Reinventing the Village:  Perspectives on Economic Development & Affordable Housing in the Borderlands 

Date/Time:
May 4, 2006
5:30-7:30 pm

Overview:
Many of New England’s rural communities today are struggling with ways to allow for new growth while protecting their unique natural, cultural and historic fabric. This challenge is especially acute for the towns along the CT-RI border, which are facing growth pressure from the surrounding metropolitan areas. Part of the solution rests in exploring the possibility for channeling growth into the traditional centers of activity in these Borderlands communities—their villages.

This panel discussion will focus on the opportunity for reinventing these villages by preserving and reinforcing their traditional form while updating their function. Panelists will address the place of the village in the innovation economy, the potential for creative economic and housing opportunities, the role of design in creating high quality places, and the value of well-crafted land use regulations in enabling desirable development. The presentation will build on ideas suggested at previous Borderlands events, including the May 2005 Regional Collaboration Clinic and the November 2005 Follow-up Workshop.

Registration/Fee:
Space is limited. Please RSVP to Ariana McBride at ariana@ripolicy.org or (401) 521-3120 by April 27, 2006.

Location:
Hilltop Inn & Suites, North Stonington, CT

Download:
Invitation with draft agenda (.pdf, 99 kb)