AARP Livable Communities Projects Best Practices 2018 by teambetterblock

A ARP LIVABLE COMMUNITIES PROJECTS 2018 BEST PRACTICES

Copyright 2018 All information contained herein should be independently verified and confirmed based on local laws and ordinances. Team Better Block does not accept any liability for any loss or damage whatsoever caused in reliance upon such information. Readers are advised that the material contained herein should be used solely for informational purposes. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported License.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.â&#x20AC;? Margaret Mead

BEST PRACTICES

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

This year’s projects used 217 gallons of tempera and 33 gallons of latex paint to demonstrate 6,037 of limitless lanes. What is a limitless lane you ask? That, and more reliable, quick interventions are detailed in the 2018 Better Block Best Practices. Whether your community is dealing with a declining main street or has a neighborhood that needs a boost to reach its full potential, you will find a case study of interest in this year’s Best Practices. We look back on two years of Better Block actions in the rural community of Bethel, Vermont. Can a community of 2,000 people really revitalize its downtown with a maker space, traffic calming, beauty, and consistent programming? See page 202 to find out. AARP offices in Des Moines, Iowa, Columbus, Ohio, Albuquerque, New Mexico and Birmingham, Alabama partnered with members and neighbors to prototype Livable Communities. Can a basketball court become a beacon for change? What about a mini soccer court or Futsal in a parklett? It’s not all about the interventions. Livable Communities is about empowering citizens and AARP partners. Check out our Volunteer Profiles in Albuquerque and Birmingham for how the project is impacting individuals. Be on the lookout next year for a continuation of the AARP partnership that will pilot one communities response to the introduction of autonomous vehicles and how they can be used to ease mobility for all ages and enhance livable communities. Thank you to all the cities, towns and people that partnered with Team Better Block this year and we look forward to a brilliant 2019! Sincerely,

Andrew Howard Team Better Block Founder and Principal

Visit www.aarp.org/livable to check out resources and subscribe to free weekly e-newsletter at AARP.org/Livable-Subscribe

To contact 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 cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s public open space system. They function as movement corridors for pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and vehicles. They also support many social and business activities. The projects in this category 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 the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective.

As urban conditions change, we are being challenged with more unique problems that do not fit into a single category. Projects in this category deal with dead shopping malls, underperforming industrial and business parks, empty big-box stores, worn-out strip malls, etc.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

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 periods. Through different projects, Team Better Block identified a palette of interventions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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. Depending on the ambition of the community and city officials, these tools can be permanent or temporary. Look for these colors when installations are identified on the following pages.

P E R M A N EN T I N S T AL L ATI O N

BIKE LANE

POP-UP SHOP

LANDSCAPING

CROSSWALK

SEATING

T E M P O RA R Y I N S T AL L AT I O N

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

DIGITAL WAYFINDING FABRICATION

ART

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 projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success and limitations, lessons learned, and the value gained, selected comments by clients, users and community groups. The following pages explain the layout that is used to guide the reader through the projects.

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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

TRAFFIC CALMING

FOOD TRUCK

D I G I TA L WAYFINDING F A B R I C ATI O N

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

ACTIVITY

ART

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 .

BEST PRACTICES

C A SE STUDIES

JULY 19 T H , 2018

DES MOINES, IA - E A ST GR AND

OC TOBER 21 S T, 2018

ALBUQUERQUE , NM - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

2016 - 2018

BETHEL , V T - M AIN ST

OC T.27 T H , 2018

COLUMBUS, OH - BL ACKBURN

OC T.27 T H , 2018

BIR MINGHA M, AL - BIR MINGHA M 13

BEST PRACTICES

C A S E S TUDY

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N

DES MOINES, IA

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

INTRODUC TION

In the summer of 2018, AARP Iowa and AARP Livable Communities teamed with Team Better Block to demonstrate an innovative solution to reinvigorate the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current protected bike pilot demonstration on East Grand Avenue. The goal of East Grand Better Block was to envision a shared use trail that accommodated cyclists, skaters, joggers, people in wheelchairs, and other forms of non-motorized transportation. The community wanted to see East Grand as a place to come and stay, not just a place to get through. This goal was accomplished through building a trail that focused on one side of the block and was built to demonstrate a raised lane as well as a raised buffer to separate the trail from automobile traffic. Furthermore, seating, landscaping, signage, and lots of color was used to build an iconic trail way that reflected the vibrancy of its location. Other interventions in the East Grand Better Block included bulbouts, patio seating, a wall mural, colored crosswalks, a bike lane delineated with trees and planters, and a transit stop.

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

City Pilot Project The City of Des Moines is testing buffered bike lanes down East Grand Avenue. The bike lanes have received rave reviews by the cycling community, but has generated mixed emotions from business owners and residents. Team Better Block was tasked to provide an alternative for this pilot that would engage the community.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

CONCEPT PLAN

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK

PUBLIC SPACE INTERVENTIONS

WAVE DELINEATOR LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

STREET TREE

PLANTERS

RAISED LANE

SIGNAGE

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

STREET INTERVENTIONS

SEATING

STRING LIGHTS

COLORED CROSSWALK

PARKING STRIPING

TRANSIT STOP

POP-UP INTERVENTIONS

FOOD KIOSK

COFFEE POP-UP

Concept Plan The concept plan was created after meeting with city staff, stakeholders and business owners who complained about the current delineators being used and the lack of awareness about the newly installed bike lanes. The concept for the Better Block envisioned an iconic shared use trail that beautifies the street and becomes a destination for residents in Des Moines. The plan also included loading zones, bike lane and delineator alternatives, and landscaping based off of desires of the city and businesses. 19

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Pilot Bike Lanes In this area of the city, business owners complained that most cyclists were riding too fast through the area and reported a number of cyclist/pedestrian injuries. This Trail design is meant to slow cyclists and demonstrate that East Grand is not a cut through route, but a place to arrive and linger.

