Focus Newsletter: Volume 2.3

J A N U A R Y   2 0 0 8

DVRPC Wants Your Input on Regional Issues

DVRPC is now developing a long-range plan for the year 2035 to help guide future development and transportation investments. Our region includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania, and Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Mercer counties in New Jersey. Click on the link above to take a confidential online survey about regional land use, environmental, economic, and transportation issues, and to learn more about the Connections plan. By completing the survey, you could be eligible to win an 8GB iPod Touch. The survey will end March 7, 2008 so please share the survey link (www.dvrpc.org/connections) with others who may want to give their opinions on regional issues! For more information, contact Mike Boyer, Manager, Long Range Planning and Congestion Management, at (215) 238-2848 or mboyer@dvrpc.org.

DVRPC to Hold Airport Zoning Seminar

Pennsylvania state law requires certain suburban townships located near airports to adopt airport height overlay districts in their zoning code. The objective of the law is to prevent the intrusion of obstructions like trees and buildings from blocking the operating airspace around the airport, which could cause safety hazards or reduce the utility of the airport. Unfortunately, only about 30% of the affected municipalities in the region have adopted adequate zoning. DVRPC has identified the non-conforming municipalities in the region and will hold a one-day seminar to explain the legal mandate and discuss the necessary overlay district ordinance. For more information about the seminar, contact Roger Moog, Manager, Office of Aviation Planning, at (215) 238-2884 or rmoog@dvrpc.org; or Reiner Pelzer, Senior Aviation Planner, at (215) 238-2887or rpelzer@dvrpc.org.

New Interactive Application Organizes Detour Routes

DVRPC, in coordination with PennDOT, has developed the Interactive Detour Route Mapping (IDRuM) application, which organizes all existing Emergency Detour Routes within the Southeastern Pennsylvania region (PennDOT Engineering District 6-0) into a manageable, easy-to-use web interface. IDRuM can be viewed by clicking on the link above. This version (1.0) of IDRuM is strictly a review version, and is intended to generate feedback from regional stakeholders. If any errors and/or technical issues are discovered, or if you would like to make any general comments, please utilize the "Provide Feedback" form in the application. This technology is now being expanded to Camden and Burlington Counties in New Jersey. DVRPC hopes to offer IDRuM to the entire state of New Jersey in the future. For questions about this application or more information, please contact Matthew West, Senior Transportation Planner, at (215) 238-2818 or mwest@dvrpc.org.

Incident Management Task Force Honored

The NJ Route 42/55, I-76/676/295 Incident Management Task Force, managed by DVRPC, has been recently honored with two awards. The first is a Traffic Engineering and Safety Award from the NJ Transportation Safety Resource Center, which acknowledge's the Task Force's innovative approach to improve emergency response to highway incidents. In addition, the Camden County Fire Chiefs and Fire Officers Association has honored the task force with the prestigious Bill Tucker Award for taking a proactive approach in the fire service industry. DVRPC, in coordination with NJDOT and New Jersey State Police (NJSP), established this Task Force to improve the coordinated response to highway incidents in this heavily traveled area. The Task Force developed a multi-disciplinary Policy & Procedures Manual, which sets out operational guidelines for emergency responders as they deal with highway incidents. The guidelines document an improved process aimed at saving the lives of those involved in traffic-related crashes, as well as protecting the responders themselves. Since the manual was implemented in 2005, incident duration has decreased by 34% on I-676, by 10% on I-76, and by 14% on I-295. The Task Force is comprised of organizations responsible for incident management in this area, such as local and state police, fire and EMS groups, NJ DOT, towing companies, and other highway incident responders. For more information, contact Laurie Matkowski, Senior Transportation Engineer, at (215) 238-2853 or lmatkowski@dvrpc.org.

DVRPC Study Compares Philadelphia to Other Large U.S. Metro Areas

The Philadelphia region is one of the nation’s largest labor, housing, and sales markets. In order to compete effectively, the region must be prepared to stand up to comparison with the nation’s other large metropolitan areas. A new DVRPC study, entitled "Rating the Region: The State of the Delaware Valley," compares the Philadelphia metropolitan area to the nation’s nine largest metros (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Detroit) plus Boston, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore, as regional competitors. Comparisons were made in the following categories: the human environment (population, age, diversity, income); the economy (employment, real estate); the built and natural environment (housing, density); transportation (commute, mode, air quality); and the civic environment (political representation, taxes and revenue, arts and culture). The study found that, in comparison to other regions, our transportation network, strong financial resources, diverse economic base, low unemployment rate, and research and development capabilities position us for economic growth. These strengths, however, are threatened by the disparities between city and suburban income, low labor force participation, and poor educational attainment in the cities. For more information, contact Mary Bell, Principal Planning Analyst, at (215) 238-2841 or mbell@dvrpc.org.

New Report Examines Roundabouts

DVRPC will soon be releasing a report examining the applicability of constructing roundabouts at appropriate locations in the region. The report, "DVRPC Regional Roundabout Analysis Phase 1," will be available in February 2008. In general, the concept of roundabouts is relatively new to the region; however, given the proven safety benefits and successful applications from across the country, roundabouts are a worthy mechanism for improving the efficiency and safety at intersections. By using such factors as functional classification, number of travel lanes, CMP, land use, and crash history, DVRPC worked with officials from PennDOT, NJDOT, counties, and other stakeholders in developing screening criteria for determining where locating single-lane roundabouts would be appropriate. This information was then tabulated, mapped, and distributed to the counties for their review to prioritize the listing of locations that met the identified criteria. The top-three intersections prioritized by the counties will be considered for further evaluation during the second phase of this analysis. To receive a copy of this report, contact Regina Moore, Transportation Engineer, at (215) 238-2862 or rmoore@dvrpc.org.

Municipal Outreach Survey Results Guide Communications Improvements

In fall of 2007, DVRPC conducted a survey to identify ways to improve municipal outreach efforts. All municipalities were contacted via email and postcard and invited to participate in the survey. Responses indicate that, overall, local governments in the Delaware Valley region find DVRPC outreach communications to be user-friendly and informative. Municipalities regularly utilize the DVRPC website and DVRPC communications and data services to shape their plans and policies. Based on the survey results, DVRPC is continuing to make improvements to our newsletters, website, email communications, data services, and related outreach efforts to ensure that these services are useful and accessible. For more information, please contact Evangeline Linkous, Planning Analyst, at (215) 238-2865 or elinkous@dvrpc.org.

Get to Know the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the regionally-agreed-upon list of transportation improvement priority projects, as required by federal law. The TIP must list all projects that intend to use federal funds, along with non-federally funded projects that are regionally significant. TIP projects are multi-modal, meaning they include traditional highway and public transit projects, as well as bicycle, pedestrian, freight, and innovative air quality projects. The FY07 TIP for Pennsylvania and the FY08 TIP for New Jersey, which represent the nine-county region of the Delaware Valley, are available online at the DVRPC website. For more information, contact Elizabeth Schoonmaker, Manager of Capital Programs, at (215) 238-2938 or eschoonmaker@dvrpc.org.

Municipal Implementation Tool (MIT) Series Available Online

DVRPC publishes an ongoing series of Municipal Implementation Tools (MIT) that assist municipalities to implement the region's long range plan. The entire series is downloadable from the DVRPC website. Look out for the next MIT brochure in February 2008 on Safe Routes to School. For more information or to request a printed brochure, contact Evangeline Linkous, Planning Analyst, at (215) 238-2865 elinkous@dvrpc.org.

January 30	APA Audio Conference: Complete Streets Philadelphia, PA DVRPC hosts this APA audio conference aimed at helping planners learn about the complete streets movement, which provides safe and convenient user access and more choice in transportation modes.
January 31	New Approaches to Zoning and Design in the Delaware Valley Philadelphia, PA DVRPC’s Land Use and Housing Committee’s meeting will include presentations on the Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s Imagine Philadelphia initiative, the Model SmartCode, and Promoting Civic Design Excellence in Philadelphia.
January 31- February 1	Barriers, Bridges, and Best Practices Harrisburg, PA The South Central Assembly in cooperation with the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services offers a two-day conference designed to help local and county governments examine new possibilities for improved service delivery and cost savings through cooperation with neighboring governments.
February 1-2	Newly Elected Officials Training Harrisburg, PA The Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities offers training in municipal budgeting, personnel management, conducting meetings state resources, and media relations.
February 7-9	PASA's 17th Annual Farming for the Future Conference State College, PA The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture hosts this conference featuring keynote speakers Diane Wilson, author, environmental activist, and shrimper, and Mark McAfee, founder of Organic Pastures Dairy and an internationally recognized as an expert in raw milk production.
February 8	Northeast Region Transit Leadership/Management Development Forum New Brunswick, NJ Presentations at this forum include Understanding the Value of a Learning Management System by Mark Anderson of the Acorro Group and Planning for the Future Transit Workforce by Joseph Niegoski of APTA and Lydia Grose of SEPTA.
February 12	The Northeast Brownfields Development Forum Philadelphia, PA The forum features training on overcoming obstacles to brownfields development and gap financing.
February 12	NJDEP Flood Hazard Area Workshop Bordentown, NJ This workshop will explain the many new provisions in the NJDEP Flood Hazard Area rules, adopted in November 2007, that will affect stream protection.
February 12	PANA Keystone Active Zone Annual Training Various PA Locations Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA) offers the Keystone Active Zone Annual Training via webcast. Learn more about this program that promoting physical activity on parks and trails.
February 13	APA Audio Conference: Mastering Density Philadelphia, PA DVRPC hosts this APA audio conference in which presenters demonstrate how to achieve density through design, as well as how to understand the economics of density.
February 14	Keeping Farming First: The Chester County 2020 Annual Summit Around Farming and Farmers Malvern, PA The 2008 summit focuses on alternative energy and energy conservation.
February 17	Sustainable Philadelphia Forum: Bike Sharing Philadelphia, PA Bike sharing helps reduce automobile traffic, promote healthier living and make a more sustainable city. The forum highlights the benefits of successful bike sharing systems in Europe and the United States.
February 21	Sustainable Philadelphia Forum: Building the Green Economy with Van Jones Philadelphia, PA Van Jones is an environmental leader, civil rights attorney and powerhouse public speaker. He is the president of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland, CA.
February 21-22	APMM's Eastern Executive Development Conference Hershey, PA This conference from the Association for Pennsylvania Municipal Management includes presentations on building relationships with elected officials, structuring healthy communities, and managing schedules.
February 22	Linking Mixed-Use Developments to Anchor Institutions Philadelphia, PA The Pennsylvania Planning Association Southeast Chapter presents a three-part seminar on Widener University’s role in driving revitalization in Chester City.
February 22	The Inside Scoop on the New Pennsylvania Standards for Residential Site Development Philadelphia, PA A gap exists between the desire for more sustainable, low-impact forms of design and implementation of these designs in local ordinances. This workshop provides an overview of a new set of recommended standards that provide guidance to fill that gap.
February 26-28	PACD Conservation Planning Training State College, PA The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts offers an Introduction to Conservation and Ag Erosion and Sediment Control Planning for persons who have attended Boot Camps I and II and is looking to write conservation plans that would address Soil and Water Resource concerns.
February 29	New Jersey Future Redevelopment Forum Harrisburg, PA Learn the keys to success in achieving innovative, high-quality, community-focused redevelopment projects.
March 1	Pennsylvania Land Use Institute Leesport, PA This conference will help local elected officials and municipal solicitors make sense of the legal issues surrounding land use and planning.
March 3	2008 Philadelphia Sustainability Awards Philadelphia, PA Workshop and the Conference include special events geared toward new and veteran officials individually and as a new county team.
March 5	APA Audio Conference: Design Guidelines for Small Towns and Rural Communities Philadelphia, PA DVRPC hosts this APA audio conference that explores the unique approaches planners are using to develop commercial and residential guidelines that are mindful of small-town and rural character.
March 14-15	PBI 2nd Annual Land Use Institute King of Prussia, PA The Pennsylvania Bar Institute Zoning invites you to a panel discussion on land use and planning, land use appeals, and interaction with government officials and agencies. Topics covered include an overview of PennDOT HOP, Fair Share and Large Lot Challenges, and Sewage and Facilities Planning.
March 18	PANA Nrg Youth Activism Training Various PA Locations Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity (PANA) offers nrg Youth Activism Training via webcast to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles among youths age 12-18.
March 26-28	Reinventing Older Communities: How Does Place Matter? Philadelphia, PA The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia hosts its 3rd biennial conference on reinventing older communities.
March 29	ANJEC Environmental Commission Training to Protect Natural Resources Bordentown, NJ ANJEC staff and other invited speakers will present an overview of environmental commission responsibilities and powers, and discuss the basic tools and techniques used by commissions.
March 30- April 1	County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania 2008 Spring Conference Harrisburg, PA The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania provides education, resources, information and resources to Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
March 30- April 2	2008 National Main Streets Conference Philadelphia, PA The 2008 National Main Streets Conference will explore the ways entrepreneurship and diversity enrich commercial districts. The conference features 60 educational sessions and 21 educational tours.
March 31	Developing Differently: LEED-Design, Social Space, and Still Making Lots of Money Philadelphia, PA This PennDesign lecture features Melinda Moulton, who has been involved in environmental and socially conscious redevelopment since 1983. Her sustainable agenda of ecological integrity, economic security, individual empowerment, and social well-being is recognized as the way of the future.
April 3-5	Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference Malvern, PA The Pennsylvania Land Trust presents two days of seminars and one day of workshops and roundtables. Topics to be covered include ballot measures, deer management, green codes, and transferable development rights.
April 4	Building Capacity for Brownfields Redevelopment in CDCs New Brunswick, NJ TThe Pennsylvania Planning Associations presents a regional workshop focusing on how to build capacity in CDCs to participate in successful redevelopment of brownfields and neighborhood renaissance.