LEADERSHIP
The founding principal of Polestar Analysis is Edward Steere, AICP, MSRE. Ed is an expert planner with more than 35 years of experience in both public and private sector roles of planning, real estate development, finance and consulting. He has a working ability to analyze a site and/or community and discern the functions and flows of development, society and commerce, as well as site feasibility and design. He has worked in both small towns, counties and major cities throughout Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
In addition to extensive market analysis experience, Mr. Steere brings a working knowledge from both sides of the development review and approval spectrum that will be critical to determining best practices as well. His career spans service at both municipal government planner roles and in the private-sector design space, project managing design and entitlement of residential, commercial, institutional and industrial uses.
Ed performs market studies on affordable housing, economic development and main street studies, fiscal impact analysis, highest and best use analysis and expert testimony for planning and market analysis.
EDWARD STEERE, AICP, MSRE
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Real Estate and Infrastructure, Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School
Bachelor of Arts, Geography, Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs
CERTIFICATIONS
AICP – American Institute of Certified Planners
NCHMA – National Council of Housing Market Analysts
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Ed has worked in both small towns and major cities throughout Maryland, including
several projects throughout Baltimore and the State of Maryland. Some representative
projects in his portfolio:
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Housing study of Turner Station, Baltimore County, MD – A detailed, parcel-by- parcel analysis of conditions and recommendations for rejuvenating the historically Black community, for the Baltimore County government.
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Economic Development Market Study for the Town of Bel Air, MD
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Tax Increment Financing and Special Taxing District projects – Managed the market analysis and appraisal work for Jefferson Tech Park and Oakdale- Linganore development in Frederick, MD, City of Greenbelt, MD and Southfields in Elkton, MD.
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Fiscal Impact Studies – Projects included the rezoning of National Capital Business Park in Upper Marlboro, MD, a commercial site in North Laurel, Howard County, MD, and a challenge to a housing moratorium and other residential sites.
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Municipal Support Services – Assisting the City of Laurel, MD with updates to their master plan and zoning code. Study for Greensburg, PA for redevelopment of a Main Street site.
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Impact on Value Studies – Supported development of solar arrays, radio towers and other identified uses in zoning with impact on value studies and expert testimony. Supported legal case for groundwater contamination impacts on value.
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Municipal Annexation – Worked with IKEA to annex property into the Town of Perryville, MD for an expanded state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution center, including height studies, impact on value, site design and expert testimony.
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Housing Market Studies – Dozens of affordable communities in Park Heights, Cherry Hill, West Baltimore and South Baltimore, including all the Perkins, Somerset, Oldtown (PSO) redevelopment affordable housing market studies.
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Gas Station Needs – Authored more than 25 gas station needs analysis reports for Royal Farms, Wawa, 7-11, Sheetz, Weis and smaller operators.
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Highest and Best Use – Analyzed a site in Brookville, PA for development. Worked with a marina operator to determine an optimal housing plan.
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Golf Course Market Study for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC).
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Opportunity Zone Study for guidance in policy formulation for local governments to support the opportunity zones associated with the massive Ford Blue Oval City plant development near Memphis, TN.
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Site selection strategy development for gas stations.
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Site selection study for golf driving range entertainment venue in Madison, WI.
ABOUT
Guiding Your Business to Success – Historically, when people have looked for guidance, especially in exploration and discovery, they rely on the navigational cues of the north star, or Polestar. At Polestar Analysis we are here to help guide appropriate decision making in the land planning and real estate development market. Employ us to be your guide, to create and maintain guardrails and to improve the efficiency, success and sustainability of your planning and development needs. We will research and test the market to determine the capacity and/or unmet demand, with a personal touch. We will review code and find pitfalls and make recommendations for efficiencies.
The Polestar advantage is that we have experience in all types of venues, from public sector, to non- profit institutional, to design, and private sector development. We have deep understanding of the relationships of design, zoning, human nature, demand and supply. Our influence is strong in the housing and economic development sectors. But we are also capable in the legal realm of expert witness work and support of specialized permitting and financing projects.
