New plans at Canalside Buffalo moving forward

March 12, 2019 by Jeff Preval,  WGRZ 

There's a lot of construction work going on at Canalside, and now the folks in charge there are moving forward with another project. It would bring more shopping, more restaurants and, yes, more parking. 
A decade ago, the Aud was demolished.
Today the Explore and More Children's Museum is almost finished on the South Aud Block, while the North Aud Block is a giant hole.  

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation is in charge of growing the waterfront, and it has hired TY Lin International, a Buffalo architecture and engineering firm, to design plans to fill this hole. Read more here. 

East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund Announced

March 12, 2019 by Tanya Zwahlen

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the $50 million East Side Corridor Economic Development Fund, an initiative to spark revitalization of Buffalo's East Side through investments in the four main commercial corridors: Michigan, Jefferson, Fillmore, and Bailey avenues. Funding will help to revive traditional main streets and commercial corridors through the preservation of historic buildings, funding of capital improvements in neighborhood assets, expansion of commercial opportunities, improvements to infrastructure, as well as the promotion of mixed-use private investment in these neighborhoods. Read more here.

Join us at a public meeting for the Mount Hope Avenue Improvement project

March 4, 2019 by Tanya Zwahlen

Phase Two of the Mt. Hope Avenue Improvements project will come to a close with a meeting on Monday, March 18th at which final designs developed for the corridor will be on display.  Phase Two of the project addresses the portion of Mt. Hope south of Rossiter Road and north of where the Avenue passes over the Erie Canal and Interstate 390 at the City’s southern boundary. Issues to be addressed in this phase included road reconstruction, traffic signal, signage and drainage system replacement, as well as improvements to sidewalks, street lighting and landscaping along the corridor. This phase of the project included focus groups, door-to-door engagement of residents and businesses as well as a community workshop. 

RTS holding suburban 'mobility zone' sessions

February 1, 2019 by Jeremy Moule, Rochester City Newspaper

Representatives from RTS and its consulting firm will hold a series of information sessions over the next two weeks on the transit agency's proposed Community Mobility Zones.  The proposed zones, which are part of the agency's Reimagine RTS initiative, are suburban areas currently served by large buses on fixed routes. The agency and its consultants believe those areas could be better and more efficiently served through combinations of other options, such as smaller buses or vans that operate based on need. Read more here. 

We are Hiring!

January 29, 2019 by Tanya Zwahlen

We are excited to announce that we are looking for a full-time Senior Planner. Read the job description here. If you are passionate about research management, we hope you will consider joining our talented team. Any questions? Just email Tanya.

Hopkins Named Chief operating officer

January 1, 2019 by Tanya Zwahlen

Today, Susan Hopkins stepped into the position of Chief Operating Officer. She will oversee the organization’s ongoing operations and procedures, and establish policies that promote company culture and vision. Sue is an experienced leader, a talented facilitator, and a fantastic planner. We are enthusiastic about her ability to help secure the functionality of our business and drive extensive, sustainable growth.

Tactical Urbanism Training

December 4, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

Today we ordered Flavors of Asia and held a lunch and learn about tactical urbanism. We reflected on our experiences with Playful Sidewalks (City of Rochester, NY) and Parker Boulevard (Town of Tonawanda, NY), and discussed other opportunities to include short-term, low-cost interventions to test ideas and affect change in the communities where we work.  

Metro Rail Expansion Kick-Off

November 27, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

Thursday, December 6th is the first public meeting for the NFTA Metro Rail Expansion project. The meeting will take place from 5-7PM at the Sweet Home Middle School in Amherst. The open house marks the beginning of the Environmental Impact Statement process. During this phase, we will assess visual effects, noise, financial and economic impacts, as well as other factors that go into the development, construction and operation of a light rail line. Project renderings will be on display, with design and routing ideas. Even better - this is your chance to talk with the project team and other members of the community about the Rail Expansion. We hope you will join us!

NFTA proposes new, cheaper route for Metro Rail extension to Amherst

November 20, 2018 by Robert J. McCarthy, The Buffalo News

Transit planners have made major changes to the route of Metro Rail’s proposed extension to Amherst, hoping to significantly reduce the length of its underground section, expand economic development opportunities and save $200 million. 

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority plans now call for northbound trains to exit University Station directly to Niagara Falls Boulevard rather than running beneath Bailey Avenue as part of the approximately 7-mile extension planned to the University at Buffalo’s North Campus and beyond. And instead of coming above ground through a portal near Northtowns Plaza, new plans call for trains to travel under Kenmore Avenue to surface on Niagara Falls Boulevard just north of Kenilworth Avenue.

Read more here. Check out the project website here.

The Quarterly Newsletter

November 5, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

​Check out our latest newsletter to learn what's happening at Highland Planning. View the newsletter here. 

Highland Planning Receives WBE Status in Massachusetts

November 1, 2018 by Christopher Dunne

While the Red Sox are decking out the duckboats to celebrate their World Series title, we've got something New England-related to celebrate ourselves... This fall Highland Planning was certified as a Women Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) in the great state of Massachusetts! We are excited to bring our capabilities in public engagement and socio-economic and market analysis to transit, commercial district, green space and utility projects across the Commonwealth. #sports

Options presented for Brownville Bridge Replacement

November 1, 2018

The Highland team was in Brownville, New York last night, hosting a final open house to share refined options for a new bridge crossing over the Black River. ​We started this project in January 2018 going door-to-door to meet community members and tell them about the project. Since then, we've held two workshops, two open houses, and hosted a booth at General Brown Weekend. Read more here. 

