Karla Schweitzer Farrell, rla, aicp leep ap

land planning portfolio
Karla Schweitzer Farrell, RLA, AICP, LEED AP+
911 Smith Drive York, PA 17408 Phone: 717.225.6875 e-mail: kfarrell.leed.ap@gmail.com

1
table of contents
table of contents

resume 2

projects 5

presentations 18

client remarks 19

activities 20


Education 2
Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Science
Major in Landscape Architecture
Coursework: Low Impact Development & Stormwater Management, Wetland Identification &
Restoration, Best Management Practices.

Registration
Registrations
1989, Pennsylvania, Registered Landscape Architect
1991, Maryland Registered Landscape Architect
2003, Virginia, Certified Landscape Architect
2002, CLARB Certified Landscape Architect
2010, New Jersey, Registered Landscape Architect
2008, LEED AP, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Accredited Professional
2010, AICP, Certified Planner

Statement
Statement
It is my objective to utilize my site design, planning and project management experience in
a land planning role to preserve historic assets, and develop communities and the built
environment to comply with the principles of economic, social and ecological
sustainability. It is important to me to incorporate green technology, landscape
architecture and innovative design into all projects, so that they are an expression of
sustainable technology.


3
“Few things can help an individual more than to place
responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him.”
-Booker T. Washington
Responsible for directing multi-disciplined current
project teams of over forty professional,
including Landscape Architects, Civil responsibilities
Engineers, Traffic Engineers, Structural
Engineers, Utility Engineers, Architects, GIS
technicians, Cost Estimators, technical writers,
Sales Associates, Surveyors, Environmental
2000-present
Scientists, CADD designers, CADD operators, Sr Landscape Architect
and Administrative Assistants in the & Planner
preparation of Masterplans, feasibility studies, Land Planning Dept. Head
land development plans, recreational plans, Buchart-Horn, Inc.
construction document preparation, and
marketing documents. Responsibilities include
sales presentations, contract negotiations,
contract oversight, staff building,
interdisciplinary coordination, sales planning
and Department goal setting.

Karla Schweitzer Farrell, RLA, AICP, LEED AP

4

Past experience should be a guidepost, not a hitching post

Coordinated all aspects of project design including past
past
permitting, additional services contracts
preparation, PHMC clearances, project encoding,
experience
experience
billing, easement & access agreements, federal,
state and local permitting, condominium lot
development, off-site roadway improvements,
1989-1999
coordination with clients/attorneys. Prepared or
Landscape Architect (RLA)
supervised all aspects of site design including Project Manager
stormwater management, wetland Buchart-Horn, Inc.
delineation/mitigation, erosion and sediment
control design, construction administration,
construction management, and landscape design.
Projects included recreational development,
industrial development, state and municipal
development, utility, highway and airport
improvements, site work for public schools,
universities, state and county institutions, historic
planning, and bike trail planning and design.


5

projects
–Recreation/
Transportation
planning

–Community planning

–Sustainable design


6

Recreation/Transportation Project name: Sligo Creek
Hiker/Biker Trail, Stream
Valley Unit I

Site: Silver Spring, MD

Objective: to extend the
Sligo Creek Hiker Biker trail
As the project Landscape Architect, I prepared a Feasibility
to Washington D.C. while
Study, an Environmental Assessment, and Contract minimizing the impact to the
Documents for the extension of the Hiker / Biker Trail in Sligo
Creek Park. We evaluated the 1929 NCPC development plan, stream valley.
the coinciding sanitary sewer improvements program, and
developed five alternative designs and their corresponding
impacts on the flora, fauna, and aquatic resources. My team
prepared a recommendation on the basis of environmental Client: Maryland National
affects, public safety and welfare concerns, and community
and agency input. I conducted a public “walk through” and
Capital Park and Planning
participated in televised public presentations. Construction Commission
documents were prepared for 3 miles of trail within the study
and in neighboring Prince Georges County. Rob Bushnell,
former chief of the Maryland Scenic and Wild Rivers Program,
said the design of this portion of the trail "is very, very
environmentally sensitive." The project was strongly
supported by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association,
Anacostia Headwaters Greenway and the Coalition for the
Metropolitan Branch Trail. The trail was designated as a
National Recreation Trail in 2006.


