Forney Regional Plan

Studio IV | Spring 2006
Professor: Biff Sturgess, Associate ASLA
Team Project: Rick Hooker | Wade A. Miller | Dorothy Makinen | Jeremy Greene

Objective

Using GIS data and tools, set forth an environmentally sound and economically realistic framework plan for development in and around the city of Forney. Building on the plans and studies that Forney already possesses, suggest new and better uses and re-uses for parcels of land. The study should take into consideration the sensitive watersheds and the historical elements of the city.

Approach

The organization of this study follows the Ecological (Landscape) Planning Model developed by Steiner (1999). Steps One through Six were in the scope of this project. As indicated by the model, there has been interaction with the client throughout the process. This has taken place through telephone conversations, exploratory visits to the city, and face-to-face meetings with city leaders, and by examination of the data requested by our class and provided by the city, including GIS data and the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan.

Framework Plan

Planning concepts are suggested in the following areas: (1) preserve the Mustang Creek and Buffalo Creek corridors as a basis for the development of natural areas, trails, and parks; (2) improve and expand the trails that already exist; (3) develop a major city park north of Forney High School and to the west of FM 548; (4) plan for small passive parks to be developed in new neighborhoods; (5) improve north-south connectivity both in terms of vehicular and pedestrian access; (6) revitalize the downtown core by encouraging medical, retail, and higher density housing development; and (7) develop an identity or brand to capitalize on Forney as a Neighborhood /Quality of Life destination. These suggestions are presented as a guideline for future development. The identified goals of improving the quality of life for current and prospective citizens, creating a vision in which quality of life is an integral part of the city vision, creating a greater sense of community, improving north-south connectivity, and determining how more dense housing could be seamlessly integrated into city development have been addressed.