VCU students are recognized for their urban renewal plan

By Mike Porter

Graduate students in Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Master of Urban and Regional Planning program were recently recognized for developing a plan to revitalize Richmond’s Brookland Park Boulevard.

“The Brookland Park Boulevard Commercial Revitalization Plan, 2005” received the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association’s 2006 Outstanding Student Plan Award. Students who developed the plan were recognized during a March 30 ceremony.

Richmond 3rd District Councilman Chris A. Hilbert contacted Associate Professor John J. Accordino more than a year ago and asked him to consider having a class study the corridor.

Accordino’s fall 2005 Urban Commercial Revitalization class set out to create a plan to improve the boulevard economically and physically. Students conducted extensive interviews with residents, merchants and shoppers in the Brookland Park Boulevard area.

“It is impossible to learn how to plan without actually going out and doing a plan,” said Accordino. “You can read 10 books on how to swim but until you’re in the water you can’t swim.”

The Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized the students’ work for its completeness, professionalism, comprehensive look at the corridor and specific recommendations for improvements.

“The Brookland Park Boulevard Commercial Revitalization Plan, 2005” identifies community needs, recommends a specific plan for revitalization and spells out strategies for putting the plan into action.

The review jury was particularly impressed with the professionalism the students showed in developing the report which led to the rebirth of the area’s merchants association.

“The community’s reaction to the plan and quick creation of a business association speaks highly of the students’ work on the project,” said Earl Anderson, public relations director, Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association. “The award is well deserved and the plan will be an excellent template for use by other communities in assessing revitalization efforts in their communities.”