Sauquoit Creek Channel & Floodplain Restoration Project 

October 18, 2018 by WKTV.com

Last week, Sue made the evening news in Whitestown, New York. Here she is facilitating the second public information session for the Sauquoit Creek Channel & Floodplain Restoration Project. The Restoration Project was initiated in 2016 to investigate and implement solutions to alleviate flooding in the area. A large aspect of the project includes the construction of 12 floodplain benches along a 1 mile-plus corridor of lower Sauquoit Creek on Commercial Drive. Read more here.

Reimagine RTS public outreach wins award!

October 5, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

Last week, at the New York Upstate American Planning Association (APA) conference in Ithaca, NY, we accepted an award related to public outreach for Reimagine RTS. The Reimagine RTS process included innovative and non-traditional tools and 150+ events, focus groups, and meetings that engaged people with an original trade-off educational board game, budgeting and mapping exercises, live audience polling, and surveys to capture input. Over 13,000 people provided input into the recommendations the redesigned system that will result in a faster, more reliable, and more convenient system. This was one of our largest projects to date and we are proud of this award! 

HP Team will live stream from the 2018 NY Upstate APA Conference

September 27, 2018 by Susan Hopkins 

We'll be live streaming to Facebook from our session next week at the 2018 NY Upstate APA Conference in Ithaca, New York. The session, titled "Essential Techniques for Public Participation," will take place on Thursday, October 4th from 11:15am-12:15pm.

The session will cover:
  • Effective and inclusive public participation strategies.
  • How to identify and respond to issues, manage outrage, and use innovative techniques.
  • A demonstration of engagement techniques.

Interested? More information is posted here.

Community Workshop & fair

September 5, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

This week we are all preparing for two meetings related to the City of Rochester Bull's Head Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) project.  On Thursday 9/6, we'll be at a public meeting at Saint Mary's campus and on Saturday 9/8, we'll be staffing a community fair at Salvation Army on West Avenue.

Thursday's meeting will be similar to the PAC meeting (see previous entry below) but on a larger scale. André and Sue will be facilitating discussions about key values and strategic redevelopment sites.

On Saturday, we plan to facilitate two activities. The first will be a drawing exercise for children and families. We will be asking participants to draw their favorite part of the Bull's Head neighborhood. We also will be recording videos of residents sharing stories and memories about the Bull's Head neighborhood. We are excited to be incorporating different engagement techniques into our practice and look forward to sharing some of the videos next week.

Bulls Head Values & Vision

August 23, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

Here is André reviewing common themes of previous public engagement for the City of Rochester Bulls Head Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA). Last night, with André's help, the Bulls Head BOA Project Advisory Committee develop a list of key values. This list of values will be used to develop a vision statement and identify strategies to redevelop brownfield properties. This exercise will be repeated at the next public meeting on Thursday, September 6th at Saint Mary's Campus (89 Genesee Street, East Conference Room). We'll also be talking to Bulls Heads residents at a Community Fair on Saturday, September 8th from 12-4PM at the Salvation Army (100 West Avenue). See you there?

Progress on Genesee Gateway 

August 2, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

Highland Planning was honored to host the first meeting of the Genesee Gateway Advisory meeting on Wednesday, August 1st.

Led by Chris Widmaier, the Genesee Gateway will be a community center for creativity, urban ecology and solutions.
​Tanya is serving on the committee and will share information as the project moves forward. Stay tuned...

Research meetings in Cape Cod 

July 9, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

This week, Tanya is at the J. Erik Jonsson Center Of The National Academy Of Sciences in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. On behalf of the Transportation Research Board, she is working with three oversight panels and consultants to review first draft synthesis reports for National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP). Topics include "Practices for Acquiring Proprietary Data for Transportation Applications" and "Prioritization of Freight Investment Projects."

Welcome Sophie Primus!

June 28, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

This week we are celebrating the birth of André's second daughter, Philosophie Evangeline Primus, who arrived on Tuesday, June 26th. Everyone is healthy and happy. Here's a photo of her with big sister, Norah. 

City begins work on transportation and mobility plan 

June 13, 2018 by Jeremy Moule, City Newspaper

Rochester officials are in the early stages of a plan that will shape how people get around the city — and possibly how they choose to do that — for years to come.

The city is starting to put together a Comprehensive Access and Mobility Plan, which will tie into the city's broader Rochester 2034 Comprehensive Plan. CAMP, as it's being called, is all about transportation, and some parts of it will be extremely important to people who live and work in the city.
​Read more here. 
BROWNVILLE BRIDGE PLANNING STUDY 
June 2, 2017 by Susan Hopkins

​On behalf of the Watertown Jefferson County Area Transportation Council, we hosted a "pop-up" informational booth at General Brown Weekend in Brownville, NY. The purpose was to share information about the potential new bridge locations and gather feedback from the community.

The pop-up came after a five-month engagement process, which began in January when Christopher and Jen went door-to-door in the snowy, freezing cold. 

​You can read more about the project here.
Picture
Boy Scouts check out potential new bridge locations in Brownville.

The Quarterly Newsletter

May 23, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen
​
Check out our latest newsletter to learn what's happening at Highland Planning. View the newsletter here.

Genesee Gateway Park Concepts 

April 25, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

Check out the video that André made a video about proposed concepts for Genesee Gateway Park in the City of Rochester. 

