January 9, 2009
                                                                       

                        RE:     Urban Sociologist to Lecture
                                    On the Future of Suburbs

Dear Mayor:

Herbert J. Gans, Columbia University Professor of Sociology and author of such classic studies as The Urban Villagers (on urban renewal in Boston), and The Levittown’s (on the postwar development of Willingboro, New Jersey), will speak on "Imagining the Suburban Future," for the Robert Catlin lecture at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers on Thursday, February 5, 2009, at 5 p.m. in the Special Events Forum.

His lecture will address problems associated with the concept of suburbs now and in the future. He will explore how the very definition of a "suburb" has evolved since the emergence of the first Levittown following World War II.

Also, he will contemplate the future for distant, low-density suburban communities when high-priced gasoline makes its expected return.

Following Dr. Gans' remarks, a three-member panel will offer its reactions.
The panel members include:  William J. Kearns, Jr., General Counsel, New Jersey State League of Municipalities, and former Mayor of Willingboro Jun Choi, Mayor, Edison Township Tim Evans, Research Director, New Jersey Future

A reception will follow.

Please RSVP by January 31 by phone, 732.932.3640, ext. 638; or
E-mail, douge@rci.rutgers.edu

Thank you.

Very truly yours,

 

William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director