Councilwoman Barbara Smith, the planning department, and the Arbor Hill and South End neighborhood associations are hosting a community meeting with the specific intent of getting "residents from Albany's most challenged neighborhoods to get involved
in the comprehensive planning process and in other planning initiatives
or at least to become better informed about them."
It will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 6-8 PM at the Albany Housing Authority building, 200 S. Pearl Street. Refreshments provided. Spread the word if you know anyone who lives in those neighborhoods.
It will be very interesting to see what kind of turnout this has, and what sorts of ideas it generates. I think it's great that this is happening so early in the process.
On that note, I've been meaning to share with you the insights of Carmen Duncan, a young woman who participated in the SDAT process and had some good thoughts about inclusive outreach so I pestered her to write some of them down. (I'd been hoping, I admit, to collect answers to these and other questions from more folks, but I haven't had the time to harangue people.)
How should the comp plan process in general, and particular meetings in specific, be publicized?
Information
should be posted throughout Albany not just in particular places. In
such places as Equinox, bus stops, and colleges i.e. Hudson Valley,
Sage, RPI, SCCC, etc.
Where should meetings be held?
Meetings should be held at a neutral place, a location that all are familiar with whether it be because they have been there or heard of it. My suggestion is UAlbany.
What language should or shouldn't be used to describe them?
Use vocabulary that all are able to comprehend and/or if words such as "charrette" are used the meaning to that word should be in parentheses next to it so those that are unfamiliar with the word will have now learned a new word and the meaning for it. This will be two lessons in one just from reading a posting.
What evidence of good will could convince the disengaged to engage?
In engaging the disengaged, one main thing is to recognize their suggestions and include them in the process. Example: In rebuilding Arbor Hill and South End let the individuals that live in this community assist in the clean up and rebuilding process. Many individuals in these communities do have skills that everyday contractors, laborers, and clean-up crews have. To have the opportunity to work with those that do the job everyday will also help make people feel good about themselves. The children should definitely be involved. For those that have to do community service and/or are on social services that do not have employment should have to work in their neighborhoods, particularly closer to their residence, during this process. This will provide a sense of inclusion which will aid in maintaining the cleanliness because they have put their hard work and time into it.
What will shoot any attempt at inclusivity in the foot?
People may turn their back on attending a meeting to learn information if the meeting is at such a place that is known for "business men/women" When posting the information for times and dates in bold print it should read "WE WANT HELP FROM THOSE IN THE COMMUNITY" and provide the communities, i.e. pine hill, south end, arbor hill, etc. because this way it is noticeable that it is not just about the "business world"