Program to look at ways Elgin can build green plan
On Thursday, May 27, Tom Armstrong will present "Toward Green Urbanism: Re-imagining Elgin in Collaboration with Nature" from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd., in Lords Park on Elgin's east side.
This program will look at one of the lasting legacies of the Daniel Burnham's "Plan of Chicago" - the protected network of parks, forest preserves, river and stream corridors, and greenways that knit the Chicago region together.
It will compare the regional experience to an equally impressive local legacy of parks and open space systems in Elgin and the surrounding area. How can Elgin build and improve upon the legacy of the green infrastructure network? Can the community embrace "Green Urbanism?"
Admission is $6, $5 for members. To register, call (847) 741-6655 or e-mail epm@cityofelgin.org.
"Toward Green Urbanism: Re-imagining Elgin in Collaboration with Nature" is featured in conjunction with the traveling exhibit, "Deep Roots - Green Future: City Planning in Elgin," which was developed for the city by the Elgin Area Historical Society and Museum. For more information, visit elginpublicmuseum.org.
Armstrong recently retired as a senior planner in the Elgin Community Development Department. During his tenure with the city, he participated in the review and processing of 26 years worth of development projects and planning efforts. He was the principal author of the Elgin Comprehensive Plan and Design Guidelines adopted in 2005.
He participated as an advisory Committee Member on the Elgin Bikeway Master Plan, 2008. He also was named Kane County Planner of the Year in 2006.
He has been appointed by the mayor and Elgin City Council to serve on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He is also chairing the Urban Design Work Group as part of a larger community effort to craft a Sustainable Elgin Master Plan. Armstrong remains active in the community. He is a member of the Hispanic Heritage Coalition and the Downtown Neighborhood Association.