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

A APlace toto Ride Place Ride For 120 ft, the Better Block tested a raised shared use lane as an alternative to the typical bike lane that exists at the same heigth of the street. The raised lane slowed bike speeds down and allowed restaurants to use it as a loading zone.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Seating Prior to the Better Block intervention, East Grand had no benches lining the street and restaurant patrons had lunch indoors on nice days because narrow sidewalks did not permit outdoor seating. The shared use trail provided benches and restaurants were allowed to have outdoor seating the evening of the Better Block due to added space of the trail.

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Raised RaisedLane Lane A 1,200 square foot raised lane was tested as an alternative to the existing protected bicycle lane. The raised lane created greater awareness of users as well as made it easier for businesses to use the trail as a loading zone.

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

Raised Buffer A 3 foot wide raised buffer was installed to demonstrate a protected lane that creates a buffer zone between non-motorized users and cars as well as creates a curb on the street for parking.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Parking Striping Parking stripes were installed to help drivers know where to park along the street. The raised buffer was built at curb height to allow cars to park alongside it and was designed to allow drivers to be able to open their doors without being hit by oncoming riders.

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Loading Zone Many businesses on East Grand complained that the bike lanes did not allow them to have a proper loading zone. Although streets should not be designed to prioritize loading zones, a benefit of a raised lane is that it extends the curb to the street, making it easier for loading and unloading.

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

EAST GRAND BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

DES MOINES, IA

TIME

July 19th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Livable Communities, AARP Iowa, Greater Des Moines Partnership, City of Des Moines

Mural A local artist painted a mural on a bare wall of a building located on the block that created identity for the neighborhood.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

E VALUATION

P 23

mph

20 15 5

25 MEDIUM

LOW

mph

35 HIGH

15 45

Average Speed ofImprovements Cars After Speed After Street Before Street Improvements

25 MEDIUM

LOW

30 35 HIGH

Average Cars After Speed AfterSpeed Street of Improvements After Street Improvements

PROBABILIT Y OF PEDESTRIAN DE ATH OR INJURY

ONLINE ENGAGEMENT Many residents from the East Village area posted their excitement about the temporary installation on East Grand. Documentation from the event even received interest from and was shared by urban planners around the country, as well as international urban planning think tanks such as Global Designing Cities Initiative, Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design, and Urb-I from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

PER M ANENC Y

RAISED CURB The pilot project currently uses candlestick delineators to seperate the bike lane from vehicular traffic, but will instead use a raised curb to create protected lanes similar to the design tested during the Better Block when installed permanently.

RAISED BUMPOUTS Raised bumpouts will be installed permanently atatintersections permanentley intersectionstotonarrow narrowthe the street and give pedestrians a shorter distance to cross the street.

ADVOC AC Y

PHONE BA NK Following the Better Block event, AARP Iowa organized a phone bank for volunteers of the Better Block to call the councilmember where the Better Block was located to tell him their support of the bike lanes. This was instrumental in solidifying his support to permanently install permanentley installthe thebike bikelanes. lanes.

BEST PRACTICES

C A S E S TUDY

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N

COLUMBUS, OH

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

INTRODUC TION

AARP Livable Communities chose Columbus as one of four US cities to receive the opportunity in 2018. In addition to the Blackburn project, AARP Livable Communities also hosted its national training in Columbus during the same timeframe. Nine cities brought representatives for a two-day training on how to bring Better Blocks to their state through classroom education and hands-on building experiences at Blackburn Recreation Center. During the event, a multitude of opportunities for the Blackburn Park became viable. Along with increased accessibility, community members imagined a beautiful, living work of art in the public realm that would physically and socially unite neighbors, and local and citywide organizations. Arts and cultural programming became opportunities to connect people to this physical space and to develop a sense of ownership. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Outdoor spaces are important for maintaining a high quality of life for all residents. Blackburn has always been an important piece of this neighborhood, we want to celebrate its history and combine it with ideas for an even stronger future,â&#x20AC;? said Katie White, Director of Age-Friendly at The Ohio State University College of Social Work.

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

During the initial site visit, Blackburn Park and its surrounding area were identified as a place with potential for creating a gathering space for the neighborhood. This location presented many advantages including a well organized community that is seeking alternatives to growth and livability. The community center was also a great asset for the area which attracts people from different age groups through their programming. According to the Columbus Rose Fellowship Study, the area is placed in Near East Side Neighborhood Investment District. This program grants dollars for interior and exterior improvements for businesses along E Main Street and Parsons Avenue. This potential was a key element in the selection of this area.

BEST PRACTICES

CONCEPT PLAN

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

Benton St.

COLUMBUS, OH

Bryden Alley

The concept of this project relied on the existing community assets and focused on strategies to enhance them by increasing accesibility and visibility. Parks that offer team sports activities and other organized events are much more likely to be attended and used than those that do not include such offerings. In addition to programming, this project included several identity elements like signs and murals that could strengthen cohesion in the neighborhood.

E Rich St.

TIME

October 12th, 2018

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

P O P - UP SH O P

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

S 18th St.

CATEGORY

P O P- U P MARKET

WAY FINDING

BASKETBAL KIOSK

Blac kbu rn Park PROGRAMMING

L A N D S C A PI N G

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

E Main St.

C O LO R C RO S S WAL K BU L B-O U T

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

D O N OT B OT H E R ME ZO N E

Blackburn Community Recreation

Carpenter St.

SA FE D R OP- OFF

M A G E N TA TRAIL

SEAT IN G

C O U RT M UR A L

SEAT ING

ART BLACKBU RN SIGN

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Basketball Court Mural Court murals can produce high-quality creative, regeneration projects without large monetary investments. The courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new colors hope to make the space more inviting and exciting for the community.

