Authoring, Researching, Reporting and other Work
Learning On-Line by Howard Taylor
Neighborhood Planning in Charleston, Illinois
A Project for G.E. Students at Jefferson Elementary
INTRODUCTION:
This project will be conducted through some individual work, but will be done by small groups. Students may present their final projects through original artwork and diagrams.
Students will create a new neighborhood for Charleston. This will not be a typical subdivision type of street, but a total neighborhood.
Included in this neighborhood plan will be: 1) Historical time period of the neighborhood (or present or future) 2) Demographic description (terrain, general landscape already present 3) Population that will live in the neighborhood 4) Any businesses or services within the neighborhood 5) Architecture of houses and other structures 5) Street plan 6) Parks or "green areas" 6)
Other considerations not in this list are:
Students will do a brief study of their own "real" existing neighborhoods by answering a series of questions.
Students will then decide on the historical time setting for their new neighborhood. After that, the questions above will be considered. If a past time period, Charleston and Coles County illustrated history books will be used to make plans.
Students will use graph paper, and other drawing paper to illustrate what their new neighborhood will look like.
Students will take a trip to the Charleston City Hall to visit with the assistant City Planner, see aerial maps of Charleston neighborhoods, learn about Charleston zoning, and future planning; and tour the City Hall
Student projects will be displayed in City Hall.
QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
General Questions:
What is a neighborhood? What is a community?
Why is planning ahead so important?
History of Charleston Planning Questions:
Why do Charleston north/south streets go at an angle to true north?
What was Charleston like in 1832?
Where was the court house in 1832?
In the 1890's two things important happened to Charleston to change it's history. What were they?
What architectural style are most of the houses on the old streets of Charleston (the big houses)?
What purpose did the Town Branch serve in the old days of Charleston? What took it's place in modern times?
What are important architectural sites in Charleston?
In the 1850's a special attraction was started in Charleston. What was it, and where was it located?
What was the fire department like in the late 1800's?
Why is there a square?
Why has so much of the business and traffic moved to Lincoln Avenue?
Why does Charleston have so much rental property?
Your own neighborhood inventory:
What do you consider "your neighborhood?"
Where is your neighborhood? If in the country, describe your area
What is your neighborhood like? Describe it in one paragraph
What do you like best about your neighborhood? Least?
What parts of your neighborhood would you like to keep or change?
Is there anything going on in your neighborhood such as construction or new developments?
Are there any businesses in your neighborhood? What are they?
How is transportation in your neighborhood? How do you get around: bicycle, walk, or have to go in car?
What is the style of architecture of the houses and other structures in your neighborhood?
What is the landscaping like in your yard and your neighborhood? flowers, trees, grassy, weeds, not enough?
Do you have rental property in your neighborhood? Who rents the property: students or families? Is the property taken care of?
Are there apartments in your neighborhood?
Are there any mobile homes in your neighborhood?
Make a map of your neighborhood.
RESOURCES:
Websites:
City of Charleston: Planning and Zoning
Coles County Planning Commission: Regional Planning
PBS Fillmore Project: (Neighborhood Planning Learning Project)
Various Print Items:
Coles County History (through 1976)
Pictorial History of Coles County
On the Square