Insights from the 2024 APA Conference — Planning for Protopia: Designing With Empathy in Upstate New York
By: Emily DiSalvo (M.R.P. ’26)
Just a brisk 15-minute walk from my new home in Ithaca, town planners, consultants and economic development directors hailing from across upstate New York gathered in droves to discuss the future of the city planning profession in the region. And I was there too — attending my first conference under my new identity as a city and regional planning student at Cornell.
I’ve been to conferences before, but all in my journalistic capacity. Before coming to Cornell, I covered Hartford as a local reporter and I’ve attended conferences about investigative reporting and Freedom of Information. These were spaces I felt comfortable — usually there were a few familiar faces or even a colleague. But at the keynote address Thursday morning I chose a table where I saw the most empty seats and hoped to blend in.
I had chosen the table occupied by the Mayor of Ithaca Robert G. Cantelmo. This I learned moments later when he stood up to introduce the keynote speaker, Dr. Jocelyn Poe, assistant professor in the Department of City and Regional Planning at Cornell. My ignorance about the mayor aside, I enjoyed Professor Poe’s address. She spoke poignantly about how planners have a duty to consider past generational traumas when making planning decisions. If you’re building a new road, consider how those residents and their families may have been relocated before and realize that trauma related to people’s homes runs deep, even in places like upstate New York. I found this particularly relevant to my interest in working in post-industrial cities, many of which were torn apart by urban renewal and have lost neighborhoods to highways and houses to parking garages.
I was balancing this conference with midterms and presentations so after the address I headed up to campus, by TCAT of course, to take a midterm and then came back down to the conference, but the lunch room had already filled up. I sat downstairs and a man approached me asking if I was getting some peace and quiet. I explained that I was a student, and I had come in late. It was the Director of Planning for the Town of Lansing, John Zepko. He gave me his business card and gave me some words of advice about the field. He cautioned me not to lock myself into a box because of how broad and dynamic the field can be. And he said I should be prepared for the GIS software to change every two years.
Cleveland Awaits: A Journey Beyond First Impressions
By: Lillian Liu (B.S. URS ’25)
The fields were rolling, the cows were grazing, and we were going to Cleveland. I had nothing in my mind about Cleveland before— nothing but the words of a coworker with park and pub recommendations. All I knew was that Cleveland promised a proximity to the lake.
Alex texted me: Girl where are you? Let’s go to the flea market.
I’m going to Cleveland.
What’s in Cleveland?
I don’t know. But Cleveland waits for me.
I’m waiting in line to buy a hot dog for ten dollars with no relish. The stand doesn’t have relish and I think that Cleveland doesn’t have it all together. But the convention center has every seat filled and there’s more and more people coming in. We were sitting high up, not exactly nosebleed, not exactly center, but on the hill. On our path over through the RTA (Regional Transit Authority) bus and the big roads of downtown Cleveland, the streets picked up passengers and the crowds grew as we reached the waterfront.
Our day in Cleveland had started at the Cleveland Foundation, outside of the city center and empty. The lot we parked at faced an equally empty lot, albeit the concrete pour. The glimmering new building was offset by the spotted lantern flies on the sidewalk that greeted us as we headed to the meeting. A vague understanding of Cleveland began to emerge from that meeting and drive towards our hotel. But it was never fully complete until our ride into the city center. Have you ever played a video game where the closer you approach, the more the graphic loads? From gray boxes to pastel shapes into glimmering gothic structures, the city of Cleveland formed.
The waterfront view is blocked by the stretch of orange seats that wrap and warp into the stage that reveals the view of Rod Stewart. The concert was sprung upon us four hours ago and tickets were wrestled into hand on a spontaneous whim. The idea that Rod Stewart and Billy Joel and Nicki Minaj were performing all on the same day all in the same city felt laughable four hours ago— Billy Joel? In Cleveland? But we set aside our assumptions and traversed up Euclid Avenue. It is barely a minute before the bus pulls into the station, its path clear and empty with its designated lane. The journey is smooth, and one has to hardly think as it shoots straight down Euclid Avenue without so much a turn or twist. I had a silly thought when the first grand beaux-arts buildings of old Cleveland populated into view- that this was Chicago —but it wasn’t— it was simply Cleveland.
