Planning and Design Issues

Sample Community Design Team application

The following information has been summarized from the City of Logan CDT application:

[I.] The three most important problems for Logan today are:

(a.) A depressed economy: The community has depended upon coal mining for generations.
Modern mining technologies have caused job reduction and unemployment is now approaching
double digits.

(b.) A decaying downtown: Due to the loss of jobs and population, vacant storefronts and
shrinking retail sales have caused downtown Logan to decay.

(c.) The threat from Wal*Mart and suburban growth: The impact of Wal*Mart on downtown
and the community is a major concern.

[ II. ] The three best opportunities for Logan today are:

(a.) Tourism and Recreation: Natural and historical resources abound here, including the
Hatfield and McCoy Trail System, the mine wars (including the battle at Blair Mountain),
and the Hatfield and McCoy fued.

(b.) Economic Diversity: New economic and technological opportunities are needed as the
economy shifts away from coal dependence.

(c.) Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College: SWVCTC provides an
opportunity for education and re-education and will be counted on to provide new skills
and training that workers will need to compete for employment in the 21st Century.

[ III. ] The three most important problems for Logan in ten years are:

(a.) Continued Loss of Coal Mining and Related Jobs: Local and area economic
diversification is critical to offset coal-related job losses.

(b.) Continued Loss of Young People: As talent and leadership leave, so does Logan's
future inheritance.

(c.) Loss of Skilled Labor: To be competitive, new worker training is mandatory.

[ IV. ] What do residents want the community and surrounding area to look like in ten years?

* Low unemployment (below the national average)
* Adequate infrastructure
* An attractive, vibrant and interesting downtown area. Downtown should have an identity.
* Enhanced quality of life: including quality education, recreational and cultural developments, a four-year
College / University, and an expanded Chief Logan State Park that includes lodging, a conference center and a golf course to support new economic growth.