87 Planning and Designing Better Communities Separately, planners and consultants confer to address issues of unease, modifying a 3D geospatial digital twin of Crossroads. As modifications are made, previous versions are automatically saved to be compared to new ones. This helps planners, consultants, and community members attain a shared vision. A Model Green A mile up Route 9, on the other side of I-285, significant changes are coming to the area around city hall. The City Green refers to a large grassy area in front of city hall that hosts outdoor concerts in the summer, a “sparkle parade” during the winter holidays, and a farmer’s market on Saturdays during spring and summer. A block or so away, the city is working with its preferred development partner to refine plans for the area. Some buildings will have street-level retail spaces and apartments on the upper floors. A hotel is also under consideration. Realistic GIS models of the proposed mixeduse development help everyone see the meaning behind these words. (Screenshot courtesy of Sandy Springs) As with Crossroads, some people in the area have expressed worries about altering the neighborhood. Residents who reside in the area’s apartments, for example, were concerned that new buildings might obstruct their view. “When people hear a term like ‘mixed-use development,’ they can sometimes think ‘oh no, I don’t want that.’ But when we can show them that we can make it look attractive and functional, that often helps.” —Bridget Lawlor, GIS manager, City of Sandy Springs Realistic GIS models of the plans help skeptics visualize the plans. “Whenever we were doing the conceptual model for the City Green area, I used ArcGIS CityEngine to add facades
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