News from School Year 2006-07

Scholarships and Awards

GPA Awards:

This year five senior students in the undergraduate Planning Program received department academic awards for an overall GPA of 3.5 or better.

Jessica Tenbusch, Emily Smith, Josh Eikenberry and Jacqueline Rais (shown above celebrating at the Awards Picnic) and Mark Hartmann.

Scholarships:

Four students received scholarships from the Robert M. Ward Scholarship Fund, sponsored by PLACE. The four recipients were Christopher Fellows, Kristin Hatfield, Aaron Stryker and Kathryn Youra.


Graduate School Awards:

Two of the graduate students from the Urban and Regional Planning Program have recently received university awards. Ken Bouchard received the Brenner Scholarship, giving recognition for his service as a graduate assistant. At the same awards ceremony, Jennifer Bruen received a University Fellowship. Congratulations to both; they deserve it.

Welsh and Jones research project

Professors Bill Welsh and Bob Jones have received a two-year Michigan Sea Grant to conduct an integrated assessment of brownfield redevelopment efforts within the coastal areas of Michigan to determine what makes some projects more successful than others. Their work will include evaluation of economic, social, environmental, public policy, and other variables associated with coastal brownfield redevelopment. The information they collect will be entered into a geographic information system (GIS) that will permit ready access to locational and other data on the projects, as well as information on their level of success.

Using the GIS, decision analysis theory, and various computer algorithms, Welsh and Jones will develop a spatial decision support system to help evaluate coastal brownfield data against different redevelopment possibilities and alternative policy scenarios. The outcome, the two anticipate, will be a GIS based set of tools that will enable policy makers, managers and stakeholders to more effectively accomplish the goals of coastal brownfield redevelopment, and provide a model system that could be adapted for use throughout the Great Lakes region.

Accreditation update

As many of you know, the undergraduate program underwent an accreditation review over the past year. The Planning Accreditation Board, after careful deliberation, decided the program would have probationary accreditation for two years. They were concerned primarily about the low number of faculty assigned to the program. The EMU administration has promised two new positions for the program; a full-time lecturer should be hired by this fall, and a full-time tenure-track faculty by next fall. If these two additional positions are filled, we expect to keep accreditation for an additional five years.

Josh Eikenberry and Virtual Worlds

On Friday, March 30, Josh Eikenberry presented at this year's Undergraduate Symposium. His topic was "From the Imagined to the Real: Utilizing Virtual Worlds to Assist in Site Planning and Design." He presented an intriguing site plan proposal using a "virtual world" computer 3-D format by showing his Site Planning Studio project proposal in "Second World."

Note from Joel Klug

The following email came from one of our alums.

Greetings from Oregon! I was recently informed by the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) program field coordinator that the RARE program is recruiting for next year. Because EMU's planning program is so awesome, RARE is especially interested in receiving applications from EMU's renowned planning program. I've been working out here in Oregon for about five months now, and I think it's a great opportunity for recent graduates to get some really good experience in planning. It's also a great opportunity to live in the Pacific Northwest and see cities like Portland, Eugene and Cascade Locks! RARE would really appreciate it if you could post this attachment on the EMU jobs page.
Joel Klug , Special Projects Coordinator, City of Cascade Locks, 140 SW WaNaPa, PO Box 308, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, (541)374-8484

Note from Genevieve Smith

The following email came from one of our alums.

I hope this email finds you keeping warm! I am just writing to say hello. It’s been awhile, but now that Shaun has his law degree I think I am going to work on my Masters again, hopefully finishing it this time. There is an accredited program at University of New Orleans that I am going to check out, but it’s quite a commute so I am also thinking about public administration. I really want to be able to benefit as much from my Master’s as I have from my B.A.

There are some opportunities to use both my anthropology and planning education with Federal Highway Administration, especially when I work with Tribal Governments. Aside from Civil Rights, GIS, and Freight, it’s probably one of my favorite aspects of my growing responsibilities. I really do LOVE transportation planning. There are jobs available at the federal and state levels right now so students should think seriously about their futures. A lot of FHWA employees get started through a work program at the Division Office and from that point get several doors opened; one could be the training program path (I am a graduate now). If anyone is interested in finding out more about working at the Federal Highway Administration (you don’t have to be an engineer), let me know (Genevieve.Smith@fhwa.dot.gov). Take care Norm, I hope ya’ll have a wonderful semester/year! =)

Annual Student-Alumni Reception
March 14, 2007

On Wednesday evening, March 14th, our Planning/GIS programs and PLACE hosted a special evening for students, faculty and alumni. The guest speaker was David Behen, Washtenaw County's Deputy County Administrator, who has had a remarkably successful career after graduating from EMU's Public Administration Program. He soon became the Village Manager in Mattawan, Michigan, and created its Master Plan. In 1999, David came to the Washtenaw County Administrator's Office and is now leading the county's innovative Wireless Washtenaw and eGovernment programs to bring internet connections and services to all residents of the county. Because of the work of his staff, Washtenaw County has been recognized as one of the "Top Ten Digital Counties" by the National Association of Counties.