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Lighting The basketball court lights had been out for years, but the project higlighted the need to replace the fixtures and turn them back on for the neighborhood.

BEST PRACTICES

B U I L D IN G A B E T T E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

INTERVENTIONS

Placemaking Triangle 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

Better Block projects try to connect places of comfort with things to do and eating/drinking. Seating that is accessible, comfortable, well-maintained, and located in the right location is critical to successful placemaking. 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. Finally, in order to create public spaces to enjoy (or “sticky places,” as they’re called), it’s critical to introduce food & drink options. Sticky places prioritize, or at least balance, the role of public places as people-places rather than just places to move through.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

DU R I N G B E T T E R B L O C K

BEST PRACTICES

B U I L D IN G A B E T T E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

DU R I N G B E T T E R B L O C K

Wayfinding Sign The project team worked closely with the community to create signage and wayfinding that stood out, giving Blackburn Park its own identity. The wayfinding system encompasses ground stencils, entrance identifiers and directional signs for playground, recreation center and a pop-up market. The bright colors add to the fun factor and help visitors enjoy the park even more, especially at night. 65

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

Planning With Adults With Autism Every element of city planning (parks, streets, sidewalks, streetlights, apartments, houses, public transportation and many more) can be designed to help people with autism thrive. For this project, City and Regional Planning Studio at the Ohio State University played a key role in the creation of autism friendly public space elements.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Magenta Trail During the event, the team demonstrated a trail that physically connects Blackburn Community Center to East Main Street. Adults with autism are prone to becoming overwhelmed when trying to navigate busy areas such as downtown areas. The research expressed a desire for a speciallydesigned wayfinding system to provide clear directions on the sidewalks.

BEST PRACTICES

B U I L D IN G A B E T T E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK

Since adults with autism often have difficulty navigating through overwhelming or crowded spaces, areas for picking passengers up and dropping passengers off can lessen anxiety. This project included an area near the recreation center entrance where passengers can be dropped-off and later picked-up by a driver.

LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

Safe Pick-up/Drop-off

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Memory Signs The Recreation Center was an important part of life in Blackburn neighborhood. The team has reached out to the community to collect photos that tell the story of the neighborhood. These photos were placed on signs along the trail. It is a unique opportunity to approach history: to have photographs of the sites directly in front of the actual historic sites.

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Colored Crosswalk Bright colors and unique designs in crosswalks can create a sense of community while keeping pedestrians safer and drawing driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; attention to them. As an extension of the Magenta Trail, Better Block demonstrated the first colored crosswalk in Columbus.

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Games Chess is a game that crosses race, language and socioeconomic barriers, say its players and proponents. Ping pong has the unique ability to create a conversation between two people through the action of play. Games are crucial components of a successful public park. 79

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

INTERVENTIONS

Pop-up Market 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

Mid-Ohio Foodbank tirelessly works to provide multiple points for hungry neighbors to access the foods they need to live, work and play. It distributes food to local food pantries so that people and families can receive a bag of groceries and other emergency food assistance close to their own neighborhoods. The food pantry that was built during Blackburn Better Block provided a more dignified station for those in need of food assistance. The modular nature of this station will help future volunteers with setting up and storage.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

DU R I N G B E T T E R B L O C K

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

‘Don’t Bother Me’ Zone To address the reluctance of people with autism to venture into public spaces due to fear of sensory overloads, the team created quiet places or ‘Don’t bother me’ zones for de-stressing.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Seating Seating that is comfortable and located in the right places is really important component of successful placemaking. According to researchers like William Whyte, locations for seating are places where there are people, especially in areas where people can watch other people. The team provided additional seating options around the basketball court and added some more options around the pop-up market.

BEST PRACTICES

B U I L D IN G A B E T T E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Build Workshops Better Block workshops encourage community members to physically make things and place them in their shared environment. During the week of Better Block, more than 50 people participated in the build workshops. We have used our ‘Wikiblock’ library which is “an open-source toolkit of designs for benches, chairs, planters, stages, bus stops, beer garden fences, and kiosks that can be downloaded for free.” These designs can be printed on plywood at any makerspace using a CNC router, then assembled without even needing glue or nails.

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BLACKBURN BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

COLUMBUS, OH

TIME

October 12th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, AARP Ohio, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus City Council

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

DU R I N G B E T T E R B L O C K

Mural Art Public art can make a community more aesthetically appealing. But even more essential, however, is the way in which the process of making art can powerfully give voice to community members. For this project, the team partnered with Friends of the Homeless to use their wall for creating a mural piece. Local artists painted the mural during the event.

BEST PRACTICES

ENGAGEMENT

During the 90 day process, public workshops were hosted to learn from the community on topics that were relevant about the neighborhood. There were interactive activities and administered surveys to get public feedback on the concept plan. As a result of the outreach efforts, the team was able to bring more than 50 volunteers from different age groups into the process and collectively built the elements that were envisioned. Students were introduced to new technologies like CNC fabrication and informed about how they can be used to create similar projects. The organizing team worked together with students from the Ohio State University as part of their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Planning With Adults With Autismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; studio. The design of the demonstration elements were informed by their research and proposals. The team also collaborated with Parks and Recreation Department staff who are willing to permanently repair the court surface and install a permanent mural. 90

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

ENGAGEMENT

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

C A S E S TUDY

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

INTRODUC TION

In July of 2018, Team Better Block partnered with AARP New Mexico, ABQ CiQlovia, and the City of Albuquerque for an AARP Community Challenge project in the International District. Local residents, stakeholders, volunteers and many other partners helped to design and build a Better Block along a stretch of Southern Ave SE. The goal was to improve the quality of life by using street furniture, outdoor seating, public art, parklets, landscaping, bicycle lanes and crosswalks, and energizing public spaces with lively programming. Both ABQ CiQlovia and Team Better Block utilized temporary changes in the built environment to initiate permanent enhancements in the quality of life for the local community.

