2017
Best Practices
How to build a Better Block? TE A M BE T TER BLOCK
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.� - Margaret Mead
BEST PRACTICES
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLO C K
4
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
INTRODUC TION
The fundamental unit of culture, of group connection, is the block. Neighbors are bound by them. Neighborhoods delineated by them. Highway exits don’t define communities. Blocks do. Whether we’re conscious of it or not, the design of any block tells us whether or not we’re welcome there. People hunger for connection. Our instincts drive us to find reasons to get out of the car, to grab a coffee and stay, to take a seat in the fresh air, to talk, to linger. To city makers, Team Better Block are the urban planning experts who unlock the interest and creativity of the public with a process that designs for community, connection, and commerce from the ground up. It takes time to create great places and there is no single formula to achieve this greatness. Each new Better Block requires iteration and adaptation which constitutes the great strength of the process. Better Block forefronts the act of making and helps communities build powerful connections around the shared experience of creating a vision for the future together.
Team Better Block info@teambetterblock.com | (214) 883-9982 PO Box 4007 Dallas, TX 75208 info@teambetterblock.com
5
BEST PRACTICES
HOW TO RE AD THIS REPORT ? Team Better Block has worked with over 150 communities across five countries to develop Better Block projects. Looking at these past projects, the team identified four different types of Better Blocks according to their scale and urban context.
C ATEGORIES
M A I N S TR E E T
NEIGHBORHOOD
Main streets are a vital part of a city’s public open space system. They function as movement corridors for pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and vehicles. They also support many social and business activities. These projects address the appearance and character of main streets that play a large part in determining the overall quality of life, economic health, and livability of the city.
The projects in this category focus on adapting low-density communities into sustainable, mixed-use spaces that reduce urban sprawl and the dependence on cars. Examples show how residential subdivisions can be reinvented and revitalized through changes in transit patterns, rezoning for mixed use, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings and roads.
PA R K S & P L A Z A S
OTHER
These projects try to answer how existing public spaces can be examined and reformed to produce new vitality to the city. Based on placemaking principles, this category approaches public space from a people perspective—based on community needs and programming.
As urban conditions change, we are being challenged with more unique problems that do not fit into a single category. “Other” category deals with dead shopping malls, underperforming industrial and business parks, empty big-box stores, worn-out strip malls, etc.
6
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
7
BEST PRACTICES
TOOL S New technologies and manufacturing processes allow us to add elements to the street to slow drivers and improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists without costly design processes and long construction period. Through different projects, Team Better Block identified a palette of interventions — a toolbox that can be used for rapidly deploying projects and testing ideas in any city. These different strategies embrace improvisation where locally sourced materials may be available to ďŹ ll the same functions as the commonlyused items. Tools listed here have the ability to create an entirely new environment within the space by using modular and portable components that change the shape or aesthetic of the space. Temporality of their use differs in each project and it depends on ambitions of the community and the reception of the city officials. Look for these colors when installations are identified in the following pages.
P E R M A N EN T I N S T AL L ATI O N
BIKE LANE
8
CROSSWALK
T E M P O RA R Y I N S T AL L AT I O N
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
POP-UP SHOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
LANDSCAPING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BO X
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
C A SE STUDIES The report is composed of case studies that demonstrate the principles of building a better block in practice. The primary aim of this section is to highlight the best practices from each project. Each case study includes basic summary facts and project statistics, a description of the design process, evaluation of the project’s success and limitations, lessons learnt and the value gained, and selected comments by clients, users and community groups. Following pages explain the layout that is used to guide the reader through the projects.
9
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
TH I S I S W H ERE TH E N AM E O F TH E EVEN T G O ES. LOCATI ON
TH E M AP SH O W S TH E LO CATI O N O F TH E BETTER BLO CK.
