Town Recognized for U.S. 70/Cornelius Street Plan

10/15/08 — The Town of Hillsborough recently was awarded an honorable mention for its plan for the U.S. 70/Cornelius Street corridor.

The N.C. Chapter of the American Planning Association presented Hillsborough with the Outstanding Planning Award in the comprehensive planning, small community category.

The U.S. 70/Cornelius Street Corridor Strategic Plan is a comprehensive revitalization plan that includes recommendations in: transportation; crime and code enforcement; economic development; development and redevelopment potential; landscaping and signage; and compatibility with other planning documents.

The plan was a joint project of business owners and residents of the corridor, Orange County economic development leaders and town and county officials.

“The plan incorporates smart growth principles as it used small area, community development and economic development planning strategies while respecting and enhancing the strengths of existing communities,” the N.C. Chapter of the American Planning Association stated.

The Awards Committee noted that the plan was done “in house” and that the committee believed it could be implemented successfully.

The N.C. Chapter of the American Planning Association is a nonprofit, public interest and research organization representing more than 1,600 members involved with urban and rural planning issues throughout North Carolina. Its main purpose is to provide leadership in the development of sound planning policies and practices in the state.

Each year, the chapter recognizes outstanding planning efforts. The Marvin Collins Planning Awards — now in their 30th year — represent the highest standards of achievement in North Carolina’s planning profession.