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A BI-WEEKLY BULLETIN FROM FAPA
January 5, 2004
The Florida Chapter of APA provides statewide leadership in the development
of sustainable communities by advocating excellence in planning, providing professional development for its members, and working to protect and enhance the natural and built environments.
STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging local communities to protect and conserve water resources with the introduction of Guidelines for Model Ordinance Language for Protection of Water Quality and Quantity. The model ordinance was produced by a public-private partnership to guide local governments considering the adoption of water conservation practices. Unlike ordinances that address only water conservation, the new guidelines also focus on preventing erosion, preserving natural landscapes and improving water quality in Florida's rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Together with best management practices for builders and homeowners, provisions can be used to reduce surface water and ground water pollution that occurs when rainfall washes pollutants from roads, lawns and landscapes into waterways. By establishing best management practices, opportunities for continuing education and incentives to improve water quality and conserve water, the guidelines provide a statewide set of uniform, voluntary practices while offering local governments the flexibility to meet the needs
of their communities. Guidelines for Model Ordinance Language for Protection of Water Quality and Quantity Using Florida Friendly Lawns and Landscapes and other information on best management practices, conservation and pollution prevention are available at
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/nonpoint/pubs.htm.
GREEN SWAMP ACQUISITION PROTECTS CENTRAL FLORIDA WATERS
Central Florida's groundwater recently received added protection when the State acquired 1,800 acres within the Green Swamp Florida Forever project. Florida is investing $2.8 million to conserve five parcels. More than 1,300 acres will be preserved through conservation easements, which allow property owners to continue to use the land while protecting it from development. Extending throughout Lake and Polk counties, the Green Swamp Florida Forever project protects 279,224 acres of cypress swamp, pine forest and pasture. With the highest groundwater elevation in the peninsula, Green Swamp is critical to maintaining the flow of water from the Floridan Aquifer, which gives rise to four major rivers in the region -- the Withlacoochee, Oklawaha, Hillsborough and Peace Rivers. Click here for more information on this acquisition and the Florida Forever Program.
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH--INFLUENZA TOOL KIT
This Department of Health website includes Florida-specific information on the current flu epidemic. Site resources include 1) influenza surveillance in Florida; 2) flu precautions and guidelines for schools; and 3) Florida Department of Health flu update.
Return to TopREPORTS, PUBLICATIONS AND BRIEFINGS COMMUNITY WATERSHED ASSESSMENT HANDBOOK
Prepared by the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Community Watershed Assessment Handbook is a simple and straightforward watershed assessment tool that is intended to direct community groups and local governments in conducting a comprehensive environmental assessment. The purpose of the handbook is to outline a basic process for assessing a community's current and anticipated future watershed conditions. In addition, the manual offers guidance for using the resulting assessment information as a foundation for future watershed management planning.
NATIONAL LOW INCOME HOUSING COALITION'S ADVOCATES' GUIDE
The National Low Income Housing Coalition's Advocates' Guide contains short chapters describing more than 60 housing-related programs, proposals and issues. It is considered an invaluable reference for beginning or advanced advocates, students or policy-makers.
CLEANUP OPTIONS FOR FLORIDA'S BROWNFIELDS
The latest in a series of Policy Briefs published by the DeVoe L. Moore Center, College of Social Sciences at FAU, is now available. Cleanup Options for Florida's Brownfields, written by Keith Ihlanfeldt, addresses tax increment financing and private cost-sharing with regard to the cleanup of Brownfield sites. Click here to read or print the policy brief or go to http://www.fsu.edu/~policy/index.html for more information.
Return to TopNEWS CLIPS Tied to the tracks
By Orna Coussin, Haaretz, January 5, 2004
Best and Worst Case Scenarios for the Future
By Metropolis Staff, Metropolis Magazine, January 2004
Amtrak reforms: Why is Amtrack CEO David Gunn Smiling?
By Jim Duffy, Mass Transit Magazine, December 2003-January 2004
Guide traces Miami buildings: Highlighting both the impressive and the lamentable, a local planner and activist is leading an effort to produce a comprehensive guide to Miami's architecture.