New Orleans Bound for APA National

April 10, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

Today we ran through a draft presentation for Sue and Tanya's upcoming session at the 2018 American Planning Association national conference in New Orleans. "Essential Techniques for Successful Public Engagement" is scheduled for Sunday, April 22nd from 2:45-4:00PM. See you there? If not, we'll be live broadcasting the session here. #NPC18
ASSESSING ROCHESTER'S VULNERABILITY TO THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

April 3, 2018 by Susan Hopkins

Highland Planning is working with Rochester's Office of Energy and Sustainability on a community-wide Vulnerability Assessment. Read more here.

​

All-Hazards TransportatIon Recovery Training in the GulF states

March 1, 2018 by Tanya Zwahlen

This week, Tanya is teaching an All-Hazards Transportation Recovery Plan course in sunny Sarasota and Fort Lauderdale.
​Sue picks up the course in Savannah and Lake Charles next.
Picture
From left: Sue Hopkins, Carolyn Levine, Shannon Ealy
CONSIDERING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE? 

​February 27, 2018 by Susan Hopkins 

Sue joined Carolyn Levine (Rochester EV Accelerator) Shannon Ealy (Greater Rochester Chamber), and Ben Prochazka (Electrification Coalition) on Connections with Evan Dawson on Wednesday to discuss their experiences driving electric cars and share information about a new program aimed at increasing the number of employer-sponsored charging stations in Rochester. 

Reimagine RTS moves into next phase 

February 9, 2018 by Jeremy Mouse, City Newspaper 
​
The first phase of Reimagine RTS, an effort to plan for the future of the region's bus system, is complete. And RTS officials expect to release a draft plan in May that'll lay out potential route designs and make recommendations about things such as bus frequency.

During the first phase, RTS and its consultants gathered input from the public and surveyed existing and potential riders about how they use or would like to use the bus. RTS also gave its consultant current operational and ridership data to analyze. Read more here.

Residents weigh in on planned Brownville bridge project

February 1, 2018 by Gordon Block, Watertown Daily News

As planners look to replace the village’s aging bridge, they took resident input on how they think the project should proceed. “We wanted to bring you in early to maximize your impact and hear everything you’re concerned about before a decision is made,” said Susan Hopkins, a community engagement specialist that facilitated conversation at the meeting Wednesday night. Read more here.

The Quarterly newsletter

January 23, 2018 by M. André Primus

Check out our newsletter for the latest on Highland Planning.
Read our newsletter here!

Brownville Bridge Outreach

January 19, 2018 by WWNYTV Fox

Brownville's mayor was going door-to-door Thursday, but it wasn't to garner votes. Mayor Pat Connor hit the streets with two employees from Highland Planning to discuss new locations for the Brownville bridge. The visibly rusting bridge was built over the Black River and it's directly next to Neenah Northeast, a paper mill company.

"The issues for the bridge are the location and that it hasn't been repaired in many, many years," said Connor. Read more here. 

The Rochester 10

December 27, 2017 by Jeremy Moule, City Newspaper
​
For community planning to really work, it needs to emphasize the "community" part as much as it does "planning." That's as true for a neighborhood street redesign as it is a big housing project or a city master plan. 

As Tanya Mooza Zwahlen pursued her graduate degree in community planning from Cornell University, her instructors drilled that approach into her and the other students. And she carried that mindset into her post-degree job with one of the region's big architecture, engineering, and consulting firms. 

​The more projects she worked on, the more she realized she had something important and unique to offer her team members. Often, the engineers she worked with weren't terribly comfortable speaking to rooms full of people, but she was. In fact, she delighted in it.  Read more here. 

Developing all hazards transportation recovery plans

December 6, 2017 by Tanya Zwahlen

Sue and I are in Portland this week to teach a two-day training course on the development of All Hazards Transportation Recovery Plans. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funded a research grant to develop a recovery plan for the City of Portland that includes transit and travel demand management (TDM) strategies, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technologies, and use of social media as an integral part of a recovery plan. The project includes the development of a two-day training program to be pilot tested in Portland and offered to six other metropolitan regions nationwide. Highland Planning was involved in the training development; we'll share more on this as we progress with the other six trainings in 2018. You can read more here.

Reimagine RTS calls on public for help in redesigning campaign

October 25, 2017 by 13 WHAM 

RTS is asking its riders for help redesigning it!

Wednesday night, the bus system held a meeting, asking people to tell them the changes they would like to see. “Reimagine RTS” is a project aimed at making the bus system easier to use throughout the community.

​RTS says input from passengers at meetings like the one held Wednesday will help it set goals to come up with proposed changes in a year. Read more here.

Highland Launches MetroQuest

October 20, 2017 by Susan Hopkins 

MetroQuest is a cutting-edge engagement tool that takes surveys to the next level. We're excited to bring this opportunity to our clients and the communities we serve. 

Learn more about Highland's MetroQuest experience and capabilities at our blog! 

North union street wins "Great Places in Upstate ny" award 

October 16, 2017 by Susan Hopkins 

At the chapter's Fall Conference on October 13, NYS Upstate APA recognized the City of Olean for its North Union Street project. Team members from Highland Planning, and Mott MacDonald were on hand to accept the award. Congrats!  

More information will be posted here soon. 

From left to right: Jeff Lebsack (Mott Macdonald)  Tanya Zwahlen (Highland Planning), Katie Evans (NYS Upstate APA)  

Eco District launch on 10/7

Picture
October 2, 2017 by Tanya Zwahlen

On October 7th from 12PM-5PM, Greentopia will be participating in the City of Rochester’s River Romance event with the launch of Rochester’s new EcoDistrict! The EcoDistrict provides a framework for the High Falls Neighborhood to move towards ambitious environmental and social justice goals. M. André Primus has been working on the public engagement component of this planning process for more than a year, and we are so excited for this launch. Read more here. And please join us!

