Amanda Burden, Chair of the New York City Planning Commission [2], has long been a supporter of the High Line-- she sheparded through the 2005 West Chelsea Rezoning [3] which allowed its preservation. And excellence and hard work was recognized recently.

On Monday evening at the 2008 National Planning Conference [4] in Las Vegas, Amanda was inducted into the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) College of Fellows [5]. Election to Fellow is one of the highest honors that the AICP bestows upon a member. Induction recognizes planners who've made "exceptional contributions to the planning profession."

And Amanda has certainly made an exceptional contribution: Since her appointment by Mayor Bloomberg in 2002, she has led the largest planning effort in the city since the mid-twentieth century. Transforming visions-- such as the High Line-- into reality, Amanda is setting the stage for sensible, smart development, reclaiming waterfront and ex-industrial space, designing new parkland and public spaces such as the High Line, and promoting great architecture and urban design in all five boroughs.

Read the APA's Announcement [5]

Earlier: Awards Sweep for High Line Champion Amanda Burden [6]