TIME
TH E D ATE O F TH E EVEN T CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PRO J ECTS ARE CATEG O RI Z ED ACCO RD I N G TO TH EI R SCALE AN D URBAN CO NTEX T. BLU E CO LO R I D ENTI F I ES TH E CATEG O RY FO R TH E PRO J EC T.
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
W I K I B L OC K
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
I N TERVEN TI O N S ARE CATEG O RI ZED I N TO TW ELVE D I F F EREN T ELEM ENTS . PERM ANEN T I N TERVEN TI O N S ARE TAG G ED W I TH G REEN CO LO R. TEM PO RARY I N TERVEN TI O N S ARE TAG G ED W I TH Y ELLO W CO LO R.
PARTNERS
PARTNERS O F TH E PRO J ECT ARE LI STED I N TH I S SECTI O N 10
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
EACH PRO J ECT I S EX PLAI N ED TH RO UG H BEFO RE-AF TER PH O TO S. ‘BEFO RE’ I S SH O W N F I RST. PH O TO S F RO M TH E D AY O F TH E BETTER BLO CK FO LLO W S I M M ED I ATELY .
11
BEST PRACTICES
C A SE STUDIES
NOV.4T H , 2017
FORT WAYNE , IN - COLUMBIA AVENUE
p.122
OC T.28 T H , 2017
FORT WORTH, T X LINWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD
12
p.106
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
OC T.21 S T, 2017
BUFFALO, NY FRUIT BELT NEIGHBORHOOD
p.86
M AY 6 T H , 2017
HAVERHILL , M A MERRIM ACK STREET
p.10
AUG.26 T H , 2017
PIT TSFIELD, M A T YLER STREET
p.62
GREENSBORO, NC COLLEGE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD
p. 32
OC T.21 S T, 2017
13
BEST PRACTICES
C AS E S TUDY #1
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N
HAVERHILL, MA
14
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
INTRODUC TION
Healthy commercial streets have a street wall that creates an intimate, walkable environment. This principal is called human scale and it is achieved when buildings frame a street at a 1:2 ratio and have active storefronts and interesting facades with active uses. In this project, the team came up with strategies which addressed breaks in the street wall on Merrimack Street. These fragmentations of the environment reduce walkability, safety and commerce. The Goecke deck and surface parking lot created the largest break in the street wall on Merrimack St. The project focused primarily on spanning 300 ft of the parking lot with active uses. The concept was created through input from the community, property owners, business owners and the City of Haverhill. Vibrancy in cities does not just happen, it is programmed. The Haverhill Better Block mixed live music, a beer garden, a theater, pop-up shops, bike rides, and food to create an experience that can be duplicated in the future. Mixing this program with a calmed street, new public space, and opportunities for entrepreneurs is what Haverhill needs to replicate to achieve an active street life.
E VALUATION
A total of $5,300 of total revenue and $331.25 in sales tax was generated between 11 AM and 7 PM on an empty parking lot and an under-used plaza on a Saturday where weather was a negative factor in participant turnout. From those who responded to the questionnaire, the average revenue for a pop up shop the day of Better Block was $441.00 per vendor. The scaffolding market generated $662.50 per hour that the vendors’ pop up storefronts were open.
“More generally, the crowds, especially once the sun came out and the music started, were indicative of a desire of Haverhill residents across the spectrum to having something fun and unique to do on the weekend. This isn’t just millennials—my daughter (age 1.5) and my dad (almost 70), were neither the youngest, nor the oldest people enjoying themselves at the Better Block on Saturday. We’ve talked about how important it is to have unique cultural experiences in order to keep people happy and investing in the city. The scaffolding market was designed to showcase what a difference having a building with active storefronts instead of a parking lot makes in terms of making a dynamic urban street. The pedestrian improvements and street furniture were designed to demonstrate how to make the area more attractive for residents and shoppers. This is the type of activity that keeps people feeling like they want to live and invest in a good place and will help retail fill in on that block and attract additional, more permanent redevelopment and investment in the future.”
