Assistant Extension Educator in Residence, University of Connecticut, 2006 - present, working with the Green Valley Institute as Community Design and Finance Educator.

Research Assistant, University of Connecticut, 2002 - 2006, working with the Green Valley Institute. 

Stahl & Associates, Financial Management Services, 1987-present

Finance Director, Town of Columbia (PT), 1988-2000

B.S.      Finance, University of New Haven, 1980
M.B.A.  University of Connecticut, 1982
B.S.      Landscape Architecture, University of Connecticut, 2001

Licensed Landscape Architect (CT #1081) - 2007

As an extension educator I have developed and taught a number of outreach education programs and workshops for the Green Valley Institute. The following is a summary of the topics my programs cover.

Economics of Land Use – The program provides communities the solid basis to make wise land use decisions that will impact the fiscal health of  their town.   Although a very dry topic, the format includes many maps, pictures and local case studies that participants actually enjoy learning about mill rates and grand lists.  Attendees have stated that they now have a clear understanding of the fiscal effect of land use decisions.  Several that are involved with economic development for their town have said that it has changed their focus in attracting business to their town.

Growth and Rural Character – This program looks at ways for new development to fit in contextually with a town’s rural or historic character.  With examples from around the country and other towns in Connecticut, I demonstrate how a building can enhance a community.  The impact from this presentation has been the of commercial design standards for several communities in the QSHC.

Win-Win of Conservation Subdivisions – This program illustrates the difference between a traditional subdivision and a conservation subdivision that is designed with the land.  Many successful subdivisions are discussed and analyzed, and a 112 acre parcel is used as an example for study and creation of a conservation subdivision. The impact from this program are many towns now have revised their regulations to require conservation subdivisions.

Main Street Revitalization – This program explores how other communities have revitalized their downtowns.  The nation’s shopping habits have changed drastically over the last 20 years, and many downtowns have not adapted to this change.  The shift first to malls and now to e-shopping and left our town centers empty.  Town centers are more than just a shopping area they are a communities heart and soul and in most cases collectively the largest taxpayer and employer.  After this program attendees understand the value of their town center and have learned from other examples solutions that would be applicable to their town.

Conservation Development Options – Finding a Balance That Works – This program is team taught with other GVI staff and in partnership with The Nature Conservancy.  The Eastern CT Realtors Association requested that we develop a 3-hour program to instruct their members in development options.  This workshop has consistently received very high evaluations.  A lag survey found that 50 realtors now understand conservation subdivisions, the value of land protection and alternatives that they can offer to their clients.

Learning-Service Projects -  Frequently one of the towns in the QSHC has a land use planning concern that could be best addressed by the presentation of various options.  By working with Landscape Architecture faculty, I am able to provide LA students with a real-life situation while providing the towns with an opportunity to interact with students and learn what alternatives are available for their town.  The project usually begins in the classroom with student research and discussion, then a community charrette for the townspeople and the students to interact.  After the students have worked with their faculty in providing a solution to the towns needs, the students present their ideas to the town.   This program has been very successful, the reaction by both students and townspeople has been very positive, and the towns continue to develop those ideas and several have received grant funds as a result. 

HORT 202- Design of Small Spaces; capstone course for a minor in Landscape Architecture.

My research focuses on exploring the tools and techniques communities across the country have used to successfully plan the future land use of their town. This data is then developed into educational programs to bring the information to the towns in the Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor.

By combining my municipal financial background with community planning, I am able to conduct studies of the fiscal effect of build-out on the cost of community services.  This research is vital to understand the future fiscal effect of land use decisions that are made today, the resulting educational programs help the towns in the Corridor meet the challenges of the future.

Alexopoulos, J., Stahl, P, Ricard, R. 2007. Urban Tree Selection Manual: A Guide for Selecting Trees for the Urban Environment. University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication.

Stahl, P., Westa, S. 2007. Community Involvement.  University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System, Community Planning Fact Sheet No. 13.

Auer, C., Stahl, P., Drinkuth, H. 2007 Wetland Plants. University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System, Community Planning Fact Sheet No. 14.

Stahl, P., S.P. Westa. 2006. Villages and Town Centers. University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System, Community Planning Fact Sheet No. 7.

Drinkuth, H, P. Stahl. 2006. Funding Open Space in Connecticut. University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System, Community Planning Fact Sheet No. 4.

Levite, R., P. Stahl. 2006. Funding Open Space in Massachusetts. University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System, Community Planning Fact Sheet No. 5.

Stahl, P., R. Levite, S.P. Westa. 2005. Saving Land Saves Taxes. University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System, Community Planning Fact Sheet No. 2.

Stahl, P. & S.P. Westa. 2005. Win-Win of Subdivision Design. University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System, Community Planning Fact Sheet No. 3.

Stahl, P. & S.P. Westa. 2005. How GVI Can Help Your Town. University of Connecticut, Cooperative Extension System, Community Planning Fact Sheet.