Planners in Private Practice Win Top MAP Awards

Congratulations to the Planners in Private Practice members--Birchler Arroyo Associates, Carlisle/Wortman Associates, McKenna Associates, Doug Piggott of Rowe Incorporated and Gerry Harsh of Land Planning & Design Associates--who received awards at the MAP Awards Banquet, held September 30 at the Planning Michigan annual conference in Mt. Pleasant.

A Natural Solution: An Introduction to Low Impact Development for Commercial and Residential Applications in the Grand Traverse Region

The Watershed Center - Grand Traverse; Gerry Harsch

A Natural Solution, an introduction to low impact development for commercial and residential applications in the Grand Traverse Region is a planning tool which provides a process to implement low impact storm water management practice and design.

A Natural Solution provides detailed information on the exciting new design strategy - the Low Impact Development (LID) approach- for managing storm water flow. Unlike other methods, LID mimics the natural and pre-existing site assets to minimize storm water flow.  This guide assists planners, designers, or homeowners in developing a storm water management system that controls the quantity and quality of storm water discharge.

In addition to clearly illustrating and defining recommended LIP techniques, the document provides a set of LID stickers for working with site plans, by land owners and their designers, to assist with the identification of LID concepts for site development or redevelopment. The document also provides case studies illustrating how the stickers are used for that purpose. 

Outstanding Planning Project for Public Outreach

The Aging of Macomb County: Phase 1 Generating Awareness

Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development

Carlisle/Wortman Associates, Inc.

The Aging of Macomb County was developed to cultivate and support livable communities for all generations. This initiative seeks to establish collaborative efforts with key stakeholders throughout the county, region, and state in order to address the evolving needs of Macomb County's growing elderly population. 

The Aging of Macomb County is focused on two core community-level undertakings: developing livable multi-generational communities and cultivating aging in place.  As the population aged 65 and over grows, each community should ensure they are prepared to accommodate this generational tidal wave through various systems of services such as living needs, transportation, housing, health care, recreation etc.  Secondly, aging in place is the ability for an individual to continue to live in a familiar, safe, comfortable, and independent environment regardless of age, income, or ability level. 

The Aging of Macomb County takes a proactive approach to address issues. It seeks to educate stakeholders and the general public regarding the implications associated with the growing number of elderly resident thought the county.  Focused on fortifying livable communities for all generations, the initiative will unite community leaders, community service organizations, and the general public.

Outstanding Planning Project for Public Implementation

Downtown Marketing and Strategic Plan

Charter Township of Buena Vista

McKenna Associates Inc.

The Downtown Marketing and Strategic Plan was developed to eradicate blight at the Fort Saginaw Mall and redevelop the site based on sound planning principles.  The result is a model implementation program that includes the use of eminent domain, new partnerships between township boards and commissions, and the support of local, state, and federal elected officials and agencies.  

The township solicited and received a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) grant to commission a study that would determine the market for retail, housing, and office uses on site and outline a plan of action for turning the once-heralded community destination back into a source of pride and function for township residents.

Projects laid out in the 2005 plan have been systematically accomplished - revision of the DDA Development and Tax Increment Financing Plan, reconvening the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, and development of streetscape and urban design plans, to name just a few. 

The successful implementation of so many components of the 2005 Plan create great prospects for the future of this prime parcel, and future generations of this proud community.

Daniel Burnham Award for a Comprehensive Plan

City of Huntington Woods Master Plan

City of Huntington Woods

Birchler Arroyo Associates, Inc.

The Master Plan of Huntington Woods establishes a vision for the future that includes high quality housing, safe neighborhoods, well maintained parks and open spaces, first-class services, and planned neighborhood commercial nodes.

The plan provides recommendations for future land use, housing, neighborhood character, and historic preservation, the Detroit Zoological Park, Rackham Golf Course, wireless communication facilities, and crosswalks. It portrays a clear statement of community goals and objectives, establishes a vision for the future, and includes plans to achieve the vision.  

Preserving the unique character for existing and future residents is a high priority for Huntington Woods.  The plan promotes redevelopment of the city's Woodward Avenue frontage to diversify housing stock and increase densities and mixed uses supporting regional initiatives of transit-oriented development throughout Southeast Michigan.   Inclusion of a preservation plan provides a single concise discussion of the city's preservation goals and efforts.  Lastly, smart growth principles are promoted, recommending increased density, infill development, diverse housing, and protection of distinctive character. In addition to establishing a clear plan for the city's future, the master plan provides detailed tasks and strategies to assist city official with ingoing implementation

MAP Award for Exceptional Contribution

Doug Piggott, AICP, PCP

Doug Piggott has been a member of Michigan Association of Planning since 1990 and a member of its Law Committee since 1992.   During that time he has devoted countless hours to the Association, and has shared his professional expertise and acumen to advance many organizational initiatives.  He has provided high quality instruction at workshops and at our annual conference; authored articles for our magazine; served three times on MAP's Fellow of American Institute Certified Planner committee conducting time consuming research, background checks, interviews, and general vetting of candidates; and served as a professional resource whom MAP staff count on again and again for expertise in planning and zoning matters.  Mr. Piggott is highly respected among his professional peers, and cherished by MAP staff.

Mr. Piggott has a special connection with elected and appointed officials, a rare understanding of their unique needs, and a passion for local government and planning.  He brings this passion to philosophical and policy discussions at Law Committee meetings.  Doug's involvement with the association has been quiet and inspired, and because of his selfless and humble contributions, MAP is a better organization.