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PLANNING AND GROWTH MANAGEMENT

 

The comprehensive planning process establishes the framework and policy direction for addressing the impacts of

 

land use and growth on key community features, including transportation systems, community facilities, natural

 

resources, housing, and community character.  These policies are based on community goals and aspirations in

 

terms of community development and emerge during the planning process.  A successful comprehensive planning

 

process identifies and addresses contemporary issues of concern to residents, workers, property owners, and

 

business people.  It  also includes an examination of emerging issues, which will be important in the future.  Broad

 

community acceptance of  plan policies and practical implementation strategies are two of the key outcomes from

 

a successful planning process.  PJA has been assisting counties and municipalities throughout the Mid-Atlantic

 

region in preparing comprehensive plans  for 30 years.  We work with clients to insure an inclusive process that

 

involves all stakeholders in the examination of issues, opportunities, and alternatives.  This is critical for evaluating

 

implementation strategies to support community goals and objectives.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

 

Plans always reflects a community's vision.  PJA believes that any successful planning program requires a

 

grassroots approach to public involvement.  Our planning process is designed  to get community

 

officials, stakeholders, and the public talking to one another and planning for the future.  A clear and

 

open dialogue during the development of a plan is invaluable.  Presentation techniques alone are not

 

sufficient to ensure productive public involvement.  Only through the exploration of issues and

 

opportunities can a broad understanding arise and, as a result, create public confidence in government

 

and the planning process.  PJA's experience has been honed with 30 years of work in local

 

planning, providing a diverse array of useful case studies and examples to guide your community.

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS

The objective of a well-structured implementation strategy is to insure that community expectations, arising from the

 

planning process, are met.  Implementation strategies that both officials and citizens can commit to must be realistic and

 

not run counter to community goals.  Tools such as zoning ordinances and maps, subdivision regulations, design

 

guidelines, and other regulations are the mainstay of plan implementation for most communities.  PJA has prepared these

 

tools for small, medium, and large communities.  Since each community is different, and often requires different strategies,

 

PJA believes in customizing implementation tools and developing creative approaches to problem solving.  Our Planner-

 

on-Call services, described below, provide a useful way for communities to retain institutional knowledge without the

 

associated high costs.  Some of PJA's other important services include the following:

Planner On Call Services - Local government is becoming more complex from the maze of inter-governmental relations to development pressures and the increased demands and expectations of citizens.  PJA's "Planner-on-Call" service is a practical approach to dealing with growth management issues facing local governments.  It allows jurisdictions to augment their professional  staff with ours, without the long-term budget implications.  It also permits jurisdictions to apply a broad range of expertise to their  various problems.

Community and Urban Design - Design is the art of making places for people.  It involves the space between buildings as much as the buildings themselves.  Developing design guidelines begin with the specific aspects that influence design standards.  A common failing of design guidelines is a disconnect between with the community’s implementing ordinances and regulations.  PJA believes that design processes should result in clear guidance for projects as expressed in text, graphics, concept plans, master plans, and/or other forms with a strong regulatory link between design objectives and implementing codes.  This is critical to insure that the qualities of the immediate environment positively contribute to our daily lives.  PJA bring this type of knowledge and experience to your community's planning process.

Resource Conservation Planning - The preservation and conservation of resources is a critical factor for community quality of life. PJA utilizes a variety of planning techniques to promote the preservation and conservation of irreplaceable resources. We have extensive experience with environmental planning, parks and recreation planning, agricultural and forestry planning, and many of today's associated best management practices.

Heritage Preservation and Tourism Planning - The goal of sound heritage planning is to develop a pro-active approach that combines historic and cultural resource preservation with heritage tourism, small business development, and education.  PJA has many years of experience in heritage planning including ways to best promote historic, cultural, archeological, and natural and scenic resources for improving the economy and quality of life in our client communities.

Special Area/Sector Planning & Studies - PJA has prepared many special plans, studies, and reports ranging from public infrastructure and development projects to sea level rise studies. We have broad experience with many of the public concerns effecting our environment today.

GIS Mapping and Technical Support - Creating a dynamic and stimulating plan is important to inform and capture  the interest of the public and those involved in the planning process.  PJA understands the importance of creating a plan that is professional and easily understood. Through the use of language, graphic concepts, detailed maps, and modern technologies, we help our clients analyze issues and develop strategies that spur communities to action. PJA's expertise in technical support includes: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for digital mapping: graphic design and illustration; and website integration for documents and products.

Peter Johnston & Associates, LLC    416 Goldsborough Street    Easton     Maryland    21601

Telephone 410.822.9630     Fax 410.820.5039    Email plj@peterjohnstonassociates.com