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

‘BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

International District The project took place in the long over-looked district with a rich and vibrant diversity. This section of Southern Ave SE is 53 ½’ wide from the property line and can be described as a low volume connector street. What it lacks in traffic volume doesn’t necessary contribute to a safer street. Reports of speeding were frequent and crossings are dangerous for pedestrians from multiple points. The community wanted to see what a complete street would look like in real-time.

TIME

October 21st, 2018 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

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

LOUISIANA AVE SE P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

S E AT I N G

WAYFINDING D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

ART

PARTNERS

ABQ CiQlovia, AARP NM, City of ABQ, Presbyterian, Bike ABQ, International District Coalition, NM Complete Streets, MR COG, UNM, Van Buren MS, NM DOT, Together for Brothers, Healthy Here, Bernalillo County 96

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

SOUTHERN AVE SE 97

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Concept Results from the site analysis and feedback from the community highlighted four key areas that the concept plan focused on: a wide, low-volume street, unsafe street crossings, safe-routes to school, and opportunities for placemaking. A Limitless lane, parklets, public art, solar lighting, colored crosswalks & bulb-outs, and a plazuela all contribute to and work together in creating a complete street design for Southern Ave SE from Louisiana Ave SE to San Pablo St SE.

TIME

October 21st, 2018 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

LOUISIANA AVE SE P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

S E AT I N G

FOOD TRUCK

WAYFINDING D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

ACTIVITY

ART

PARTNERS

SOUTHERN AVE SE

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK

Limitless Lane

A Limitless lane uses a small portion of the stre for mobility access for people using wheelchair walking, biking, or riding scooters, horses, or an nonmotorized vehicle. It is used to make street more accessible to people using different mod of travel.

LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

TIME

October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

Crosswalks & Bulbout

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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

Safer street crossings is a top concern of the neighborhood before and since the tragic death of a young person crossing Louisiana Ave. Albuquerque has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. Coloring crosswalks and painting bulbouts helped to reduce crossing distances and slow down righthand vehicular turns onto Southern Ave. SE.

eet rs, ny ts des

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Farmstand During build week, a wiki kiosk and cinder block benches were constructed to create a neighborhood farmstand for the students and community to sell fresh produce from the school garden. Immediately following the event, it was activated during after school hours with a food truck and goods from a local healthy food program.

Plazuela A plaza was designed and built by students that included solar lighting, cinder block benches, landscaping, a cut-through path, more waiting room for crossing and pallet planters. Fruit trees and perennials will be planted this Fall and fence art will be created using plastic weaving.

101

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

TIME

October 21st, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

ART

PARTNERS

It was observed during the site analysis of the need for more pedestrian and other nonmotorized space within the right-of-way. Our partners were promoting safer walking conditions for residents in adjacent neighborhoods to walk, scoot, skateboard or bicycle to school or work. The demonstration sought to implement a shared use or Limitless Lane concept using turquiose to embody the New Mexican color.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

103

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

TIME

October 21st, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

ART

PARTNERS

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Limitless Lane Albuquerque has a strong network of on-street cycling infrastructure and ranks in the top 50 best places to ride a bicycle, but a Limitless lane had never been tried. It uses a small portion of the street for mobility access for people using wheelchairs, walking, biking, or riding scooters, horses, or any nonmotorized vehicle. It is used to make streets more accessible to people using different modes of travel. Bike sharrows were added to delineate faster cyclists using the low - volume street.

105

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

TIME

October 21st, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

ART

PARTNERS

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

107

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

TIME

October 21st, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

ART

PARTNERS

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Hexagon Buffers Modular, hexagon shapped buffers were a prototype for demonstrating a raised buffer without pouring concreate. They can also be painted bright, vibrant colors to accencuate the color pallet in a design, and were witnessed being used as impromptu seating during the event.

109

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

TIME

October 21st, 2018 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

P O P - UP SH O P

L A N D S C A PI N G

C R O S S WA L K

S E AT I N G

TRAFFIC CALMING

PARKLET

FOOD TRUCK

ACTIVITY

WAYFINDING D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

ART

PARTNERS

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Wave Delineators This inexpensive design for creating delineation using common materials at a hardware store shows an alternative to traditional candlestick designed delineators that many people find unattractive in permanent installations. They can be easily setup and removed, and provide a much nicer asthetic than traditional delineators.

111

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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Placemaking Triangulation This image shows all of the necessary elements in triangulating the necessary placemaking elements. The cafe & futsal parklets provide traffic calming, comfortable seating, a fun activity, and a place for vendors to park and sell to customers. When all of these elements are put together in close proximity, they create a great place!

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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Colored Crosswalks Crosswalks using bright colors and graphics can create a sense of place and identity, as well as highlight the space for vehicular traffic to be aware of pedestrians. This helps to slow down, not distract drivers, thus resulting in lower pedestrian encounters and safer crossings.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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‘BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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Plazuela During the walk and talk, it was mentioned that the corner where a large cactus plant exists doesn’t allow for enough waiting-to-cross space. Children tended to spill out past the curb during school hours, creating potential conflicts with vehicles. This space could be designed to accommodate these children and be activated to encourage social interaction and ownership. The students came to the concept workshop and subsequently designed what it would look like during classes, and began leveling the site leading up to Build Week!

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WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

TIME

October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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Plazuela Before and during Build week, several groups of students removed the cactus, leveled out the area, brought in gravel and built cinder block benches and pallet planters. A solar light was installed and art will be added to the fence and sidewalk.

