CONNECTICUT PLANNING Winter 2020 A publication of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association ct.planning.org

Public Participation in the 2020s page 4

Story Maps as Conversations Video for Public Engagement Podcasts Peer to Peer Participation

Plus: Public Notification Requirements Chapter News PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Connecticut Chapter of APA – Officers & Directors appy New Year! The Chapter is off to a Rebecca Augur, AICP Hbusy start with several transitions to update President you on. I would like first to extend our shared gratitude to Michael Piscitelli for his exceptional Michael Piscitelli, AICP Past President leadership as CCAPA President over the last three years. Mike’s utmost professionalism and initia- Abby Kenyon, AICP tive elevated the stature of our organization and Secretary profession, and I hope to continue to build upon Khara Dodds, AICP his good work in my term as President. Mike Treasurer remains on the Executive Board as Immediate Past President, so we John Guszkowski, AICP, LEED-AP, ENV-SP can still take advantage of his passion for our state and dedication to Government Relations Comm. Co-Chair our chapter. I’d also like to extend thanks and appreciation to Alan Weiner, Jenna Montesano, JD Government Relations Comm. Co-Chair who is stepping down from Chairing the Member Services Committee. Alan’s decades of work on behalf of all of us as Chapter members is Steve Sadlowski, AICP nothing short of impressive. Emily Hul- Professional Development Officer tquist will be stepping in to chair the Stay tuned for what Jeanne Davies, AICP Member Services Committee, while she looks to be an ambitious Program Committee Chair continues to lead the Chapter’s efforts to implementation agenda Emily Hultquist, AICP explore opportunities for establishing a Membership Committee Chair planning education program in our state. under our three strategic We also welcome Jenna Montesano Amanda Kennedy, AICP themes of creating the next as our new Government Relations Com- Communications Committee Chair/ generation of planners, CT Planning Magazine mittee Co-Chair. The Committee and facilitating the digital Co-Chair John Guszkowski along with Patrice L. Carson, AICP previous Co-Chair Amanda Kennedy transition in planning, and Member at Large (now Communications Committee advocating for planning in Marek Kozikowski, AICP Chair) have established strong relation- statewide governance. Member at Large ships with our legislators over the past Robert Phillips, AICP few years that have enabled the Chapter and planners to have greater Member at Large influence over planning law and practice in Connecticut. The Executive Board recently held its annual retreat to formulate Don Poland, PhD, AICP its 2020 work plan. Stay tuned for what looks to be an ambitious Member at Large implementation agenda under our three strategic themes of creating Jonathan Reiner, AICP the next generation of planners, facilitating the digital transition in Member at Large (continued on page 3) Christopher J. Smith, Esq. Member at Large On the cover: Manchester Community College (Matthew Robinson); New London Watershed Demian Sorrentino, AICP, C.S.S. Workshop (Amanda Kennedy), NVCOG Story Map, Manchester Planning on YouTube. Member at Large Click on the names above to send CONNECTICUT PLANNING email, or visit our website for is published quarterly by the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association. Contributions additional information about CCAPA are encouraged. Submissions must include the name and contact information of the contributor. Mate- leadership. rial may be edited to conform to space or style requirements. Please address submissions to Executive Editor Amanda Kennedy, AICP (contact information below). Amanda E. Kennedy, AICP Layout/Advertising: Deputy Director/Director of Special Projects Jeffrey H. Mills Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments J.M. Communications Ph: (860) 889-2324 Ph: (860) 454-8922 [email protected] [email protected]

Page 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, cont’d FROM THE EDITOR planning, and advocating for planning in statewide his issue is about inno- governance. In addition, we discussed ways to oper- T vation in planning, but ationalize diversity, equity and inclusion as important inspiration for it came from a overarching goals that impact almost all facets of our source not known for its out- work. Anyone who is interested in helping out in any of-the-box thinking: the Federal of these areas is welcome to get in touch with me. Highway Administration, which Finally, as we enter this new decade, it’s a great in November 2019 sponsored a time to reflect on how the tools of our trade have training course in New London changed and how they might continue to evolve on “Virtual Public Involve- during the 2020s. It’s clear in my travels around the ment” that staff from a number of Connecticut’s state and region that communities are demanding Councils of Governments and nearby towns were more information and access to decision-makers; able to attend. At the training, we heard from plan- however, the means of gaining that access have ners from across the country who are broadening radically changed. This issue highlights where we public participation and improving the quality of are headed with community engagement tools and public outreach processes by using social media and techniques to help ensure that we are as inclusive as other technologies like video and virtual reality. We we can be in planning for all. all know what these new media are, and consume I look forward to working with you all over the them daily, but still unclear is how to use them re- coming year, and welcome your thoughts, concerns sponsibly, given our ethical and legal obligations to and assistance. Please feel free to reach out at any the communities planners serve, and the reality of time at (203) 271-1773 or [email protected]. the time constraints that most planners operate un- — Rebecca Augur der. This issue mines some of Connecticut’s best for guidance. One message that came through to me from the FHWA training is that these practices are no longer optional — the public has come to expect

URBAN DESIGN & COMMUNITY PLANNING We all know what the new media are, and ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING consume them daily, but still unclear is how to COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT use them responsibly, given our ethical and legal MOBILITY PLANNING obligations to the communities planners serve, and the reality of the time constraints that most planners operate under.

a level of transparency and consultation that goes beyond the occasional public meeting or notice in the newspaper. Some of the topics we’d like to address in future issues of Connecticut Planning are the carrots and sticks associated with affordable housing, the chal- lenges of planning in small towns, cultivating the next generation of planners, and non-traditional agriculture. Drop me a note ([email protected]) if you’d like to contribute, or have a tip on some- Hartford, CT thing great going on that Connecticut planners New York, NY | Cherry Hill, NJ should know more about. www.fhiplan.com @fhiplan fhiplan — Amanda Kennedy, AICP

Innovative Planning BETTER COMMUNITIES

Page 3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020s Public Participation in the 2020s by Marcy Miller, AICP, Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc.

n all professions, it is important to use current and relevant data, technologies, and best Ipractices. In community planning, this can translate to using the latest socioeconomic forecasts to build a regional land use model. In traffic or air quality modeling, the most current and best software can be employed to get the most realistic forecasts. In public and community involvement, the same rules of innovative engagement apply.