North Union to Receive Livable Communities Award

September 26, 2017 by Bob Clark, Olean Times Herald
Add another accolade to North Union Street’s trophy case.
The Partners for a Livable Western New York will fete the city’s $8.85 million reconstruction project on Thursday at the Livable Community Awards ceremony in Buffalo.
George Grasser, president of the Partners for a Livable Western New York (PLWNY), praised the city of Olean’s efforts to create “Walkable Olean.”

Read more here. Read more about the Partners for a Livable Western New York here.

RTS looks at Monroe County transit system

September 23, 2017 by Brian Sharp, Democrat and Chronicle

A multi-phase study to redesign public transit in Monroe County will begin next month, officials announced Friday — signaling the potential overhaul of a system that has stood largely unchanged for more than 40 years.

Regional Transit Service officials expect the "Reimagine RTS" study to be completed by the end of 2018. Implementation could take longer.

Read more here.
TACTICAL URBANISM IN TONAWANDA DEEMED A "SUCCESS."
August 24, 2017 by Susan Hopkins

The Town of Tonawanda orchestrated a successful Complete Streets tactical urbanism demonstration on August 22nd, 23rd, and 24th. Residents, visitors, drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians all had the opportunity to experience bike lanes, pedestrian bump outs and a mini roundabout.  Read more here.  

Our Latest Newsletter

July 20, 2017 by M. André Primus

​So much has been happening, it's hard to keep up! Check out our newsletter for the latest on Highland Planning.
​
Read our newsletter here!

Highland Planning is hiring! 

July 3, 2017 by Tanya Zwahlen
​
Highland Planning is seeking a full-time Senior Planner to design and manage creative and innovative public engagement processes for transportation, planning, and community revitalization projects in New York. This is a professional position that requires effective facilitation skills, strong writing skills, and the ability to develop, build and maintain working relationships with firm colleagues, clients, business groups, neighborhood groups, municipal officials and the general public. We are a creative and collaborative team, and we are seeking someone who matches our firm culture. Check out our job posting here. 

Workshop to plan Transit-Oriented Development

June 27, 2107 by Buffalo Rising

Another round of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) workshops is heading our way. This time, the workshops are being held at Hayes Hall, Room 403, at UB South Campus on Wednesday, June 28, from 6 to 8 pm. The focus is on the future of Buffalo’s Transit-Oriented Development. It’s an opportunity to get your voice heard, by contributing your thoughts and ideas about TOD. Read more here.

​As our EcoDistrict moves forward, can it draw in prized land near High Falls?

June 15, 2017 by Steve Orr, Democrat and Chronicle

One of Rochester’s most unusual, desirable pieces of land — at the bottom of the Genesee River gorge near High Falls — is largely empty and begging for re-use. The fate of the land, the site of RG&E's recently demolished Beebee Station power plant, has always been unclear.

But the parcel is smack in the middle of Rochester’s innovative new eco-district in-the-making, and there's hope that could spur change. "Beebee's down now. It's an intriguing possibility," said Michael Philipson, co-founder of Greentopia, the nonprofit that is organizing the EcoDistrict at High Falls. ​

Read more here.

HOLISTIC Vision for High Falls

June 13, 2017 by WROC-TV

​A public meeting about the High Falls EcoDistrict will be held this Thursday, June 15 at MADE ON STATE in Rochester from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Rachel Walsh from Greentopia and Andre Primus from Highland Planning discussed the idea of the EcoDistrict and what people can expect at the meeting Tuesday during News 8 at Sunrise.

"The EcoDistrict makes an attempt to do sustainable development at a neighborhood scale," explained Walsh. ​Read more here.

Metro rail planning focused on transit-oriented development

March 30, 2017 by Mike Desmond, WBFO

As Metro Rail trains rumbled underneath the meeting area, transportation planners and members of the public talked about extending the rail line south into Buffalo's Cobblestone District and north to the University at Buffalo's North Campus and beyond. Read more here.

Transit-oriented development in buffalo

March 22, 2017 by Tanya Zwahlen

The Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC) is exploring ways to encourage Transit-Oriented Development along the existing Metro Rail line in the City of Buffalo as well as proposed Metro Rail extension to the Northtowns. Come share ideas and insights. Help shape the community’s approach to Transit-Oriented Development!​

Wednesday, March 29, 2017
6:00-8:00PM
Seneca One Tower Lobby
Buffalo, NY 14203

ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

February 14, 2017 by Tanya Zwahlen
 
On Friday, March 10, 2017, Tanya will be conducting a one-hour training workshop on effective public participation strategies for members of the Urban Land Institute in Western New York at the Filling Station in Buffalo, NY. 
​  
The workshop is designed for real estate developers, planners, neighborhood leaders, and municipal staff who interact with the public during site plan and SEQRA reviews, planning processes, neighborhood meetings, and project approvals.

Citywide public meetings for the rochester comprehensive master plan update

November 2, 2017 by Tanya Zwahlen

Come see us at one of the five upcoming public meetings for the City of Rochester Comprehensive Master Plan Update.

Highland Planning will be staffing the Northwest meeting on November 15th at the Maplewood Library and the Southweast meeting at the Ryan Center on November 17th.

