Reconfirmed for a second four-year term last month on Claymont's Design Review Advisory Committee, architect Julie Bierlein offers a unique perspective on planning in the town she proudly calls home. The Community News caught up with Bierlein to discuss her role there.
Q) What compelled you to get involved with the Claymont Renaissance?
A) I had first learned about the Claymont Renaissance after hearing some neighbors talk about the plans for Brookview after I moved to Claymont in the summer of 2000. As an architect and Claymont homeowner, I felt it might be a good way for me to have a voice in directing the future of the community. I was approached by Brett Saddler when the firm I work for was designing the new Claymont Fire Company. He was the person who told me about the Claymont Design Review Advisory Committee and suggested that I might be a good candidate to fill an empty spot on the DRAC. After attending the meetings for a few months I really wanted to get more involved and have a direct role in influencing the changes that were taking place in my community.
Q) What expertise do you believe you contribute to the Design Review Advisory Committee?
A) As an architect, I feel I bring an understanding of basic design and town planning principles as well as an understanding of and sensitivity to how these principles fit within the context of the overall master plan for Claymont.
Q) What do you believe is the promise of Claymont?
A) There are many great things about Claymont that I feel are being augmented and improved by the development that has taken place over the 10 years I have lived here. Most important, in my opinion, is the move towards making Claymont a more walkable place, with conveniences like food, entertainment and shopping, and public amenities such as parks, the train station, and the library within walking distance of residential areas.
Q) What is one key to being an effective communicator with other committee
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MEET JULIE BIERLEIN Age: 41Residence: Green Street, Claymont Company: ABHA Architects Position: Architect and Marketing Coordinator Organizations: Claymont Design Review Committee; Delaware Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, Vice President Education: Wilmington Friends School, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Program for Working Professionals Family: Husband: Daniel Jackson; one son Hobbies: Knitting and weaving |
members?
A) The DRAC is composed of many different people from many different backgrounds with many different personalities. My method of being an effective communicator is making sure I not only think through what I plan on saying before I say it, but also listen carefully to every other member of the committee. It is important to remain diplomatic and to understand that what is important to one person may not be equally as important to another.
Q) What do you believe is the most important function of the DRAC?
A) I think the most important function of the DRAC is its ability to make recommendations to the Department of Land Use regarding proposed development within the Claymont Hometown Overlay District.
