(64) The Amity Creek Charrette: Engaging Community in the Development Process

Tari Rayala, Melissa Graftaas, Greg Cooper, Doug Zaun, and Zandra Zwiebel, American Institute of Architects, Duluth, MN

Session: Concurrent session D2:  Reaching New Audiences

Too often, community members are the last to know about development plans in their own neighborhood, which often leads to conflict with both the local government and the developer, slowing down the development process.  When citizens play a role in the development process, the result is often a plan that the community can support, which can save money and time for the developer, and lead to less conflict during public meetings.

In 2007, the Northern Minnesota Chapter of the American Institute of Architects received a grant to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the organization by focusing on the City of Duluth’s waterways, culminating in a Charrette: a dynamic, multi-day planning exercise involving professional review and public feedback.  The site was selected with help from the City Planner, and focused on 100 acres along a designated trout stream that’s also listed on the state’s impaired waters list.  Previous attempts to develop part of this land had met with strong resistance from neighborhood residents concerned about water quality, recreation, and congestion.

The Charrette brought together planners, architects, developers, neighborhood residents, fisheries and ecology experts, stormwater managers, and others in reviewing and improving development designs for this area to meet the needs of developers and community members.  The final design incorporated aspects to fit the needs and concerns of all parties.  Results indicate that participants appreciated the opportunity to be involved, and felt that they had authentic input to the process.

Jesse Schomberg
University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program
2305 E 5th St
Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
Phone: 218-726-6182
Fax: 218-726-6556
E-mail: jschombe@umn.edu