Knowledge is the most democratic source of power.
PPGIS IN ACTION:THE PROSPECT HEIGHTS HISTORIC MAPPING PROJECT
Jennifer Brisbane
Abstract: The Prospect Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York is a mostly residential neighborhood known for its brownstones, limestone, and brick-fronted townhouses dating from the 1860s to 1890s, many of which are both historically and architecturally significant. The community is concerned about the potential loss of many of these buildings and a loss of the neighborhood character as a result of a proposed development which would bring an arena, office tower complex, housing, and retail to the neighborhood. They desired a way to depict the historic value of the neighborhood through maps that could be shared both within the community and with those unfamiliar with the neighborhood. This project demonstrates that a PPGIS approach is the best way to address the historic mapping of neighborhoods, since the local residents are the ones who are most aware of the history of the neighborhood and specific buildings within the neighborhood. From a historic preservation standpoint, this project raises the idea that communities should implement a similar mapping project before their neighborhood is threatened by unwanted development so that more time can be devoted to gathering the most accurate and detailed information possible. Download Report (PDF 434 KB) | Powerpoint
RENEWING SULLIVAN: CREATING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SULLIVAN COUNTY
Alex Schafran
Abstract: Few issues in Sullivan County have engendered as much rancorous debate as the question about what to do with Sullivan County’s economy. Although there has been significant growth over the past seven years, with a rebound in sales tax revenue and a gradual recovery in terms of total jobs, there is still a great deal of concern. Poverty rates are among the highest in the state, and the gap between rich and poor is growing, as median incomes skyrocket while the number of people in poverty holds steady or inches upward.
Certain sectors, like health care, agriculture and natural resources and manufacturing have shown strong growth, but the lack of construction jobs, a missing white collar sector and the over reliance on traditionally low-wage tourism jobs represent significant concerns about the strength of the county’s economy. (Ch. 1)
Bringing together the diverse voices within the county, groups which may have been (and still may be) at odds over specific economic development projects, is critical. One way to do this is to unite behind a single set of principles embodied by the term sustainable development. Sustainable development begins with the idea that economic development must benefit all its citizens, and maintains the firm belief that economic growth need not be at the expense of social or environmental goals. (Ch. 2)
This report believes that these principles of sustainable development are already strongly evident in the recently developed master plan for Sullivan County, Sullivan 2020.
Uniting behind this plan, and ensuring that its strong Vision for Sullivan County in the 21st Century is realized will determine whether or not Sullivan County is able to grow in such a way that alleviates its social, economic and environmental problems, or whether it continues down a road towards increased stratification, acrimonious debate and a reduction in the quality-of-life for most citizens. Download Abstract (PDF 970 KB) Entire Report (PDF 3.2 MB)