7

Recreation/Transportation Project name: Jonathan
Eshenour Memorial Trail

Site: Hershey, PA

Objective: to provide a trail
that will serve both recreation
The Eshenours channeled their grief and alternative transportation
for Jonathan, their 12-year-old son needs for Hershey residents,
killed in a bicycle accident, into a
Foundation that lead to the planning connecting most
of a 22-mile biking and walking path neighborhoods with major
in Derry Twp. As the resident Sr.
Landscape Architect at Buchart-Horn,
employers and all township
I had the pleasure of working with the parks.
Derry Township Recreation
Department for many years, first in
the development of the
Bicycle/Pedestrian Masterplan, and Client: Derry Township
then in the preparation of construction
documents for four phases of the trail. The funding sources and Land contributors included the
Federal Highway Administration, PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources, the
Jonathan Eshenour Foundation, Milton Hershey School Trust, and the Penn State Milton S.
Hershey Medical Center. I coordinated federal and state grants through the township and PA
Department of Transportation. All portions of the trail have been designed to the requirements
of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Official’s (AASHTO) “Guide
for the Development of New Bicycle Facilities” and the Americans with Disabilities Act. One of
my favorite work related moments took place during one of the trail ribbon cutting ceremonies.
As we stood at the presentation, I watched runners, bikers and stroller pushers using the
new trail, stop to personally thank the Eshenours for their community contribution. I was
thrilled to be involved with such a positive institution.


9

Recreation/Transportation Project name: Barnegat
Branch Trail

Site: Ocean County, NJ

Objective: to utilize an
abandoned rail line as a
continuous recreation trail
through four municipalities.
Increase opportunities for
I attended a Trail Design Conference in Harrisburg in 2004, where I met
Andrew Strauss, AICP, a long term consultant for Ocean County
tourism by creating the trail
Department of Recreation and Parks. Andrew was finalizing the Trail as a destination and linking
Masterplan and looking for a partner with trail design and construction the historic villages of
experience, who also had experience working with traffic and roadway
engineers. We kept in touch until the County was ready to move on the Barnegat and Toms River.
construction of the first phase of the trail in 2007. Through Strauss and
Associates, I have wholly enjoyed assisting Ocean County Department Client: Strauss and
of Recreation and Parks with the design trail amenities for the trail Associates/Planners
section previously built and subsequent sections through our continuing
on-call contract for Landscape Architectural and trail planning services.
My team and I developed sign designs for wayfinding along the trail,
trailhead facility design; landscape plans to provide shade to trail users, stabilize the
project areas, and enhance the opportunity for recovery of the indigenous flora and
fauna; trail design for environmentally sensitive areas; conceptual stream crossing
alternatives; and modifications to existing roadway traffic patterns to ensure safety of
the trail user. Additional tasks included evaluation of historically significant structures
adjacent to the trail right-of-way, architectural design of visitor centers, construction
administration assistance, and planning for future development.


8

Recreation Planning Project name: Columbia
River Park
Winner of the 2010
Governors Award
for ....Promoting Site: Columbia, PA
Community and
Economic
Revitalization Objective: to improve a
and the historic recreation facility
Keystone 20th along the Susquehanna River
Anniversary Award that would also support
for an exemplary economic Development and
Parks and environmental enhancement
Recreation project
Improvements to the boat launching ramp involve an improved circulation
system and better staging areas. The new canoe and kayak loading facility will be
Client: Columbia Borough
constructed near the storm water outfall on the north side of the river bridge. The project
incorporates several Best Management Features, which will improve the quality of the
stormwater runoff from the park, and provide healthier environments for adjacent flora and
fauna. More than 20 state and local agencies became involved in the project, with a mission
to turn the downtown riverfront into a tourist attraction. Their combined efforts resulted in an
expansion of the boating facilities, walkways, a kayak launching area, picnic tables, and
pedestrian access to the Susquehanna River.

