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October 8, 2008 American Planners Recognize 30 Great Neighborhoods, Streets, and Public SpacesWASHINGTON, DC — The American Planning Association (APA) announced today the country's 10 Great Neighborhoods, 10 Great Streets, and 10 Great Public Spaces singled out in 2008 through the organization's Great Places in America national program. Launched in 2007, Great Places in America is APA's flagship program celebrating places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow. "From U.S. border towns to Society Hill in Philadelphia to some of the oldest streets in America, a wonderful diversity of places from across the United States are represented by this year's designees," said APA Executive Director Paul Farmer, FAICP. "We're honored to recognize the spirit and fortitude of the civic leaders and residents of these communities whose efforts show you do not have to level a neighborhood in order to spur urban renewal," Farmer continued. "These Great Places are shining examples of planning at its best, when revitalization includes affordable housing, strengthens local economies, and puts green and sustainable ideas into action." APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live. They are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. They are places where people want to be — not only to visit, but to live and work every day. America's truly great streets, neighborhoods and public spaces are defined by many unique criteria, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement. Through Great Places in America, APA recognizes the unique and authentic attributes of essential building blocks of great communities — streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces. The 2008 designees are not ranked, but listed alphabetically. They are located in 21 states and the District of Columbia. Additional details about each designee are available at www.planning.org/greatplaces. 2008 Great Neighborhoods in America
2008 Great Streets in America
2008 Great Public Spaces in America
As this year's designees illustrate, communities across the nation are contending with a variety of concerns from global warming, transportation, and housing options to health issues such as obesity to economic growth stimulation and job creation. Planners work to develop effective and innovative solutions that offer more housing and transportation choices; mixed-use and mixed-income neighborhoods; and sustainable and environmentally compatible development that enhances quality of life and builds strong and prosperous communities. This year's 10 Great Neighborhoods, 10 Great Streets and 10 Great Public Spaces will be celebrated as part of APA's National Community Planning Month in October 2008, designed to recognize and celebrate the many residents, leaders, officials, and professionals who contribute to making great communities. For more about National Community Planning Month, visit www.planning.org/ncpm. ContactsDenny Johnson, APA, 202-349-1006; djohnson@planning.org Richard Lukas, APA, 202-349-1010; rlukas@planning.org | ||