By Andres Viglucci, The Miami Herald, December 30, 2003
Lawrence land grab not development push: Annexations called tool to gain control
of growth
By Joel Mathis, Lawrence Journal-World, December 29, 2003
Celebration focuses on future without Disney magic, rules
By April Hunt, Orlando Sentinel, December 26, 2003
Complex growth rule a recipe for conflict
By Eric Pryne, Seattle Times, December 25, 2003
Wal-Mart rollout - or rollback?
By Daniel B. Wood, Christian Science Monitor, December 24, 2003
What's New Urbanism Worth?
By Alex Frangos, The Wall Street Journal, December 24, 2003
This regional planning process draws big crowd
By Mary Lynne Vellinga, The Sacramento Bee, December 22, 2003
Customized transit plan set for Greater Vancouver Regional District
By Maurice Bridge, Vancouver Sun, December 22, 2003
Developers Find Payoff in Preservation
By Joe Stephens and David B. Ottaway, The Washington Post, December 21, 2003
High rises and McMansions jeopardizing history
By Beth Dunlop, The Miami Herald, December 21, 2003
Green Design: An Urban Fit
By Joe Matje and Todd Woodward, Philadelphia CityPaper.Net, December 18-24, 2003
Park and ride . . . and live, learn and shop: Florida DOT officials are encouraging transit-oriented development in South Florida.
By Jerry Berrios, The Miami Herald, December 15, 2003
Local Governments Use GIS
By Dibya Sakar, FCW.com December 11, 2003
Great Valley Center's Carol Whiteside Opines on Growth Strategies for [California's] Central Valley
The Planning Report, December 2003
Wal-Mart: Enduring Bargain or Sunset of Our Middle Class?
By Neal Peirce, Washington Post Writers Group
California Center for Regional Leadership's Nick Bollman Assesses AB 856 Impact on
Planning
The Planning Report, December 2003
Return to TopFAPA/APA/AICP NEWS & INFORMATION CATANESE CENTER AT FAU IS FAPA'S FIRST CORPORATE SPONSOR
The Florida Chapter extends its gratitude and appreciation to the Catanese Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions at FAU for becoming FAPA's first corporate sponsor. The Catanese Center's mission is to work with policy-makers and the public in their pursuit of options for managing growth while preserving natural systems, promoting a strong economy and planning livable communities. Local governments, state agencies, civic and business groups, academics, and professionals are part of the broad constituency that supports, motivates, and benefits from its activities. For more information on the Center, click on the underlined name above, call (954) 762-5255, or send an e-mail to jointctr@fau.edu.
FAPA'S CORPORATE SPONSOR'S PROGRAM
The FAPA Corporate Sponsors' Program was created for businesses, corporations, and other organizations that share FAPA's mission of advocating excellence in planning. FAPA provides professional development opportunities to planners statewide and is working to ensure that all Floridians have sustainable communities in which to live, work, and play. If you share this commitment, let others know through your patronage and the recognition that comes with this program by becoming a FAPA Corporate Sponsor today! For more information, click here or go to www.floridaplanning.org.APPLY ON LINE FOR THE 2004 AICP EXAM: JANUARY 7, 2004 DEADLINE
Begin your preparation for the May 2004, AICP exam by completing an application for Determination of Eligibility. The computer-based exam will be administered in May and November during two 12-day windows at more than 200 testing centers in the U.S. and Canada. The application deadline for the May exam window is January 7, 2004. The application filing fee is discounted for on line registrants. Approved applicants may proceed with exam registration in January. The deadline for submitting an application for the November 2004 exam is July 6, 2004. For additional information, go to AICP Website.