"There have been lots of exciting changes at the riverfront. And you'll see plenty more coming down
the road," says Leo Lutz, Mayor, Borough of Columbia.

Today, things are looking greener for the environment as well as the economy. Columbia
Borough officials' hard work has brought about some eco-friendly side effects. They've
preserved open space, revitalized a community resource, and provided increased opportunities

for non-motorized transportation.


10
Recreation/Transportation Planning
Additional: To the left are
Gelder Park, Hershey, PA additional projects I have
managed and/or designed.
Gywnn Falls Trail Feasibility Study, Baltimore MD There are too many projects
Bell Tavern Park, East Caln Township, PA for which to include
individual detail in this
Sandy Hills Park Skateboard Park, Lansdowne, MD
venue. However, if there is
Potomac National Scenic Trail, Belmont Bay, VA anything that looks
Cromwell Valley Park, Cromwell, MD interesting, please contact me
and I will be happy to provide
Hershey Recreation Center, Hershey, PA review material.
Mt. Hope Estate and Winery, Mt. Hope, PA
York Heritage Rail/Trail Feasibility Study, York, PA
Contact info:
Honeygo Run Park, Perry Hall, MD
Kfarrell.leed.ap@gmail.com
Dutterer Family Park, Westminster, MD http://www.linkedin.com/pu
Wakefield Valley Community Trail, Westminster, MD b/karla-farrell-rla-aicp-leed-
Eden Mill Dam Rehabilitation, Harford Co., MD ap/8/592/1a4
T: 717.225.6875
Stroud Region Levee Loop Trail, Stroudsburg area, PA


11

Community Planning Project name: The
Hershey Story, The Museum
at Chocolatetown Square

Site: Hershey, PA

Objective: to provide
educational and cultural
opportunities to the
community and visitors and
celebrate the life and legacy
of Milton S. Hershey.
The M.S. Hershey Foundation, engaged Buchart-Horn for landscape architecture and civil
engineering services to develop “The Hershey Story: The Museum at Chocolatetown Square”
The immense building was fitted on a small but prominent W. Chocolate Ave site in the
heart of downtown Hershey, PA. I worked with the building architects, the museum exhibit
designer, Gary Goddard Entertainment, and staff members from the Hershey Museum,
Client: The M.S. Hershey
Hershey Foundation, Hershey Trust Company and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts to Foundation,
ensure the vision for the site and its use and aesthetic, was accomplished while meeting all
the municipal, county and state requirements for Stormwater Management, Highway
Occupancy, Zoning and Land Development.

The museum project necessitated an agreement between several major downtown entities
to share existing downtown parking and the parking garage located immediately behind the
new Museum. Even with this additional coordination, all site related permits and approvals
were obtained as scheduled. Downtown visitors can park in the free parking garage and
visit the Museum, or directly access West Chocolate Ave by the pedestrian Allee
incorporated into the Museum’s site design.


12

Community Planning Project name: The
I worked with the environmental engineers in Columbia Water Company
developing a scope of services that incorporated
sustainable design components that saved space,
energy, the environment and money. The plant fronts
on a prominent street within the historic district and the
Site: Columbia, PA
waterfront, therefore the local Historic review board
was very interested in historically significant buildings
and aesthetic upgrades. The existing concrete and
rubble ice wall and chain link barbed wire fencing was
Objective: to flood-proof
replaced with a reinforced brick wall and black picket and upgrade the 150+ year
fence that complemented the site while maintaining old water plant situated
Plant entrance before… necessary security.
within the Columbia Borough
Historic District as well at the
Susquehanna River floodplain

Client:The Columbia Water
Company

Proposed plant entrance rendering
The original 1848 buildings were maintained, and the original pump buildings that flooded
were rebuilt to be two stories tall. All the buildings were connected with a second story
walkway system to allow access during emergency events. A cellular confinement
pavement system was used in areas infrequently accessed by vehicle in order to minimize
runoff. The project required many environmental/land development approvals, including a
DEP/COE Joint Permit. All site related permits and approvals were obtained as scheduled.