What are current best practices in ple, places, cultures, and how we com- community engagement? In an effort municate. Learning about these tools and to shed light on this topic, this CCA- techniques helps us be better planners, PA publication explores many emerging providing relevant and effective services techniques and practices and highlights to our clients and communities. examples where they have been used with Tools such as mapping, video, and success. social media, if done well, can offer addi- The articles in this issue have one tional transparency to a project or study feature in common. They all provide process. They are dynamic tools with a guidance on innovative ways to success- broader reach. The key to implementing fully engage the public — scratch that, to innovative outreach techniques is under- better engage the public. As dedicated standing the stakeholder audience and professionals, we must continue to evolve looking for methodologies that will be our practices to be compatible with peo- inclusive and comprehensive to reach and hear from many voices. Throughout this issue, you may con- How to Do Social Media Well: A Primer clude that the primary benefit of these tools is that they are more effective than 1) Be nimble: New content (e.g. relevant news articles) needs to be added as it becomes many past and present methods. Like the available. Content generation and approval processes need to be flexible and quick. broader U.S., Connecticut is changing 2) Be responsive: The sites need to be checked each day for comments and questions. A short demographically, and different people quick response such as, “Interesting comment! Thanks for following the project,” helps the post absorb information differently. Yes, some stay in feeds better than a long explanation 3-4 days later. Respond later if appropriate. still prefer face-to-face information shar- ing at meetings, but others don’t have 3) Know your platforms and audiences: Who are you trying to reach in your project the time, transportation, or willingness area, and what are the best platforms to do so? Facebook Twitter, Instagram, YouTube (and to travel to an off-site location at a static tomorrow’s social media platform) all attract different audiences and call for unique methods of time. Others may have language, cultur- engagement. It may make sense to tailor content accordingly if using more than one platform. al, and/or citizenship barriers that make 4) Make it look good: People look at graphics before words. If there are none of these, they going to meetings sponsored by govern- may not read the content at all. A mix of pictures, simple maps, and word graphics work well. ment agencies frightening and unrealistic. Use these tools to help convey your message. Those who speak another language may simply be more comfortable absorbing 5) Get off topic: You’ll get more followers and stay in people’s feeds longer if you can post and information about their community over cross post other community events, pictures, attractions, holidays, etc. their smart phone or computer. Google Translate is hardly perfect, but it and 6) Consider paid advertising: Here, you can select a dollar amount for as low as $5 or 10, target audience (demographics, interests, education level, etc.), and duration of an ad. For other online translation tools can provide example, FHI paid $100 for 3 weeks of Facebook advertising to promote a public survey and better access to information than a con- charrette in an upper Fairfield County town with about 7,500 residents. The ad helped engage versation with a different language speak- 1,900 users, a fantastic response for a community of that size. er in an unfamiliar place. If we planners (continued on page 5) Page 4 Public Participation, cont’d aim for the right mix and variety of tools, we will get broader representation and viewpoints incorporated into our projects and studies. Just because these tools are relative- ly new to the outreach planning toolkit doesn’t mean they are more expensive. In fact, many of these tools can be less expensive to implement than some tradi- tional outreach methods. These tools pro- vide a virtual balance to traditional public meetings and round out a comprehensive public outreach plan. Consider this — a good project social media feed can reach hundreds of people with each post. Some long-term high- profile projects may reach audiences in the thousands. Yes, some of the audience follows the project regularly, and some may even come to a public workshop or meeting. But successful social media sites have followers who are engaging with the project on regular basis. The conversations are often short, but the engagement is continuous if social media promote understanding and support for is done well (see sidebar, page 4, on local supports and drive engagement on “How To Do Social Media Well”). social media. CCAPA’s Government Re- The Facebook post shown here is lations Committee Co-Chair John Gusz- from one of FHI’s projects that is in kowski tells us about efforts to redefine a period of limited activity. This post, public notice requirements to include about a related but separate mini-project, more effective (and less costly) on-site or keeps people interested and engaged in online media. And lastly, Communica- our project during this quiet time. When tions professor Rebecca Townsend, PhD, project activities ramp up again, engaged reminds us that face-to-face engagement Facebook followers will be aware of the is still critical for planning, and that peer- project’s progress. They hopefully won’t to-peer outreach can be most effective in ask what where we’ve been and what establishing a dialogue with citizens unac- we’ve been up to! And more than likely, customed to participating in government they are sharing our progress with others processes. if they like, comment on, or share our post. Setting up a social media feed site —Marcy Miller, AICP, Senior Project and connecting with local influencers Manager, Associate is the New England costs about one day of staff time. Creat- Community Engagement Manager at Fitz- ing and sharing this this post takes about gerald & Halliday, Inc. (FHI). She earned one hour of staff time. a Master of Urban and Regional Planning The articles in this issue explore oth- from the University of Colorado at Denver What’s er innovative ways to engage the public. and a B.S in Environmental Conservation Staff from the Naugatuck Valley Council from the University of New Hampshire. She going on?! of Governments show us how they have started her career at the Denver Regional Stay current with CCAPA happenings! Bookmark our used map-based web applications, includ- Council of Governments before returning online events page at ing story maps, to communicate with to her home state and beginning at FHI in https://ct.planning.org/ stakeholders. In Manchester, planning 2006. conferences-and-meetings/ staff have used informational videos to so you don’t miss out!

Page 5 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020s Story Maps as Conversations by Richard Crowther Jr. & Joanna Rogalski, NVCOG

f a picture is meant to speak a thousand words, then a map starts a whole conversation. IGeographic Information Systems (GIS) places information on a map as a narrative, but through its integration of visuals and text encourages a conversation for others to discover and join. Maps show where phenomena, organizational structure, or networks occur. This is just the beginning of the narrative; the questions “why” and “how” usually follow once “where” is revealed and the conversation continues. The question of “when” allows some conversations to never end.