I think the best part of visiting a city is riding the public transportation. The van was easy and nice, the drive from Ithaca forward and guided— but what would we be without Google Maps? There comes a time where we allow ourselves to lose our autonomy to satellite technology and merge with the automatons in a humanistic blend of commander and obeyer. That is not to say I didn’t use Google Maps during Cleveland. It is to say that I wanted to ride the RTA and feel the chance of humanness that I might miss my stop or that I had gotten on in the wrong direction— to feel myself begin to understand the shape of the city and immerse myself in everything.
There’s a possibility I turn myself into a romantic and I allow myself to be swayed by the slightest sign of beauty in a place. So maybe it’s the mere sight of the magic blue sunset reflected on Lake Erie or the still open convenience store outside the bus stop at midnight or the chorus of Buckeye State residents singing to Piano Man — warbling, twisting, slightly out of tune, voices that float across center stage. Alive, alive. The city of Cleveland continues to offer, and over the next two days there are extraordinary moments of life that grace me so it feels unceremonious in the manner that we arrived in Cleveland, in our little Cornell van.
A city on the rise, a city grappling with a complicated past, a city that cares about its people. How human it is to feel in a city that cares. How human we become when we care for the city. The shadows of Cleveland’s past still lingers, the Sidaway Bridge and evidence of white flight clear as day. The buildings fall away as you leave the center, the nice neighborhoods are still nice, and the decline is being fought. To understand a city is to live within it, but there is such love that is immersed into Cleveland that it becomes easy to see it is a city full of life and improvement. The roots that have been dug in continue to sprout and evolve and on stage Billy Joel begins to sing:
Mama if that’s movin’ up
Then I’m movin’ out
I’m movin’ out…
What We Can Learn From Each Other: OUR(S) Adventures in Cleveland, Ohio
By: Vivian Bui (B.S. URS ’27)
Both a part of the Rust Belt, Cleveland and Pittsburgh experienced contemporaneous periods of rapid growth during the Industrial Era and decline after de-industrialization. However, maybe it’s because of the NFL rivalry between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, or maybe it’s because the former manufacturing giants are only 135 miles (about a two-hour drive) apart, but as a native Pittsburgher, I grew up viewing Cleveland as my city’s competition.
This perspective would change throughout the weekend of September 13th to 15th, 2024, when I would join 23 other undergraduates in Urban and Regional Studies (U.R.S.) on an exploratory trip to Cleveland, Ohio. Organized by faculty member, Mitch Glass, and the executive board of the Organization of Urban and Regional Studies (O.U.R.S), we were given the wonderful opportunity to meet with city planners and philanthropists in Cleveland to discuss how the city is building upon itself to create “communities of choice” and reimagining brownfields. Along the way, we were thoughtfully led and guided by our Chair of the Department of City and Regional Planning, Sophie Oldfield; Postdoctoral Fellow, Julian Hartman; and Master of Regional Planning (M.R.P. ’25) student, Hanyu Zeng.
After arriving in Cleveland on Friday afternoon, our first stop was the Cleveland Foundation, a non-profit located in the Hough neighborhood. Here, we met with Joyce Huang, the Director of the Cleveland City Planning Commission; Matt Moss, the Manager of Strategic Planning Initiatives at the Cleveland City Planning Commission; and Joe Keithley, Cornell University alumnus and the former Director of the Cleveland Foundation and Keithley Instruments. While Joyce presented to us the multi-faceted effects of deindustrialization on Cleveland’s social environment and urban design, Matt described his career journey and how the planning commission is increasing choice through public transportation. One general notion shared between all the planners we met throughout the trip was the positive influence of recently-elected Mayor Justin Bibb on the progress and efficiency of the planning commission. Compared to his predecessor, Bibb seems to put special emphasis on planning and urban development to bridge economic and racial gaps.