13

Community Planning
Additional: To the left are
Codorus Creek Corridor Revitalization, York, PA additional projects I have
managed and/or designed.
Central York School District Elementary schools, York, PA There are too many projects
Carlisle Barracks Housing, U.S. Army War College, PA for which to include
individual detail in this
York Water Company, York, PA
venue. However, if there is
Hershey Recreation Center, Hershey, PA anything that looks
Eden Mill Dam Rehabilitation, Harford Co., MD interesting, please contact me
and I will be happy to provide
Sunbury Riverfront Masterplan, Sunbury, PA material you might wish to
Marietta-Donegal WWTP, Marietta, PA review.
York City Police Station, York, PA
Contact info:
Kfarrell.leed.ap@gmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pu
b/karla-farrell-rla-aicp-leed-
ap/8/592/1a4
T: 717.225.6875


14

Sustainable Design Project name: West York
Area School District High
School and Middle School
campus

Site: York, PA

High School courtyard before…
Objective: to expand
education facilities, increase
West York Area School the recreation facilities, and
District’s middle school and maintain the Middle School
high school are on a 44 acre campus incorporating the
campus straddling the guidelines of Smart Growth,
…and after the library addition at the courtyard’s far end
border of the two (encouraging development
communities they serves. In order to maintain the proximity to the borough that serves the economy,
population in accordance with Smart Growth, we designed a middle school
within the existing campus rather than looking elsewhere for an easier
community public health and
building lot. Limiting our project space to the available open space enabled the environment.)
the existing middle school be in operation until the new school was complete.
We worked with the school district to obtain adjacent vacant properties and
prepared a subdivision plan to combine the lots. While this school was Client: West York Area
designed and built prior to the PA edict for LEED (Leadership in Energy and
School District
Environmental Design) design, we incorporated many Best Management
Practices into the site design, minimizing stormwater run-off and promoting
pollutant and particulate removal. Expansion to the High School was also
part of the project program.


15

Sustainable Design Project name: Hershey
Center for Applied Research

Site: Hershey, PA

Objective:
Incorporating the guidelines
of Smart Growth,
Winner of the (encouraging development
2009 GBACPA that serves the economy,
Design Award for community public health and
Sustainable Sites the environment.)
The site development principles specify protecting natural resources
& the 2012 and minimizing negative impact on the environment. The 165-acre
Dauphin County parcel incorporates a restored stream, protection of the associated
Premier Award floodplain habitat, native vegetation enhancement, and extensive Client:The Hershey Trust
implementation of Stormwater Best Management Practices. The
for Sustainable development did not disturb areas within the 100-year floodplain Company
and maintained a minimum buffer from the tributary. Center
Growth employees and visitors have the option of alternative transportation,
as it is within a quarter-mile of two bus routes and free shuttle to HCAR. The site also includes
a connection to the Jonathon Eshenhour Memorial Bike Trail located on the property.

The stormwater management plan promotes infiltration and control discharge rates from two
stormwater basins. Stormwater runoff is treated by utilization of rain gardens, vegetated
swales,and bio-swales, and is minimized by the use of vegetated pervious pavement for fire
lanes. The parking lot is divided by linear landscaped bioswales that collect runoff. Small dams
spaced in the swales slow the flow of rainwater, promoting infiltration and allowing solids to
settle out prior to entering the inlet at the end of the swale.


