Category: News

Welcome Jessica

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Jess Lance, AICP

Staff Planner

We’re excited to welcome Jess Lance to our Providence office as a Staff Planner. She holds a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ball State University and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University. Jess is an AICP planner and a member of both the national and Rhode Island chapters of the American Planning Association.

Originally from North Carolina, Jess discovered her interest in planning early on through hands-on work with green infrastructure. She enjoys collaborating with diverse subsets of communities and helping turn ideas into thoughtful, practical projects and plans.

Jess brings experience in community development and municipal planning, including work with the City of Providence’s Department of Planning and Development. Her background includes community engagement, grant writing and management, and strategic planning, with project experience spanning the Providence Great Streets Master Plan, the Woonasquatucket Vision and River Greenway plans, and updates to the Providence Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan and Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, dance, and exploring Providence’s restaurants and art exhibits.

We’re glad to have you on the team, Jess!

 

 

Welcome Caleb

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caleb hunt

survey technician

We’re excited to welcome Caleb Hunt to the Horsley Witten Group Sandwich office as a Survey Technician. Caleb is currently working toward his Bachelor of Civil Engineering, alongside a minor in History, at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

A Sandwich, MA native, Caleb has long been interested in STEM, with a strong focus on urban planning and design, architecture, and environmental remediation, as well as a long-lasting passion for modern history. He previously completed an engineering internship in Sagamore Beach and has held several construction and business roles across Cape Cod. He is now focused on performing fieldwork with the survey team and is enjoying the hands-on experience.

Outside of work, you’ll find Caleb checking out local historic landmarks, shopping for antiques, cruising around New England and Route 6A on the Cape or mapping out his next adventure.

We’re thrilled to have Caleb on the HW team—welcome aboard!

 

 

Welcome Jordan

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jordan claman

HE/HIM

GIS Analyst

The Horsley Witten Group is pleased to welcome Jordan Claman to our Boston office as a GIS Analyst. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Science, Technology, and Society from Tufts University, and recently completed an Urban Planning and Design summer course at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

At Tufts, Jordan was actively engaged in both campus and community efforts, serving as the Operations Director for 91.5 WMFO Tufts Freeform Radio, working as a campus tour guide, and running with the Tufts Marathon Team. Recently, he worked with Action for Boston Community Development to provide GIS support for surveying and outreach.

Jordan’s professional background includes internships with Recover Green Roofs, the Somerville Community Corporation, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Most recently, he served as a Senior GIS Analyst at an environmental consulting firm in the Boston area, where he specialized in advanced geospatial analysis and database management for a range of environmental applications.

His current work includes spatial analysis and mapping support for comprehensive planning projects, interactive web-mapping for climate resilience planning and design, and GIS processing for the Massachusetts Integrated Land Use Strategy project, which will support integrated land-use planning across the state.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys running, swimming, and traveling—especially visiting local favorites such as Walden Pond and Mystic Lakes. When not working he can be found at his favorite independent cinemas in the Boston area, including the Brattle Theater and the Coolidge Corner Theater, of which he is an active member.

We are delighted to welcome Jordan to HW and look forward to the expertise and energy he brings to our team!

 

 

 

Chicopee Comprehensive Plan Wins APA Award

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HW Celebrates City of Chicopee’s Award-Winning Comprehensive Plan

Envision Our Chicopee: 2040 Recognized by American Planning Association Massachusetts Chapter

Horsley Witten Group (HW) applauds the City of Chicopee, whose first-ever comprehensive plan, Envision Our Chicopee: 2040, was recently awarded the 2025 Comprehensive Planning Award by the American Planning Association’s Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA). The award recognizes the plan’s innovation, quality, and impact in guiding the city’s long-term growth.

HW led the planning effort for Envision Our Chicopee: 2040, working closely with the Chicopee Department of Planning & Development, a volunteer steering committee, and the community. Launched in 2019, the process engaged residents and stakeholders through surveys, digital open houses, and other creative approaches adapted for pandemic conditions at the time.

The APA-MA Comprehensive Planning Award is presented annually to outstanding plans, programs, or projects, including comprehensive and master plans, environmental conservation strategies, housing plans, and economic development initiatives. Chicopee’s plan received the award in recognition of its contribution to the city’s long-term vision.

 

“This recognition underscores the beginning of a renaissance for the City of Chicopee,” said Jeff Davis, Senior Planner at Horsley Witten Group. “The plan reflects the city’s vision for a more equitable, vibrant, and resilient future, and we’re grateful to APA-MA for honoring the work of everyone who contributed to making it possible.

“We are honored APA-MA has recognized Envision Our Chicopee: 2040,” said Lee Pouliot, Director of Planning & Development. “Today, with the adoption of Envision Our Chicopee: 2040, Chicopee now has a vision for its future and a roadmap of priority projects to ensure that vision is realized.  I am proud of the work our Planning Team, led by Horsley Witten Group accomplished under trying circumstances, and honored to have watched the Planning Board adopt and the City Council endorse this plan.  We look forward to working with all stakeholders as implementation efforts continue.” 

