The Villages charrette to focus on connectivity, economic development and sustainability

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Villages Community Development Corp. is holding a three-day charrette, or planning session, Feb. 6-8 in order to better determine its future development goals.

Students and professors from Lawrence Technological University's School of Architecture, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture and the University of Michigan Taubman School of Architecture and Planning will participate, joined by local professionals.

The Villages is comprised of several neighborhoods: Indian Village, West Village, East Village, Islandview, the Gold Coast, and the Berry Subdivision. Their individuality is important, says Sheu-Jane Gallagher, a Villages CDC board member and chair of its charrette committee, yet improving their connectivity is one of the session's primary goals. The charrette participants will be asked to look at greenways, intersection improvements, bike lanes and streetscape improvements.

Participants will also look at economic development. "We are sorely lacking in retail," says Gallagher. The charrette will examine ways to attract shops, restaurants and the like to the community.

Finally, the issue of overall sustainability will be examined. The participants will be encouraged to take the "triple bottom line" spproach to sustainability, meaning economic, social and environmental concerns are all considered.

A Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan grant of $35,000 supports the charrette. A final presentation will be given to the Villages CDC board and guests on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Gleaners Community Food Bank.

Source: Sheu-Jane Gallagher, The Villages CDC
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh