District 7 – Columbus Celebrates Construction for Its Rails-to-Trails Project |
submitted by Rosana Juestel
On May 13, 2009 the City of Columbus celebrated the beginning of the construction period with a groundbreaking ceremony for its Rails-to-Trails project. More than 200 people attended the event including City officials, representatives of several organizations and citizens of Columbus and surrounded areas.
The city’s rails-to-trails project will be constructed on an abandoned railroad route and will begin at the 14th Street Pedestrian Bridge and end at Psalmond Road. The Columbus Consolidated Government purchased the land from Norfolk Southern Railroad. When completed, the project will provide a 12-foot wide asphalt trail that will include: two park and ride/rest areas, one near Hannan Magnet Academy and one across from Legacy Chevrolet. The project also involves improvements to several bridges, including the railroad bridge that crosses over I-185; and various hardscape and landscape improvements, such as benches, trash receptacles, and signage. Residents will be able to access the trail at numerous road crossings and trail spur connectors including one at Flat Rock Park.
 Initial funding for the project came from the 1999 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), approved by the voters in 1999, in the amount of $11 million, with an additional $1.5 million from the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement program. The project is to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.
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Conference Session Proposals Are Open |
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Plans are underway for the 2009 GPA Fall Conference, which will be held in Athens at the Classic Center from September 30 – October 2. This is sure to be a great event and we anticipate over 300 attendees this year.
The programs committee is currently accepting proposals for conference sessions. This is an excellent opportunity for you to present at a professional conference, share your knowledge/experience with others, market the good work of your organization, and give back to the planning profession. You can submit your session ideas in one of two ways:
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Chapter Award Submittals Now Online |
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The Georgia Chapter of the American Planning Association (GPA) is pleased to announce the opening of its 2009 Awards Program application cycle. GPA recognizes outstanding work in the planning profession in the State of Georgia with the annual GPA Awards Program. The GPA Awards are presented at the annual GPA Fall Conference, which will be held this year in Athens, GA, from September 30 – October 2, 2009.
Please visit the GPA Awards webpages for more information including:
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Young Planners Group (YPG) |
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The GPAhas a new group that is specifically for young planning professionals…the Georgia Young Planners Group (YPG).
What is the Georgia YPG?
The Georgia YPG represents a group of people interested in meeting the needs of young planning professionals. The Georgia YPG represents a wide array of professionals, technical experts, and students from many backgrounds. Members include planning professionals from local governments (e.g., cities, counties), private consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and other Federal, state, and local agencies.
Georgia YPG Short Term Goals (2009-2010)
The Georgia YPG’s overall mission is to focus on helping young professional planners establish social and professional relationships with their peers and experienced planning professionals through career building programs, social events, and mentoring opportunities. The Georgia YPG will strive to cultivate the minds of young planning professionals through educational programs on the issues and trends that are relevant to planning the communities of tomorrow.
- Host four (4) social events: August and September, 2009; January and April 2010.
- Identify issues and opportunities for young planners (Interviewing, Networking, Resources, etc.)
- Solicit new planning ideas
- Establish long term goals
Upcoming YPG Events
- Georgia YPG Kick-Off Meeting – August 7th, 2009 at 6pm
Location: Manuels Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Meet and Greet Social – September 4th, 2009 at 6pm.
Location: Manuels Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307
- Annual Conference –September 29th to October 1st , 2009
Topic: Young Leader Issues and Opportunities Panel Discussion
Location : TBD
Get Involved!
The Georgia YPG is open to professionals age 35 and under and to students. Experienced planners (i.e. over age 35) are encouraged to participate as educators and mentors to YPG members. Membership in the YPG is free with a paid APA membership.
Contacts
Elisabeth Kulinski - email or 404-601-0549
Janeane Giarrusso - email or 404-580-0023 for more information.
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Calendar of Events |
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July 15 - 17 :: ArcGIS Desktop II
July 16 :: New South Planning Perspective
July 31 :: GPA Session Proposals Due
July 31 :: GPA Chapter Award Nominations Close
August 12 - 14 :: GAZA Summer Conference
August 23 - 25 :: National Scenic Byways Conference
For a complete calendar of events, please visit:
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