What's the Future of Our Neighborhood? Pratt Students Have Answers

As you may know, urban planning and historic preservation students from the Pratt Institute have been studying the Columbia Waterfront District under the direction of Pratt profs and Carroll Gardeners Vicki Weiner and John Shapiro. They researched local history, interviewed residents and businessowners and examined things from this angle and that. The goal? A comprehensive plan for our neighborhood's future.

Now the school year over and work is done. Come see the students present their plan! Everyone is welcome. Here's the info:

When: Thursday, May 6, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Long Island College Hospital, Conference Room A

Scratch Their Backs and They'll Scratch Ours

Grad students from the Pratt Institute's School of Architecture are in the middle of a year-long study of the Columbia Waterfront District. They've looked at the history. Now they're turning toward the future.

Help them help us. Fill out a survey that the students have created. Tell them what kind of neighborhood you want to live in. And spread the word far and wide. This is a great opportunity, so take advantage of it!

Pratt Institute Graduate Preservation & Planning hosts presentation and workshop for Waterfront planning

Pratt Institute's graduate Preservation & Planning Spring semester studio will be focused on the Columbia Waterfront neighborhood of Brooklyn. Their goal is to assess the land uses, economic conditions, and quality-of-life issues in the neighborhood and make recommendations as to how to address physical deficiencies, preserve historic and contemporary places of value to the community, and enhance economic development. The students will conduct place-based research and community outreach, prepare an analysis of the strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats in the neighborhood, and develop plan elements that address these conditions. The goal of the studio's work will be to prepare a final plan and present it the community.

A key component of the studio is consultation with community members, beginning with an open meeting on Thursday, January 28 at 7:00 pm at LICH. The agenda will include a brief presentation of historical information compiled last semester, followed by a forum where participants will be asked to share their concerns about and aspirations for the neighborhood.

Meeting Date: January 28, 2010

Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Location: LICH building onHicks Street, just off Atlantic Avenue. We’re reserved under Columbia Waterfront Neighborhood Assn. / Pratt Presentation. The security guard will direct you to conference room F/G -which is a short distance down the hall.

Please RSVP to: melissaum@gmail.com