Bob Jones is speaker

On Tuesday, March 13th, Bob Jones was one of three speakers at a session on Urban Sprawl. It was sponsored by EMU's Public Administration Club and took place from 7:00-8:30 at 326 Halle Library. Speakers discussed the environment and how sprawl affects the Great Lakes.

Galapagos adventure

Norm and Ilene Tyler took the "trip of a lifetime" this summer to the Galapagos Islands. Located far off the coast of Ecuador, they found it really was a unique place. As Norm says, some of the islands look as if they did when the world began.

The geography and the geology were spectacular, and arriving by sailboat at the various islands, they could see nature "up close and personal." In addition to the sea lions, penguins, albatrosses, sharks and other species, perhaps most interesting was becoming intimately involved with the life of Blue-footed Boobys, a most interesting bird.

Norm's article

Norm Tyler has had a feature article published in the latest edition of the Michigan Planner magazine published by the Michigan Association of Planning.

Titled "The four most important words in planning," the article looks at how American society needs to respond to its many well-documented threats to developing a sustainable urban lifestyle. Read the article and see if you agree with the "four words."


Remembering Lisa

Jenelle Brantley (BS 2006) has shared this photo of her graduation cap. She dedicated it to Lisa Radtke, a classmate who died tragically last year.

Thanks for sharing this with us, Jenelle.

Remembering Mark Niehaus

We have just learned of the passing of Mark Niehaus, who graduated from the undergrad Planning program in 1996. He is known by some as the owner of the Grandma's Kitchen Restaurant in Ypsilanti and then obtained his realtors license, which he practiced until his death.

Co-housing discussion

Students in the GPLN 216 Readings in Urban Planning course were joined by Robert, Donna and John representing Ann Arbor's Sunward Co-housing project. The guest discussants explained what life was like in this "intentional community" and answered questions from the students.

State Planning Conference in Detroit

The Michigan Association of Planning held its annual on October 11-14 at the Renaissance Center, along the river in downtown. It included mobile workshops, a review of Detroit planning, the southeast Michigan transit challenge, and many other topics.

An EMU student/alumni reception was held on Thursday evening at the Coach Insignia bar on the 72nd floor. It's was a great time to catch up with old friends and make new acquaintances.

Amy Jordan was once again the conference organizer and greets people at the reception desk.

Coy Vaughn, Christopher Good and Karen Wieber enjoy drinks overlooking one of the best views in downtown Detroit.

Undergrad students Daryl Graus, John Lazur, David Nestor and Nick Sapkiewicz talk about the day's events.

Planning Student Conference in Detroit

MAP (Michigan Association of Planning) sponsored a Student Conference Friday, November 17th, at Wayne State University. The conference was planned by and intended for Urban and Regional Planning Students and Recent Graduates. About 90 people attended from various planning schools.


Annual Golf Outing

This year's "Links to the Future" golf outing was held on Friday, September 22, at beautiful Eagle Crest Golf Course in Ypsilanti. The rain held off and it was a wonderful fall day for playing. The winning team this year was led by alum Tom Covert with a score of 8 under par. The photo shows them receiving the Silver Trophy from PLACE president Ken Bouchard.

The golf outing is organized by the student club, PLACE (PLanning Awareness Club of Eastern) and benefits the Robert M. Ward Scholarship Fund for Urban and Regional Planning and GIS programs, which has given scholarships to deserving students for five years. Thanks to the Golf Outing Committee, chaired by Dave Krzeminski and Ken Bouchard.


Undergraduate Program Re-accreditation

In early September the undergraduate Planning Program was reviewed by the American Planning Association's Planning Accreditation Board. Three representatives visited EMU and discussed the program with many individuals, including current students and alums.

We received their report, and they seemed impressed with the program and the enthusiastic support of its students, faculty and alumni. Two areas of concern they expressed were the small number of faculty and the lack of identity for the program within the university. A full report is available and will be shared with any interested individuals.

