Geography and Planning

James Bensley is a veteran planning practitioner and member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.  In his role as Director of the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development, Bensley oversees the agency’s staff and work program to evaluate proposals for the short and long-term physical development of land, implement GIS, manage the County Marine Park, offer technical assistance to municipalities that seek to adopt, revise and administer land use policy, engage in grant writing and enhance the community’s quality of life.  His professional interests and involvement include comprehensive land use planning, environmental site analysis, zoning and land use law and legislation, farmland protection, waterfront revitalization, standardized training for local officials, and inter-municipal cooperation.

He teaches Principles of Urban and Regional Planning (PLN 315), Land Use Planning and Zoning (PLN 340), and Comprehensive Planning Strategies (PLN 401).