16

Sustainable Design Project name: Butler
Street Green Streetscape

Site: Etna, PA

Objective:
Butler Street Roofs
Remove storm water runoff
from the combined sewer
system while incorporating
the guidelines of Smart
The Borough of Etna is a small Rivertowne
Growth, (encouraging
situated NW of the Allegheny River near development that serves the
Pittsburgh. Etna received a sizable grant from economy, community public
Growing Greener to construct a Green Streetscape to remove runoff
from Butler Street in its Central Business District from health and the environment.)
its Combined Sewer System to minimize the frequency and volume
of combined sewer overflows as well as Urban Runoff reduction.
The Borough proposed the use of ‘Green Street’ BMPs which will encourage development that
serves the economy, community, public health and the environment. Because this streetscape is Client: Etna Borough
home to the borough’s commercial district, it is imperative that the final design take into
consideration the needs of the business community. The installation of ‘rain gardens’ within the
narrow pedestrian area was not feasible . We came up with a design that incorporated the
existing conditions of 100 year old infrastructure, Etna’s ‘Ironworks’ history, traffic patterns, a
limited public works budget, and pedestrian safety by designing an ornamental grating system
that collected the water from the roof drains and impervious surfaces that watered the street
trees and promoted infiltration. The sidewalk trench drain will be locally manufactured cast iron
portraying the historic ‘iron works’ concept, and be in a curvilinear pattern, which emanates
water in a natural pattern, and will include the use of an underground modular storage system.


17

Sustainable Design Project name: Spring
Garden Township Municipal
Complex

Site: York, PA

Objective: to provide
On site tributary to be protected administrative, police and
Spring Garden township desired to public works space while
expand their municipal facility by
developing an available brownfield providing opportunity for
site. Buchart-Horn developed a master education recreation and
site plan in accordance with DCNR
requirements, then generated
conservation.
construction documents for bidding. We identified the physical and cultural aspects of the
site, and how they might affect development of the 54 acre site which included a proposed
administration building, a public works building and proposed recreation facilities. The site
included some challenging natural and cultural site characteristics including steep slopes,
Client: Spring Garden
wetlands, a pond, Mill Creek, a myrid of utility corridors and a railroad right-of-way, limiting Township Board of
opportunities for development. The previous use had been industrial, and required Supervisors
contaminant clean up. It was incumbent on us to consider the contaminants when locating site
components and designing stormwater infiltration measures.

The township desired to include Best Management Practice facilities, providing examples of
low impact design and responsible stormwater management to township residents and
developers. The project included several types of pervious pavement, rain gardens, bio-
swales, special surfaces “inlets” (designed to take runoff from the road surface to a vegetated
swale behind the curb, rather than into a piped system.) oil-grit separators, streambank
stabilization, and forest restoration, andeducational and interpretive placards to illustrate and
explain the BMP’s.


18
“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Public
Public
Beyond the Great Recession - South Central Pennsylvania 2020 Summit.
Speaker and Panelist for the Energy and the Environment Workshop. The Presentations
Presentations
South Central Assembly (SCA) has offered several area wide Policy Summits
that have provided leadership and guidance to help its 8 counties through
difficult times since its creation in 1997. This Summit was designed to help A frequent speaker and
communities and their institutions chart a new course by examining our presenter on sustainable
difficulties and developing recovery and renewal strategies based on the planning topics, including:
Regions' many strengths. My presentation illustrated how Sustainable
Communities can help the economy while complying with social and ecological
sustainability. Beyond the Great
Recession - South Central
Sustainable Rivertownes - Balancing Community, Economy & Environment Pennsylvania 2020
Guest Lecturer: Preserving our heritage, bolstering our economy and protecting Summit.
our environment can happen at the same time with the same investment! REAL
sustainability promotes ALL components of a healthy planet and a healthy
community, not just one or two. There are cool things we have done in the past ‘Sustainable Rivertownes’
that can be incorporated into our future to help us meet environmental and Susquehanna Gateway
economic goals. Learn how the built environment can improve the health, Heritage Area
safety and welfare of not only people and the community, but the environment
as well. Zimmerman Center for
Heritage
Public presentations for planning purposes: Spring Garden Township Municipal
Complex Masterplan; York County Rail Trail Authority Heritage Trail Feasibility
Study; Broadcreek Trail Masterplan, Stroud Region Open space and Recreation
Commission, Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, Columbia Riverpark Master
Site Plan. http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/754491_Columbia-s-River-Park-getting-improvements.html