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BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
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T E AM BET TER BLOCK
17
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
18
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
19
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
20
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
DU R I N G B E T T E R B L O C K
21
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
22
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
23
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
24
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
25
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
26
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
27
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
28
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
29
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
30
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
31
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
HAVERHILL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
HAVERHILL, MA
TIME
May 6th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRU CK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, A1 Cafe and Restaurant, Barrets Cafe, City of Haverhill, Creative Haverhill, Haverhill Police Department, Haverhill Farmer’s Market, O+ Festival, Inc, Pentucket Bank, Riverside Cycles
32
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
33
BEST PRACTICES
C AS E S TUDY #2
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N
GREENSBORO, NC
34
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
INTRODUC TION
A collaboration of the College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro and Team Better Block “College Hill for Everyone” brought new livability options to College Hill neighborhood and expanded tools for other parts of town. College Hill for Everyone combined traffic calming, signage, branding and community events to strengthen the identity of the neighborhood. The first phase of the project took place on August 1st to visualize what the program will become in the future. A final plan and recommendations for further implementation will occur in the Fall of 2017. The goal is to have an even more connected neighborhood that invites residents and visitors to interact and enjoy each other’s company.
E VALUATION
Probability of Pedestrian Death or Injury 22
mph
32
mph 20 15 5
LOW
25
MEDIUM
30
20
35
HIGH
15 45
Before Street Improvements
5
LOW
25
MEDIUM
30 35
HIGH
45
After Street Improvements
This is an ongoing project but here are some initial findings: • The neighborhood is culminating around the idea of College Hill for Everyone and is gaining attention as the fun place to live. • The parklet is now a destination place. College students have given it a hashtag and use it to meet-up, grade school children wait for the bus in it and neighbors drop in for a drink after work. • The project has encouraged other neighborhoods to take on initiatives with alternative funding sources and methods.
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BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
36
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
DU R I N G B E T T E R B L O C K
37
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
38
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
39
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
40
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
41
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
42
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
43
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
44
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
45
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
46
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
47
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
48
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
49
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
50
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
51
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
52
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
53
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
54
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
55
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
56
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
57
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATION
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGO RY
M A I N ST R EET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
58
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
59
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
GREENSBORO BETTER BLOCK LOCATION
GREENSBORO, NC
TIME
August 1st, 2017 CATEGO RY
M A I N ST R EET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP, College Hill Neighborhood Association, City of Greensboro
60
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
61
BEST PRACTICES
C A S E S TUDY #3
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N
PITTSFIELD, MA
62
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
INTRODUC TION
In collaboration with Team Better Block, Mass Development sought to pilot an alternative approach to improving livability in Pittsfield, MA. This process challenged communities to take immediate action to improve livability using do-it-yourself methods pioneered by the Better Block Project. The 650’ block of Tyler St. between Smith St. and Courtland scored the best in building form, vacancy, connectivity, street section, and public spaces according to our Better Block survey. Its best attributes were a good street wall on the southern side with multiple vacancy potentials, a historic firehouse that has not been in use since 2003, and a former gas station that has created headaches from loitering and trash. Furthermore, resident and business support, pedestrian activity, and neighborhood character set this block apart from within the TDI corridor. The historic firehouse was selected as our main programing site, but also to give the neighborhood a chance to see inside after so many years of collective memory had been shuddered from public view. Furthermore, we focused on the building form of the commercial buildings opposite the firehouse, and the multiple opportunities it would provide for pop up businesses during the event.
