Author Archives: Ed Fuhrmann

Watch out for this planning pitfall at the start

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Ed Fuhrmann

So let’s assume that we have a receptive Village Administration (!) and enough interest in the community that we’re going to tackle a project of benefit to us. We can have bucketfulls of enthusiasm and volunteers with extensive “project management” experience, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Planning | Leave a comment

The sorry state of neighborhood design in America: a mother writes

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Ed Fuhrmann

Article Link: The sorry state of neighbourhood design in America: a mother writes I am German, have lived in the US for 18 years and have raised three children here. I very much miss the German way of being able to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicycling, Planning, Walkability | Leave a comment

Wheeling adopts plan for improving walking, biking and access to transit

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Ed Fuhrmann

Definite signs of a community which has places worth walking and biking to, which values them, and wants to make a good situation even better! The folks over at the Active Transportation Alliance tell us what’s happening in Wheeling IL: … Continue reading →

Posted in Bicycling, Planning, Transit, Walkability | Leave a comment

Webinar: “How Can a Microbrewery Grow Your Local Economy?”

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

Webinar: “How Can a Microbrewery Grow Your Local Economy?” When: Thurs, Jan 10, 2013 @ 10am CST Cost: $95 for IEDC members, $135 for Non-members Q: Did any of our Village officials, or anyone in the Chamber of Commerce utilize this … Continue reading →

Posted in Meeting / Webinar, Planning | 1 Comment

Creating the right conditions to invite investment

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

Time to visit Grayslake again, and see how recent circumstances there compare to Round Lake Beach. (Of course, no two villages should strive to be identical, but there are always many aspects in common among successful municipalities since they all … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Planning | Leave a comment

Webinar: “Streets as Places”

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

Webinar: “Streets as Places” Speakers: Gary Toth (Senior Director, Transportation Initiatives, Project for Public Spaces) and Kate Rube (Transportation Program Manager, Project for Public Spaces) When: Tues, Dec 18 2012 @ 1pm CST Cost: Free (but advance online registration IS required) Q: Will … Continue reading →

Posted in Meeting / Webinar, Planning | Leave a comment

Hey Dude… where’s our Downtown?

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

At a recent event held as part of the Round Lake Beach 75th Anniversary Celebration, I was partnered with a former RLB mayor. As volunteers, we were both scheduled to staff a given check-point/display for 4½ hours. As a long-time … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Planning, Walkability | Leave a comment

The “Greying” of Round Lake Beach: Are we ready?

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

(More than 13 percent of the US population is over 65, and by 2030, that figure will be 20 percent. Many of those Baby Boomers plan to “Age In Place“, and many others will move… to smaller houses or multifamily … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Planning, Seniors | Leave a comment

“10 Benefits of Creating Good Public Spaces”

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

There is a value beyond the obvious to creating “places that work“. We’ve all seen the results of well-intentioned plans which do not seem to deliver as promised; this includes the uber-controlled world of “Happy Consumerism”, endless cheap energy,  and … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Planning | Leave a comment

“The Five C’s of Neighborhood Planning”

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Ed Fuhrmann

As we look for ways to improve of neighborhoods, each with its own strengths and challenges, here is a brief look at some of the common elements found in neighborhoods that work. Examine your own neighborhood… what category of functionality … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Planning | Leave a comment