While other groups spent Saturday morning exploring Hough, Shaker Square, or Downtown Cleveland, my small group of 5 spent the morning walking six miles through Hingetown and Ohio City, and then along the waterfront, with M.R.P. alumnus, Natane Deryutter. As an Economic Development Sites Specialist for the City of Cleveland’s Department of Economic Development, Natane works closely with local businesses and other City departments to analyze the potential of different brownfield sites for redevelopment and create urban renewal districts that provide tax increment financing (T.I.F.) contracts to businesses that choose to develop on these brownfields. What I found to be one of the most interesting aspects of Natane’s work was her collaboration with the Office of Urban Analytics and Innovation (Urban A.I.) to digitize physical datasets and records, visualize data, and create GIS maps.
Credit – Vivian Bui (URS ’27) / City and Regional Planning
Credit – Vivian Bui (URS ’27) / City and Regional Planning
Starting at the West Side Market, the oldest public market in Cleveland, we visited Lakeview Terrace, one of America’s first public housing projects; Wendy Park, a newly renovated 22-acre park on Whiskey Island; C & P Ore Dock or Hullet Ore Unloaders, the oldest, still-functioning ore handling machine on the Great Lakes; and finally, Mitchell’s Ice Cream, a famous Cleveland ice cream chain, located in the old renovated Rialto Theater. Through this walking tour with Natane, we observed various shifts between vibrant shops and apartments to sparse, nearly deserted parking lots and buildings. Along the waterfronts of the Cuyahoga River, Old River, and Lake Erie, we noticed sharper shifts between open parkland and beaches, such as Wendy Park and Edgewater Park, to less natural, more industrial sites, such as C & P Ore Dock and NEORSD Westerly Wastewater Treatment Plant. Before we joined the rest of the undergraduates and planners to discuss what each small group tour had learned, we took a detour with Natane to take a picture of Cleveland sign at Edgewater Park.
Credit – Vivian Bui (URS ’27) / City and Regional Planning
Credit – Vivian Bui (URS ’27) / City and Regional Planning
Once my small group met with everyone at lunch, I had a chance to meet and discuss with the planners we did not tour with: Ken Kalynchuk, Kendra Chatburn, and Tim Dehm. In the afternoon, we traveled to FreshFest, a sustainability-focused festival promoting local businesses and nonprofits. One of the most interesting tables was the Western Reserve Conservancy, where I discussed with them invasive species and fungal infections can wipe over urban tree cover, and how youth in Pittsburgh get involved with environmental conservation.
On our last day in Cleveland, we explored the Cleveland Museum of Art and we met up again with Joe Keithley to discuss his philanthropic role in revitalizing Cleveland through the Cleveland Foundation. We also presented to Joe what we had learned about throughout the trip, first from our small group tours and then individually. While my small group presented the potential impacts of Urban A.I., I discussed how influential Mayor Bibbs’ election was to the recent and rapid success of Cleveland’s redevelopment project and the role voters play in local elections and urban development.
During Joe’s presentation of his career trajectory, I could recognize his passion for the city of Cleveland, despite other people not seeing his city in the same light. It reminded me of my own passion for Pittsburgh, and how others may view it as “in decline.” While Pittsburgh
may have more bridges and the Steelers may have more Superbowls, that doesn’t mean that Cleveland is without charms. Like many Clevelanders, I also enjoy pierogies, and fries in my sandwich. And after spending that weekend meeting with the different players in Cleveland’s urban planning, discussing my reflections with classmates, rethinking my perceptions of revitalization, and recognizing all of Pittsburgh and Cleveland’s similarities, I thought, perhaps maybe these two rivals could learn something from each other?
New York City Reflection: Climate Change Across Borders
By: Mehr-un-nisa Amin (M.R.P. ’26)
I begin by sharing that I walked into this country carrying resentment in my heart. It wasn’t a choice, but rather an organic response to what I saw around me. Despite contributing barely 1% to global carbon emissions, Pakistan ranks among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change. I’ve witnessed its effects firsthand, as the changing of seasons is accompanied by dread rather than anticipation, uncertain of the intensity this chapter will bring.