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WHAT?

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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Plazuela The plaza was designed and built by students that included solar lighting, cinder block benches, landscaping, a cut-through path, more waiting room for crossing and pallet planters. Fruit trees and perennials will be planted this Fall and fence art will be created using plastic weaving.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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Solar Lighting In sunny Albuquerque, solar lighting is a cost effective solution to quickly installing needed safety lighting. Three units were permanently installed along the block, and added to the grassroots program started by the neighborhood to address the lack of good lighting in the area.

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‘BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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Farmstand Creating a place for the school’s community garden to operate weekday sales of produce to the neighborhood and other service programs, this farmstand was built by the kids at the entrance to the school and replaces 2 parking spots. It describes how a place is created by triangulating the elements of something to do, something to eat and a comfortable place to sit.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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During the community engagement meetings, participants walked down San Pablo to the park. This experience helped to identify the need for a new crosswalk and placemaking element in front of the Trumball neighborhood marquee. This location is a natural connector to the school, community center, park and a nearby memorial.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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Parklets Two parklets were built, one to accomodate cafe seating and provide traffic calming for a new colored crosswalk, and the other demonstrated a small version of a Futsal soccer court.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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‘BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

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Futsal Parklet Volunteers created a miniature Futsal soccer court where adults and children could play a fun or competitive 1 on 1 or 2 on 2 game. It’s the “something to do” piece of the placemaking triangulation.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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Parklets An age-friendly parklet is used to protect crossing pedestrians, provide easy accessibility for seniors and strollers, and a protected and shady space for enjoying a nice Albuquerque day!

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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School Street Crossing A critical location for student pedestrian crossings, multiple interventions were demonstrated that helped to provide identity for the neighborhood and school, as well necessary traffic calming for pedestrians.

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WHAT?

‘BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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School Street Crossing The Interventions included solar lighting on school property, street and gate murals, chain link art, and a farmstand. A sunflower identity theme was used to paint a 50’ x 50’ sunflower by local students bringing more art & beauty to the entrance of the middle school. Street murals are important to the local indentity of a place and also add to traffic calming by slowing down drivers using color and interest. Other public art pieces included CNC’d sunflowers on an old gate, and cup and chain link weave art were produced by the students.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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‘BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

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Gate Murals What was a grim reminder of the past days of high crime in the neighborhood, and the cities failed attempt to police it, this gate became a place for public art. Students painted two CNC-cut sunflowers, a symbol of the ABQ CiQlovia, and were branded with the middle school’s initials in their mascot Falcon font.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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Chain Link Art Students designed and implemented chain link weaving and cup art, creating a wonderful piece of diy public art. The ideas were provided in the concept plan for the project and the students ran with it!

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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Bollard Art Two older, wooden bollards in front of the park entrance became identity pieces, and were given new life with some light sanding and new paint. The iconic red and green hatch chilis, that you can find in almost any restaurant in the city, were used to to showcase an iconic symbol of New Mexico!

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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‘BURQUE BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

TIME

October 21st, 2018 CATEGORY

M A I N S TR E E T N E I G H B OR H O OD PARK & PLAZA

OTHER

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Complete Street Southern Ave SE. provided 40’ of width from curb to curb to demonstrate a complete street. Given the proximity to the school, a new stripping plan was implemented that included a no parking area, a ride share zone, and a stripped parking area. A Limitless lane with bike box and bike sharrows created space for all non-motorized traffic, and bulb-outs and colored crosswalks reduced the crossing distance from 53’ to 35’, a 33% increase in safety. All together these elements created an ideal complete street.

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E VALUATION Our partners in Albuquerque were some of the most engaged and passionate advocates for change. The city needs to leverage these leaders and create a quick-action permitting process for approving tactical demonstrations. ABQ CiQlovia is a great open-streets event with great partners from all over the city and brings over 1000 participants, however the Better Block process works best when streets are left open, programming is kept to a block length, and more accurate data analysis can be gathered during a “realworld” demonstration. Furthermore, Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) should continue to teach, encourage, and fund small, impactful placemaking initiatives on all of its campuses using this project as an example for activating students in design/build concepts, and placemaking triangulation. Before the demonstration, 75% of the public right-of-way space was devoted to vehicular travel, and 25% to pedestrian and non-motorized travel. During the demonstration, those numbers changed to 55% for vehicular travel and increaesed to 45% for pedestrians and non-motorized travel. In addition, crossing distances decreased 33% at San Pablo St. and Louisiana Ave SE providing safer crossings during the demonstration. Furthermore, bulb-outs were painted totaling 3,255 sq. ft using 5 gallons of magenta tempera paint, one 100’ sq ft sunflower street mural was painted using 5 gallons of yellow and 2 gallons of green paint, and 1,692’ linear ft. of zone stripping was painted using 5 gallons of white, magenta and yellow paint to accomplish one of the most ambitious stripping plans for any Better Block!

Over 75 individual volunteers devoted over 3,750 hours during Build Week alone to building the Better Block interventions that included a 2’ buffer double strip and 8.5’ Limitless lane totaling 2,961’ linear ft, and 14,382’ sq ft. Over 35 gallons of turquoise tempera paint and 10 gallons of white tempera paint were used.

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E VALUATION

PLAZUELA

During the public engagement process, the students and teachers at Van Buren MS were excited to see possible changes to the corner of Southern SE and Louisiana Ave SE. Students designed and built a plazuela to provide a place of respite before and after class as well as create more room for students crossing the street. FARMSTAND

During build week, a wiki kiosk and cinder block benches were constructed to create a neighborhood farmstand for the students and community to sell fresh produce from the school garden. Immediately following the event, it was activated after school with a food truck and goods from a local healthy food program. PUBLIC ART

Several student led art projects became permanent installations throughout the focus area. From the CNCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d branded sunflowers to chain link weave and cup art to the newly painted bollards with the iconic green and red hatch chilis of New Mexico, it was simply the most artistically diverse project weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been apart of! SOLAR LIGHTING

The solar lighting installed on public and private properties came by granted permission from the property owners, ABQ Public Schools and a local resident. These lights should be made permanent by the city.

