ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst

Title

An evaluation of Master Plans and their Land-Use Elements

Authors

Karl S. Allen, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Ivette Banoub, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Mark D. Berube, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Calliope E. Bosen, University of MassFollow
John E. Fries, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Tara Lynn Gehring, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Madeline Jacknin, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Gregory Robert Lewis, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Alexander Casey Mello, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Caitlin Anne Michniewicz, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
John Armando Rosa, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Jane M. Schonhaut, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Sarah A. Spencer, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Alexander R. Train, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow
Stacy E. Wasserman, University of Massachusetts - AmherstFollow

Publication Date

Fall 2013

Comments

Department of Landscape and Regional Planning – Masters of Regional Planning

Planning Studio RP675

Instructor:

Darrel Ramsey-Musolf, Assistant Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning.

Abstract

The goal of Planning Studio is to develop a student’s techniques for collecting, analyzing, synthesizing spatial and non-spatial data and presenting that collective data in a manner (i.e., report, video, presentation, charettes) that is understandable to academics, professionals, and the public. Planning Studio allows students to integrate knowledge from coursework and research, and apply such knowledge to resolving representative planning problems. At UMASS Amherst, these problems are found in neighborhood, rural, urban, and/or regional settings. In Fall 2013, the course completed three projects: Master Plans & Land-Use Elements, the Revitalization of the Lower Worthington Street District (Springfield, MA), an Asset map and plan for Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club (Springfield, MA).

For the Master Plans & Land Use Element evaluations, this assignment was conducted as preparation for the Springfield-based projects. The goal was to evaluate the land-use element of a municipal master plan, while allowing the students to develop as teams and refine their analytical skills. Each team read the master plan’s introduction and land-use element, examined development that has occurred within the last five to ten years, and determined if recent development was consistent with the goals, objectives, policies, and programs of the adopted master plan. If the master plan was recently adopted, then the students were to determine if the master plan would correct any deficiencies. Materials for this project include an Executive Summary for all analyses and a Poster.