We break records every summer! It sounds impressive until you realize those records are for record-breaking temperature. Who doesn’t love water, am I right? But when it floods your cities and agricultural areas during harvest season, damaging infrastructure and forcing an agrarian economy to import food (kind of embarrassing). Suddenly, you’re not such a huge fan. When I talk to my parents on the phone, we often laugh about how I see some offices in Sibley have air purifiers, while Lahore is always competing for the top spot for the worst air quality in the world as fall approaches. All these reasons make it hard not to feel some bitterness toward one of the world’s largest carbon emitters, but we try not to let that cloud our judgment.
With this new lens in mind, I made my way to New York, the first city I ever visited in the United States, eager to be swept away by the romanticism I felt at age 16. New York is the first place that allowed me mobility, granted I was under the supervision of my parent’s, but it granted me an autonomy I had never felt before, thus I was excited what new feeling it would allow me to experience this time.
Credit – Mehr-un-nisa Amin (M.R.P. ’26) / Cornell City and Regional Planning
Our bus dropped us off on the side of the road, which I was told was the newly built Hudson Yards. As 20 of us made our way through Midtown with our suitcases in hand, we tried to find the right station that would take us to our hotel uptown. Four weeks in New York eight years ago made me believe I could still navigate my way through, but this new neighborhood reminded me how foolish it was to think a city like this would remain the same for me. Already feeling displaced, I made my way to the subway with my peers, where we spotted our first ‘welcome to New York’ rat—a sight criticized in the rest of the world, yet normalized as part of the New York experience?
The city already felt different—was it my fully developed frontal lobe that was keeping me from falling into delusion? I decided to set aside those feelings and experience the city in its true form as we embarked on our three-day journey.
Credit – Mehr-un-nisa Amin (M.R.P. ’26) / Cornell City and Regional Planning
My first visit was to the Metro Transit Authority, an experience I eagerly anticipated. New York’s public transport infrastructure had given me my first taste of autonomy, and talking to the people who enable the seamless movement of millions seemed like a crucial step toward making that a reality in Pakistan. We discussed the Climate Resilience Roadmap, a $6 billion initiative born from the reality check the city faced after Superstorm Sandy and the rise in urban flooding. Most of these efforts focused on downtown Manhattan, the area most threatened by rising water levels. In the midst of all this information I had a fleeting thought in the slight moments when my bitterness takes over: would the same funds have been allocated had this not been the financial district of The New York City?
Credit – Mehr-un-nisa Amin (M.R.P. ’26) / Cornell City and Regional Planning
My question was answered the next day when we visited East Harlem. WE ACT for Environmental Justice took us on a walking tour of this part of the borough, highlighting issues that are often glossed over by visitors to the city. East Harlem is part of Manhattan Island and is just as prone to coastal surge impacts as downtown Manhattan according to the report, if not more! However, it is nowhere near the top of the priority list. While protecting the financial district makes sense, it highlights the reality that money attracts money. East Harlem, with its lack of visibility, struggles to get basic amenities like shade from trees, let alone the investments needed to address coastal surge impact.
Credit – Mehr-un-nisa Amin (M.R.P. ’26) / Cornell City and Regional Planning
This contrast spoke true to my own country’s situation where the issue of climate change is pressing, however we’re expected to flood, you know. If the same floods happen in Germany it’s a true sign of climate change and how “we” must prepare. To see this disparity happening within New York city is not something you would expect. It’s one of the richest cities in the world, why can’t it take care of its people? All of its people?
Credit – Natasha Keller / Cornell City and Regional Planning
This realization slightly broke down the resentment I carried with me. I understood that it was misdirected and too simplistic. I might live in a country that appears poorer on paper, and our suffering may be overlooked, but so is the suffering of those without money in one of the most progressive cities in the world. By now, we know that climate change does not discriminate; the same issues Pakistan faces today, New York will inevitably encounter soon enough. When natural disasters strike, will we really be able to protect certain parts of the city while leaving others on the back burner? How long can we sustain resilience?
