During a public meeting Wednesday at UNM-LA, Board President Chris Velasco of PLACE (Projects Linking Art Community & Environment), discusses the components that Los Alamos residents and community leaders said in previous meetings that they want to see in a catalytic project developed for downtown Los Alamos. Photo by Salvador Zapien

 President Chris Velasco explains that PLACE is a nonprofit that builds sustainable communities. To learn more, visit http://welcometoplace.com/ Photo by Salvador Zapien 

President Chris Velasco of PLACE said that local feedback placed “Housing” in the 12 oclock or “Top” position on the project components wheel. Photo by Salvador Zapien

Los Alamos resident Andrea Cunningham asks a question during Wednesday’s PLACE presentation at UNM-LA as Lynn Strauss looks on. Nearly every hand in the room raised up when the audience was asked “who would like to see this project move forward.” Photo by Salvador Zapien

. President Chris Velasco of PLACE explains the project’s development structure. Photo by Salvador Zapien

Chris Velasco told the audience that the implementation plan calls for $2.7 million in seed money coming from a combination of County, State and Federal funding sources to enable PLACE officials to pull in $50 million to $100 million for the local project. Photo by Salvador Zapien

Audience members broke into small groups to chat following the PLACE presentation. At right, Council Chair Sharon Stover and Executive Director Kevin Holsapple of the Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation speak with PLACE President Chris Velasco. Stover said that the County Council will hear more about the PLACE project and other economic development projects during its June 19 work session at FIre Station 3 in White Rock. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com