http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-development-blog.html This page shows new pages added to the site, blog entries, visitor submitted photos and "best of" suggestions, and discussions of "what works" on the Useful Community Development website. en-us community development Tue, 15 May 2012 00:20:32 GMT Tue, 15 May 2012 00:20:32 GMT useful-community-development.org http://www.useful-community-development.org/charrette.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/charrette.html The charrette is a technique from architecture often used in planning circles. Experts and/or citizens focus for a short, intense period on a specific design. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:44:13 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/is-it-healthier-to-live-in-the-suburbs-or-the-city.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/is-it-healthier-to-live-in-the-suburbs-or-the-city.html I was wondering whether it's better to live in a suburban atmosphere or in the heart of the city? There is more pollution in the city, but I'm hoping Sun, 08 Apr 2012 01:00:31 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/adaptive-reuse.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/adaptive-reuse.html Adaptive reuse reduces the carbon footprint of adding marketable housing or business to a community. Recycling old buildings makes environmental sense and unique spaces too. Sun, 18 Mar 2012 16:28:33 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/beautification-projects-cost-money-and-north-carolina-provides-special-funding-or-grants.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/beautification-projects-cost-money-and-north-carolina-provides-special-funding-or-grants.html Are grants provided by a State, such as North Carolina, required to be paid back in any way or fashion? How do I find the information and what is the simplest Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:57:58 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/church-buying-residence-to-use-for-youth-center-does-zoning-allow.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/church-buying-residence-to-use-for-youth-center-does-zoning-allow.html A church on the next block over has purchased the house behind ours. We asked some people coming out of the church what they intended to do with the residence, Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:37:09 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/eco-city.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/eco-city.html I’ve had this concept floating around my head for some time. It's really a half dozen of the 'Sustainable city' ideas all woven into one 'grand plan'. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:03:42 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/aims-and-objectives-of-community-development.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/aims-and-objectives-of-community-development.html What are the basic aims and objectives of community development? Editors' Reply: Amel, we're glad you asked this question and another one about the approaches Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:55:36 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/neighborhood-revitalization.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/neighborhood-revitalization.html Most communities are at the mercy of the markets. But if you are proactive, determined, and organized, you can create neighborhood revitalization through redevelopment, maintenance and arts. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:10:30 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/rallying-the-youth-besides-elders-to-help-publish-a-small-town-historical-book-how.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/rallying-the-youth-besides-elders-to-help-publish-a-small-town-historical-book-how.html Should we rally the youth to get involved with helping to publish a historical book for a small rural town? How? Mayor Julia M. Meacham of Weldon NC Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:39:53 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/vibrant-downtown-ordinance.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/vibrant-downtown-ordinance.html We propose a vibrant downtown ordinance, forcing landlords to fill vacant space to make a lively and vital central business district or shopping area. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 01:39:56 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-development-tradeoffs.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-development-tradeoffs.html What happens when conflicts arise between the policy makers and some of the community members, such as the community thinking jobs is more important than Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:29:41 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/co-housing.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/co-housing.html Co-housing means several households build intentional community through new construction or rehabilitation of housing featuring shared community facilities. Some may be an ecovillage. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:51:44 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/definition-of-a-livework-unit.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/definition-of-a-livework-unit.html I was listening to planning and zoning the other night. One of the board members was arguing that live-work units would be a good thing at the edge of Sat, 31 Dec 2011 13:48:01 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/how-to-become-an-urban-planning-consultant.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/how-to-become-an-urban-planning-consultant.html How does one go about becoming an urban planning consultant? Are there any educational or licensing requirements? Editors' Reply: We have experience Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:39:15 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/cities-in-space.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/cities-in-space.html Do you think it's time to think about cities in space? How would they be planned? How would they be different from cities on earth? Editors' Reply: Every Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:38:56 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/existing-building-code.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/existing-building-code.html A standard existing building code is a very useful addition if your current code requirements pertain only to new construction. To maintain older housing in peak condition, you’ll need more. Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:38:35 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-dinners-as-community-engagement.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-dinners-as-community-engagement.html What about having some community dinners as a way of having community engagement? We are a small community of mostly farm families with a couple of small Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:41:48 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/bicycle-sharing.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/bicycle-sharing.html Bicycle sharing is a promising idea. Despite test programs since the 1960s, theft remains a problem. Government subsidy usually has been required. A bicycle library allows longer-term use. Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:24:02 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/rocky-small-rural-town-makes-big-splash-and-brands-weldon-nc.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/rocky-small-rural-town-makes-big-splash-and-brands-weldon-nc.html By Michael Smith (Rural Ethnography Solutions Website) As a independent Qualitative Ethnography Researcher, I've watched the small rural community cleanup, Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:31:04 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/relationship-of-human-health-to-the-environment.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/relationship-of-human-health-to-the-environment.html Are people healthy if the environment is healthier? Editors' Reply: A healthy environment tends to lead to healthier people, although we would hasten Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:16:06 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/international-community-development-integration-of-self-community-and-government1.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/international-community-development-integration-of-self-community-and-government1.html International Community Development may be one of the most important needs for social justice in our world. Social justice can be considered as the effort Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:27:47 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/what-a-relaybest-fund-raiser1.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/what-a-relaybest-fund-raiser1.html In Berkeley Springs, West Virginia every year we hold a Relay for Life event at one of our schools in town on the track. Relay for Life is a fund raising Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:58:18 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/halloween-carnival-one-of-the-best-street-parties.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/halloween-carnival-one-of-the-best-street-parties.html For the past 3 years we have done a neighborhood Halloween carnival. Games are set up with small prizes. You can sell tickets to play the games. Food and Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:26:57 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-improvement-projects.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-improvement-projects.html Community betterment starts with simple community improvement projects that create visible success quickly. Our visitors share tips, easy ideas, event details, successful endeavors, and programs. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:45:28 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/how-to-own-an-abandoned-house.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/how-to-own-an-abandoned-house.html If you can't afford an abandoned house and it's an eye sore to the block how can you purchase the house or assume ownership? Editors' Reply: Unfortunately Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:38:49 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/small-southeastern-rural-town-future.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/small-southeastern-rural-town-future.html I'd like to know your views on small rural towns (pop. 2500 or less) futures, in re-identifying themselves and developing a sustainable economy based historical Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:56:38 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/can-zoning-be-changed-without-notification.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/can-zoning-be-changed-without-notification.html Can the planning and zoning department change the zoning on my property without any notification? Editors' Reply: Oh, this really shouldn't happen. First Tue, 06 Sep 2011 02:05:39 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/individual-development-accounts.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/individual-development-accounts.html Individual development accounts are an asset building program for the poor. Having an IDA savings account empowers people and increases community wealth and buying power. Most programs match savings. Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:45:30 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/city-involvement.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/city-involvement.html We are a small suburban city and what is the expectation of a Mayors involvement in a CDC? Do Mayors, Council, Directors get involved and at what level. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:35:37 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/hoa-board-getting-too-powerful.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/hoa-board-getting-too-powerful.html What is the best way to campaign for being elected to my HOA board? I think the board we have now is making too many regulations. They wouldn't even let Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:28:46 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/churches-and-zoning.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/churches-and-zoning.html Are churches allowed in industrial zones? Editors' Reply: Many towns and cities do not allow churches in industrial zoning districts. Historically religious Sun, 14 Aug 2011 17:20:11 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/how-can-we-discourage-groups-of-teenagers-in-the-mall.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/how-can-we-discourage-groups-of-teenagers-in-the-mall.html We have too many big groups of teenagers traveling in packs in our shopping mall. They are loud, they run over old ladies, and they don't mind if they Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:47:20 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/what-is-a-cdfi.