Read more about the planning process and the upcoming meetings here. 

Community weighs in on potential Allegheny River development

Oct 13, 2016 By Tom Dinki, Olean Times Herald 

Residents who attended Wednesday night’s meeting on a new effort to leverage the Allegheny River didn’t sit still in chairs staring at a projection screen and listening to community officials talk. Instead, residents were the ones doing the talking. The Project Advisory Committee of the Allegheny River Public Access & Recreation Plan held an open house-style meeting in Jamestown Community College’s Manufacturing Technology Institute, which allowed residents to walk around the room to different stations, filling out surveys and speaking one-on-one with project leaders. Read more here. 

Highland Planning wins Best Practice Award

October 3, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen

Last week, at the NY Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association conference in Buffalo, the Genesee Transportation Council Regional Walkability Improvement Program won an award for best practice. We are delighted to share this award with a stellar team from GTC, Wendel Companies, Alta Planning + Design, Make Communities, and Mark Fenton. 

In 2014 and 2015, we helped to organize audits in the following Genesee/Finger Lakes communities: Albion, Avon, Batavia, Canandaigua, Geneseo, Geneva, Medina, Penfield, and Rochester.

Our half-day agenda for each of walkability audits includes:
  • A one hour presentation describing the tools available to create more walkable, bicycle-friendly settings.
  • A one hour walking audit. Ideally entire group walks an area of concern, or an area considered for potential improvement.
  • Small group discussion about potential improvements to the focus area. 
  • Presentations from small groups, discussion, next steps, and wrap-up.

Read more about the project and see some photos here. 

Highland planning named as partner on parcel 5 proposal

September 21st, 2016 by M. André Primus

In response to the City of Rochester's RFP for the downtown lot known as Parcel 5,  Glenn Kellogg, president of Hart's Local Grocers, submitted a proposal through Rochester Local Capital, in partnership with Highland Planning. The proposal breaks up the lot into smaller developable parcels that would be within reach of smaller developers.

For more information, see the D&C article.

Our Work in Salamanca Makes the Buffalo News

August 18, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen

Our partnership with the University at Buffalo Regional Institute (UBRI) and the City of Salamanca made the news yesterday. We provided technical support to Salamanca so they could participate effectively in the state’s highly competitive Consolidated Funding Application process. I fell in loooove with the City of Salamanca through this project. I think about their downtown all the time. Read more here.

Do College Majors Matter?

August 18, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen

Suzanne Lucas, a writer for Inc.com, recently asked me how my college majors, English and art history, influenced me as I started a business. I came to city planning from a study of art history and English. Interpreting art helped me notice the world. Planning helped me understand how to make it better. But the truth is that neither helped me start a business. The decision to create Highland Planning was influenced by (a) my desire for flexibility to raise my children and (b) my interest in focusing on public engagement and commercial district revitalization. It was fun to reflect on it all.  Here's the article. 
ORCHARD-WHITNEY SITE IS LIVE!

July 29, 2016 by M. André Primus

The City of Rochester has been awarded brownfield area-wide planning grant funding from the EPA to develop a revitalization plan and implementation program focused on brownfield sites in the JOSANA Neighborhood, and we have been investigating possibilities for a brownfield called the Orchard-Whitney Site. To learn more visit the website!



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Andre in the news

May 11, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen
​
On May 10, 2016, our very own Andre Primus was part of a panel organized by Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) that discussed the ways that Rochester businesses can attract and keep millennials. 

Andre shared with the audience that he moved back to Rochester and is planning to stay because "it's the right size place to get things done." We're so glad he made that choice and that today he is part of our team. 

To read more about the event, read this article and this article.

Rochester kicks ofF Comprehensive Plan update

April 27, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen

This year, the City of Rochester is updating its Comprehensive Plan. The plan will be called "Rochester 4.0 - Our Neighborhoods, Our Future." Along with our consultant partners at Bergmann Associates, Highland Planning will be leading public engagement efforts for the process.

Tonight was the formal kickoff of the project, with Mayor Lovely Warren presiding over a 35-member Mayor's Advisory Committee (MAC). We reviewed the public engagement plan and initial demographic data, and conducted some live polling to learn about the priorities of the MAC members.

The comprehensive plan update project will be a community-wide effort that engages residents, business leaders, educational institutions and other important community partners to help establish a common vision, develop priorities and identify action steps that will help ensure that the City reaches its full potential in the years to come.

Stay tuned for more information. And in the meantime, read more about the planning process here. 

Spring time on Dewey

April 8, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen

Announcing our first event for Dewey Avenue.

"Springtime on Dewey" is taking place on April 23rd from 12-3PM at the Aquinas Institute. The event was organized by the Dewey Avenue Merchants Association. There will be activities for kids, a steel drum band, free food, the fire safety trailer, face painting, and Rec on the Move. 

Please join us!

Introducing Norah Primus

March 14, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen

Norah Constance Primus joined the world yesterday. She is Andre's first child. Isn't she sweet, adorable and perfect??  

Have you tried Textizen yet?

March 11, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen

Do you live or work in the City of Rochester? Visit downtown often? If so, please take our survey for the Charles Carroll Plaza and Genesee Crossroads Parking Garage Roof Slab Reconstruction Project. You can take the survey by texting the letter of your response to the question to the right to 585-454-8793. Textizen will send follow up questions once receiving your first response. It's quick and easy. Find out more about this project by visiting http://www.cityofrochester.gov/ccpp/. 