E VALUATION
Probability of Pedestrian Death or Injury 24
mph
32
mph 20 15 5
LOW
25
MEDIUM
30
20
35
HIGH
15 45
Before Street Improvements
5
LOW
25
MEDIUM
30 35
HIGH
45
After Street Improvements
“The biggest impact of Better Block has been getting the community as well as city leadership to understand the power of the streetscape in changing the feel of the neighborhood. The projects that are being proposed post-Better Block are focused on the street, which makes sense. “ “One of the biggest and most immediate successes of the Better Block process was the engagement of both residents and property owners. Until we embarked on this process, we were unable to get TDI stakeholders to unite around a project. The Better Block process has jump-started some very promising pilots and partnerships on the street.” 63
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E & D U R I N G B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
W I K I B L OC K
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
64
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
65
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
66
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
67
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
68
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
69
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
70
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
71
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
72
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
73
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
74
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
75
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
76
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
77
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
78
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
79
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
80
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
81
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
82
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
83
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
PITTSFIELD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
PITTSFIELD, MA
TIME
August 26th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TREET
NEIGHBORHOOD
PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L A NE
CROSSWALK
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - U P S HOP
SEATING
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PING
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS Mass Development, City of Pittsfield
84
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
85
BEST PRACTICES
C A S E S TUDY #4
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N
BUFFALO, NY
86
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
INTRODUC TION
Buffalo’s project focused on one block in the Fruit Belt neighborhood. The Fruit Belt is largely residential, and is clearly defined by its borders: to the west is the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus; to the south the Kensington Expressway; to the east is Jefferson Avenue, the main commercial corridor for Buffalo’s African American community; and to the north are City Honors High School and the Masten Avenue Armory. The project site is centrally located within the neighborhood, at the intersection of Carlton and Lemon streets. Randy Hoak, Associate State Director of AARP New York says, “This innovative neighborhood project provides a great opportunity for Fruit Belt residents of all ages to engage and connect with their community in a new and more inclusive way.AARP New York partnered with Team Better Block, Mayor Brown and the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency to make this happen. Having this project here in Buffalo to beautify the Fruit Belt streetscape and the neighborhood will generate valuable insights for communities across New York State and the nation as the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities continues to expand and work in partnership with localities to make our communities more livable for all generations.”
87
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
BUFFALO, NY
TIME
October 21st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP New York, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Locust Street Art
88
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
89
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
BUFFALO, NY
TIME
October 21st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP New York, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Locust Street Art
90
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Seating Seating that is accessible, comfortable, wellmaintained, and located in the right places is critical to successful placemaking. Both movable and fixed seating options are provided in order to give residents a chance to sit comfortably together and talk. The event day proved that seating is instrumental in creating new gathering space for the community.
91
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
BUFFALO, NY
TIME
October 21st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP New York, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Locust Street Art
92
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Stage Activities are the basic building blocks of a place. Having something to do gives people a reason to come to a place – and return. When there is nothing to do, a space will be empty and that generally means that something is wrong. The stage helped this Better Block to keep the park active throughout the day.
93
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
BUFFALO, NY
TIME
October 21st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP New York, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Locust Street Art
94
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Solar Lighting New livable vibrant cities will attract people to walk and bicycle by getting out of their cars. Moving from roadway-centric lighting, the cities must begin to make light for people. With this ethos in mind, solar powered street lighting was experimented with in this project.
95
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
BUFFALO, NY
TIME
October 21st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP New York, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Locust Street Art
96
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Community Garden / Farm Gardens and farms can be a powerful tool and are vehicles for re-imagining abandoned or marginalized places. Standing planters were the first step to create a community space that was ADA and age friendly. The community garden is something the neighbors can take pride in.
97
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
BUFFALO, NY
TIME
October 21st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP New York, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Locust Street Art
98
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
DU R I N G B E T T E R B L O C K
99
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
BUFFALO, NY
TIME
October 21st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP New York, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Locust Street Art
100
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Street Plaza The visibility of a plaza is important to signify that it is a public space. It permits users to watch street activity and it makes the space safer. Creating a sense of liveliness and excitement is key when it comes to plaza design. By adding color, seating and pop-up activity, it was demonstrated that this space can turn into a place where people can linger and spend time.
