Drawing on decades of experience in planning and design, VHB Senior Project Manager Ken Schwartz brought forward-thinking strategies and real-world case studies to an international audience at Tufts University's recent event “Planning for New Towns: An International Symposium on Abundant Housing and Adaptive Zoning.” Ken’s presentation anchored discussions on how innovative planning approaches can translate ambitious visions into livable, affordable, and sustainable new communities.
The symposium gathered urban planners, researchers, and policy leaders from around the world to explore solutions to housing affordability and community design challenges. Speakers exchanged ideas on adaptive zoning—a flexible planning method that can support the creation of “new towns,” or large master-planned communities built with integrated infrastructure, mixed-use spaces, and walkable, bikeable connections that foster public transit use.
In his presentation, New Town Planning in Action: Master Planned Communities in Queens, NY and Cape Cod, MA, Ken spotlighted VHB’s redevelopment planning at the former Creedmoor Psychiatric Hospital and the 7,000-acre cantonment area at Joint Base Cape Cod. He shared lessons learned in crafting vibrant, inclusive communities that meet housing needs while enhancing quality of life.
“As a proud graduate of the Tufts Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning program, I’m honored to speak at the Symposium and share how VHB is helping our clients develop more affordable housing and lay the groundwork for a new era of accessible, mixed-use developments,” said Ken.
Discover how VHB is working with developers, state agencies, and community members to develop innovative solutions that expedite housing projects and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.