Small Town and Rural Planning Organization

A letter from the APA's Small Town Division:

Good afternoon! I am the Chair of the Small Town and Rural Planning Division of the American Planning Association. The reason for this e-mail is to advise you of opportunities for your planning students with our Division, which numbers over 800 members nationwide. The first is that we are actively seeking student papers to publish in our quarterly newsletter. We prefer the case study format due to the ease of transferring the knowledge to our members ­ many of whom are not professionally trained in planning. However, we will also publish the traditional, statistic-laden research paper as well. This will allow your students a publication avenue as well as assisting our members in gaining knowledge not easily obtained through traditional resources. The only request we have is that the paper address an issue pertinent to small town and rural planning. The second is the STaR Student Awards program. While more information will be forthcoming, rest assured this award will be meaningful and have the proper relationship between the submittal requirements and the dollar amount of the award.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me. STaR hopes to maintain a positive relationship with schools that offering planning programs of study, and takes a special responsibility to nurture and mentor the future of planning.

Dale R. Powers, AICP, Senior Planner, Department of Planning, Building and Zoning, Chair, Small Town and Rural Planning Division, American Planning Association, 111 W Fox St # 316, Yorkville, IL 60560, 630-553-4139, dpowers@co.kendall.il.us

SketchUp Artistry

Be prepared to be impressed!

Andrew Armbruster, a 2005 graduate of the undergrad Planning program, has developed a remarkable ability to use the 3D drawing software, SketchUp, made available for free by Google. He obviously has spent many hours creating a complete 3D drawing of Mount Morris, Michigan. It can be seen on the internet at http://www.iwisdom.org/personal/mountmorris2.htm

Here is a portion of Andrew's email describing what he has done.

First of all, I wanted to update you on my progress toward my professional career in urban design.  A few months ago I became involved with a company that won a contract to design a city (yes—a city!) on an island off the southern coast of China.  I became an advisor on this project and was involved in consulting on the design of the macro environment.  I was part of the team that visited the client that financed this project.  I was able to conduct an on-site analysis, present research on certain relevant Western design principles, and participate in the advisory portion of the design process.  It was a wonderful experience.  I have decided to delve fully into design at the end of this year.  Thanks to the circle of planners and designers I’ve been lucky enough to make here, I’ll very likely be able to gain a position as a consultant on a team of designers/planners/architects that take on projects such as campus and city design.  I’m finally starting to see clearly the path toward my ultimate goal: to make a clear and concrete difference in the design of urban form.  This is just the beginning, of course—but my previously abstract vision is now gaining some tangible form. 

I've been working with a program called SketchUp for a few months now, and I think it has enormous potential to become the industry standard for conceptual architectural/urban design.  Therefore I decided to learn the program, and as the culmination of the first phase of my development, I chose to model the downtown of my hometown.  I'm working on producing an animation of the city, sweeping through the streets and atop the buildings (which I’ll mail to you when complete), but for now I'd like to show you some still renders of the project.  If you think it is interesting or helpful, please feel free to show other students the site.  As far as I'm aware, this is the third largest collection of city-specific buildings on the SketchUp database.  It surpasses the likes of New York and London on the SketchUp database.  There are around 60 unique buildings for the city so far.  I'm thinking about expanding the project to include some of the areas surrounding the downtown as well.  Perhaps in the future a class devoted to using this program toward site-plan development is a possibility.  I’ll be updating the site to include more renders.  In fact, my next step is to create a vision of what my city could be like.  I’m attempting to combine realistic possibilities with truly far-reaching visions of the development potential in my downtown.  I’ll have something to show for that in a month or so.  For now, please feel free to show others the work.

An addition to my previous email.  I've since been contacted by the Google SketchUp office about the images on my site.  Here's what they had to say:

"Hey Andrew,
Another thing.  People here in the office are astounded by your model screenshots on your site!  Again, very impressive work!   Would it be alright if the SketchUp marketing and web design departments use some of your images?  They would be perfect for website banners, trade show graphics and who knows where else they might show up.  What do you think?
Cheers,"

