Third National Park Service Project to use NA's Public Communications System™

February 20, 2004 - Neighborhood America has been commissioned by Sasaki Associates, an internationally recognized design firm sub-contracted to Beyer Blinder Belle, to provide its Public Communications System™ as the primary means to support online public involvement for the Preservation and Management Plan currently being devised for the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (NY).

The project will develop a long-term vision and plans for the preservation of corridor resources to enhance visitor's experiences, recreation, tourism and economic development. The system will support the implementation of a strategic plan, and facilitate partnerships and public outreach.

Since a successful outcome is largely dependent upon public participation, Neighborhood America’s Public Communications System™ serves to fulfill the project's primary purpose. The system enables citizens and stakeholders to get involved, inviting interested participants to submit comments in subject areas ranging from the most valued canal features to how the commission should approach the achievement of the project's goals. Through the system, citizens can play a leading role in establishing the outcome of the project.

Neighborhood America's Public Communications System™ ensures that the project team can easily capture, organize and manage all public comment while providing a public side to the project for outreach and comment. More significant than these two separate components, however, is the unique fact that the system is proven to promote best practice standards by integrating both simultaneously.

"We are very honored to be involved in the preservation of such a historically recognized landmark," said Neighborhood America President and CEO, Kim Patrick Kobza. "The Erie project is another significant example of the compelling value that our technology brings to the public planning environment."