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS

““With support from Team Better Block, neighbors including young people and elders alike came together to create a vision for how they want their streets to look and feel in the future – and they even got to see it come to life during CiQlovia. This process laid a great foundation for future projects to make our communities safer and more walkable.”

TATI A NA FA L C O N RO D RIG UE Z Tatiana Falcon Rodriguez works for the Presbyterian Center for Community Health as its Community Health Manager and is co-chair for ABQ CiQlovia. Her role in the ‘Burque Better Block was crucial in bringing all of the partnerships together to ensure that the priority would be the residents of the International District, and that the project would directly reflect their needs. She is an important district champion who could bring people together from all walks of Albuquerque life behind the shared vision for the project. Her leadership and organizational skills made her a key asset for the project’s success.

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the CHAMPION champion THE

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B ER N A D E T T E HARD Y Bernadette Hardy is a co-chair of ABQ CiQlovia and the International District Healthy Communities Coalition. She is the quiet, unassuming type of volunteer that gets stuff done! She will always find a way to make it happen, and is the first to show and the last to leave. She made so much happen for the ‘Burque Better Block during Build Week including contacting teachers, residents, school staff and make sure we have plenty of volunteers, supplies and our needs meet at all times.

the CHAMPION champion THE

GR E G H A R D Y Greg Hardy, Bernadette’s brother, is the volunteer that never sits down, always asks what else can be done, and won’t finish until the work is done, even when the event has already started. He helped load and unload supplies and materials, built parklets, painted lanes, and cleaned up every single day until the work got finished.

the nut THE design HANDYMAN 165

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C A S E S TUDY

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N

BIRMINGHAM, AL

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INTRODUC TION

As part of the 2018 AARP Community Challenge, Team Better Block partnered with the City of Birmingham and AARP Alabama, along with local residents, stakeholders and volunteers to improve the quality of life for people of all ages along a block of 2nd Avenue South at Pepper Place. The project focused on creating a complete street on 2nd Avenue S between 28th and 29th Streets. The city has plans to make permanent infrastructure improvements to make this street a complete street that includes bike lanes, lighting, and landscaping. Team Better Blockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design showed an alternative to the current design proposed by the city by demonstrating a shared-use protected trail, smaller travel lane sizes, and connectivity to the Jones Valley Trail. The Better Block event on October 27th worked with the Market at Pepper Place to create a pop-up market place across the street from where the market normally takes place to show what a two-sided retail main street would look like. The new street section was tested for a week to gather data and feedback on the piloted design.

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WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

Wide Street 2nd Avenueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lanes are too wide, spanning 20 ft in each direction, which has created an unsafe environment for pedestrians to safely cross the street due to high traffic speeds.

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

Active Transportation P O P - UP SH O P

S E AT I N G

FOOD TRUCK

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L A N D S C A PI N G

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AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

168

Currently, 2nd Avenue only accommodates for vehicular traffic. The street offers nice shaded sidewalks for pedestrians, but infrastructure is needed for cyclists and other non-motorized users.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Connectivity Running parallel to 2nd Avenue S is the Jones Valley Trail, which can be connected to Pepper Place through identity, wayfinding, and infrastructure.

169

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

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ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

170

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Complete Street The Better Block demonstration created a complete street that narrowed travel lanes and added a 10ft wide shared use trail on 2nd Avenue South. The demonstration also added crosswalks and a street mural to the block.

171

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

172

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

173

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

174

New Street Section The street section used for this Better Block reduced travel lane sizes from 20 ft to 11 ft, parking lanes to 7 ft, and created a 10 foot shared use trail with a 3 ft protected buffer. Six new crosswalks were implemented as well as bulbouts on each intersection.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

175

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

176

Hexagon Bulbout Modular, hexagon shaped buffers are a prototype for demonstrating a bulbout without pouring concrete. They can also be painted bright, vibrant colors to accentuate the color pallet in a design. Future use of these hexagons can include planters, seating, wifi hotspots, power outlets, or other amenities that increase public life.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Midblock Crosswalk Midblock crosswalks facilitate crossings to places that people want to go but that are not well served by the existing traffic network. The midblock crosswalk on 2nd Avenue S served as a visible pathway that allowed pedestrians to walk directly to the pop-up market from Pepper Place. This crosswalk creates an angle at the centerline to create a more visible sight line for the person crossing as well as the driver.

177

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

178

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179

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK Comfort A qualitative way to test the safety of new infrastructure or how a place makes you feel is how far a parent will let their children wander off. The size of the trail, along with a protected buffer and lower traffic speeds created more comfort for people of all ages. This scenario documented children safely traveling 75 feet away from their guardian.

LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

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ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

180

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

181

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

182

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

183

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

184

Limitless Lane A benefit of a limitless lane as an alternative to a standard bike lane is that is accommodates for more types of users than just cyclists. Diversity in users creates a more inclusive trail while also slowing down speeds of users to benefit nearby retail.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

185

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

186

Pop-Up Market The Ferguson building is currently setback with a parking lot in front facing 2nd Avenue. This is a missed opportunity to activate the street in this popular area of the city. By creating two-sided main street style retail, 2nd Avenue S can become a pedestrian-active street that signifies that this is a place to come and stay, and not a street to speed through. Permanent market stalls can be implemented in this area as a tool to allow entrepreneurs to test new concepts and offer new experiences to residents who live close by or users of the trail.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

187

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

188

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Street Mural Connectivity from the Jones Valley Trail to Pepper Place was created through a street mural led by local artist, John Lytle Wilson. Jones Valley Trail serves as an active transportation route for people to safely get to 2nd Avenue and Pepper Place. Public art connecting the trail to Pepper Place serves as a wayfinding piece for people on the trail to be aware of where they are when using the trail.

