Q & A
with C.R. Willeke, P.E. – NHDOT
How did you first become involved with the Plan NH Charrette Program, and what drew you to volunteer in the beginning?
Former Executive Director Robin LeBlanc was looking for NHDOT volunteers to help navigate and provide input to various charrette teams working in various town and village areas affected by the state highway system traversing thru important community areas. Input was need in terms of NHDOT regulations and standards for items like lane widths, alignments, typical cross sections, driveway permits, traffic control devices, etc… From a previous NHDOT project experience I had with the NH-47 Francestown Main Street improvements during the late 1990’s, where traditional DOT standards were modified to better fit within a historic setting, I became interested in working with people and projects that favored context sensitive solutions to better fit both highway system needs and community needs through thoughtful and cohesive design. Volunteering for charrettes provided this opportunity, as well as a chance to work with very talented professionals on all things related to place making.
What keeps you coming back to participate in charrettes year after year?
Although I don’t have the graphic or artistic skills of other volunteers, I really enjoy looking at community areas and helping to develop infrastructure solutions that create inviting community spaces while still allowing for necessary transportation needs. It’s a good feeling to volunteer your time to help a community, as well as a good chance to work collaboratively with industry professionals. I have also learned a great deal about community planning along the way.
Is there a particular charrette moment or project that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
All of the charrettes were meaningful and important to me but I have lost track of how many I have done! I think the recent popularity of modern roundabouts stands out the most to me. Most communities are looking to slow traffic speeds, introduce “gateway” type elements to their village areas that let motorists know they have arrived at a special place, as well as provide better accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists in their communities. Roundabouts tend to do all these things very well and still handle motorized traffic at the same time.
How have you seen the charrette program evolve during your time as a volunteer?
The general premise and formula for a 2-day charrette has stayed the same over time (which is great) – the largest change I have noticed is the ever-changing technology. High resolution aerial Images, Google Maps, design software, shared working drives, etc... have made field measuring project areas for proposed design elements, assembling reports, and producing graphics faster and easier for public presentations. However, those technologies still don’t hold a candle to a good hand drawn architectural sketch that still brings vivid life to a proposed design.
What impact do you believe the charrettes have had on New Hampshire communities?
A very positive impact. The charrette reports produced give the communities are great resource to refer back to as they strive to make changes to their communities. It also provides them a professional reference, so to speak, that lets others know these ideas have professional backing.
What impact do you believe the charrettes have had on New Hampshire communities?
A very positive impact. The charrette reports produced give the communities are great resource to refer back to as they strive to make changes to their communities. It also provides them a professional reference, so to speak, that lets others know these ideas have professional backing.
In what ways has volunteering with Plan NH influenced your own professional or personal growth?
The charrette process has helped me become a better transportation professional by helping me learn how to approach projects from a community place making perspective. Each charrette provides great experience and examples of how to design and implement community improvements, as well as how to listen to and account for stakeholder input.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with multidisciplinary teams during a charrette weekend?
The people - all the professionals - are great to work with and truly embody a team effort, and I also can’t forget to mention all of the great volunteer meals provided to keep us going over the 2-day events.
As Plan NH celebrates 30 years of charrettes, what message or reflection would you like to share about the program’s legacy?
I hope Plan NH will always continue its tradition of helping communities through the charrette process. With so many charrette inspired improvements already implemented by former charrette communities, the evidence is clear that the charrette effort is worthwhile and valuable. Plan NH should be very proud of their efforts to improve communities throughout New Hampshire.
Plan NH is grateful for C.R.'s participation on the following Charrette Teams:
- Chichester, 2014
- Marlow, 2015
- Kensington, 2017
- Wolfeboro, 2021
5. Brentwood, 2023
6. Campton, 2023
7. Newmarket, 2024
8. Hampton, 2025
