Collaborative Planning in Nanuet, NY

Conflict:	Commercial use in a residential area
Solution:	Relationships improved. Land use plan upgraded with community enhancing features..
Abstract:	In Nanuet a nursing home was proposed next to a residential neighborhood. Collaboration dissolved distrust and relocated the proposed buildings to preserve a mature woodland. A park was created with a rebuilt stream, pond, and walkways.
Testimonials:	We had heard snippets of information that a major development was going to happen in our neighborhood, but nobody had any real information. There were very few details that we could actually get from the bureaucracy. There was a mysterious group that owned the property. There was smoke and nobody could see any fire. Somebody found Karl Kehde and his research on the internet and we called.
	We used the collaborative process to first inform the neighbors that there was a different way to go about this, and that they could have a part. That started to build interest in actually participating and making a difference. Then we were able to use that to contact the developer and to show them that there is this other process that you can follow, and there are all these people interested in talking to you. And they actually came to a social discussion where we didn't talk about the development: a cookout with the neighbors at our house. It was wonderful; we had about 40 people here. They got to see that we were not a bunch of foot-stomping obstructionists; they found out who we are and what we like about this neighborhood. And we got to see that they were not a bunch of greedy developers, and what it was that they were trying to accomplish. And, maybe most important, neighbors really got to know each other and reminisced about neighborhood events when they were growing up. It created a warm feeling for alot of people. People that felt kind of isolated and alone, didn't feel so alone anymore. Then, in the group meetings we continued that and got first hand information from the developer before it was too late to do anything about it.
	When we went to the planning board, we had quite a few people in the neighborhood engaged in the process. The aerial photo was a phenomenal piece of material to have at that meeting. The planning board said, 'you have an aerial photo, let's put it up on the wall.' From then on even the board members stood up and referred to the photo. The neighbors really understood how this project could be done in a way that would have more positive effect on the community. Every single neighbor knew the facts, the most current information, so everyone was speaking clearly, concisely, intelligently, and calmly. So, very quickly the discussion came onto the ground that we were comfortable with. It was neighbors standing up and saying here are suggestions about how the development could be done so that it benefits the community, rather than gathering information or just saying 'no'. I think we were really heard. Buildings were changed and moved to preserve prime forest, connecting walkways and serious landscaping were recommended by the board. We were very pleased.
	From using this collaborative planning process, I realized that not only is it important to be involved in shaping your community, but it is possible to really do that and to make a difference. I was surprised at how involved and civic minded I actually could get. I was struck with the possibilities of this process to get people interested and really make this community into something. We had lived here six years, and in the few months of this process we met and got to know more neighbors than we had in the past six years. Now when we are gardening in the front yard, people drive by and say 'Hi Jake'. It was terrific that we actually got to bring the neighborhood together and bring back a sense of community - even if nothing had changed on the development. This is a process that breaks down stereotypes and breaks through fears. It helps open up lines of communication and build trust. It is so much more efficient and everyone can feel good instead of some feeling like they lost!"
	Jake and Susanna Lynn, collaboration participants