101
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
FRUIT BELT BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
BUFFALO, NY
TIME
October 21st, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP New York, Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency, Locust Street Art
102
Colored Crosswalk Creating beautiful moments in our public spaces and streets enhances the walking experience and the area its in. Adding colored crosswalks between Futures Academy and the greenspace encourages pedestrian usage and creates greater awareness for drivers. Stencils used in this project portrayed oranges and peaches to signify the street names where streets were being crossed. This creates a neighborhood brand that can be repeated in future projects.
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
103
BEST PRACTICES
E VALUATION
The main challenge addressed was how to turn a vacant greenspace into an active area for people of all ages in the Fruit Belt neighborhood. Through community feedback, we formed a foundation for the Fruit Belt neighbors to use this space as a gathering area for daily use and public events. During the Better Block event, we recorded how some of the installations were used.
12
New age friendly planters were installed and filled with locally grown flowers. The painted planters and colorful flowers added more color and beauty for the community to enjoy.
PER M ANENC Y
6
13
New tables were used for eating lunch and painting pumpkins.
Students from Futures Academy spontaneously took over the stage to show off their dance moves.
New benches were used for resting, eating, and enjoying performances taking place on the stage.
Performers and Musicians from the African American Cultural Center Dance & Drum Performance Company performed an authentic African dance routine.
12
11
L A N D S C A PI N G
During the build week for Better Block, volunteers built a total of 12 age friendly community garden planters that will permanently remain in the park. The planters were built at counter-heighth so that community members would not have to bend down to maintain the gardens. Futures Academy plans to grow fruits next Spring and vegetables for the community to enjoy this Spring. C R O S S WA LK
Although only temporarily installed for the weekend, City staff showed interest in permanently installing colored crosswalks at the intersections of Orange and Peach Streets. Colored crosswalks create a safer avenue for pedestrians to cross the street and add identity to a place.
104
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
STREET MURAL
The centerpiece of this Better Block was a stage and mural that was created by a local resident through Locust Street Art. The mural brightened up the entire greenspace and the stage gave residents a space for performances and entertainment.
OUT-OF-BOX
Solar lighting can be found all around the Fruit Belt neighborhood. We installed 2 permanent solar lights to increase visibility and safety of the gardens at night.
S E AT I N G
Six new picnic tables were provided for the school and community to keep and enjoy for events, performances, potluck meals, and other community gatherings.
105
BEST PRACTICES
C A S E S TUDY #5
LINWOOD BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N
FORT WORTH, TX
106
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
INTRODUC TION
For the second project, AARP Texas teamed up with residents of the Linwood neighborhood of Fort Worth and the City of Fort Worth to create a “Better Neighborhood�. In November 2017, the City of Fort Worth was presented with a certification as an AARP Livable Community. AARP continues to work with volunteers and other local residents throughout Fort Worth in making the city an even more age-friendly community. Linwood is a post-World War II neighborhood on the near west side of Fort Worth. It was originally built as military housing and, in recent years, has undergone considerable redevelopment following tornado damage in 2000. Linwood Better Block demonstrated and implemented several, simple traffic calming and place-making elements to an area in transition, that addressed safety and connectivity concerns from new and old residents asking for more attention.
107
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
LINWOOD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WORTH, TX
TIME
October 28th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Texas, City of Fort Worth, Linwood Neighborhood Association
108
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
DU R I N G B E T T E R B L O C K
109
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
LINWOOD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WORTH, TX
TIME
October 28th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Texas, City of Fort Worth, Linwood Neighborhood Association
110
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Rubberform Traffic Circle Traffic calming is a key piece to the project, and a traffic circle was requested by the city of Fort Worth as a possible measure to test. In a matter of a few hours, a semi-permanent traffic circle is constructed using rubber form, paint and signs from the city for traffic control
111
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
LINWOOD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WORTH, TX
TIME
October 28th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Texas, City of Fort Worth, Linwood Neighborhood Association
112
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
113
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
LINWOOD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WORTH, TX
TIME
October 28th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Texas, City of Fort Worth, Linwood Neighborhood Association
114
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Movie Screening Sometimes, smaller efforts can make a big impact on a place. As part of the event, the community organized an outdoor movie screening. The main entrance provided shade from legacy oak trees, and gave organizers a location to project the movie against the adjacent neighbor’s home.
