The American Planning Association recently named the Village of Kenmore as “One of the Top 10 Great Neighborhoods” in the United States for 2009, as part of its Great Places in America Program. The program recognizes 10 communities throughout the country for exceptional character and planning.
Kenmore was singled out for its historic architecture, walkable design, accessibility, functionality, and for its community involvement. The Village, which recently celebrated its 110th anniversary of incorporation, is also one the Country’s 100 most dense urban areas, according to the 2000 census.
The American Planning Association presented the award to Mayor Patrick Mang on October 31, 2009. Despite the terrible weather, over 200 Kenmore residents, businesspeople, and public officials came out to celebrate this national award.
"We are thrilled to be named one of the Top 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2009. Everyone who lives and works in Kenmore knows what a special place this is and now so does the rest of the country," stated Mayor Patrick Mang. The Mayor noted that the Village boasts emergency response time of less than two minutes, and that the Village does more full street infrastructure projects than any community its size. He also credited the cooperation between the residents, businesses and government officials for the strong community bond shared by those who live and work in the Village.
APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP noted that "Kenmore shows how valuable and important all of American’s first-ring suburbs are to the metropolitan areas" and that “Kenmore is truly a model worth emulating."