Update from Eric Feldt

Eric Feldt (BS 2006) writes from Juneau


Well, its been a little over three months here in Juneau, Alaska since my move from Southeast Michigan. Many adjustments were made including expensive plane tickets and carrying my entire belongings strapped to both of my shoulders.My +90 year old home is a quaint, past-time Bed & Breakfast house, situated in small, hilly Downtown Juneau. A brief walk from my doorway affords me my work, several bars/ restaurants, exercise facility, Mt. Roberts relentless trailhead, too many gift shops and the Gastineau Channel to name a few. The +3,000 ft tall mountains are everywhere to see - restricts development towards the Channel. There are no roads that lead outside of the City and Borough of Juneau, just the sign at Mile 41 "End of the Road"!
I work within the CBJ Community Development Department directly in front of the Gastineau Channel - great office view. The majority of our Land Use codes are similar to other communities, with a few tweaks of difference. One issue that affects everyone in the community greatly is the lack of affordable housing and by proactively adopting several inclusive development tools and allowing higher density will help alleviate this situation - slowly. Nearly all the houses on the market are posted around $300,000 and beyond. I was surprised to learn the rather loose environmental regulations upon development as compared with Michigan's regulations. Alaska does have over 50% of the World's Bald Eagle population, though still very protected from human activity up here. My daily "chores" at work have been mainly residential review, lot-splits, a few nonresidential use permits, and the occasional variance.
The weather, very unique and demands water-proof attire, is beginning to warm up; +60 degrees. This past winter we surpassed our record of snow - 198' and 220' at the ski resort! Juneau's location within Southeast Alaska catches a warm SW front; therefore, 100" of annual rain is typical. The snow is melting upon the mountains and trails. With the warm weather comes the thousands of cruise ships; up to 6 a day - nearly everyday 'til the end of September! Our Downtown population endures an influx of 3,000 - 12,000 a day!
The moral of the story.... get out and explore, even if you can't drive there!

Experience of a recent grad

David Green, a Planning graduate, wrote the following description of his first job in planning.

I decided to take a job offered to me in Custer, South Dakota. I have been here for a week now and thought that I would drop you a line. Currently I have a forty mile commute in which I have to slow down more for buffalo than other motorists. This county is sparsely populated, but has many planning issues due to a rapidly increasing population and lack of land use ordinances. Many of the ranchers and land owners are splitting/ subdividing their lands for sale to out of state retirees. Administering these land plats keeps our office busy. We do not have many tools to control the rate nor direction of development. With virtually no zoning ordinance nor building codes, the only tools at our disposal are septic system design and approval and road design and access.

We are trying to develop and adopt a zoning ordinance, as well as update the comprehensive plan (a laughable 2 pages), but have been met with a lot of resistance. I have been warned of the existence of hanging trees within the county that await anyone coming here with ideas of change. However, I believe that with the newly erected cell tower in town people may be more receptive to land use controls. The 300 ft. tower is an obstruction to the natural scenic beauty of the area. The local folks are not happy with the visual nuisance of the tower. More and larger towers are planned for the area. I did explain to the director that while we connot deny the existence of these towers in the county, we can exercise some control over the location and design of such entities.

Of all the graduate courses that I took at EMU, I must admit that Jim Schafer's course, Politics of Local Planning, is the most applicable. While I may not have enjoyed the course at the time, I certainly do appreciate that knowledge now. Dealing with all of the different commissions and boards as well as department heads is a large part of this job. I’ll send further communications (if so desired) regarding some of the things that we are working on here including, completing the 911 emergency response grid, our GIS mapping effort, Fire and Natural disasters planning, National and State park issues and planning for a growing and diverse population. Incidentally, I have been researching and writing on how to maintain a sense of place and historic character in the wave or influx of development and population dilution.

Alumni Update Bulletin Board

Here is a spot that will give regular updates on program alumni, where they are now and what they're doing

A special thank you goes out to Tracy Mullins (MS 2003) who gave a donation to to cover costs of drinks and desserts at the recent Planning/GIS Programs reception. Tracy is now Planning and Design Director with MJA Consulting LLC. He says: We have moved beyond comp plan amendments to a point where about a third of our income is related to design and GIS. We do most of the design work in Arcview 9.2, overlaying design over aerials.

Lee Shirey (MS 2003) writes: Its been awhile since I last spoke to you, but I wanted to update you on my latest activities.  As you know, I've been the DDA Director in the Soo for 4years now.  Wow, how time flies!  I've just recently accepted a new position as the Cheif Economic Development Officer for the Target Corporation of Alpena.  Target is the economic Development corporation for Alpena County and all of the various municipalities within Alpena County.  This is a step up for me from a job stand point and should be quite challenging.

Robert Wheaton (MS 2005) has a new baby. Gavin Robert Wheaton born 2/15/07 2:08 am; 7lbs 12oz. Mom/Baby doing great. Big sister Raegan (22 months old) is adapting fine. Molly was in labor less than 2 hours. 90 minutes from arriving at the hospital to the baby being born.

Eric Feldt (BS 2006) has been offered an interesting position working with the Planning Department in Juneau, Alaska. He wanted to try someplace new, and seems to have it now.

Shailesh Gavathe (MS 2007) has a position waiting for him upon graduation at SAIC. SAIC is a platform-independent provider of scientific, engineering and systems integration services, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Good luck with your new position.