115
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
LINWOOD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WORTH, TX
TIME
October 28th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Texas, City of Fort Worth, Linwood Neighborhood Association
116
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Ping-Pong Providing simple and accessible activities for residents of all ages to participate in community life within the public realm is an important factor in creating a better neighborhood.
117
BEST PRACTICES
WHAT?
DURING BETTER BLOCK
LINWOOD BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WORTH, TX
TIME
October 28th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Texas, City of Fort Worth, Linwood Neighborhood Association
118
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Crosswalks The Linwood Park entrance is apart of a key pedestrian corridor for the neighborhood. Providing a safer pedestrian crossing for students and seniors is essential in addressing residents concerns.
119
BEST PRACTICES
E VALUATION Permanent traffic calming demonstrations within the Linwood Neighborhood focused heavily on providing basic methods of slowing traffic and testing new one’s. Identifying missing stop signs, stop bars, and crosswalks were quickly made permanent. Installing a semi-permanent traffic circle slowed speeds down for pedestrians using the ROW to walk and purchase their groceries”. The demonstrations were used to educate community members, city staff and officials how we can work together to create safer, more walkable and healthier communities. Eva Bonilla, Linwood Neighborhood Association President, describes the changes as follows:
“The traffic circle and new stop signs have decreased speeds and motorists are more cautious when they interact with them. They are a great traffic calming addition to the neighborhood. Our new pedestrian crosswalks are appreciated by the residents and motorists are beginning to respect pedestrians. The red paint at corners has definitely improved sight lines at intersections, entering crowded streets, and seeing pedestrians crossing. The solar lights are definitely helping walkers in the park since the sun sets so early. It is also a safety feature and deters vagrants. Thanks to Team Better Block, our neighborhood has a better feel of being safe and walkable.”
C R O S S WA LK
City staff immediately gave organizers the go ahead and provided referrals for installing permanent crosswalks and stop bars with volunteers at identified dangerous intersections. Permanent stop signs were coordinated and installed by the city. Neighborhood branding was added using the cities longhorn logo and a neighbors old classic car.
120
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
LIGHTING
Better lighting throughout the park and along neighborhood streets was a concern for neighbors. City park staff were supportive of Better Block implementations, however wouldn’t allow temporary lighting to be erected. A work around was established by installing solar lighting along private property that lit areas of the park sidewalk. Furthermore, cafe lighting was installed at the entrance among the old pecan trees for warmth and safety.
TRAFFIC CIRCLE
The new traffic circle continues to work to calm and reduce traffic speeds, and provide a safer route for pedestrians.
121
BEST PRACTICES
C A S E S TUDY #6
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N
FORT WAYNE, IN
122
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
INTRODUC TION
As part of the 2017 AARP Community Challenge, Team Better Block partnered with the City of Fort Wayne and the Active Living Coalition, along with local residents, stakeholders and volunteers to improve the quality of life for people of all ages along a block of Columbia Street just north of the City’s downtown. The project focused on a two-fold initiative: the first component involved creating a traffic calming plan in a high profile, highly traveled area that connects downtown Fort Wayne with the adjacent neighborhoods. The second component of the project brought activity to the area with the help of parklets, pop-up stage and art gallery. Through the grant, an ‘Active Living Project Facilitator’ is hired to take necessary steps to make the changes of the Better Block permenant in the mission to create an active, livable community.