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/what-is-a-cdfi.html I heard that a CDFI can be important in neighborhood revitalization. What is that anyway? Must have something to do with finance, but I couldn't figure Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:25:08 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/what-can-a-suburb-do-about-business-closings.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/what-can-a-suburb-do-about-business-closings.html Our suburb was always a beautiful place, mostly built in the 1970s and early 80s, until just recently. We never had any trouble, we had all the conveniences Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:59:40 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/sitemap.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/sitemap.html This sitemap consists of links to pages arranged by category. Visitor-generated content is not included. Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:52:57 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/park-cleanup-it-starts-with-one-peace-inc-we-are-changing-the-world.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/park-cleanup-it-starts-with-one-peace-inc-we-are-changing-the-world.html We have 3 simple Rules at It Starts With One Peace: 1. Turn the Water OFF while brushing your teeth. Saves water 2. Pick up ONE piece of trash daily. Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:35:07 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/let-them-eat-art-street-party.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/let-them-eat-art-street-party.html Let Them Eat Art, an apparently annual event in Maplewood, Missouri, an inner ring suburb of Saint Louis, is among the best street parties we've attended. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:03:40 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/the-saga-of-silver-springs-nevada.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/the-saga-of-silver-springs-nevada.html Nightmare or feng shui challenge? This place is sadly lacking in prosperity, overflowing with derelict trailers, ugly buildings and the general epitome Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:13:36 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/housing-help-for-people-on-disability.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/housing-help-for-people-on-disability.html Does the goverment help single moms that's disabled get a hud home? Editors' Answer: Most likely the fact that you're a single mom or that you are disabled Sat, 02 Jul 2011 16:07:49 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/limestone-heritage-festival-bedford-indiana.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/limestone-heritage-festival-bedford-indiana.html Every year, Bedford Indiana is host to an awesome festival called the Limestone Heritage Festival. The entire weekend is filled with events for people Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:07:55 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/4th-of-july-blow-out.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/4th-of-july-blow-out.html Last summer for the weekend of fourth of July, my family and I went up to celebrate my Tiiti and my daughter's birthdays which fall a day apart. This festival Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:05:06 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/best-street-festival-in-chicago-definitely-wicker-park-fest.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/best-street-festival-in-chicago-definitely-wicker-park-fest.html Chicago, Illinois is a place known for its high winds and cold winters. When the summer comes along, everyone in the city is ready to get outside and enjoy Sat, 25 Jun 2011 00:00:31 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/neighborhood-plans.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/neighborhood-plans.html Neighborhood plans for land use, commercial district improvement, new parks or amenities, or problem solving is invaluable in solidifying residents around chosen goals. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:33:14 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-planning-process.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/community-planning-process.html The community planning process consists of data collection and analysis, generating alternative scenarios, choosing a desired future, and writing a plan, including implementation. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 20:25:19 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/neighborhood-boundaries.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/neighborhood-boundaries.html Clearly defined neighborhood boundaries are essential to community organizing, neighborhood plans, and publicizing the needs and assets of a community. Unclear borders confuse your reputation. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:48:58 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/transect.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/transect.html Dividing a town or metro area into cross-sections, each of which is called a transect, allows traditional zoning to be replaced with design guidelines leading to greatest density at the center. Sat, 11 Jun 2011 15:39:40 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/asset-based-community-development.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/asset-based-community-development.html Asset-based community development is an approach emphasizing strong voluntary ties between people, civil society, and identifying neighborhood strengths instead of problems. Sun, 29 May 2011 23:35:38 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/urban-sprawl-solutions.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/urban-sprawl-solutions.html Urban sprawl solutions depend on citizen and group coalitions to bolster political will in most metro areas. In other areas you simply have to insist on regional groups doing their job. Sun, 29 May 2011 01:26:05 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/searching-for-measurement-scales-questionnaires-and-surveys-for-a-thesis.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/searching-for-measurement-scales-questionnaires-and-surveys-for-a-thesis.html I am a student in the process of writing my thesis. My topic is Sense of Community and Community Development. I am in search of an instrument, and questionnaire Wed, 25 May 2011 01:08:33 GMT http://www.useful-community-development.org/how-can-a-community-improve-a-neighborhood.html http://www.useful-community-development.org/how-can-a-community-improve-a-neighborhood.html What are some ways in wich a community can get involved in improving a neighborhood? Editors' Reply: Juan, you ask a question we just love to answer. Wed, 25 May 2011 00:41:44 GMT