Candice (Elkins) Briere (BS 2003) has been working for Atwell-Hicks in Ann Arbor for a number of years. She recently was appointed to a seat on the Ann Arbor Zoning Board of Appeals. She writes, "Hopefully I'll be able to use some of my education and experience in planning to make Ann Arbor even better."

Jonathan Ringel sent the following:
I am now happily married and living in Angola, Indiana. We are located 18 miles south of Coldwater, MI. Last Wednesday the Steuben County Plan Commission appointed me to the position of Planning Director for the entire county. I am so excited and thank you for everything you have taught me. We will see if I can remember everything! It will be like Rivertown, except on a larger scale.


I bumped into Jason Hempel who was an undergrad when I was at EMU at the Florida American Planning Association conference this year, he seemed to be relieved to see a familiar face. Bo Mah married an American fella from Chicago this spring.

Kristin Keery (BS 2000) accepted a position as city planner for Grand Haven, Michigan She is very excited about this opportunity and Hamilton Anderson Associates, where she had been working since graduation, has been very supportive of the decision.

Amy (Bavin) Pintus (BS 1999) says there are a surplus of excellent planning positions here in SW Florida. She has gained an incredible amount of understanding and experience there. There are a lot of challenges, but the state mandates for planning processes here create many opportunities for planners. Anyone who can stick it out and prove their salt with a municipality would undoubtably be offered wonderful positions in the private sector. .

Jill (Murray) Morgan is now married (note the name change) and is working as a Planning Technician with the Village of Winnetka, Illinois.

Michael Slebodnick (MS 2002?) has a full time position teaching at Turtle Mountain Community College in North Carolina. His program is currently undergoing accreditation.

Glenn Perian (BS 1998) wrote to us and said he is now a Senior Planner in the Department of Planning and Community Development in Battle Creek, Michigan. Before coming to Battle Creek he worked for Emmett Charter Township (Calhoun County) as their Planning/Zoning Administrator.

Here's an email letter from recent grad program alum Jim Singelyn (MS 2005), who has a job as Senior Planner II:
I moved on to more fun, sun, girls and way more work.. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to live and work in Key West. Things are good I can wake up to a sunrise and chill out with a beer at sunset. Life is good. (jsingely@keywestcity.com)

Here's an email letter from recent alum Joel Klug (BS 2006)
Hey thanks for the jpeg of our studio project. The people that interviewed me were really impressed by it and I was offered a position 40 miles east of Portland! This will be a great learning oppurtunity for me because I will be taking plans similar to the ones in the studio class and taking them to the next level. The position is an 11 month commitment that begins in October sponsored through the University of Oregon Americorps and several other grants. In return for my service, I receive a living stipend, 9 grad credits, and an educational award. I just thought that I would let you know about where I'll be for the next year and that if any other EMU planning students were looking for something to do before grad school, there are still a few positions left through the RARE progam in Oregon, and it would be great to some more EMU people out there! More info is listed on the jobs page at planning.org

Dave Schneider (BS 1983, MS 1985) has taken on an interesting building project along the river in Mt. Clemens. This old house has had many additions, and Dave is trying to restore as much of its original integrity as possible. Good luck in the quest.

Sherrie Pryor (BS 1999), in addition to being Assistant DDA director in Plymouth, Michigan, has become a newspaper correspondent. She wrote an article on the Freecycle program for the Westland Observer. Freecycle is a good way to recycle stuff you no longer need. (Look it up on the web.)

GIS student Faris Al-Hadi has been working as a volunteer in Iraq, helping improve the system of irrigation canals. He recently received a certificate from the U.S. Army for his work.

Candice Elkins (BS 2000?) is now Candice Briere. She is working at Atwell-Hicks in their Ann Arbor office, in their commercial group. She's been working with clients such as Wal-Mart, Lowe"s and CVS.

Justin Snyder (MS 2005), working as a planner in Columbia County, Georgia: Things are going very well here. I make about $45,000 a year in my first year after starting at $33,900 last May. I was promoted from Planning Technician to Planner I, and I see the likelihood of becoming Planner II or Senior Planner in another year once I take the AICP exam. Everyone I work with is very nice, friendly, and fun, which makes working here a blast. I get to work with the public, private developers, elected and appointed officials, intra and inter-governmental agencies, land surveyors, and civil engineers on a daily basis, which has taught me so much. Finally, I am getting lots of experience in everything from soil erosion and sedimentation control to transportation planning to current planning to comprehensive planning. This should be a great job to help me quickly climb the ladder of success.

Joe Meyers (BS 2005) now has a position as Associate Planner in Antrim County, Michigan.