The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Madison County honors projects
Wampsville, Morrisville planning board members honored for their work
CAZENOVIA, N.Y. >> Community members who serve on local planning boards and board of appeals in Madison County were recognized for their service and dedication at the 2018 Planning and Zoning Institute Training and Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 27. More than 160 were in attendance at the Cazenovia Hampton Inn.
“We know the time these board members put in, and we hope tonight offers a small token of appreciation as well as is an opportunity to network and share resources and experiences with each other,” said Jamie Kowalczk of the Madison County Planning Department, the office that puts on the event.
Guests heard from keynote speaker Mark Fenton, a national expert on healthy community design. “The market and quality of life are demanding walkable communities,” said Fenton, who showed examples of cost effective ways for communities to reactivate streets and public spaces such as to conduct walk audits and try low budget street improvements to see what works first before trying to implement permanent improvements.
The evening also included the 2018 SmartGrowth Awards Ceremony. Smart Growth is a holistic approach to community planning and development. “These awards recognize and honor accomplishments in planning and land use that happen right here in Madison County,” said Kowalczk.
This year, two awards were presented to:
“These awards recognize and honor accomplishments in planning and land use that happen right here in Madison County.” – Jamie Kowalczk, Madison County Planning Department
• The Wampsville Community Playground Committee for their vision and ability to collaborate with the village of Wampsville, town of Lenox, and Madison County to create a oneof-a-kind playground in the heart of Wampsville. Members include: Ellen Bowe, Barbara Brownell, Lori Brockway, John Clute, Tanya Clute, Peter Finnocchiaro, Jennifer Hatch, and John Pinnard
• The village of Morrisville Comprehensive Plan Committee for their commitment and time dedicated to create a new village of Morrisville Comprehensive Plan, which will inspire and guide Morrisville into the future. Members include: Bill Donnelly, David Andrews, Eric Faisst, Henry Douglas, Jim Monahan, Mark Grisi, Sue Szewczyk
“These individuals gave up many nights and weekends and put a lot of energy into these projects and because of their efforts their communities are better places,” said Kowalczk.
As sharing experiences is a key focus of the banquet, both groups awarded made presentations to share lessons learned and key takeaways to help inspire other communities.
In addition to a banquet, the evening also serves as a chance for board members to attain training hours. Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals members are required by State statute to obtain four hours of training a year.