Chapter 24, Student Web Activity, U.S. Government, Texas Edition, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, U.S. Government, Texas Edition

Chapter 24: Structure and Function of Local
Government
"PCity Planning"

Introduction
In this chapter you have learned about the various forms of local government, the services a local government provides to residents of the community, and the challenges of urban growth. As towns and cities grow, officials devise plans such as zoning to guide this growth. Some cities also develop other plans that include the development of specific areas such as historic neighborhoods or parks. In this activity you will explore the plans Pittsburgh has devised for its Downtown area of the city.

Destination Title: Pittsburgh City Planning

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Directions
Start at the Welcome to City Planning Web page of the Pittsburgh Department of City Planning.

Click on and read through the Downtown Plan. Make sure to also read the guidelines and other notes in the side margins.
Browse through the information, taking notes as you go.

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1. What was the result of historic grid patterns in the downtown areas of Pittsburgh?

2. What place should art have in city development?

3. What do the planners mean by mixed use of the Golden Triangle?

4. How should public open spaces be designed? What specific requirement do the Urban Open Space Standards outline?

5. Your local city or town has undergone a growth spurt recently, and city officials are concerned about the ways in which the community may develop in the future. The officials have asked you to design a plan for future growth that will provide a pleasant environment for all citizens. Create a plan for either a specific part of your city or the city as a whole that includes such details as uses for business and retail, recreation, pedestrians, and transportation. Be sure to include any special issues that apply to your city, such as historic areas.