Read the Summer 2006 Edition of the Missouri Planner, click here.

For Immediate Release

For More Information:                                                                             Natasha Longpine                                                                                     Awards Committee Chair 417-864-1032

Awards Presented to Outstanding Missouri Plans

Springfield, MO (October 10, 2006) – The Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association dispensed its annual planning awards on Thursday, recognizing excellence in shaping quality communities across the state. 

Nominations came from across the state and represented a wide variety of projects, including master plans, redevelopment, and innovative projects as well as the efforts to advance planning in the State of Missouri.  An awards committee selected four award winners plus recognized statewide planning efforts with a special award.

The top awards presented included the Outstanding Plan Award, given to the City of Riverside Comprehensive Master Plan prepared by BNIM Architects, Development Strategies, ETC Institute, and Shafer, Kline, & Warren, Inc.; the Outstanding Project, Program, or Tool Award, given to Northgate Village, prepared by the City of North Kansas City and Gould Evans Associates; and the Outstanding Community Initiative Award, given to the City of Clayton Sustainable Development Initiative, undertaken by the City of Clayton.  These programs are discussed below.

Of notable importance was the Distinguished Achievement in Planning Award, presented to Fred May.  Fred May has served to better planning in Missouri for over 26 years.  With 23 years at the City of Springfield, Mr. May ushered in many firsts for planning.  Upon his retirement from Springfield, he continued to serve by working as a Recovery Manager for FEMA and the City of Stockton, he has assisted the City of Caruthersville in tornado recovery, and has since returned to the City of Springfield as a consultant on Jordan Valley Park. 

The Chapter President’s Award was presented to Representative Todd Smith, of the 118th District in Missouri.  Though retiring this year from the state legislature, Representative Smith has been instrumental in the advancement of county planning statute reform.  Over the past few years, Representative Smith has introduced several bills related to the reform of county planning statutes including HB1976 during the 2006 legislative session.  The evolution of Missouri’s planning statutes is a major goal of the Missouri Chapter of the American Planning Association and the work of Representative Smith has been integral to moving forward with reform.

The City of Riverside Comprehensive Master Plan represents the importance of public involvement in the development of community plans.  Riverside is located north of the Missouri River in the Kansas City area and through extensive public input the community and consultants developed future scenarios for the buildout of Riverside.  Key also to the City’s master plan is the implementation phase which also relies upon strong public involvement.  The awards committee felt this Plan not only embodied the spirit of master plan development, but graphically too, represented the true recommendations of the community.

The City of North Kansas City arrived at Northgate Village after a decade of work.  The goal of Northgate Village was to support a growing elderly population while providing an impetus to maintain a younger population within the City long-term.  Both tax increment financing and tax credits were used to finance this mixed-use development.  The development agreement not only required specific design guidelines, but also required businesses that would compliment North Kansas City’s already thriving and nearby downtown.  Currently Northgate Village has produced nearly 900 new dwelling units, and 20 percent of the planned commercial area constructed.

The City of Clayton Sustainable Development Initiative encourages new developments to incorporate sustainable design elements.  Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), as well as municipally funded new construction, require LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.  Additionally the Clayton has approved the use of bio-retention areas and permeable paver systems to provide a more reasonable approach to storm water management.  Finally, the City of Clayton is implementing the purchase of hybrid vehicles for new additions to its fleet.  This Initiative has the support of not only city management, but also Clayton’s elected officials.

The planning awards were presented as part of the Chapter’s annual conference.  The conference brought over 130 planners from across the State together to discuss their efforts and learn from each other.  The Chapter represents over 600 professional planners and planning commissioners statewide.

# # #