189

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

190

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Street Mural The parking lot at the Ferguson building is a missed opportunity for connection to and from the Jones Valley Trail and Pepper Place. The parking lot can be a linking point and a gateway to both destinations.

191

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

192

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

193

BEST PRACTICES

WHAT?

BIRMINGHAM BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BIRMINGHAM, AL

TIME

October 27th, 2018 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

D I G I TA L F A B R I C ATI O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Alabama, City of Birmingham, Market at Pepper Place, Sloss Real Estate

194

Street Mural

The street mural connecting Jones Valley Trail to Pepper Place was made possible by AARP Alabama, Sloss Real Estate and dozens of volunteers. The mural was crested by local artist John Lytle Wilson and depicts the Cahaba River, a source of pride for the community, as well as endangered indigenous species of Alabama.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

195

BEST PRACTICES

E VALUATION Pop-up traffic calming demonstrations on 2nd Avenue South showcased proven methods of slowing traffic and increasing safety with traffic calming designs. The demonstrations are used to educate community members, elected officials, and city staff on how they can work together to create safer, more vibrant,and healthier communities.

PROBABILIT Y OF PEDESTRIAN DE ATH OR INJURY

mph 20 15 5 LOW

MEDIUM

D TE

D EE

IT M

mph

20 35

HIGH 45

Average Speed of Cars Before Street Improvements

Before Street Improvements

68 Decibels

Can be compared to the sound of a constant vacuum cleaner.

196

S PO

15 5 LOW

MEDIUM

S PO 30 35

HIGH 45

Average Speed of Cars After Street Improvements

After Street Improvements

55 Decibels

Can be compared to the sound of a conversation at home.

D TE

D EE

IT M

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

PER M ANENC Y

C R O S S WA LK

Crosswalks should be implemented at the intersections of 28th and 29th streets to allow safer crossing for pedestrians on 2nd Avenue S. A midblock crosswalk between these streets is also recommended to shorten the distance of the block and allow pedestrians to cross the street in a designated area other than the intersections.

STREET MURAL

Street murals are used to reclaim unused road spaces in order to create safer crosswalks for the pedestrians. This parking lot mural will create an identity piece and connectivity from the Jones Valley Trail to Pepper Place

SHARED USE TRAIL

The shared-use trail demonstrated in this Better Block showed what a protected lane designated toward active transportation would look like. Research shows that the average pedestrian is 75% more likely to choose cycling if the lane is protected from vehicular traffic. The trail demonstrated also creates traffic calming in the area to benefit nearby retail.

197

BEST PRACTICES

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS

C H R I S T I N A A R G O | CITY O F B IRMING HAM DEPART M EN T OF PLAN N IN G

the THE champion PLANNER 198

“Having Team Better Block in our city to lead our first large scale tactical urbanism project was a fantastic experience! It enabled us to test design ideas that we plan to implement in other areas of the city, as well as engage with residents in a new way. The process was collaborative and energizing, involving AARP, local stakeholders and property owners, small business owners, a local artist, the Alabama Ballet, and several local bike groups.”

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

KENNY S A Y L O R | AARP VO L UNTE E R

THE PLANNER the design nut

“I volunteer for the same reasons a lot of people do, to help others. But volunteering with Better Block is a whole other level, it’s a blast! I mean who else is painting streets for the better of a community? Aside from that the amount of interest that the project attracted was simply awesome. I honestly lost track of how many people stopped to mention that what we were doing was exactly what the area needed.”

199

BEST PRACTICES

P OS T P R OJECT UPDATE

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK L O C AT I O N

BETHEL, VT

200

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

INTRODUC TION

In the Fall of 2016, the Bethel Better Block project demonstrated new uses for vacant buildings, underutilized spaces within the public realm, and challenged what a rural highway through a small town might look like. The downtown had never fully recovered from tropical storm Irene damage in 2011. The disaster had solidified a group of residents and they started with Bethel University. A free series of educational workshops available to all residents was overwhelmingly successful. Next, a call for projects from AARP Vermont helped the Bethel Revitalization Initiative (a group of local residents charged with remaking Bethel) lead the way by demonstrating pop-up businesses, a beirgarten, games, art installations, live music, seating and other small, thoughtful placemaking interventions that sought to fill the gaps within the Main Street business corridor. Immediately following the project, the pace of the rebirth of Bethel greatly accelerated. Awards were received, more permanent art was created, several new businesses were demonstrated, buildings changed hands and plans were made to continue testing and asking the residents of Bethel whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next. The following details some of the improvements made since October 2016. 201

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

October, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

202

During the Better Block enhanced crosswalks with traffic calming additions of bulbouts and colorful, visual treatments helped to further highlight the existing crosswalks. Additional landscaping withing the bulbouts further enhanced the safety of pedestrian crossings.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

203

BEST PRACTICES

AFTER BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

December, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

204

In 2017 Bethel Revitalization Initiative (BRI) won the Project of the Year Award for Bethel Better Block from the Vermont Plannersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association. It was accepted in a ceremony at the Vermont State house by BRI volunteers.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

205

BEST PRACTICES

AFTER BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

May, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

206

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Rubber Form

Working with Team Better Block and AARP Vermonth, the Town installed traffic-calming pedestrian bulbouts similar to those tested during the Better Block. The bulbouts are installed at two crosswalks in downtown Bethel. Pedestrian counters were also installed to provide metrics of the crosswalks usage. The bulbouts are removable, and will be removed and stored before the first snowfall this coming Winter. They will be reinstated the following Spring.