These are questions for those who are more well-read, more experienced, and hold more power than I do. Fleeting thoughts about the two realities my mind exists in during this three-day trip cannot possibly summarize New York City and its plans to combat climate change. However, what I am certain of is that the principle of money attracting money is universal—and, unlike climate change, it’s built on a foundation of discrimination.
OURs takes on Cleveland
By: Marina Maher Tadrous (B.S. URS ’25)
In September, OURs had the privilege of visiting Cleveland—a city full of resilience and transformation. Before the trip, I knew Cleveland as one of many rust belt cities that faced severe economic challenges after the decline of its industrial base. But being on the ground, meeting the people working to revitalize the city, and seeing their commitment firsthand gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexities of urban renewal. This experience opened my eyes to what it takes to reshape a city, not just through development but also through community empowerment.
The trip provided a range of opportunities to explore Cleveland’s renewal strategies from multiple perspectives. Early on, we met with the Cleveland Planning Department and the Cleveland Foundation, two organizations working at the forefront of urban revitalization. We learned about the Planning Department’s collaboration with local developers to increase developments through financing, housing incentives, and efforts to make brownfields safe for construction. These initiatives are vital, ensuring that Cleveland’s future is built on sustainable growth.
Credit – Chester Lukanic (URS ’25) / City and Regional Planning
We were divided into four groups to meet with different Cornell urban studies alumni, and I had the pleasure of spending the day with Ken, a real estate consultant. Ken provided a unique lens into Cleveland’s development landscape, emphasizing land use strategies that go beyond the typical focus on profit. He spoke at length about creating value from underutilized land and development that avoids displacing existing residents.
Ken took us on a journey through Cleveland, showing us the city from three different perspectives. We started by viewing the city from a downtown skyscraper, taking in the skyline and reflecting on the urban core’s potential for growth. Next, we explored street-level Cleveland. Finally, we kayaked down the Cuyahoga River—a unique way to experience the city from the water. As we paddled, we discussed the importance of balancing housing development with environmental concerns, particularly along the riverbanks. Seeing the city from these different vantage points allowed me to appreciate the layers of planning and decision-making that shape Cleveland’s urban fabric.
Credit – Chester Lukanic (URS ’25) / City and Regional Planning
One standout moment was attending Fresh Fest, a local festival held on vacant land to promote urban farming. This festival was more than just a fun community event—it reflected Cleveland’s commitment to sustainability and creative land use. Fresh Fest highlighted the potential of transforming vacant spaces into vibrant hubs of activity, demonstrating that renewal isn’t only about large-scale projects but also grassroots efforts.
After our tours, all the students and alumni gathered at the Cleveland Museum to share insights from each group’s experiences. Hearing from my peers about the different alumni they met and the topics they explored was incredibly valuable. It reinforced the idea that urban renewal is not a one-size-fits-all process—each effort must be tailored to the needs and opportunities of specific communities.
Cleveland’s history is a powerful reminder that urban renewal is not a linear process. The city has experienced significant highs and lows—from being an industrial powerhouse to grappling with economic decline. But it is precisely this history that makes its current transformation so inspiring. Cleveland’s leaders and residents understand that renewal is about more than physical infrastructure; it’s about fostering communities.
Following the trip, I had the opportunity to meet with two local developers through a connection from the Planning Department. These developers are working directly with the department to build both equitable and market-rate housing in areas of Cleveland that need revitalization. They are committed to keeping development within Cleveland and making it local, ensuring the city grows without sacrificing its community’s needs.
A major takeaway from this trip was the importance of finding ways to connect developers with the communities they serve. Ken’s insights reinforced this idea—urban development doesn’t have to come at the expense of existing residents. By involving communities in the planning process and prioritizing their needs, cities can grow inclusively, avoiding the harmful impacts of gentrification. Cleveland exemplifies how thoughtful development can uplift a city without displacing those who have long called it home.
This experience left me with a profound appreciation for Cleveland’s story and the people committed to writing its next chapter. From planning departments to non-profits, from real estate consultants to community festivals, every effort is contributing to a shared vision of a better future. I look forward to seeing how these initiatives evolve over the coming years, and I hope to return to Cleveland soon to witness the fruits of these efforts firsthand.