Anthony Foxx, Secretary of USDOT, Encourages Placemaking and Public engagement

January 15, 2016 by Tanya Zwahlen

My colleague, Lori Maher, sent me a link to this address by USDOT Secretary Foxx to the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting attendees in January. It's great. I recommend that you stream it while you're driving somewhere or running or catching up on important federal transportation directives.  

Secretary Foxx asked us to "imagine more meaningful public input processes that use technology and capture the views of the public at a state of planning when that input can play a role in the building of new transportation facilities." Yes! We do every day!

He also said, "Transportation is placemaking" and talked about the "recognition of bold, inclusive public input practices, that show that communities voices can matter in the development of transportation systems." We're intrigued and will be looking for more details from USDOT. Thanks Lori!

Mary Rowlands Joins Highland Planning

November 23, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen
​
I am delighted to announce that Mary Rowlands joined Highland Planning on November 16th. Mary has 25 years of experience in municipal traffic operations, metropolitan transportation planning, and private consulting work. We are SO excited for her to bring that knowledge to our team. 

Buffalo Wins $18 Million Grant 

October 27, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

Yeah Buffalo!!!! I am astounded to report that a grant application that Highland Planning helped to write was funded yesterday. This is our second successful TIGER grant for the City of Buffalo, and this time the award was $18 million. It will be used to return cars to lower Main Street. Once again, we worked with a talented team from DiDonato Associates, Buffalo Place, Bergmann Associates, Urban Advisors, and, of course, the City of Buffalo. Read more about the award and the project here. 

Mayor Warren Urges people to Shop the Roc

October 24, 2015 by Randy Gorbman

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren is announcing an effort to get people to buy local. It's called #ShopTheROC, and it urges residents and visitors to patronize stores, restaurants and service providers in Rochester neighborhoods.
Warren says by doing that, people are not only supporting Rochester's entrepreneurs, they are supporting the entire community by helping foster job creation. ​Read more of this story here. Read more about Shop the Roc here. 

South Clinton Goes Batty (Again)

October 22, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

The forecast looks PERFECT for the second annual South Clinton Goes Batty event this Saturday.

We kick off at the old SE Neighborhood Service Center (846 South Clinton) at 1:00PM with Mayor Lovely Warren. We'll also have free pony rides, a bounce house, Rec on the Move, the fire safety trailer, a scavenger hunt for kids.

From 2-4pm, at MGOS/Ashford Ballet (700 S. Clinton Ave), we will be working on arts and crafts, painting pumpkins, and singing along to karaoke. Elsa and Anna will be there too!

At 4pm, at the Cinema Theatre (957 S. Clinton Ave), we will be showing the Hotel Transylvania I! Tickets will be $3 per ticket, and the movie will be free for kids under 12 who complete the scavenger hunt.

Join in the fun from Gregory Street to South Goodman Street. All are welcome! For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/SCGBTY.

Our New Logo has arrived

October 21, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

Very excited to share our new logo. Designed by Lisa and Gavin from TGW Studio, it reminds us of the complexities of land use and communities, natural features and how looking at things from high land (get it???) gives us perspective.

Highland Planning is hiring

September 15, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

We are excited to announce that we are looking for a full-time Project Manager and Director of Communications. Read the job description here. If you are passionate about community development and public outreach, we hope you will consider joining our talented team. Any questions? Just email Tanya.

an evening in harmony park

September 11, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

Yesterday, the heat broke just in time for the Webster Economic Development Alliance to hold an outdoor dinner at Harmony Park for the residents of Philips Village.  We had food, balloons, surveys for adults, and activities for kids. It was a perfect Western New York summer night. Thanks to Rotary volunteers for helping us. The residents from Philips Village offered a lot of great information that we will use to develop a Community Revitalization Plan as part of the America's Best Communities Contest. These days we are feeling very optimistic about Webster's chance to win $3 million….

Tate Henry DeMulder is here

September 4, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

Tate Henry DeMulder was born on July 29th. The week before his birthday, he considered making his grand entrance while Annie and Tanya were at a meeting in Olean. We had a very fast drive home that involved timing contractions. Thankfully, he waited. Here he is. Pretty perfect, right????

Plans Introduced for Parkside and Florence

July 23, 2015 by WGRZ.com Channel 2 Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- For years, neighbors have been worried about the main road Parkside Avenue. Neighbors say drivers often speed down the street as they're exiting the Scajaquada Expressway.

Parkside and Florence is one of three intersections on Parkside Avenue where the crash rate is above the state average.

Wednesday Night the City of Buffalo held its first public meeting for the Parkside Avenue at Florence Avenue Intersection design. At the meeting the initial design concept for the intersection redesign was presented to the neighborhood. Read more about this story here.

Brighton Comprehensive Plan Kick off

July 16, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

Today we kicked off the Brighton Comprehensive Plan with the project steering committee. For the next two years, we'll be leading the public participation effort for this effort. Our team is led by Barton and Loguidice, with support from Steinmetz Planning Group and Vita Nuova. 

The Town of Brighton is a strong community with an active residents and business owners. We're looking forward to designing a public participation process that meets the community where it is and helps facilitate a dynamic, engaging and participatory process. More on this one as we move forward!

public meeting #3 for dewey/driving park Realignment project

July 2, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

This week, we are busy planning and advertising a public meeting on behalf of the City of Rochester. 

The project is the realignment of Dewey and Driving Park Avenue, and the purpose of this third public meeting will be to discuss proposed street amenities. Our partners at Bergmann Associates are working on the final design for this project, and will have concepts to share. 