The Naugatuck Valley Council of that provides information and creates a The Naugatuck Valley Governments (NVCOG) staff is creating forum for the public to incorporate their Trails web application conversations with the public using a vari- knowledge and perspectives. The heavi- shows all of the different ety of online products from the Environ- ly-visited Interactive Maps section of the trails by type. When users mental Systems Research Institute (Esri). NVCOG website includes story maps and click on a trail, a pop-up Staff use story maps and map-based web web apps using data about the Naugatuck provides useful informa- applications to engage with the public we Valley region. On other NVCOG web tion about that trail. plan with and for, to present data in a way (continued on page 7)

Page 6 Story Maps as Conversations, cont’d over time. The geographic context helps Story maps are a people understand the big picture. Story pages, visitors may see an embedded web maps are a grouping of online products grouping of online map or a story map dedicated to just one from Esri, a company leading the way in products from Esri, transportation project. All maps and apps GIS and the science of “where.” On the are free for public usage, designed for ease company’s website, story maps are a man- a company leading of use and include a user guide to help ner to “create inspiring, immersive sto- the way in GIS visitors navigate maps and find the infor- ries by combining text, interactive maps, mation they need. and other multimedia content.” There and the science The online mapping products we use are different styles of story maps, so you of “where.” are easy to deploy and maintain, therefore may not even realize you have seen one the information is updated on a regular before. For example, the newer ArcGIS basis. Data on some maps is updated once StoryMaps is built to resemble a website. a month and others are updated once a year. It depends on the manner of the What is NVCOG working on? Why are those product. We share public information on projects being completed? transportation improvement projects — a The NVCOG staff is working on a list that is updated monthly. Our Nau- variety of projects from traffic studies gatuck Valley Trails story map is sporadi- to trail planning to brownfield remedia- cally updated when we get new georefer- tion. We use interactive maps to provide enced trail data. information about each project for the public to better understand what is cur- What are Story Maps? rently happening or what will happen in Story maps are a way for people from the future. various backgrounds to better understand Currently, the NVCOG is performing a featured narrative, such as a proposed a study on the section of the Naugatuck project, or how a landscape has changed (continued on page 8)

Page 7 Story Maps as Conversations, cont’d functionality. Display and analyze your data on any device without writing code.” River Greenway from Thomaston to Tor- We adapt this when showing data is not rington. This study includes public infor- enough, so viewers become users, with mation sessions, along with periodic study the ability to use tools within the custom- updates. We use a “cascade” story map for ized application. the public to scroll through and see the different route options for different parts Answering “Where?” of this section of the greenway. Tensions The NVCOG has created story maps that rose at one public information ses- to act as online guides, helping to answer sion cooled once staff used a story map to the question of “where” to help the pub- show attendees how their concerns were lic find places and events near them in actually being taken into account. the region. Our Adventuring through the Region story map focuses on tourism in Which Web Apps does NVCOG use? the Naugatuck Valley region. We created The other Esri product we use to pro- the Farmers’ Markets & Agri-Tourism NVCOG’s gallery of vide information is the Web AppBuilder web application to highlight the rich ag- story maps and web for ArcGIS, which includes more immer- ricultural background of the region that applications on its sive mapping tools. According to Esri, still exists today and seems to be growing. website. “It’s user-friendly, flexible, and full of GIS Users can find information on not only farmers’ markets, but also community supported agriculture (CSAs), “pick your own produce” farms, and country fairs. The other link is to our Naugatuck Valley Trails, a tabbed Story Map Series all about hiking, walking, and multi-use trails in the region. It consists of three tabs: the first tab is a welcome tab with a photo in the main body; a web applica- tion in the second tab so users can search for trails and see information on all the trails, trailheads, and parking; and a spe- cial Esri configurable application called Elevation Profile, which shows users the change in elevation over the course of a selected trail. Since this is a whole applica- tion and not a tool, it had to be separate from the main trail web app.

Answering “When, Where and How?” Every five years, the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) must ful- fill federal requirements and create a plan for the future of transportation projects and related criteria. NVCOG’s 320-page 2019-2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) explains in detail the variety of transportation, environmental, and economic development projects NVCOG is currently working on or plan to work on in the near future. To provide a more accessible version of this content for pub- lic review, we created a bulleted Story Map Series that highlights each chapter (continued on page 9)

Page 8 Story Maps as Conversations, cont’d So if you see one of our story maps or web applications, please don’t be intimi- This to make the plan shorter and easier to dated, but instead, join in to continue the understand. In each bullet is an embed- conversation. Space ded a Story Map Journal for each chap- Could Be ter. Text, photos, and interactive maps —Richard Crowther Jr. has a Masters of Yours! run throughout the story, presenting Science in Geographic Information Science the “why” and “how” for most projects. and Technology from the University of

Other projects bring up “when” due to Southern California and has six years for info on advertising funding and various other reasons that are experience in GIS. He worked for the City rates and availability, explained in the MTP’s narrative. of Los Angeles before returning to his home please reach jeff mills at state of Connecticut and recently became a (860) 454-8922 Encouraging Conversations GIS Analyst for NVCOG. or via email at Our MTP outreach material made [email protected] use of Esri’s Citizen Reporter feature to —Joanna Rogalski works as a Senior collect public thoughts and opinions. The Regional Planner with the NVCOG. She feedback we received from the public was graduated from the State University at that Citizen Reporter was hard to use, so New York at Buffalo with Bachelor of to improve user friendliness we plan to Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master use Esri’s new Survey123 application for of Urban Planning and Master of Arts future public outreach. Geography degrees. She has worked as a The NVCOG staff often assists product engineer, travelled the world, and non-profit organizations in their public currently pursues urban planning imbued involvement missions by creating story with place-based storytelling, analytic maps and web applications. We helped thinking, and humane action. the Pomperaug River Coalition with an embedded online map on their website to display test results from around the Pomperaug River watershed. They are now obtaining their own Esri account and Engineers we are assisting them to create their own Scientists online maps to share their own narratives. Planners Designers Is the public using these maps and apps? The NVCOG tracks the usage of most of our story maps and web application through ArcGIS Online, the home for all of the hosted online data, maps, and applications. Two of our most frequently visited story maps and applications are planning + design the Regional Viewer and Naugatuck Riv- Offices in Wethersfield, White Plains, New York City er Greenway Thomaston to Torrington and throughout the eastcoast Routing Study story map. We also send usage reports to the non-profit organiza- tions for which NVCOG hosts their maps and stories. It is a great way to see how the public is utilizing the tools we provide www.vhb.com and that most story maps and web appli- cations are used on a daily basis. NVCOG plans to keep creating more tools for the public to answer questions and create more narratives. By using maps to tell a story, we hope more people can join in the conversations occurring in the Naugatuck Valley region.