19
“Most remarks that are worth making are commonplace remarks. The things that
makes them worth saying is that we really mean them.” Robert Staughton Lynd
“Karla - just a quick note to say thanks for you and your team's effort. We had a vision that was
Client &
Client &
expressed in concept only as far as a site design that would keep this a special place and respect the
setting and tradition of the land. You and your team's site design made that vision a reality.”
-- Ken Gall, Director Real Estate, The Hershey Trust Company. Colleague
Colleague
“Karla - Happy New Year! . . . I look forward to continued progress on the BBT and working w/you
and BH this year. You've been a wonderful partner (and super-sub) on this project.”
-- Andrew Strauss, AICP, Principal, Strauss Associates/Planners
remarks
remarks
In my twenty+ years
“Karla, Thanks for your continued professional efforts and support for our River Park Project. We
were very pleased with your presentation at our meeting last night and are eagerly awaiting actual
experience, I have
"ground breaking" as we go forward.” worked with
-- Charles Hershey, Secretary, Columbia Riverpark Focus Group consultants, private
“You Rock!” developers, non-
-- Lori Yeich, Natural Resource Supervisor, Department of Conservation & profit organizations,
Natural Resources
municipalities,
“Karla, Thanks so much for a great presentation, and for arranging the DEP meeting and getting the county agencies,
kind of results we were looking for.” state bureaus and
-- Tim Herd, Executive Director, Stroud Region Open Space
and Recreation Commission various arms of the
federal government.
“Makes my Friday afternoon just about perfect...after a long week. And 'thank you' to you for this
great result!
To the left are some
-- Gwen Loose, CPRP, Executive Director, YCRTA comments about my
work.
“Karla – I know people don’t come right and say things like this, but WELL DONE! I know there was
a reason why I encouraged the Stroud Region to go with you and Buchart Horn. The project is just as (References
it was envisioned, and it’s great! I was glad to have an opportunity to work with you. “ available upon
-- Chuck Reid, former Executive Director, Stroud Region Open space and Recreation
Commission request.)
“Karla, Congratulations! Thanks for keeping Derry Township heading in the right direction.”
-- Glenn Rowe, PE, Chief PA Dept. of Transportation, Traffic Engineering and Permits


20
What use is a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?"
Henry David Thoreau -
When I began my career, I learned Storm water management design
activities
activities
in order to fill out my billable time. This education has been a tremendous West Manchester Zoning
experience because understanding runoff and flood issues helped me to find Hearing Board, Vice-
ways to incorporate these “engineering” requirements into aesthetic and ecological Chairperson, 2009-
site designs; finding a balance between function and form.
In putting together this portfolio, I noticed the components that make West Manchester Sewer
up my career (that have seemed haphazard at times), work together to support my Authority, Board Member,
need for balance. I have supported growth, but campaigned for low impact 2006-2008
development. I have influenced decision-makers to retain schools within the
existing built community rather than develop a remote farm, by finding innovative Pennsylvania Garden Show of
ways to expand within limitations. I have found ways to allow businesses to grow York 2013, Judge
while minimizing the impact on the planet. I have been fortunate to have had
many clients with similar goals. York County Coummunty
Bike trails have been my passion since 1999 because of the Foundation committtee member
numerous ways a slender pavement course can improve life quality. Trails
provide alternative transportation avenues thereby reducing pollution, provide Green Building Council
recreation and exercise venues, promote healthy lifestyles and walking to school, education committee
and revive small communities that historically had busy downtowns and villages
built around rail stops. Trails also help preserve the original rail rights-of-ways York Conservation Society,
that might someday make it easier to revive mass transportation. In a July 20th Board of Directors, 2008-
2009 National Cities Weekly article, Neal Peirce wrote, "More fitness. America's
obesity epidemic curbed. Less gasoline burned, fewer carbon emissions, safer Susquehanna Greenways
streets, improved access to public transit. Those are just some of the reasons why Guest Lecturer
biking and walking proponents say it's time for the federal government to focus
less on new and expanded highways, and far more on safe pathways and Team Effort participant (repairing
'complete streets' for our towns and cities.” homes of
families in need)
I continue to look to balance the best from the past with opportunities
for the future.

911 Smith Drive York, PA 17408 Phone: 717.225.6875 e-mail: kfarrell.leed.ap@gmail.com

Karla Schweitzer Farrell, rla, aicp leep ap

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