123
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E & D U R I N G B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WAYNE, IN
TIME
November 4th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Indiana, Active Living Coalition, Purdue Extension School, City of Fort Wayne, Northside Neighborhood Association 124
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
125
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WAYNE, IN
TIME
November 4th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
W I K I B L OC K
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Indiana, Active Living Coalition, Purdue Extension School, City of Fort Wayne, Northside Neighborhood Association 126
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Participatory Art Installation Public art is a communal activity. Its reach can be powerful for communities and neighborhoods. The team provided 100+ pool noodles to the plaza for the visitors to interact with. The installation quickly became a backdrop for Instagram photos and a source for children to play with.
Rubberform Curb In order to frame the plaza and make it safer for pedestrians, rubberform curb system is used which is a durable, high performance traffic separator that provides an efficient and cost-effective channelization of traffic. It only took half a day to install and city engineers agreed to keep it after the event.
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BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WAYNE, IN
TIME
November 4th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Indiana, Active Living Coalition, Purdue Extension School, City of Fort Wayne, Northside Neighborhood Association 128
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
129
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WAYNE, IN
TIME
November 4th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
W I K I B L OC K
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Indiana, Active Living Coalition, Purdue Extension School, City of Fort Wayne, Northside Neighborhood Association 130
Street Plaza Like a successful building, a plaza requires a program of use and a strong concept. A plaza should also reflect and reinforce the character of its location. The location of the event was referred as “Three Rivers Confluence” by the local community so the design illustrates this concept. It is foreseen this plaza will accommodate different activities once the traffic calming efforts are finalized.
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Bike Ride & Racks Fort Wayne has a strong network of walking trails but the bike network still needs some work. It is not just enough to have bike lanes. Among the necessary supports for bicycle transportation, bike parking stands out for being both vital and easy. For this event, in addition to bike parking, a local bike shop was present at the plaza to demonstrate different types of bikes for all ages.
131
BEST PRACTICES
B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K
WHAT?
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WAYNE, IN
TIME
November 4th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Indiana, Active Living Coalition, Purdue Extension School, City of Fort Wayne, Northside Neighborhood Association 132
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
133
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WAYNE, IN
TIME
November 4th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
W I K I B L OC K
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Indiana, Active Living Coalition, Purdue Extension School, City of Fort Wayne, Northside Neighborhood Association 134
Crosswalks Residents of Columbia Avenue had complaints about speeding cars and noise. To address this issue, crosswalks are used to improve pedestrian safety in a high traffic area, and also improve the appearance and desirability of the block. Of these 3 crosswalks, the city engineers agreed to make one of them permanent after the event.
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
135
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WAYNE, IN
Floating Parking Lane As part of the street design, floating parking lanes have improved safety for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as reduced reckless driving and illegal speeding. During the demonstration, people used the spaces in this lane just as they would any other parking space.
TIME
November 4th, 2017 CATEGORY
Bioswales M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
W I K I B L OC K
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Indiana, Active Living Coalition, Purdue Extension School, City of Fort Wayne, Northside Neighborhood Association 136
Streets, medians, and sidewalks comprise a significant percentage of city-managed land, and when rain hits concrete and asphalt it becomes runoff that is funneled directly into the combined sewer system. By constructing bioswales in sidewalks, the cities can absorb this water and introduce sustainable cobenefits like cleaner air and cooler temperatures into the community
T E AM BET TER BLOCK
Purple Trail The multi-use trail is the perfect place to go for a jog, ride your bike, or take a peaceful stroll through the neighborhood. For this project, a parking lane is retrofitted into purple trail that created a safe zone for pedestrians, cyclists and scooters.
137
BEST PRACTICES
DURING BETTER BLOCK
WHAT?
COLUMBIA AVENUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON
FORT WAYNE, IN
Parklets Often parklets act as visual and physical buffers between the street and the sidewalk and as places for people to congregate. In the Fort Wayne case, two parklets are designed to beautify and increase the walkability in the neighborhood. A seating parklet is built using milk crates and zip ties with the help of 15 high school students.