Page 9 Consider using video PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020s as a means to cut through the din Like/Comment/Subscribe: Using Video and make sure your intended audience for Public Engagement hears the story by Kyle Shiel, AICP, Senior Planner, Town of Manchester you’re trying to tell. consistent public engagement mantra asks planner to “meet people where they are.” A Increasingly, one of those places is online video. If you’re not using video as part of your social media strategy, you’re missing an opportunity to reach a wider audience and show a different side of your organization. Don’t ignore it. Informational social media vid- eos, when done well, are a useful tool for engaging people in an environment with shorter attention spans. The social media giants have an au- while video-oriented Twitter and Linke- dience of billions, with Facebook alone dIn posts see higher rates of engagement.3 claiming two billion members. One bil- As a planning professional, you are lion hours of video is consumed on You- likely required to spend at least some of Tube per day and is the second largest your time utilizing social media tools for search engine in the world, often the first public engagement and outreach, with place many younger people go when seek- outcomes ranging from inspiring to de- ing information, despite the (justified) pressing. If you find yourself struggling to anguish of teachers, librarians, and people convey your organization’s message us- who still like reading.1 According to some ing your current social media toolkit, it’s projections, video accounts for over 80 worth considering using video as a means percent of all Internet traffic.2 Video is the to cut through the din and make sure best performing content on Facebook, (continued on page 11)

Manchester Planning’s Cheney Hall Renovations video includes user interviewers and takes the audience up to the roof. Page 10 Using Video, cont’d Still, we view producing video content as Producing video a worthy endeavor and plan to continue your intended audience hears the story producing content to highlight worth- encourages you to you’re trying to tell. while stories as they arise. Producing a get out of the office video not only forces you to learn more Why You Should Use Video about the stories of individual stakehold- and experience your In an era with less in-person social ers, but also encourages you to get out of community on the interaction than ever (and less trust in the office and experience your community media and government), video provides more intimately on the ground. ground. a modicum of authentic exposure to your human side, something difficult to Thinking About Adding Video to Your convey in standard written documents Outreach Activities? What You Should Know and press releases. Video is ideal for show- ing that planners and elected officials are n It Takes Time & It Takes Work real people, doing their jobs. Informality It’s easier than ever to produce video and a sense of humor often go a long way content, but producing engaging, qual- in making any video content you produce ity video is still time and labor-intensive. more engaging. Peruse the credits of videos from orga- nizations like Vox Media, the New York Video in Manchester Times, and other high traffic YouTube In Manchester, we felt we needed channels and you’ll see a team of dozens another venue for talking about positive of professional media producers. Produc- developments and initiatives, something ing high-volumes of quality video content hopefully a bit more interesting than a takes a great deal of time, labor and skill. press release. We viewed video as an op- You will likely not have this support, portunity to show residents a different so it’s important to be realistic about the side of Manchester than what they other- (continued on page 12) wise might read in traditional local media or neighborhood Facebook groups. In 2017, we created a YouTube channel (Manchester Planning) as a repository for sharing videos to share across a variety of other Town social media accounts, includ- ing Facebook and Twitter. 860.522.6103 | halloransage.com The channel is a work in progress, but we are finding it useful as a means to tell Our Team Our Practice Areas our own story. We’ve highlighted Town Eric D. Bernheim Regulation Amendments projects such as a downtown loan incen- Mark K. Branse Special Permitting and Variances tive program, a theater renovation, and Ronald F. Ochsner Zoning Enforcement profiled local business owners opening a Kenneth R. Slater, Jr. Site Plans brewery, as well as Bob Kaufman of Bob’s Richard P. Roberts Subdivisions Matthew J. Willis Wetlands Permitting and Enforcement Discount Furniture discussing the new Michael A. Zizka Administrative Appeals corporate headquarters in Manchester. Siting Council Approvals The opportunity to have more expansive Complex Land Use Litigation conversations with people investing their time and resources in Manchester has been an incredibly enjoyable aspect of this project. There’s still a gap between the aes- thetic ideal in my head and what I’m cur- rently capable of producing on a technical level, but I’m essentially a one-person crew with an extremely limited budget (i.e., almost nothing), and other primary job responsibilities require my attention.

Page 11 Using Video, cont’d video around their answers. That’s an ex- cellent foundation for any video, regard- type of work you’ll be available to gener- less of topic. ate with a limited budget and staff. You can still produce engaging content, but n Use B-Roll and Captions likely not in volume and likely not with B-roll is extra footage captured to en- cutting edge production values. That rich a story beyond simply having footage doesn’t matter. More important is finding featuring only talking heads. Since you Whether it’s you, the right balance between the investment often need to edit your primary interviews a colleague, or an of time/labor and the length and style of for the sake of clarity and brevity, B-roll interview subject, video that conveys your message. It will footage gives you greater flexibility, as it likely take several videos before you hone allows you to more artfully disguise ed- your videos should your individual work flow. its to the primary main interview while emphasize people showing other elements of visual interest. n Emphasize People I recommend planning to shoot at least in the community According to Twitter marketing re- several minutes’ worth of B-roll to give talking authentically search, putting people in the first three you options when editing. seconds increases the likelihood viewers Captions are another helpful tool. about their project. will continue watching your video. You- User statistics find many viewers watch Tube preview thumbnails with people video without the sound on. In this case, in the image often receive more views. adding captions to what your interview- Whether it’s you, a colleague, or an in- ers say will provide potential viewers with terview subject, your videos should em- more options and make them more like- phasize people in the community talking ly to watch the entire video. Captioned authentically about their project. If you’re videos improve accessibility for viewers lucky enough to find someone charismatic with hearing impairments and captions in and articulate, you’re in great shape. additional languages can also be included However, it’s not necessary to have to reach a limited-English-speaking au- a slick, polished spokesman talking in dience.It also improves accessibility for perfectly crisp soundbites. In fact, it of- viewers with hearing impairments. Face- ten backfires due to a perceived lack of book and YouTube have built-in options authenticity. Instead, find people who are to include captions, while other options deeply knowledgeable about your subject, include online resources like Amara.org or ask them smart questions, and build your DotSub, or the iOS app Clipomatic.

