racks, and pedestrian rest stop amenities (seating, water fountains, bathrooms, etc.) • A Route 66 visitor center • Public Art that celebrates El Reno’s history without imitating it • Establish a taskforce or committee to oversee car/racing culture promotion and events in El Reno (Visit; “City”; “Cruising”)
Albuquerque, NM, neon gateway to Nob Hill (NHMS)
Albuquerque, NM Nob Hill Shopping Center (Visit)
Community Engagement A critical step to a successful project is to plan with rather than for a community. To do this, we have been meeting with community leaders and the general public as well as reaching out to the public via our project website and the El Reno Tribune. So far, we have heard a particular desire for walkability, 24 |
Overarching Priorities Learned from Community Engagement Notably, the priorities that we have consistently heard from the Sunset Drive Steering Committee and other community leaders strongly aligns with what was discussed at the general community meeting. The people of El Reno have stated a general want for improved quality of life and economic development along Sunset Drive that capitalizes on their current assets and strengthens El Reno’s unique identity. The three major themes that we have heard specifically emphasize:
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Pedestrian safety and walkability (artistic crosswalks and lighting, bike lanes, accessible sidewalks, street furniture and landscaping, dog stations and trash cans, etc.) Code enforcement (ordinance updates and enforcement, zoning overlays, design review commissions, connecting residents to programs that help pay for house repairs and weatherization, etc.) Facilitation of development for Route 66 tourism and local fun (programming, infrastructure, and quality of life improvements that will incentivize businesses to locate in the area)