Envision Our Chicopee: 2040 provides a framework for sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and quality of life. It outlines key priorities, including a complete zoning code update, mixed-use and infill development, preservation of historic and natural resources, and initiatives to maintain equity and inclusion across the city. The plan was unanimously approved by the Chicopee Planning Board and endorsed by the City Council.

 

Welcome Liz

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elizabeth perry

administrative coordinator

The Horsley Witten Group is excited to announce that Elizabeth Perry (Liz) has joined our Sandwich Operations Team as an Administrative Coordinator. Liz earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics from Southern New Hampshire University. She has years of experience in bid preparation, estimating, finance, plan review, and sales support.

A lifelong learner, Liz is always looking to improve her skills. She appreciates technology and is happiest when helping others to analyze and improve processes. Liz has worked independently for herself, thrived as a cost estimator and administrative assistant in the commercial construction field, and as a stay-at-home parent.

 

Liz grew up in Swansea and was surrounded by relatives who immigrated from Portugal. Grandparents and parents who made their livelihoods working in textile mills and fishing nearby waters shared important life skills with her like sewing, textile arts, fishing, and map study. In high school she enjoyed field hockey (wishing the school had a girl’s ice hockey team), softball, and the drama club. She appreciates fine art and spending time with her family. She is a hockey fan from a hockey family and when not working she can be found at an ice rink cheering on her three children, of whom two are goalies! Liz also enjoys knitting, embroidery on kid’s t-shirts, and sewing. Welcome to HW Liz, we are so happy that you are here!

 

 

Welcome Casey

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casey proto

staff Scientist

The Horsley Witten Group is happy to announce that Casey Proto has joined our Sandwich Restoration team as a Staff Scientist. Casey recently earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science, Safety, and Environmental Protection from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA). During his time at MMA, Casey enjoyed being a peer tutor in the chemistry department and being part of a study on eelgrass health and its abundance in Buzzards Bay. Additionally, Casey had the opportunity to mentor underclassmen students during a tropical ecology field course at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.

Casey has completed internships with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC). As a Compliance Intern in the Ship Operations Department at WHOI, Casey worked to ensure the Institution’s vessel operations complied with safety and environmental regulations through reviewing and drafting documents and protocols.  At APCC, Casey collected and analyzed water samples from freshwater ponds to identify and quantify cyanobacteria. His current project portfolio includes a watershed assessment, environmental due diligence assignments, GIS work, and field work related to water sampling and topographic surveying.

Growing up in Centerville, Casey enjoyed the various Cape Cod landscapes and the numerous hiking trails, which grew his appreciation for the local environment. When not working he can be found golfing, reading, or hiking with his Golden Retriever Charlie.

Welcome to HW Casey, we are glad you are here!

 

 

EPA Contract will Support Programs to Protect Drinking Water Supplies

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Tom Noble Training

hw awarded $10 million EPA contract

hw news release

Emergency preparedness, response and recovery programs to protect public drinking water supplies

Horsley Witten Group, a full-service environmental consulting firm providing sustainable and resilient design solutions, has been awarded a five-year contract valued at up to $10 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Under the terms of the agreement, Horsley Witten Group will develop, implement and support programs to protect the nation’s drinking water and wastewater systems from natural disasters, man-made incidents, and the effects of climate change.

Working with the EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience Division (WICRD), some highlights of Horsley Witten Group support will include developing emergency response training and workshops, conducting risk assessments, developing cyber risk management solutions and identifying contamination mitigation strategies for community drinking water systems.

The contract represents the EPA’s latest engagement with Horsley Witten Group since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, when the agency initiated federally mandated activity to protect the nation’s drinking water supplies against terrorist attacks.

In 2022, the EPA honored Horsley Witten Group with its Small Business Award, recognizing the organization for its exemplary customer support, technical adaptiveness, and responsiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We look forward to continuing our longstanding and productive partnership with the U.S. EPA to help safeguard the nation’s drinking water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities. For more than two decades we have worked closely together to create sustainable solutions to ensure that water and wastewater utilities are resilient from a wide range of natural, man-made, and nefarious threats.”
Thomas Noble, Sr. Project Manager, Principal, Horsley Witten Group

 

 Learn More 

 

Lily Pond Park Design Wins Award

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Lily pond park design wins award from ri-asla

HW News Release

Horsley Witten Group, a full-service environmental consulting firm providing sustainable and resilient design solutions, was honored with a regional American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Merit Award-Planning and Analysis for the Lily Pond Park Master Plan on Nantucket.

ASLA Rhode Island presented the award to Horsley Witten, recognizing its vision for restoring the ecological and recreational function of the park, a 6.5‐acre property located within the residential outskirts of historic downtown Nantucket and owned by the Nantucket Land Bank.