n Enlist Help Acting as a one-man crew is doable, but challenging. Producing video content is more efficient with a partner. Tasks such as arranging or conducting interviews, checking audio levels during filming, CCAPA’s Facebook filming B-roll, or any number of duties feed recently featured that arise during filming are much easier a 45-second snippet of with a partner to assist. As with any col- December’s CCAPA laboration, you’ll often find better ideas Awards Luncheon, are generated when working with others. filmed on a smartphone If you have other people willing to serve and trimmed and sta- bilized with Facebook’s as resources, enlist their help and creative in-app functions. While input. other posts have had more views, this short n Start with the Tools You Have… video has had more likes Don’t worry too much about equip- and comments than ment. The photographer’s cliché “The any other CCAPA best camera is the one that’s with you” Facebook post in 2019. (continued on page 13)

Page 12 Using Video, cont’d image filtering if you’re so inclined. If you’re a Mac user, iMovie is a free editing has a great deal of truth. If you happen to application that is quite robust for a con- have a professional-quality DLSR or mir- sumer level product. The closest analogue rorless video camera, great. If not, your for PC users would be Adobe Premiere smartphone will get the job done. Widely Elements, which typically costs around available consumer-level video production $100. More advanced software includes tools in many ways surpass those used by professional quality packages such as Final professional filmmakers a generation or Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro, which are two ago. Academy Award winning direc- excellent products but certainly not a pre- tor Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven, requisite for making quality videos. Erin Brockovich, Traffic) has made two Footnotes well-received films (High Flying Bird and — Kyle Shiel is Senior Planner for 1 147+ Video Marketing Statistics, Unsane) solely with an iPhone. Comprehensive and Long-Range Planning Aug 30, 2019. https://review42. com/video-marketing-statistics/. for the Town of Manchester, CT. Among n …But Be Prepared to Invest (A little) his duties include implementing the Town’s 2 17 Stats And Facts Every Market- Plan of Conservation and Development, er Should Know About Video Mar- Beyond a camera, there are a few ad- keting, Sep 6, 2017. www.forbes. ditional items you’ll need to make quality redevelopment planning, and staffing com/sites/miketempleman/2017 videos. the Town’s Economic Development and /09/06/17-stats-about-video- • Microphones — Poor audio quality Housing & Fair Rent Commissions. marketing/#2f26aab5567f. is the most common way to make your He serves on the CT APA chapter’s 3 10 Video Marketing Statistics for videos unwatchable. The on-board micro- Government Relations committee and his 2019, Mar 13, 2019. www.social- mediatoday.com/news/10-video- phone on a standard DSLR, mirrorless or research and writing have appeared in marketing-statistics-for-2019- smartphone is simply not good enough publications for the American Planning infographic/550274/. to record quality sound. A separate dedi- Association and HUD’s Office of Policy cated microphone is an absolute necessity. Development and Research. Companies such as Rode, Shure, and Zoom all produce excellent consumer-lev- el products for a reasonable price, often less than $100. • Tripod/Stabilizer — Unless you’re re- cording breaking news in the field, avoid hand-held recordings by using some sort of stabilizing device. A tripod is a minimal requirement and not costly, while a “gim- bal” or other camera stabilizing device will help you record usable hand-held Municipal footage. Zoning & Inland Wetlands • Lighting — Recording in natural light Development & Permitting will produce more appealing results and is the environment I aim for most of the Litigation & Land Use Appeals time when filming. I prefer recording Siting Council interviews either outdoors or by a win- Affordable Housing dow with natural daylight. If that’s not Commercial Real Estate an option for whatever reason, consider Residential Real Estate purchasing a small portable lighting rig to Telecommunications help illuminate your subject. At the very least, a small on-camera LED light can For more information please contact: provide additional illumination if your en- PATRICIA C. SULLIVAN vironment is dimly lit. Department Chair [email protected] • Editing Software — Once you have (203) 337-4124 your footage, you’ll need some type of ed- iting software to trim it down to the usable BRIDGEPORT DANBURY WESTPORT ORANGE bits, add titles and some background mu- 203.368.0211 203.792.2771 203.222.1034 203.298.4066 sic, and perhaps do some color correction/ WWW.COHENANDWOLF.COM Page 13 A Full Service Land Use GEI Consultants, Inc. and Environmental Practice Consulting Scientists and Engineers Providing Innovative Solutions

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Page 14 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020s Podcasts A Q&A with the Producers of CERCONOMY, a podcast of AdvanceCT (formerly CERC): Kristiana Sullivan, AdvanceCT’s Vice President of Marketing; & Rebecca Mead, Principal, Rebecca Mead Communications (interviewed by Connecticut Planning Editor Amanda Kennedy)

Why did AdvanceCT decide to start a podcast? channels. Just as important as the technical side of the As a way to extend the AdvanceCT blog, to engage podcast production are the decisions on the theme, listeners vs. readers, and to capitalize on the popularity style, and topics — to make your podcast attract the of podcasts, we started the CERCONOMY podcast to audience you seek. help share information, news, and insights into the top- ics of interest to clients, partners, and stakeholders — What has been the biggest challenge so far? including economic development, real estate/site selec- Remote recording sound quality. While Zoom and tion, municipal planning, economic development data Skype have call recorders, a lot of post-production and research, and for people seeking more information work needs to be put in so that the quality of the on how to start a business in Connecticut. We also saw conversation doesn’t overshadow the message of the the podcast as a way for the AdvanceCT staff to share podcast. You don’t want your topic or guests to be lost their expertise with listeners. in a poor recording.

How has CERCONOMY contributed to AdvanceCT’s How do you see podcasts effectiveness promoting economic development in fitting into urban planning? Connecticut? The democratization It has opened up the conversation to new audiences of information, best practices, with subscribers via iTunes and Google Play, as well and successful — and not as the weekly listeners via our website. Additionally, so successful — outcomes… our guests and partner organizations share the podcast There are a number of with their audiences, so we’ve expanded the reach of podcasts focused on urban the conversation on economic development in the planning that share examples of positive change, state, and hopefully made the topics and guests more interviews with experts, analysis of current systems, etc. “accessible” to our listeners. Which episodes of CERCONOMY would be of What technical skills are necessary to produce a most interest to Connecticut planners? podcast? There are quite a few, but the first three that spring Selecting and becoming fluent in the use of the to mind are episode #97: Tiny Houses and Granny recording hardware and software is the first step — get- Pods with John Guszkowski of CME Associates; epi- ting the sound right on the way in saves a lot of time sode #40 Preparing for Opportunity Zone Investment and effort in the editing process, and produces a much and episode #76: The Growing Shortage of Affordable better listening experience in the end…And it takes a Housing with Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, the Director of lot of experimentation and patience. In addition, put the New England Public Policy Center at the Federal time into choosing your podcast host and distribution Reserve Bank of Boston.