Hope to see you there!

Highland Planning is (still) a wbe 

June 30, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

Thanks to Empire State Development's Division of Minority and Women's Business Development, Highland Planning is a WBE for another three years. 

We first certified in 2008. Since that time, Governor Cuomo has been instrumental in expanding the program with Executive Order #8 and increasing the M/WBE goals for public projects. 

We consider ourselves a poster child for the New York State WBE program. It has allowed us to grow in staff and capacity since our beginnings in 2008. And it continues to allow us to connect with new partners, work in new places, and get better at what we do. 

Thanks again, ESD!

Look for us at ROC Transit Day!

June 10, 2015 by Anne Stinson

Highland Planning will be staffing the RGRTA Vanpool booth at the Rochester Central Library on June 18, 2015. Visit us and learn more about van pools!  

RTS is exploring the feasibility of a regional Vanpool program that  links commuters who live near one another and travel to similar destinations in the Rochester area. 

See more at: https://www.myrts.com/Planning-Projects/Vanpool-Feasibility-Study-2015#sthash.4da9aMzr.dpuf

The Show on Monroe Highlights Eclectic Offerings

May 30, 2015 by Meaghan M. McDermott, Democrat and Chronicle

When artist Rebecca Lomuto's friends from Brooklyn visit and check out the space at the Genesee Center for the Arts on Monroe Avenue, they can't hide their jealousy. "They just come in and say 'this is such a goldmine,' " said Lomuto, a Long Island native and artist-in-residence at the center's Printing and Book Arts Center. "And the access to the community you have here, you see so many faces, people my age, older and children ... you know, sometimes during the worst of winter, this place is really this area's saving grace for me." 


Visit the Show on Monroe website here. 

Read more of this article here. 

Forget carpooling - RGRTA weighs 'van pooling'

May 15, 2015 by David Riley, Democrat and Chronicle 

Regional Transit Service is asking the public to weigh in on "vanpooling" — essentially a larger version of a carpool service that would allow groups of commuters to use a van or SUV owned and maintained by the public bus system or a company hired to run the program. Read more about this project here.  And take our survey here. 

rochester sparkles after 2015 Clean Sweep

May 2, 2015 by Jen Topa

The City of Rochester once again partnered with the Rochester Red Wings to host a one-day, all-city Clean Sweep on Saturday, May 2 at Frontier Field. 

Highland Planning was proud to lead a crew on South Clinton Avenue. Volunteers picked up trash along the avenue and planted over 40 planters. 

Read more about the annual event here.

Walkability Audit Puts Batavia on Path for Possible Improvements

April 23, 2015 - The Daily News

Batavia - About 45 city residents, bundled up in coats, hats and gloves, took a walk on a chilly, windy Wednesday to assess if the city is pedestrian friendly. It was part of a regional "walkability audit" that has already been done locally in Bergen and Albion. It fits in perfectly with an updated comprehensive plan to map out the city's future growth, City Manager Jason Molino said. Read more of this article here.

Read more about Highland Planning's involvement with this project here. 

Genesee-Finger Lakes REgional Trails Public Meetings

April 13, 2015 by Anne Stinson

Join us for a public open house to review the proposed trails for the Genesee Transportation Council's Regional Trails Initiative. On Saturday, we were at the Rochester Public Market. Today we are in Batavia at the Genesee County Building from 6-8PM, and tomorrow we'll be at the Ramada in Geneva from 5-7PM. Read more here. 

Zoning Changes may come to Olean's Downtown

April 11, 2014 by Tanya Zwahlen

In an effort to further advance the revitalization of the downtown commercial district, the City of Olean is updating their zoning code. Members of the Common Council’s Strategic Planning Committee gave approval for the city to hire Chuck Banas Design to create zoning code updates for the North Union Street area. North Union Street is currently undergoing an $8.8 million road reconstruction project. The zoning code will provide new guidance for the City as they address the downtown commercial district. Read more about Highland Planning's role with the North Union Street Transformation Project on this page. Read more about the zoning code update in Christopher Michel's story in the Olean Times Herald.

A Radio Interview with the Good Food Collective

March 19, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

WXXI's Evan Dawson interviews three staff members from Headwater Foods about the Good Food Collective. We never get tired of listening to Chris Hartman talk how the organization started and his vision for the future. Who knew that Shannon Prozeller had a great radio voice?! She talks about what she had for dinner last night and all the farmers who contribute to GFC shares. Stefan Schwartz admits to looking like a farmer, and talks about our USDA feasibility study. 

If you don't know, the Good Food Collective started in 2009 and links local farmers with customers that may not otherwise find them. They started with 100 customers. This season, they will have 1,600 members. 

Listen to the interview here. Read more about our work with Headwater Foods here.

South Wedge Quarterly Asks Jeff Ching

March 19, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

Here's an article about Tanya's real estate development partner, Jeff Ching, printed in the Winter 2015 issue of the South Wedge Quarterly. 

The Playhouse/Swillburger comes to 820 South Clinton Avenue in June 2015. Highland Planning will be co-located in the same building, along with This Good World.

Read more about Jeff and Tanya's collaboration here.


 

NEW STAFF AND Office update

February 12, 2015 by Tanya Zwahlen

This week Anne Stinson started her new job as Senior Planner. After two dozen technology problems with her computer, phone and our Dropbox network, we are now making serious progress. In other news, our new office will be finished next month. I hired the very talented Whitney Tesler to choose wall colors and furniture. And we commissioned a mural from St. Monci, our favorite local artist. We need lights, a kitchenette, and doors. And internet service. That's it! Stay tuned for fireworks and a party when we finally get in there...

