Subdivisions are the dominant form of new housing, characterized by nonlinear patterns, pure residential land use, and resident homogeneity. Advocates traditional small town approach to development, which provides a range of residents and opportunities for frequent social interactions. Recommends strategies to overcome barriers to small town…

In 1989, gambling was legalized in Deadwood. The resulting boom produced unexpectedly high revenues, allowing the town to meet historic restoration and preservation goals within 10 years. However, in the absence of community planning, the boom also changed the community's social fabric and increased noise, traffic, and congestion. (SV)

Community planners in Illinois use computer software to conduct retail trade market analyses based on Reilly's Law. Market boundaries are determined using the population of the town and neighboring town, and the distance between the two towns. The simple indices implied by Reilly's Law do not offer reliable guidance to planners. (KS)

Examines the social impact of military expansion at Fort Drum and the resulting economic boom on Watertown (New York) and surrounding rural communities in Jefferson County. Focuses on efforts to plan human services for a rapidly expanding and changing population. (SV)

Describes rural revitalization efforts for small towns in central Washington. Planning analysis by Eastern Washington University faculty and students emphasizes community participation. Details revitalization of the town of Wilbur from planning stages to final outcomes. Describes overall project results. (KS)

Describes a project to define the images of Telluride (Colorado) held by its residents and tourists and contributing to sense of place. Discusses the design of the town's entry points and efforts to maintain their visual environments in harmony with the town's defined character during ongoing community development. (SV)

Examines how rapid economic development and population growth affect the visual environment in small towns and rural areas. Describes how agencies concerned with the impact of Fort Drum's expansion. Discusses the process of educating local community planners and the public, and a design framework for regulating land use development. (SV)

Proposes questions for citizens of small towns to discuss when considering local economic endeavors. Questions address local concerns for maintaining rural character, quality of life, and sense of community while promoting economic growth. Considers effects on local taxes, the environment, natural resources, and employment opportunities. (KS)

Describes efforts of citizens of Oxford, Ohio, to preserve an existing historic environment while ensuring its commercial viability. Miami University is located in Oxford, and its architecture department prepared design guidelines for use by the Historic and Architectural Preservation Commission in evaluating proposals for adding, altering, or…

In Manteo, North Carolina, community involvement in planning and design phases of community revitalization led to recognition of the town's "sacred structure"--highly valued places essential to social processes, lifestyle, and sense of place. Identification and preservation of these places allowed community development without negative…

Discusses community planning for bicycling programs with emphasis on safety education for children and adults, enforcement of bicycle laws, engineering improvements, and special events. Describes how Olympia improved existing bicycling facilities and summarizes planning, communication, engineering, and policy issues addressed. (SV)

A plan adopted in 1992 by Findlay Township in rural Pennsylvania protects undeveloped land from urbanization and expanded and improved the township's park and recreational system. Improvements included a fitness trail, a pavilion, a handicap-accessible jungle gym, tennis and volleyball courts, restrooms, and flower beds and trees. (LP)

Suggests strategies for reviving small rural communities. Discusses community development meetings, developing effective leadership, and involving youth and women. Discusses importance of development programs, effective media, good educational systems, and other community institutions. Emphasizes important role of local youth programs, schools,…

Case study of redevelopment of the village of Farnumville in Grafton, Massachusetts, illustrates the potential of historic preservation and heritage tourism as a tool for economic development. Describes the mill village cultural landscape and the importance of citizen and business participation to the process. Presents building and streetscape…

Describes how a small rural town in Washington complied with state legislation mandating community planning to address population growth and environmental degradation. The city planner, with the help of graduate students, involved citizens in deciding land use issues by holding open forums, developing a focus group, educating high school students…