New Date and Location for the 2012 Conference
April 15-17, 2012 - Saratoga Hilton in Saratoga Springs
In order to offer training during the period of peak demand, the NYPF Board of Directors has decided to move next year’s Annual Planning & Zoning Conference from its usual fall slot to the spring.The dates for next year’s conference are April 15-17, 2012.Praised as “the most productive way of getting training,” the NYPF Annual Conference offers a wide range of important land use topics for all levels of experience. We will have much more information on the new spring conference in the weeks to come; be sure to check www.nypf.org for updates on presenters, topics, exhibitors and registration.We are also adding a new comprehensive planning award category for 2012. A committee is hard at work defining the qualifications for this award and also revising the standards and application form for the Heissenbuttel, Pomeroy, Levine, Allee and Cross awards. These prestigious awards honor some of the finest land use work being done across our state. Since nominations come from those who live and work in each community, please be thinking of local achievements that you would like to see recognized, and consider submitting a nomination.
2012 Conference Takes Shape
The Planning Federation is looking forward to another year of exceptional courses and presenters as we return to Saratoga Springs for our 74th annual Planning & Zoning Conference.
The conference will be at the Saratoga Hilton Hotel on Broadway in the heart of Saratoga’s bustling downtown. Programming starts Sunday afternoon with a fun, mock hearing, followed by a reception and dinner on your own at one of Saratoga’s many fine restaurants.
Monday morning April 16th starts with an 8:30 am plenary session, followed by two days of nearly two dozen classes for all levels. New this year is an entire track of introductory courses aimed at first-time planning board and/or ZBA members, or for those wanting to brush up on their basic knowledge. These sessions will include:
Area & Use Variances
Introduction to SEQR
Site Plan Review
Special Use Permits
Non-Conforming Uses
Rights & Responsibilities of Board Members
More experienced attendees will want to hear attorney Patricia Salkin present sessions on Case Law Updates and Ethics, while other speakers will discuss Advanced SEQR, Context-Sensitive Design, Zoning for a Viable Downtown, Natural Gas Drilling, Creating Bicycle-Friendly Communities, Conducting Meetings, Planning for Agriculture, and many more topics that are still in the works and will be announced here shortly.
All sessions at the NYPF conference meet the NYS training requirements. Attendees may acquire 8 credits during the two days, enough for two years’ of certification. We are also applying to the APA to once again be a CM provider for professional planners.
A conference registration form is posted on our website. Note that this year your registration also includes a Sunday reception, lunch and refreshment breaks. In order to save costs, both breakfast and dinner will be on your own. Again, there are numerous dining options both in the Hilton and just outside its doors.
If you are staying at the Hilton, please call 518 584 4000 and ask for the registration desk. Inform them that you are part of the New York Planning Federation conference. The room rate is $99.00 per night, exclusive of taxes and other charges. Note that parking is free to conference attendees.
Feel free to contact either Lael Locke (llocke@nypf.org), Judy Breselor (jbreselor@nypf.org) or Anne Rounds (anne@nypf.org) at our office with any questions, suggestions or concerns. Our phone number is 518 512 5270. We will be updating the website as new sessions and speakers are confirmed, so check back here periodically.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Saratoga – always our most popular conference destination.