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Page 16 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020s Peer-to-Peer Participation by Rebecca M. Townsend, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication, University of Hartford

tudies of trust in government are common. Trust in the federal gov- Sernment is at historic lows, with rates as low as 12% among Hispanics and as high as 27% among whites. Trust in local government remains strong, with recent polls showing that about two-thirds of Americans trust their local govern- ments.1,2 Studies of government’s trust in people, however, are like unicorns: while I want to believe they exist, I have never seen any. Following the destruction caused after the Federal Highway Act of 1956, peo- ple fought for the right to be consulted. Protests over communities’ needs and environmental impacts being overrun by highway expansion, combined with activ- ists’ protection of public parks, and civil Student Session at Manchester Community College and human rights activism, led to a quilt (Photo credit: Rebecca Townsend) of legislation that now requires a public consultation process defined in statutes, regulations, and executive orders.3 These I am engaged in right now, with Carol requirements are in place to prevent the Atkinson-Palombo and Norman Garrick mistakes made by single-minded pursuit of UConn, is about government officials’ of a particular project while ignoring the opinions about public deliberation on impacts on people who live, work, and autonomous vehicles, a study being done enjoy the places those projects sought to as part of a research partnership with the alter.4 Yet, as research in public partici- Kettering Foundation. We’re trying to pation in environmental decision making learn what officials make of public opinion has shown, engagement is still often too that is derived from deliberative engage- technical, late, adversarial, superficial, and ment — engagement where regular peo- inconsequential.5 ple analyze the benefits and consequences As a Massachusetts resident, I have of different approaches to a concern. been a community representative at the When I have spoken with others in Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and local and state government, whether have been involved in town government elected officials or appointed officials or in various appointed and elected capacities administration or staff, perspectives vary for over 15 years. I have also been a trans- on the importance and values of engaging portation advocate. My profession, how- the public. Among those who are gener- ever, is in education and research. While ally supportive, some have come to this at the University of Hartford, University position usually from seeing a successful of Connecticut, and Manchester Commu- effort; others know it can save time and nity College, I have engaged in research money. Many, however, see the public as on public engagement, especially in trans- an obstacle to the goals they have. While portation planning. One of the studies (continued on page 18)

Page 17 While our project Peer-to-Peer Participation, cont’d success at engaging transit-dependent people and others who are traditionally with CRCOG was their goals may be in the public interest, underrepresented in transportation plan- primarily face-to- their view of involvement is skeptical. ning processes.” 9 Our approach involved Some are downright afraid, of critique students taking college classes to learn face, generating that might lead to compromise, or of en- public engagement strategies, and then awareness countering flat-out opposition. And some, conducting deliberative forums in com- as Nabatchi observed, suggest that it can munity members’ preferred, regular meet- about projects is undermine representative government.6 ing places. Students, who were themselves most effectively Yet research in “constructive controversy” members of these communities, used shows that resolutions are possible when communication styles and strategies that accomplished participants engage in discussion that an- worked with their peers. Community through the use alyzes varying approaches to a problem.7 partner groups (e.g., Spanish-speaking social media. A meaningful public engagement process church congregations, clubs, self-help helps build the public’s trust in projects, groups, recreation-based organizations) people, and processes. welcomed the chance to talk about their In my research involving public trans- transportation needs and preferences in portation needs assessment, we used a discussions led by their peers. They trust- collaborative approach with a community ed the peers would relay the messages college in partnership with the Capitol back to planners. Region Council of Governments to con- Students learned generally about the duct public engagement in transportation planning processes from guest experts; planning.8 Evaluation of the effort found they had no prior knowledge of it. Stu- the project enabled a significant level of dents and participants in the study both engagement: “More than 500 students had not been in contact with the govern- and community members participated ment on a subject that concerned them in the project, which was notable for its (continued on page 19)

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Page 18 Peer-to-Peer Participation, cont’d they had previously had with government officials. Some of those interactions had prior to this project, and survey data and been antagonistic, or ones in which they students’ written and oral reports after- had to prove themselves worthy of being ward indicated a desire to continue being heard. involved. Indeed, one student came to me While our project with CRCOG was the following semester, concerned about primarily face-to-face, generating aware- the lack of a bus shelter at the college — ness about projects is most effectively ac- a concern a study participant shared in complished through the use social media. the deliberation session. The student was Online public engagement has the benefit really troubled by this and wanted to get of reaching a large number of people one created, so he began the process that quickly, and potentially soliciting a large would ultimately lead to the creation of quantity of feedback, often from those a shelter. The evaluation report for this who would not participate in face-to-face project found that it “helped foster new meetings. A 2019 National Cooperative professional partnerships among the com- Highway Research Program (NCHRP) munity college, transportation planners Synthesis reviewed the use of online pub- and community leaders.” Indeed, the lic involvement tools by state departments relationships help lead to other benefits, of transportation and reviewed existing like employment and wider networks for literature on engagement practices.10 A future engagement, and trust. The project key finding was that “While social media revealed a great amount of cynicism borne is a well-utilized tool, it may be more of frustrating or humiliating interactions. effective when combined with offline or When I worked with students during the traditional public involvement rather than project with CRCOG, and since, I have as a stand-alone tool.” learned that their perspectives at the out- (continued on page 20) set were due to the kinds of interactions

