PB PlaceMaking - Maryland Department of Transportation

Methodology
Overall Process
The overall process included three key steps: 1) Analysis, 2) Preferred
Concept Development and 3) Plan Implementation. Given the
complexity of the effort and its fast-track schedule, the overall process
was structured around a week long workshop– called a charrette
– that provided a dynamic process for effective and efficient problem
solving over a short period of time. Each step of the overall process is
briefly described here:
1. Analysis: As a precursor to the charrette, details about the
planning area were identified, through stakeholder interviews,
site character and conditions analysis, and a market analysis
of support for new types of development. Opportunities and
challenges of the site were explored and further revealed during
the charrette when alternative development concepts were
created. The Site Context section, pages 11-19, describes in
more detail the findings of the analysis.
2. Preferred Concept Development: At the charrette and with the
help of all participants, various alternatives were created and
weighed against the initial site analysis. Evaluation criteria were
determined along with design elements worthy of incorporation
into a preferred development concept. Once the preferred
development concept was selected, it was further refined
after the charrette to verify viability of proposed elements
with technical feasibility and stakeholder interest. A more
detailed discussion of the charrette process is described in the
next subsection, and the Preferred Development Concept is
described on pages 20-40.
3. Plan Implementation: After the preferred concept was refined,
phasing was explored, opinions of cost generated, financial
feasibility and fiscal analyses were conducted, and a series
of coordinated strategic actions to implement the plan were
identified. Plan Implementation is outlined on pages 49-50.
State Center Transit Oriented Development Strategy 5