Westchester's Acting Commissioner of Planning Edward Buroughs has won a prestigious award from the New York Metro Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA).
The Andrew Haskell Green Award was given in recognition of Burough's outstanding work in planning over the course of his career. Buroughs, who joined the Department of Planning in 1994, became deputy commissioner in 2003. In January, he was named acting planning commissioner by County Executive Robert P. Astorino.
Astorino commended Buroughs for his award, saying, "This award is well-deserved. Ed Buroughs is creative and diligent in everything he does. It is not by accident that our Planning Department is so well regarded in this county and in this state."
Donald Burns, president of the APA chapter, said, "Ed is a thoughtful and dedicated public servant. I can't think of a more qualified planner to receive this award."
Examples of Burough's work include:
- Westchester 2025, the county's Web-based updated comprehensive plan that examines county and municipal planning policies, anticipates changes and provides a guide for development in the county. (www.westchestergov.com/2025)
- Numerous public discussions on "smart growth" -- the concept of promoting long-range regional sustainability and advocating compact, transit-oriented, walkable and bicycle-friendly land use
- Pilot transportation planning projects for multiple communities and for the local Metropolitan Planning Organization, the federally funded policy-making organization that ensures that
expenditures of governmental funds for transportation projects and programs are anchored in a cooperative and comprehensive planning process - Serving as Westchester's liaison on the Tappan Zee Futures Task Force, which addresses bus rapid transit and transit-oriented development along the I-287 corridor in conjunction with the redevelopment plans for the Tappan Zee Bridge.
Commented Buroughs, "I thank the American Planning Association for this award. However, it really is a recognition of the outstanding work of the entire Planning Department, which is made up of able professionals who contribute their energy, insights and talents to focus on the many elements of community planning for our county: sustainability, conservation, affordable housing and economic development."
The Andrew Haskell Green Award is bestowed by the APA on a person who has exemplified best planning efforts in the New York Metro region for at least 15-years. A New York lawyer, city planner, civic leader and agitator for reform, Andrew Haskell Green was known as the 19th century Robert Moses. He played important roles in many projects, including Riverside Drive, Morningside Park, Fort Washington Park and Central Park.
The American Planning Association's New York Metro Chapter addresses planning issues that concern the physical, social, and economic environment in the metropolitan region encompassing New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley. The chapter represents some 1,200 practicing planners and other people involved in the planning and design of the region's communities.