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Page 19 Peer-to-Peer Participation, cont’d customized approaches. Non-technical materials and creative use of visualizations Not every project must have the same helps participants get a sense of a project levels of involvement. The 2019 Kettering and their role in it. Advisory meetings, Foundation’s annual journal, Connections, public meetings, stakeholder meetings, focuses on exploring the relationship be- and community events need communica- tween the public and the government. tively competent and sensitive personnel Included in the report is the advice from conducting them. Of course, they should European participatory democracy expert be publicized in places where people go: Antonella Valmorbida, who says that gov- salons and barber shops, grocery stores, ernments should “‘monitor the sparkle’ via media (newspaper, radio, tv, social me- to determine where citizens are putting dia), with adequate notice, and in times their energy and then support those ef- and places that are part of the community forts.”11 When governments see the pub- already. Participants whose perspectives lic as sources of inspiration and invention are underheard may react with more trust of new possibilities, rather than as road- if planners use intermediaries for initial blocks to avoid or obstacles to overcome, contacts. Community members who are collaborative relationships develop. part of any kind of group may have ideas To find those moments of “sparkle,” that could inspire a substantive change or A student researcher good public engagement determines adaptation. presents his findings to what the issues are, and who is affected. The design of communities involves community members. Engagement identifies the thorny issues, the physical infrastructure, natural (Photo: Matthew Robinson) and discovers when constituents need (continued on page 21)

Page 20 7 Johnson, David W., Roger T. Johnson, and Dean Peer-to-Peer Participation, cont’d Tjosvold, “Constructive Controversy: The Value of In- When governments tellectual Opposition,” in Morton Deutsch and Peter T. resources, as well as the social systems in Coleman, eds., The Handbook of Conflict Resolution: see the public as an interconnected way; viewing the public Theory and Practice San Francisco: Jossey-Bas Publishers, sources of inspiration as an asset is more likely to generate a 2000, pp. 65-85. See David W. Johnson, Constructive Controversy: Theory, Research, and Practice, Cambridge and invention of new solution that provides for a sustainable University Press, 2015. future.12 Social diversity has numerous 8 possibilities, rather benefits to communities. People are See Rebecca M. Townsend, “Engaging ‘others’ in civic engagement through ethnography of communication,” than as roadblocks to assets. They have ideas, histories and Journal of Applied Communication Research, 41, 202- perspectives that enrich any plan. When 208; and “Mapping routes to our roots: Student civic avoid or obstacles planners work with local ambassadors engagement in transportation planning,” in A. Traver & Z. P. Katz (Eds.), Service-learning at the American com- to overcome, collab- to review a plan to see if it needs to be munity college: Theoretical and empirical perspectives, modified to better reach the people you (pp. 225-237), New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. orative relationships need to reach, it sends the message to the 9 Elvin, David, “Partnership for Inclusive, Cost-Effective develop. community that their expertise is valuable. Public Participation: A Federal Transit Administration It conveys respect. That earns trust. Public Participation Pilot Project, Project Evaluation Re- port,” 6 Jul 2012. — Rebecca M. Townsend, Ph.D. is an as- 10 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and sistant professor of Communication in the Medicine 2019. Practices for Online Public Involvement. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Humanities Department, Hillyer College, at the University of Hartford. Her scholar- 11 Quoted in Willis, Wendy, “Felt Democracy.” Connec- tions. Kettering Foundation, 2019. ship was awarded a White House Champi- on of Change for Transportation Innova- 12 Whitman, Steve, “Seeing Our Communities as Thriv- tion in 2012. She is also the Moderator in ing Ecosystems: A Permaculture Approach to Community Planning,” Resilience.org, 24 Mar 2014. Longmeadow, MA. Email: [email protected] University of Hartford website: www.hartford.edu/directory/hillyer/ townsend-rebecca.aspx

Footnotes Serving the

1 McCarthy, Justin. 2018. “Americans Still More Trusting of Local than State Government.” Gallup.com. 8 Oct Land Use 2018. Legal Needs 2 Pew Research Center. “The Public, The Political Sys- tem, and American Democracy. 26 Apr 2018. of Connecticut 3 The Civil Rights Act 1964 Title VI, National Environ- mental Policy Act (NEPA) 1969, Clean Air Act 1970, Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Ac- quisition Policies Act of 1970, Rehabilitation Act 1973, Age Discrimination Act 1975, Americans with Disabilities n Municipal, State, Federal For more information, please contact: Act 1990, USC Title 23 Section 109(h), Code of Federal Permitting Gary B. O’Connor Regulations, Executive Orders (Environmental Justice Department Chair EO 12898), or Limited English Proficiency Executive n Brownfields Redevelopment 860.424.4366 Order 13166), state laws, regulations, and guidance. [email protected] n Real Estate Development 4 For more, see Ted Grossardt and Keiron Bailey, Trans- Diane Whitney portation Planning and Public Participation: Theory, Pro- 860.424.4330 n cess, and Practice, Elsevier, 2018. Municipal Development [email protected] Plans 5 See Stephen P. Depoe and John W. Delicath, “Intro- duction,” in Stephen P. Depoe, John W. Delicath, and n Urban Revitalization Marie-France Aepli Elsebbeer, Eds. Communication and Public Participation in Environmental Decision Making, n Administrative Hearings SUNY Press, 2004 (pp. 1-10). www.sunypress.edu/ pdf/60900.pdf. n Land Use Litigation pullcom.com @pullmancomley 6 Nabatchi, Tina, “A Manager’s Guide to Evaluating Citi- zen Participation,” Fostering Transparency and Democra- BRIDGEPORT HARTFORD SPRINGFIELD STAMFORD WATERBURY WESTPORT WHITE PLAINS cy Series, 2011. 203.330.2000 860.424.4300 413.314.6160 203.324.5000 203.573.9700 203.254.5000 914.705.5355 Page 21 While planners are obviously CCAPA Legislative Update: Taking supportive of the public’s right to be Another Run at Public Notification informed about Requirements important topics on the agenda of by John Guszkowski, AICP, LEED-AP, ENV-SP land use boards, Co-Chair, CCAPA Government Relations Committee this legal notice or years, municipal planners and been charging increasingly exorbitant requirement zoning enforcement officers have fees for legal notices. On the other hand, Fbemoaned the requirements of CGS an increasingly digital world has made has become §8-7d that force the publication of public newspaper publication of legal notices increasingly notice in a “newspaper having general all but obsolete. Several municipalities circulation” in the subject municipali- report publication bills running well into farcical. ty twice in advance of a public hearing. thousands of dollars every year. The state While planners are obviously supportive statutes essentially mandate that munic- of the public’s right to be informed about ipalities subsidize struggling print media important topics on the agenda of land companies with very little demonstrated use boards, this legal notice requirement community benefit. has become increasingly farcical. On one CCAPA and several partner organi- hand, both local and regional newspapers, zations, including CAZEO, have long fully aware that state law requires these sought to scale back or eliminate this publications and pressed for revenue, have (continued on page 23)