TIME
November 4th, 2017 CATEGORY
M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA
OTHER
INTERVENTIONS
B I K E L AN E
C R O S S WA L K
TRAFFIC CALMING
PARKLET
P O P - UP SH O P
S E AT I N G
FOOD TRUCK
ACTIVITY
L A N D S C A PI N G
WIKIBLOCK
SIGNS
OUT-OF-BOX
PARTNERS
AARP Indiana, Active Living Coalition, Purdue Extension School, City of Fort Wayne, Northside Neighborhood Association 138
Parklets Parklets can transform people’s daily routine into experiences. Ping pong has the unique ability to create a conversation between two people through the action of play.
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139
BEST PRACTICES
E VALUATION Pop-up traffic calming demonstrations within the Columbia Avenue showcases proven methods of slowing traffic and increasing safety with traffic calming designs. The demonstrations are used to educate community members, elected officials, and citystaff on how they can work together to create safer, more vibrant,and healthier communities. 23
mph
20 15 5 LOW
25
MEDIUM
37
30
20
mph
35
HIGH 45
Before Street Improvements
15 5 LOW
25
MEDIUM
30 35
HIGH 45
After Street Improvements
PER M ANENC Y C R O S S WA LK
During the negotiations with the city staff, the engineers agreed to implement one of the three proposed crosswalks permanently. This crosswalk is now being used by the neighborhood residents.
STREET PLAZA
Street murals are used to reclaim unused road spaces in order to create safer crosswalks for the pedestrians. This curb extension will also help people driving to follow the speed limit. Rubber form material is used to prevent unauthorized left turns which created crash risk.
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T E AM BET TER BLOCK
STREET PLAZA
Probably the biggest legacy of the Better Block is the Three River Plaza that is created with the help of the volunteers. The plaza not only created an identity piece for the neighborhood, it will also be a crucial step towards active public spaces that are built for walking, playing, and catching up with our neighbors. Approximately 90’ of rubber form traffic calming material is implemented permanently in order to make the plaza safer.
TRAFFIC SIGNS
Within few days after the event, the city officials have taken the first step to make demonstrated traffic plan permanent. Turn arrows are implemented in order to help drivers navigate.
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LET’S GET STARTED! BEST PRACTICES
HAVE A PROJECT OR IDEA THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET OFF THE GROUND AND RUNNING? CONTACT US. WE’RE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES. info@teambetterblock.com
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CORDLESS DRILL
SHRUBS
CIRCULAR SAW
PLANTINGS
WALK BEHIND STRIPING MACHINE
GENERATOR
STRAW WATTLES
ARTIFICIAL TURF
TEMPERA PAINT
PAINT BUCKET
CHALK SPRAY
GALLON PAINT
LADDER
EXTENSION CORD
PUSH BROOMS
10 GALLON TRASH CAN
PLYWOOD 4X8’
STRING LIGHTS
PEDESTRIAN STENCIL
1.5" BOX DRY WALL SCREWS
2X4X8'
PENNANT FLAGS
BIKE SHARROW
2" BOX CONCRETE SCREWS
OLD FENCE
BEAN BAG
STENCILS
NAIL GUN
PAINT BRUSH
CNC ROUTER
PAINT ROLLER
PAINT ROLLER NAP
BUCKET GRATE
TRAFFIC VEST
SAFETY GLASSES
MEASURING TAPE
DROP CLOTH
PATIO CHAIR
UMBRELLA
32’ SRINGER STRAW BALES
PICNIC TABLE
SUCTION CUPS
ZIP TIES
PALLETS 40” X 48”
CAFE SEATING
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
TRAFFIC CONES
RUBBERFORM TRAFFIC CALMING
W W W.TE A MB E T TERB LO CK .COM
CONCRETE DRILL BIT
COMPRESSOR
4.5" BOLT AND NUT
1-3/8” SPADE DRILL BIT
ASPHALT ANCHOR KIT