Draft Report Suggests three-lane Parkside corridor

November 12, 2014 - The Buffalo News

Parkside would be turned into a three-lane street from its current four lanes, according to a draft of the final Parkside Neighborhood Traffic Study report, which proposes safety improvements at the curved intersection of Parkside and Florence avenues.

The recommendations also include installing bump-outs to shorten the distance for pedestrian crosswalks, and reconfiguring the Amherst Street and Parkside intersection by eliminating the diagonal east-west traffic lane on Amherst. Read more. 

Sen. Gillibrand touts complete streets legislation in olean

November 11, 2014 - By Christopher Michel, Olean Times Herald

OLEAN — Though in it’s early stages, North Union Street’s $8.85 million overhaul has already caught the eye of one federal lawmaker as an example of what can happen to a stagnant downtown with some federal investment.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., visited Olean late Monday afternoon to tout two pieces of federal legislation she’s supporting —  Pedestrian Safety Act of 2014 and Safe Streets Act of 2014 — that would help other communities across the state do more to reinvigorate their own downtowns. Read more.

Highland planning is hiring!

November 7, 2014 - Tanya Zwahlen

Highland Planning is hiring a full-time Senior Planner to manage public outreach processes for transportation and commercial revitalization projects in Western New York. This is a professional urban planning position that requires independent thinking, effective facilitation and communication skills, and the ability to develop, build and maintain effective working relationships with customers, business groups, neighborhood groups, municipal officials and the general public. 

This position is open to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Send cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and relevant writing sample by 5PM on Friday, December 5th.  Please specify “Senior Planner Job Application” in email title. Read more here….
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Future home of Highland Planning. You could work here...

Monroe Ave gets $300k to overcome 'Gritty' image

October 31, 2014 - Robin Flanigan, Democrat & Chronicle

ROCHESTER - Some buildings along Monroe Avenue between Meigs and Dartmouth streets are about to get an aesthetic boost with nearly $300,000 in facade improvements. “Monroe Avenue is great, but some of these buildings haven’t been modernized as much as they should’ve been and could truly use a little fluff,” said Moira Lemperle, president of the Monroe Avenue Merchants Association. “We’re constantly trying to overcome this gritty image.”

The investment will be funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program, and the Monroe Avenue Targeted Commercial Exterior Improvement Program, both administered by the city of Rochester… read more

Ground Breaks for North Union Street Project

September 17, 2014 - Chris Michel, Olean Times Herald

OLEAN — After more than a year of planning and public outreach, efforts to renovate and restore downtown Olean are finally underway. Gathering near North Union Street’s intersection with State Street, city officials held a ceremonial ground-breaking Tuesday for the $8.85 million North Union Street streetscape project. The event was attended by representatives of many businesses and organizations throughout Olean, particularly those who call the downtown shopping district home. Actual work will begin in the coming weeks.

“Like any community, Olean’s history is vast and varied, filled with characters and trailblazers; people who invented and innovated; individuals who saw opportunities and took them. And that is why we are here,” said Mayor Bill Aiello to a crowd of around 50 people...read more

Regional Trails update

September 10, 2014 - Sarah Taddeo, Democrat & Chronicle

Beth Potter likes running off the beaten track – off the beaten track of cars, that is. So she runs on the Ontario Pathways Trail in Canandaigua, a gravel trail that snakes its way over a creek, through farmland and into the city's downtown area. This trail is one of many trails that crisscross the Rochester area, providing alternative transportation options and recreation to the area's residents.

"My backyard hooks up to this trail, and I've been running on it for about 10 years," said Potter. "The gravel is easier on my knees then a road, and I've never not felt safe running through these wooded areas." …read more

Sharing Love Notes to Rochester

September 7, 2014 - Catherine Roberts, Democrat & Chronicle

Tanya Zwahlen, Ana Liss and Laura Fox are three young professionals in public planning careers. They love Rochester, bumps and all. And they love to spend time together.

“We got tired of people digging on Rochester and being negative,” Zwahlen says. They wanted to come up with a project that would boost the community — and Rochester Love Notes (rochesterlovenotes.blogspot.com) was born.

The women want people to share about Rochester — why they love everyday things, what makes the community special, even bad stories and how the community was involved.  … read more

allen street extension project ramps up

July 14, 2014 – Queenseyes, BuffaloRising.com

This coming phase of the project includes streetscape improvements on Allen Street between Main and Wadsworth. If you are familiar with the current infrastructure conditions along Allen Street, then you are aware of just how important this leg of the project is. … read more

The Show On Monroe

June 7, 2014 by Tanya Zwahlen

The Show On Monroe brought enthusiastic crowds to Rochester's historic downtown neighborhood. Check out this short video about the day, developed by Fish & Crown Creative.

Another sneak peak at North Union project
Plans unveiled at 40 percent completion stage

March 14, 2013 – Christopher Michel, Olean Times Herald

OLEAN — The public again caught a glimpse of what the future holds for downtown Olean. Officials from Hatch-­Mott-­MacDonald held an open house early Tuesday evening at the city’s Municipal Building to showcase its designs for the North Union Street streetscape project. Hatch-­Mott is the Buffalo-based engineering firm designing the project. Plans for North Union’s $8.85 million overhaul are 40 percent complete, said Jeff Lebsack, a transportation engineer and planner from the engineering firm. … read more [PDF]