FAPA LEGISLATIVE REPORTER COMING SOON
Watch for the first issue of FAPA's 2004 Legislative Reporter, coming to your in-box on January 12. FAPA's first Legislative Bill Tracking Summary for the 2004 Legislative Session will be posted to the website after the holidays. It will be updated on a weekly basis.SHOP 'TILL YOU DROP: FAPA's ON LINE STORE IS NOW OPEN
T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Golf Shirts; Baby Apparel; Mouse Pads; Coffee Mugs; and Much More are now available, just in time for your holiday shopping. Support the Florida APA and visit FAPA's on line store today at www.cafeshops.com/fapa. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and check cards, as long as they are connected with one of the major credit card companies listed above, are accepted.FAPA'S POSITION STATEMENT ON THE HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY AMENDMENT
Go to www.floridaplanning.org, and login to view and discuss FAPA's position statement on the proposed constitutional amendment regarding comprehensive land use planning, as approved by the FAPA Executive Committee on October 3, 2003.FAPA's GROWTH MANAGEMENT WHITE PAPERS ON LINE
Following months of work by FAPA's growth management review team, and with member input solicited at the FAPA conference and through the website, FAPA has developed a series of white papers that lay the groundwork for much needed growth management reform. These papers, along with an introduction by Marie York are posted to FAPA's website at www.floridaplanning.org.
APA'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Almost one-third of APA's original 13,000 members still belong 25 years later. This link, www.planning.org/25anniversary/, will take you to a list of 25-year members, arranged by chapter. APA thanks all of its 25-year members for their loyalty, appreciates their contributions to APA's progress and vitality over the years, and hopes that they will continue to be active members for years to come. As part of its 25th anniversary celebration, APA is inviting 25-year members to share memories and pictures of their experiences -- at national conferences and chapter events, with other members, in leadership positions, etc. -- since APA's inception, or in AIP or ASPO before the 1978 merger. When stories and photos come in, APA will post them on its website, each with a link from the contributor's name. As the anniversary year progresses, APA will feature some of these reminiscences on its home page and in future issues of "Interact." For details on how to submit materials, go to www.planning.org/25anniversary/reminiscences.htm.
COME BACK TO AICP
Has your AICP membership lapsed? An amnesty program for former AICP members has been extended to January 1, 2004. You may be able to rejoin AICP and regain use of your professional credential with minimal financial penalty. For more information, call APA member service representative Cecelia Garner at 312-786-6394.
Return to TopOTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST DESIGNS FOR WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOODS
Walkable Communities, Inc. has a new service. It is now providing photo and graphics assistance for publications, training and other visual and design needs. For more information on graphic aids, downloads, and up-to-date images, go to http://www.walkable.org/order.htm.
PERMITTING AUTHORITY OF WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT BOARDS
In a ruling that affirms the authority of water management boards to regulate the usage of water throughout their districts, the 5th District Court of Appeals (DCA) rejected a man's claim that he has a superior right to water drawn from his home county even though the board says the water is needed elsewhere in the district. Pasco County resident Milo Thomas appealed when the Southwest Florida Water Management District denied his application to increase his water usage after he acquired additional pasture land. The district board denied Thomas' request because of concerns regarding the availability of water to meet the needs of users outside of Pasco County, and Thomas cited a 1999 statute in arguing that as a property owner in Pasco he possessed a superior right to the water. However, the DCA said a separate statute enacted the same year establishes the "supremacy and exclusivity" of the water district's permitting authority, and agreed with a hearing officer's conclusion that Thomas' interpretation would "render meaningless" the statutory scheme requiring water use permits.
