The Town of Belfast Comprehensive Plan (2024) has been awarded the 2025 Outstanding Planning Award-Director’s Choice by the Western New York Section of the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association.
The award recognizes a planning initiative that reflects the highest standards of professional excellence while embracing the core values of innovation, collaboration, and community-driven vision. The Belfast plan stood out for its ability to unite local voices, address critical needs, and develop a forward-thinking strategy — despite limited resources.
The plan was developed through a partnership between the town and the Allegany County Office of Planning, with an emphasis on community participation. The plan reflects a year-long effort to gather input from residents, local leaders, and community organizations.
Through public workshops, surveys, and local interviews, the final plan offers a clear vision for economic development, land use, infrastructure, and quality of life in Belfast.
In announcing the award, the selection committee noted: “Your plan’s collaborative vision, steadfast community engagement, and innovative approach despite limited resources demonstrate what is possible when community members unite to create a better future for themselves and generations to come. This work truly represents the very best our industry has to offer.”
The Belfast Comprehensive Plan was recognized for its resilience and creativity in the face of challenges, and for serving as a model of what can be achieved in small, rural communities through inclusive, grassroots-driven planning.
The award was accepted on behalf of the Allegany County Office of Planning and the town of Belfast by Kier Dirlam, director, and Stacy Beardsley, deputy director, during the 2025 Western New York APA Section Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony held on May 14 in Buffalo
ALLEGANY COUNTY SEEKS INPUT ON TRAILS
Allegany County is undertaking a Comprehensive County-Wide Trail Master Plan utilizing a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
This study will be guided by consultants from Larson Design Group and the Allegany County Office of Planning, said W. Brooke Harris, chairman of the county Board of Legislators.
The county-wide trail study plan calls for public feedback. Help shape the future of the Allegany County trail systems; feedback will be used to form the recommendations for future trail improvements across Allegany County.
Harris sadid all responses are anonymous and participants should expect the survey to take up to 10 minutes to complete. To participate in the survey and share your thoughts, go to: tinyurl.com/AlleganyCountyTrails
Visit the project website to find out more about this effort:
https://allegany-county-wide-trails-master-plan-ldginc.hub.arcgis.com/
The county’s tourism website has guides on trails to explore, visit wnywilds.com/category/go-wild/trails/ for more.
