LaBella Receives Three Honors from the American Planning Association New York Upstate Chapter
Two LaBella Projects, One LaBella Celebrated at 2025 Professional Awards
On October 9, 2025, professional planners, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate originality, innovation, engagement, and successful implementation in community planning at the American Planning Association New York Upstate Chapter’s 2025 Professional Awards Program during the chapter’s Annual Conference.
Award categories include Comprehensive Planning, Best Practice, Grassroots Initiative, Implementation, Public Outreach, Great Places in Upstate NY, and Distinguished Leadership.
LaBella is proud to share that two projects and one distinguished leader were recognized at the event—each a testament to our experience in translating client visions and community engagement into planning initiatives that help communities see their full potential.
Scroll down to learn more about the award winners, who are shaping communities in Upstate New York. Congratulations!
City of Batavia Comprehensive Redevelopment & Placemaking Strategy
LaBella has collaborated with the City of Batavia for more than 15 years to advance a long-term redevelopment and placemaking strategy for the City’s central core, which includes Downtown and an adjacent legacy industrial district. Through participation in New York State’s Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) program and with Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding, the revitalization efforts have helped the City strategically implement a mix of high-priority housing, commercial, and public projects totaling more than $100M over time that have had a transformational impact on the City’s vitality.
The project received the 2025 Implementation award, which recognizes an effort that accomplishes positive changes as a result of planning, with long-term, measurable results.
Full Project Details
City of Hornell Union Square Park & Streetscape Improvements
LaBella completed conceptual plans through construction drawings to transform a former dry-cleaning store and vacant lot site into the new Union Square Park in the City of Hornell, New York. Designed with public gatherings in mind, the project features multiple spaces that are linked together by an integrated walkway network.
LaBella also worked with the City of Hornell to design streetscape enhancements for the downtown area, focusing on improving pedestrian connections, providing wayfinding signage, and creating opportunities for public art installations.
Together, the two DRI-funded projects have made the City a truly great place in Upstate New York.
The project received the 2025 Great Places in Upstate NY award, which recognizes public spaces which demonstrate exemplary character, quality, and planning, having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.
Full Project Details
Barbara Johnston, AICP, LEED AP ND, Distinguished Leader
In her nearly 20 years with LaBella, Barbara Johnston, AICP, LEED AP ND, has demonstrated tremendous expertise in community planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement. She has prepared numerous comprehensive plans and strategic plans for agricultural preservation, downtown revitalization, waterfront redevelopment, economic development, and transportation services.
Congratulations to Barbara for being named a 2025 Distinguished Leader, receiving the Michael J. Krasner Professional Planner Award, which is presented to an individual for sustained contribution to the profession through distinguished practice, teaching, or writing.
