Closing Presentation
WCU University Center, 6pm

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complete schedules

CULLOWHEE, NC, May 20, 2008 – One of the most ambitious planning projects in North Carolina history reaches a benchmark tonight when a team of national consultants presents the first draft of a comprehensive “Toolbox” for responsible growth in the mountains.

For a video preview, see a walkthrough of work-in-progress led by Lawrence Group principal Craig Lewis:

[ STORY CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO > ]

The presentation tonight in the University Center marks the end of an intensive process that began with an outreach program in November of 2007. Out of that process, involving meetings in the seven westernmost counties and the Qualla Boundary, came 10 Questions that shaped the agenda for the charrette and, ultimately, the contents of the “Toolbox.”

Already, the charrette team has taken note of key question themes. Sessions over the last week included discussions of affordable housing and farmland preservation. Economic development themes have threaded through the week’s talk and planning. Since tourism, second-home construction, and retiree migration play such important roles in the regional economy, it’s clear that strategies that find their ways into the “Toolbox” should reinforce the attractions of Western North Carolina’s natural and cultural assets. For a video exploration of these topics – including the role of traditional crafts in the economy – click here.

The Lawrence Group assembled a 25-person team of specialists on everything from transportation engineering to farmland preservation and landscape design. In addition to his core Lawrence Group team based in Davidson, NC, Craig Lewis called on specialists representing 10 additional firms, including several from Western North Carolina.

Besides general “Toolbox” contents, Tuesday night’s presentation will also include closer examinations of four model projects that demonstrate application of the tools. The four case studies: A “cultural landscape” analysis in the Cowee Community of North Macon County; a growth strategy and designs for Cashiers); a site analysis for a private developer in Haywood County; and a design and financial management strategy for a family farm in Cherokee County.

Tuesday night’s festivities begin with a reception at 5 p.m., with the presentation following at 6. The location: The University Center Theater at Western Carolina University. Get the schedule and directions.