Planning Connections
Human, Natural and Man Made

by N. J. “Pete” Pointner, FAICP, ALA

About Planning Connections -
Human, Natural and Man Made

This book presents planning principles and illustrates their practical application with 19 case studies of approved plans and implemented projects and includes many useful check lists. It is a book about sustainable planning approaches, about “green” land use planning, site planning and context sensitive design.

As shown in the Table of Contents there are chapters on:
  • Comprehensive planning
  • Town centers
  • Site planning
  • Development management tools
  • Review and processing of development applications and transportation corridors
Value of the Book
  • A resource for students in planning, public administration, landscape architecture, environmental management, urban geography, real estate, engineering and architecture,
  • A tool for teachers with material for many fruitful discussions, projects, and challenging assignments
  • A framework for decision making and improved project reviews in land use and development planning for the municipal planner and public officials, particularly planning and zoning commissioners
  • A guide for developers, builders and design professionals who will benefit by seeing their roles in the development process in the context of policies, procedures and players that influence the success of projects in which they are involved
Practical Lessons

The use of land and resources at the local level has the most obvious and direct impact on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of our communities. “Planning Connections” provides principles for relating land use planning and design to:

  • Traffic congestion and vehicle miles of travel
  • Surface and ground water quality
  • Air quality
  • Preservation of bio-diversity, flora and fauna, open space and prime agricultural land
  • Local tax base
  • Efficiency and cost effectiveness of public facilities and services
  • Convenience of recreation, open space, schools, shopping, jobs, personal services, churches and other public facilities
  • Public health and safety
  • Positive sense of community identity
  • The quality and character of life in residential neighborhoods
  Planning Connections
By Pete Pointner
  

Elements of Sustainable Planning

Master Planned Community Developer

“Balancing the interests of the public with those of private development is not an easy task. Pointner offers new methods for creating a win-win at the zoning table. Public and private planners, elected officials and developers should all make this important and real world advisory text a desk top mainstay in these challenging times.”

Peter A Tremulis, Founder and Managing Principal – Sunesta Resort Communities, LLC and Past Vice President, Pulte Homes

Planning Educator and Author

“Pete Pointner is the epitome of a reflective practitioner. He gives us a thoughtful compendium of values, principles, and procedural advice gleaned from a lifetime of diverse professional practice. He covers a broad range of planning topics from comprehensive plans, downtown urban design, environmental plans, transportation corridors and even site plans and guidance on facilitating project reviews. We’ll be wiser planners for having paid attention to Pointner’s lessons.”

Dr. Edward Kaiser, past chairman of the Department of Urban Planning, University of North Carolina