"A court must avoid statutory constructions which lead to absurd or unreasonable results," the DCA noted. [Thomas v. Southwest Florida Water Management District, 12/19/03] Source: See Attorney General Alert, Opinion #12057
WATER DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS CALLED "EXTORTION"
A state water management district engaged in an "out-and-out plan of extortion" when it required a landowner to perform off-site mitigation several miles away from his property in order to obtain a development permit, a state appeals court judge said. The 5th DCA rejected an appeal by the St. Johns River Water Management District on technical grounds, concluding that it lacked jurisdiction at this point to review a trial court judgment in an inverse condemnation case finding that the district committed an unreasonable exercise of its police power. In a concurring opinion, however, Judge Pleus sharply criticized the district for making "the extortionate demands on property owners which this case demonstrates." The judge criticized the district for its position that the property owner would have to perform acts of mitigation on land four or even seven miles away from his own property and would be required to deed a portion of his property into a conservation area. [St. Johns River Water Management District v. Koontz, 12/17/03] Source: See Attorney General Alert, Opinion #12058
CAMBRIDGE SYSTEMATICS' ANNOUNCES IMPROVED WEBSITE
Cambridge Systematics' redesigned website includes a "Knowledge Bank" area, which showcases selected case studies and publications, as well as hot issues facing the transportation industry. Check it out at www.camsys.com.
Return to TopRFPs/RFQs, GRANTS, ETC. The American Planning Association's website includes links to requests for proposals and requests for qualifications. You may access this information at www.planning.org/rfp-rfq/.
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), City of Fernandina Beach
Waterfront Area Master Plan
Proposal Due: January 21, 2004The City of Fernandina Beach, Community Development Department invites proposals for professional planning and urban design services to develop a Community Redevelopment Plan for the waterfront area of the City. Proposals must be clearly marked RFP # 04-23. Proposals will be received until the close of business (4:30 p.m.) on the date shown above, at the Community Development Department, attention Lupita McClenning, Planner, 204 Ash Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034. Proposals will be considered from any professional planning firm, individual or organization that qualifies to provide the necessary services and has experience in designing and implementing waterfront master development plans.
AN RFP PREBID CONFERENCE will be held at 10:00 a.m. on January 12, 2004 at Fernandina Beach City Hall, City Commission Chambers 204 Ash Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Attendance to the pre-bid conference meeting is mandatory. For additional information on the project purpose, objective, deliverables, timeline, evaluation criteria, selection process, etc., please go to http://www.fernandinabeachflorida.org/bid-opportunity/index.html or contact Lupita McClenning at (904) 277-7325, ext. 227, or by e-mail at lmcclenning@fbfl.org.
Return to TopJOB MART JOB MART advertisements posted since December 22, 2003:
Director, Transportation Services Division (Hillsborough County)
Project Manager, Strategic Planning (Lynx - Orlando)
Urban Planner (Alltech Resources, Inc., Cape Canaveral)
Assistant Planner (City of Port Orange)
Senior Planner/Current Planning (City of Delray Beach)
Planner/Landscape Architect (Miller Land Planning Consultants, Inc.)
Visit FAPA's Job Mart on-line for salaries, descriptions, minimum requirements, and application deadlines.
Return to TopFAPA CHAPTER AND SECTION CALENDAR January 9, 2004: RING IN THE NEW YEAR with FAPA's Capital Area Section, in combination with the Apalachee Section of FPZA and FSU's Department of Urban and Regional Planning, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., at the Maclay Gardens Gardner's Cottage. (NOTE: There is a $3.25 charge per car (up to 8 people per vehicle)--CARPOOL)!
February 18-19, 2004: Save the date for FAPA's ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP in Tallahassee.January 23, 2004: SAVING THE GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GOLDEN EGGS, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at FAU, 111 East Las Olas Boulevard, HEC 1110 A&B, Ft. Lauderdale. This event will feature a water bus tour of Ft. Lauderdale and will be followed by a reception. The workshop is designed for land use planners, economic development specialists, and local government officials and will provide information on the value of the marine industry to the South Florida region and the current initiatives underway to protect and enhance it. It is presented by the FAU Catanese Center and the Broward Section of FAPA, and sponsored by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida. RSVP by January 16 to Jayne Just at Marine Industries, (954) 524-2733. For more information, contact Martha Lord (Marine Industries) at 954-524-2733; MJ Matthews (FAU) at 954-762-5286; or Marilyn Mammano (Broward Section) at 954-760-9224.
