#2007-04: February 16, 2007 Catskill Center Hires Gilmour Planning LLC The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is pleased to announce that David Gilmour, AICP, has joined the Center in a consulting capacity to continue their community planning efforts. Gilmour, whose practice is based in New Paltz, is an economic development specialist. He often helps communities incorporate smart growth principles into land use programs and achieve sustainable economic development. Gilmour has 12 years of planning and public health experience, including as the Director of Planning in Gloucester, Massachusetts, as Senior Project Manager for a Hudson Valley engineering firm, as a Regional Planner and as Executive Director for a main street non-profit. In December, Assistant Director, Helen Budrock, left the Catskill Center after 10 years to join Sullivan Renaissance. The Catskill Center’s planning program engages in projects designed to help build healthy and prosperous places by providing information, support and direct assistance to communities on land use, planning, and community development issues. "While each situation is unique, my work on diverse cases will serve as a resource. I will help local elected officials and volunteers identify options and steps in community development." Gilmour stated. "My focus on long-range planning means that I am fluent in blending topics like hazard planning, housing, infrastructure, historic preservation, design, transportation and environmental protection". Gilmour noted that his ability to assess conditions, links and mitigate the undesired affects of land use will promote development that fits communities and enhances character. Gilmour was drawn to the Catskill Center’s focus on quality growth and its economic development partnerships with many towns throughout Ulster and Greene Counties. Tom Alworth, Executive Director, said that Gilmour will help the Center promote excellence in land use planning. "The Catskill Center will continue to assist public outreach -- David can aid local capacities to undertake visioning, and enhance Main Street. He can also help communities implement policies and actions that will stimulate desired growth and protect key resources." Alworth noted that a focus on helping communities plan and direct growth is unique among non-profits in the Catskills. "Most Towns and villages do not have planning staff. Furthermore, while the Counties do great planning, they have limited resources. The Catskill Center can increase the capacity for communities to use best practices for habitat protection or achieving desired build-out. Enhancing regional identity and stimulating place-based economic development requires concerted effort and innovative techniques in order to overcome institutional and attitudinal barriers." Gilmour and his wife Elizabeth Duncan-Gilmour have four children aged 11/2 to seven. David sits on the Town of New Paltz Historic Preservation Commission and is active in the New Paltz Rotary. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the Upstate New York Chapter of the American Planning Association and the U.S. Green Building Council.