Draft:Stuart W. Stein

Stuart W. Stein was a distinguished professor at Cornell University, specializing in city and regional planning. His significant contributions to urban planning and public service include the creation of the Ithaca Commons and the unification of the local bus systems into the TCAT service. Stein's work left a lasting impact on the Ithaca community and beyond.

Early life and education

Stuart W. Stein was born on November 29, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning a bachelor's degree in architecture in 1952 and a master's in city planning in 1954. His academic background laid a solid foundation for his future contributions to urban planning and public service.

Career

Stein began his career as the principal planner for the Rhode Island Development Council from 1954 to 1957. In 1962, he joined the faculty at Cornell University, where he taught until his retirement in 1993. During his tenure, he served twice as chair of the Department of City and Regional Planning. Stein was known for his ability to integrate social and economic functions into urban planning, emphasizing the importance of neighborhoods, towns, and cities in carrying out these functions.

While at Cornell, Stein played a crucial role in the development of the Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall that revitalized downtown Ithaca. This project was initiated in the late 1960s when Stein and three other planning professors were asked by the Ithaca City Planning Board to devise a plan to save the city's decaying downtown. The plan they developed culminated in the creation of the Ithaca Commons in 1974. Stein also contributed significantly to the creation of the TCAT bus service by unifying three local bus systems.

After his retirement from Cornell, Stein remained active in various elected and appointed positions, including chair of the New York State Board on Historic Preservation and the Tompkins County Legislature. His leadership extended to founding the Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA), where he served as Chairman of the Board and Executive Director.

Contributions and achievements

Stein's contributions to urban planning were marked by a strong commitment to community and economic development. He was a key figure in creating the Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance (MEGA), which aimed to provide cost-effective energy solutions for municipalities. His focus on economic development included support for the arts, new businesses, and job creation, helping to make Tompkins County a leader in central New York.

His academic and professional work was characterized by his dedication to community involvement and his innovative approaches to planning and development. He was instrumental in devising strategies for urban renewal, land use planning, and historic preservation. His work on the Ithaca Commons transformed the downtown area into a vibrant pedestrian space that continues to be a central hub for the community.

Awards and recognitions

Throughout his career, Stein received numerous accolades for his contributions to planning and public service. He was honored as a member of the Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP) in 2000. His peers and students remembered him as a mentor and a leader, whose wisdom and guidance left a lasting impact on those he worked with.

Personal life

Stuart Stein was remembered as a mentor and a visionary leader. He lived in Ithaca, New York, with his family and remained active in the community until his passing on June 24, 2014, at the age of 84. Stein's legacy continues through his contributions to urban planning and the many students and colleagues he inspired throughout his career.