Director of Civic Impact, WXY Studio
Jeff Shumaker, Director of Urban Planning and Design, KPF

Discount tickets are available to Van Alen members and students. To request discount tickets, contact Robin Schatell: rschatell@vanalen.org