Though the park itself encompasses only 6.5 acres, the plan presents a preferred approach to clean runoff from 90 acres of residential land surrounding the site using green stormwater infrastructure. In recent years, both the health of surrounding wetlands and park usage have been negatively impacted not only by unmanaged stormwater runoff, but also clogged drainage infrastructure, and invasive vegetation. The key design elements include a new looped boardwalk system over the restored wetland for improved accessibility, additional seating areas, park entrance enhancements, and restoration of a shallow marsh system. Constructed wetlands will be used to treat stormwater runoff coming into the park.

In granting the Merit Award, ASLA Rhode Island offered the following praise for the Horsley Witten Group, “The Lily Pond Park Master Plan presents a preferred approach to restore and diversify wetland habitats, treat runoff with green stormwater infrastructure, and enhance the user experience with improved connectivity. Blending of the visitor experience with water quality and habitat enhancement and analyzing the site within its overall watershed makes the Lily Pond Park Plan a unique example of how we should be designing all sites within their larger ecological systems.”

The team completed the plan in August 2021. Since plan adoption, The Nantucket Land Bank secured a 2023 Southeast New England Program (SNEP) Stormwater and Natural Infrastructure Grant to help fund the construction and monitoring of proposed improvements. Due to the success of the Lily Pond Master Plan, the Nantucket Land Bank has also partnered with the town on a Stormwater Feasibility Study for Downtown Nantucket, using a similar planning approach. Advanced design development and permitting for the Lily Pond Improvements are expected to get underway in spring 2024.

“We are honored to receive recognition from ASLA Rhode Island for our work with the Nantucket Land Bank for the restoration of Lily Pond Park,” said Nathan Kelly, President, Horsley Witten Group. “Our talented team of landscape architects, engineers, and wetland biologists are proud to be closely aligned with ASLA’s mission to participate in the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of cultural and natural environments.”

“We are grateful to be partnering with the Horsley Witten Group on the Lily Pond Park project,” said Jesse Belle, Executive Director of the Nantucket Land Bank. “Their master plan has provided us with an incredible opportunity to restore the wetland at this beloved public park, creating a space where both people and nature can interact and thrive. The project furthers the Land Bank’s goals of preserving scenic views, protecting ecological resources, and enhancing recreational experiences in nature for people to enjoy.”

VIEW THE DESIGN SUBMITTAL

 

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EPA Award Announcement

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The EPA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization has recognized Horsley Witten Group for outstanding small business accomplishments. The announcement was made during the Annual Small Business Program Awards Ceremony on May 5, 2022. These awards recognize program activities, individuals, businesses, and state and local entities for their outstanding contributions during Fiscal Year 2021.

HW was one of two small business contractors acknowledged for Outstanding Accomplishments by a Small Business Contractor.

“Thank you, Horsley Witten Group, for your exemplary customer support and technical adaptiveness, acquisition specific managerial, and responsiveness during COVID-19. Thank you for your outstanding commitment.” -EPA award annoucement

For more information, please view the Administrator’s 32nd Annual Small Business Program Awards Ceremony press release and awards ceremony recording.

 

“The Horsley Witten Group is honored to have been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its work in supporting the Agency and its mission. Our firm addresses environmental and social challenges with sustainable solutions and it is gratifying to work with a federal agency that thinks the same way.”

– Tom Noble, HW Principal

 

 

Macomber Stadium Wins Awards

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NARRAGANSETT BAY COMMISSION
Macomber Stadium

The Narragansett Bay Commission is implementing final phases to reduce Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) in Pawtucket and Central Falls. One part of this large endeavor is the award-winning green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) project at the Macomber Stadium located in Central Falls.

 

“A combined sewer system (CSS) collects rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater into one pipe. Under normal conditions, it transports all the wastewater it collects to a sewage treatment plant for treatment, then discharges to a water body.” 

– U.S. EPA

In 2020 and 2021 this project received awards from two vastly different organizations. First, a “Stormy Award” from the New England Stormwater Collaborative recognized the project as the “Best Stormwater Idea” at the annual New England Stormy Awards. Second, more recently,  the American Sports Builder’s Association named Macomber Stadium “Outstanding Single Field Facility of the Year,” which is a national award. Awards aside, we are proud to have worked with NBC and collaborated on this GSI project with Pare Corp., and Stantec.

The new state-of-the-art synthetic turf athletic field includes a subsurface infiltration system and sand filter with enough capacity to treat and infiltrate a 25-year design storm. The system captures runoff from over six acres of surrounding impervious surfaces. Other GSI features include a permeable paver mezzanine and stormwater bio swales. New landscaping also provides streetscape appearance and overall curb appeal.  The project also restored a contaminated site to its highest potential. Over 10,000 tons of contaminated soils were removed while other soils were encapsulated under an engineered cap that doubles as the final site surface.

Learn More:

Video by Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank
RIIB Project Funding = New Community Sport Fields!!

New England Stormwater Collaborative

American Sports Builder’s Association