January 29, 2004: SUN COAST SECTION LEGISLATIVE EVENT, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Tampa Museum of Art, 600 North Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa. Speakers include Lester Abberger, FAPA Legislative Representative and several local legislators. Topics include FAPA legislative platform, FAPA white papers, and views on what the upcoming legislative session holds for growth management, transportation, and other planning issues. There is no charge for this event, but please RSVP to Melissa Zornitta at (813) 272-5940 or zornittam@plancom.org.
March 3, 2004: Capital Area Section's TRANSIT IN A UNIVERSITY TOWN WORKSHOP, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m., in the Tallahassee Room of the Tallahassee City Hall. Speakers include Whit Blanton (APA), Dr. Jeff Brown (FSU), and DeWayne Carver (TalTran) with Commissioner Gillum moderating.
March 26-27, 2004: Save the date for the Orlando-Metro Section's AICP TRAINING COURSE. Details to be announced, but for future reference, the contact is Mack Cope at mackcope.edc@earthlink.net.April 24-28, 2004: Save the date for APA's NATIONAL PLANNING CONFERENCE in Washington, D.C.--"Celebrate Community."
October 13-16, 2004: Save the date for FAPA's 2004 ANNUAL CONFERENCE in Gainesville.
OTHER STATEWIDE EVENTS January 5-9, 2004: URBAN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING: Challenges, Emerging Methods, and New Solutions; to be held at the Best Western All Suites Hotel in Tampa, this short course will cover the four-step transportation planning process as well as provide an introduction to transit operations planning. For registration and hotel reservation information, contact Jon Ausman at jon.ausman@dot.state.fl..us or (850) 414-4519. The cost is $100 and the registration deadline is December 29, 2003. Please note that the class is already half full.
January 14-16, 2004: SOLVING URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSECT--An in depth discussion of transect-oriented planning and urban design with experts from relevant disciplines: architecture, urban design, planning, traffic engineering, landscape design, environmental science and social science, offered by the Seaside institute in Seaside, Florida. For more information, go to www.theseasideinstitute.org/.
January 16, 2004: FDOT Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) RURAL WORKSHOP, Sebring. Details TBA.
January 27, 2004: FDOT Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) RURAL WORKSHOP, Lake City. Details TBA.
January 29, 2004: FDOT Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) RURAL WORKSHOP, Chipley. Details TBA.
February 11-13, 2004: The Florida Chamber's ANNUAL GROWTH MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING SHORT COURSE, Rosen Plaza Hotel, 9700 International Drive, Orlando. Take advantage of this special opportunity to learn the latest developments from the Chamber's private and public sector experts, while networking with Florida's foremost growth management and environmental professionals. The 20th Annual Growth Management and Environmental Permitting Short Course is specifically designed for those looking for both basic and advanced instruction on federal, state, and local growth management and environmental regulations and emerging trends. Attendees may choose from 48 sessions to build a curriculum personalized to their industry. The course also features growth management and environmental panels, interactive instruction, case studies and course materials. This year's course features a timely and informative special series on water resource and supply development. Continuing Education Credits will be available. Visit www.flenvironmentalnetwork.com/frameset2.html to register today or call Linda Long at (850) 425-2477 for additional information on the course, exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities.
May 5-7, 2004: THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE & EXPO is the first major conference and exhibition dedicated to the land development industry. The three-day conference, being held in Baltimore, will bring together hundreds of professionals from both the public and private sectors, including urban planners, engineers, regulators, landscape architects, developers, and builders. For complete conference program and registration information, visit www.landdevelopment2004.com.
September 22-24, 2004: Hollywood, Florida, will be the center stage for the FLORIDA REDEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION'S 2004 ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Anyone and everyone who is interested in redevelopment issues in Florida are invited to attend. The educational sessions will address challenges faced by elected officials, managers, executive directors, and businesses in communities both large and small. For conference information, contact Jan Roberts at jroberts@flcities.com or visit our website at www.redevelopment.net.
Sheri Coven, Executive Director
Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association
2040 Delta Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32303
(850) 201-FAPA [3272]
fapa@floridaplanning.org
www.floridaplanning.org