A research project funded by the U.S Department of Agriculture through
the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Community and Rural
Development Institute at Cornell University. The goal of this project
was to examine policies that focus on land use patterns, as well as
mechanisms for preserving open space and achieving goals related to
environmental protection and housing affordability. This goal was
achieved by conducting a series of focus groups in communities
throughout New York State in which development-related concerns were
expressed by town supervisors, county planning commissioners, mayors,
school district officials, developers, farmers, environmental
advocates, housing affordability advocates and others. The research
demonstrated that common ground exists among groups that are often
perceived to be in conflict with each other. The research also
identified processes and tools that have informed a program to guide
communities through development decisions in ways that facilitate open
discussion without polarizing disputes among various interest groups.
