Hattiesburg, Mississippi – The City of Hattiesburg was recently recognized by the Mississippi Chapter of the American Planning Association for the work and adoption of the Longleaf Village in the Avenues Master Plan. The plan was recognized by the APA’s statewide chapter with the Outstanding Large Project (Over 15K) Award for the City’s innovation, engagement and promotion of planning principles.
“Every year our APA chapter recognizes public spaces and projects that exemplify how the built environment can foster culturally important spaces. This is the second year Hattiesburg has taken home awards from this organization, and it is an honor to have this very specific project recognized by planners throughout our state,” said Wiley Quinn, director of Urban Development.
The Master Plan for the Longleaf Village in the Avenues was specifically created to be reflective of the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2008-2028, while also promoting Smart Growth principles, urban design standards, economic revitalization and/or enhancement for the North 25th and 26th Avenue corridors between Hardy Street and West 4th Street.
Quinn added, “Many players in the community came together for this project – including the leadership from Mayor Toby Barker’s administration, City Council, the Urban Development Department and the Planning Division.”
As a whole, the work and adoption of the Master Plan included a series of stakeholder meetings, a charette, a survey, several presentation meetings of the final project before adoption and an interactive website that kept residents and stakeholders updated throughout the project.
“We’re proud of the work completed by our Planning Division and how it uniquely adds to our community’s quality of life,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “The statewide recognition through this award is an affirmation that we’re continuing to meet and exceed best practices when it comes to innovation, engagement and planning principles.”
For more details about the Longleaf Village in the Avenues Master Plan, visit hattiesburgms.com/longleafvillage.
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