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Legislative Update, cont’d legislative session may present the best The intent of our opportunity in years to make some prog- newspaper notification requirement in ress on this issue. CCAPA’s Government proposed bill is favor of a more effective substitute. In Relations Committee will be submitting a to safeguard the early 2018, CCAPA ran a quick snapshot proposed change to §8-7d that would dial poll, asking its member planners to ask back the newspaper notification require- public’s right attendees at public hearings how they ment. In our proposed bill, a municipality to be informed, learned of the hearing. Seven towns re- would be required to post legal notice of sponded, polling nearly 150 attendees at the public hearing on the municipal web- reduce cost, public hearings. Fewer than 5% of hear- site at least 10 days prior to the hearing. take advantage ing attendees had read about the public In addition, municipalities will be re- hearing in the paper, and many of those quired to either post a traditional newspa- of available read articles about the applications, not per public notice or post a physical sign at technology, and the actual legal notices. Direct mailings the subject property at least 10 days prior provide some to abutters, signs posted on the property, in a way that is visible to the public. The social media, and word of mouth were far intent is to safeguard the public’s right to flexibility to more influential for communicating with be informed, reduce cost, take advantage municipalities. a public hearing’s target audience. Every of available technology, and provide some municipality in the state has its own web- flexibility to municipalities. site. Most have well-subscribed Facebook While we believe our argument is or Twitter accounts. Who is the legal no- strong and the politics for this issue have tice requirement serving? improved in Hartford, we fully recognize With new, thoughtful leadership on that this is Connecticut, and nothing is the Planning & Development Committee ever certain at the legislature. As ever, we in the General Assembly and the once- welcome input from our membership, strong newspaper lobby weakened due and if anyone wishes to become more to corporate consolidations, the 2020 involved with the Government Relations Committee, we can be contacted at [email protected].

— John Guszkowski is Lead Planner in the Community Development Group of the con- sulting firm CME Associates, Inc., a CHA Company, based in Storrs, CT. John’s work has spanned numerous sectors of planning, including work as a regional planner with CRCOG, a full-time staff planning direc- tor in Woodstock and Thompson, a consult- ing planner for the Towns of Essex, Clinton, and Hampton, lead planner for special studies in Wethersfield, Manchester, Derby, n strategic, comprehensive and master planning Brooklyn, and Putnam, and a project man- n land use, zoning and environmental policy ager for numerous private development n hazard mitigation and climate resiliency planning projects across southern New England. n community outreach and inclusive engagement n conservation and open space planning n neighborhoods and district area planning n transportation planning n historic preservation planning n research, mapping and data visualization n grant and funding assistance STAY CONNECTED TO CCAPA!

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Page 23 spaces. More information about 2019’s award winners is Chapter News available at ct.planning.org/community-outreach/awards and on CCAPA’s Facebook page. 2019 CCAPA Planning Awards CCAPA members gathered in Middletown on Historic and Green: A New Climate Agenda December 5th to recognize excellent people, plans, and On January 24th, CCAPA co-sponsored the UConn projects with CCAPA Planning Awards. Law School Center for Energy & Environmental Law’s The 2019 Bruce Hoben Distinguished Service Award conference Historic and Green: A New Climate Agenda. was presented to long-time CCAPA Membership Chair The conference asked and answered questions about how Alan Weiner, who retired as the City of Bristol’s planner preserving our historic resources can be accomplished after 30+ years of service. This award is given in memo- in an environment that prioritizes sustainability and ry of Bruce Hoben, resilience. whose selfless involve- ment and longtime Building the Next Generation of Urban Planners: A Forum leadership in the on the Future of Planning Education in Connecticut Chapter, along with On January 15th, staff from the Planning Accredita- his many contribu- tion Board spent the morning in Hartford for a round- tions to the practice of table discussion with CCAPA members, legislators, and planning in Connecti- representatives from many of Connecticut’s colleges and cut, exemplify the universities exploring the whys and hows of instituting a spirit of distinguished fully-accredited undergraduate or graduate program in service. CCAPA Past urban planning. An accredited program in Connecticut President Mike Pis- would enable new planners to receive training specific to citelli received a Spe- their profession without leaving the state. It could also cial Chapter Award play a role in increasing the value of planning in public thanking him for his policy and administration in Connecticut’s state govern- Past President Mike Piscitelli (left) congratulates outstanding leader- ments, regions, and municipalities. CCAPA Member- Alan Weiner, recipient of the Bruce Hoben ship with the Start ship Chair Emily Hultquist has been spearheading the Distinguished Service Award. With Planning inita- Chapter’s efforts on this issue, which are in line with the tive, which produced Chapter’s strategic goal of supporting the next genera- policy guidance for the last gubernatorial race and Lam- tion of planners. ont’s incoming administration, and continues to direct CCAPA’s legislative and advocacy activities. AICP Certification The City of Bridgeport’s PLAN Bridgeport was Speaking of new planners…congratulations to recognized for its ambitious, effective and inclusive com- Connecticut’s newest crop of AICP planners, who passed prehensive plan and planning process. The Town of the exam in November: Christopher Schaut, Michael Canton was recognized for its sustained commitment to D’amato, Caitlin Palmer, Ryan Dolan, Elizabeth implementing the recommendations of its 2014 Plan of Esposito, and Jennifer Pacacha. CCAPA’s Professional Conservation and Development (POCD). The success Development Officer Steve Sadlowski will hold 2020’s Canton has had in implementing its POCD is a direct AICP review session on March 21st. What better way to result of the Town’s early focus on writing a plan that celebrate the first day of spring? has broad support and clear implementation pathways. The Hamden Economic Development Corporation received an award for BOROUGH 496, Hamden’s new Enhancing properties and communities business incubator. With BOROUGH496, Hamden through exceptional land use services. restored a 42,000 sf historic structure and transformed it into a small business incubator that is focused on in- Serving Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester Counties Since 1957 novation and inclusivity in three main focus areas: sus- tainability, workforce development and micro-enterprise entrepreneurship. Lastly, CCAPA presented an award to the Global City Norwich initiative, a unique, multi-year project focused on enlivening downtown Norwich with strategies that engages Norwich’s diverse multi-cultural population and cultivates entrepreneurship while en- abling re-investment and re-tenanting of downtown retail 203.327.0500 | www.rednissmead.com

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