| The planning and provision of educational facilities is frequently influenced by external forces which arise within the field of land use planning. A common example is housing provision, which subsequently impacts upon educational facility requirements through changes in enrollment patterns.;Coordination between land use planning agencies and educational facility planners seldom occurs. Rather, these departments may work independently to their mutual detriment and to the detriment of the total community. Information is not transferred, funding may over-lap, conflicts may arise in priorities, and consequently uncertainty may develop for all concerned, including the community and its residents.;The purpose of this dissertation is to illustrate the potential for conflict between land use planning and educational facility planning. Importantly it reveals key weaknesses in communications and coordination between these two governmental agencies which frequently arise. Finally, it proposes site/specific and administrative opportunities which may improve communications between planning agencies, promote inter-agency planning systems, and more effectively meet educational and community needs.;The method of examination is through a case study conducted within the city of Detroit. The study area exemplifies several points where urban land use planning conflicts with the planning and provision of educational facilities.;In terms of land use planning, the primary concern is a proposed industrial park comprising 350 acres to be located within an established but blighted residential neighborhood in Detroit. The development will cost over 400 million dollars and has significant implications for the community by reducing housing stock and encouraging families to leave the area, thus changing enrollment patterns.;Educational implications include severe enrollment declines, facility under-utilization, community unrest, social/economic decline, and uncertainty regarding future capital planning for facilities at all levels.;Solutions are proposed at the local, area-wide, and city-wide levels. They include site specific considerations for facilities immediately within the study area, implications for neighborhood facilities, and city-wide planning for vocational training which might link with the proposed industrial development.;Finally, administrative planning systems which would alleviate future conflicts between land use planning and educational facility planning are proposed. Primary focus is upon a coordinated planning Board which would include land use planning agencies at the city, state, and federal levels, the Detroit Public Schools, and several social services departments. |
