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The Villages is currently in the process of developing a strategic plan for its neighborhoods. The board members of The Villages CDC, whose members are all residents in the Villages, is identifying feasible projects and programs that will help the Villages become an even better place to live, recreate and do business. Key questions have arisen in the process of determining how our neighborhoods should function and look.
Questions asked include whether the Villages and its residents will benefit from the development of a greenway through the neighborhood to connect to existing and planned greenways throughout Detroit? What types of improvements can be made to commercial facades and interiors to facilitate a friendlier business environment? How can we promote walkability and access to recreation, fresh food and other resources that affect our quality of life?
In early February 2009, The Villages CDC turned to students of architecture and urban planning from Lawrence Technical University, University of Detroit-Mercy and the University of Michigan to answer these questions. The students spent a weekend learning about the Villages communities from many of its stakeholders, identifying the wants and needs of the Villages residents and developing conceptual plans for streetscapes, greenways, land-use, and commercial space within the Villages.
This spring-board event could not have been possible without the generous support of The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, Adult Well-Being Services, Gleaners Community Foodbank, Lawrence Tech, University of Detroit-Mercy and the University of Michigan.
It was an awesome experience. I hope our ideas have gotten you places in the last year, to perhaps a direction you are pleased with and proud of, most importantly. I was thrilled with the passion of everyone, the students, faculty, residents, and friends. It feels great to help out our amazing city.
Comment by Brian on February 2, 2010 at 12:46 am