207

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

July, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

208

The Blossum building is a focal point of the Bethel Better Block project. Teams of volunteers cleaned and removed stored items and debris from the building leading up to the Better Block. The sale of the building was in transition during the event and led to the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to gain access and its speedy revitalization.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

209

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

October, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

210

Volunteers created a pop-up sweet shop, vinyl music store, and arts and craft center in the Blossum Block Building. Over the three days, the stores saw many patrons and sales generated from the once dormant, vacant spaces.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

211

BEST PRACTICES

AFTER BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

May, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

212

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

The Blossom Block building, where volunteers cleared vacant storefronts and hosted many of the pop-up shops during Better Block, was sold in November of 2016. Renovations are ongoing. One storefront is completely finished and is now home to a thriving hair and nail salon that opened in the Spring of 2018. The owner of the salon, and her husband purchased another building across the street from the salon in May 2018. The laundromat that has operated for decades in one half of the building will stay, and plans are in the works for the other half.

213

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

July, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

214

The Arnold Block building was sold in December 2017 and is n and Bethel Cooks @ the Arnold Block. The new owners starte as a business incubator and a resource for freelance workers office space to seven area freelance professionals and gradu that otherwise would not have been possible (due to the poo interested in the technical aspects of the traffic-calming pilo

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

now home to a community-driven multi-part business: Bethel Works, Bethel Moves, Bethel Meets, ed this venture to support local entrepreneurs and professionals, to meet community needs by acting s, and by offering accommodations for community gatherings. So far, the Arnold Block is furnishing uate students. It has also hosted several Bethel University classes and a town committee meeting or Internet service in the area). It will soon host a gathering of regional and statewide stakeholders ot program. This event will be made possible by AARP Vermont, our Better Block sponsors.

215

BEST PRACTICES

AFTER BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

April, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

216

In spring of 2017 BRI won a $15,000 Animating Infrastructure grant from the Vermont Arts Council to make possible three public art projects in downtown Bethel. A trout mural â&#x20AC;&#x201D; designed by artist Mary Lacy and executed by the artist and the Bethel community, was placed on the retaining wall at the intersection of routes 12 and 107. This inspiring piece of art is seen by hundreds of daily passerbys, and covers an old retaining wall.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

217

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

May, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

218

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

A set of eight original art banners designed by Bethel-based artist Teal Sallen (Teal Emlyn Illustration) that are hung on the lightposts throughout downtown; and artistic benches made from fallen wood taken from Bethel’s Branliere Town Forest and designed by local woodworker and business owner Lindley Brainard (Living Edge Woodworking) to go in various locations in downtown. All these projects tie in strongly with the White River’s third branch, which flows through Bethel’s downtown. And strongly tied to Better Block - all were designed to play some role in addressing outcomes people wanted from Better Block (more public art, downtown beautification, traffic calming, and boosting local business). The mural project involved more than 150 community members in painting and construction. 219

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

July, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

220

The old train depot had not been used as its original intent for years as Amtrak now blows through the town on itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way to New York. However its proximity to the rest of the historical buildings provided a unique opportunity to imagine a different use for the building.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

221

BEST PRACTICES

DURING BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

October, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

222

Volunteers created a biergarten and live music venue during the two day Better Block event. Games and seating were built and the local pizza cafe provided access to a tasty bite while taking in the scene.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

223

BEST PRACTICES

AFTER BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

May, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

224

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Today, the Depot bar has been sold and will reopen in June 2018 as Babeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar. The couple from Chicago who purchased the building directly used some Better Block info in their business plan as evidence of energy in downtown Bethel, and also used input from Better Block to help shape some of their business offerings.

225

BEST PRACTICES

AFTER BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

April, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

226

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

Vacant lots continue to be tested with updated placemaking elements like this outdoor puppet showcase. Repurposed materials from the Better Block were used during later community workshops.

227

BEST PRACTICES

B E FO R E B E TT E R B L O C K

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

July, 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

228

Before the Better Block vacant and underutilized areas abound in Bethel. The vacancy left a gap in the tax base and made for a place that was not welcoming.

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

229

BEST PRACTICES

AFTER BETTER BLOCK

WHAT?

BETHEL BETTER BLOCK LOCATI ON

BETHEL, VT

TIME

November, 2018 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

D I G I T AL F A B R I CAT I O N

WAYFINDING

ART

PARTNERS

AARP Vermont, Bethel Revitalization Initiative, City of Bethel

230

T E AM BET TER BLOCK

The Better Block stimulated a revitalization that has been captained by local advocates, investors and town leaders. Thousands of volunteer hours, investment dollars and changes in the perception of the town have made for a vibrant downtown.

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Reclaiming cities for the public good, one block at a time.

Helping neighborhoods, towns and cities to become great places for people of all ages.

AARP Livable Communities understands that working to provide safe, walkable, age-friendly housing and transportation options, access to needed services, and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life begins at the local level. This is where many decisions about community design, development and infrastructure are made. Recently, a new model of planning for cities has taken hold. Like many disruptive methods it goes by many names: tactical urbanism, creative placemaking or Better Block. Essentially, these methods seek to transition transformation of the city from experts to citizens. Team Better Block has been conducting these types of projects for seven years in over 150 communities around the globe. Now a new partnership with AARP will provide this transformative planning tool to member communities with new resources and consulting services. Together, we are searching for communities that want to rapidly revitalize main streets, downtowns and commercial areas. Ideal candidates will already have a network of people interested in community revitalization and are ready to get started this year with a demonstration.

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WWW.TEAMBETTERBLOCK.COM

INFO@TEAMBETTERBLOCK.COM