City Awarded Nearly $239K For Shared Streets and Spaces Projects

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has approved and funded the City of Pittsfield’s grant application for the Shared Streets and Spaces Program in the amount of $238,826. The program will support 20 dynamic placemaking projects in the downtown corridor that will enhance mobility for pedestrians and bicyclists, integrate additional open and vibrant public spaces for community life, and improve navigation.

In adherence with the grant’s required timeline, work is expected to begin now and continue through early October.

To see the full list of projects, please visit here: https://arcg.is/iSvSn

Some general information on grant from the City of Pittsfield’s website:

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Shared Streets and Spaces quick-launch/quick-build grant program will provide grants as small as $5,000 and as large as $300,000 for cities and towns to quickly implement or expand improvements to sidewalks, curbs, streets, on-street parking spaces and off-street parking lots in support of public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce in their communities.

The City of Pittsfield has been awarded $238,826 for projects associated with enhanced mobility and placemaking.

Enhanced Mobility Components

Project to enhance mobility will focus on these principles in general:

Pavement space used for car travel will be reallocated to more diverse uses.
Those who use different forms of mobility to access essential services and jobs are especially susceptible to the spread of Coronavirus.
Road space will be reallocated with “quick-build” elements such as barriers, cones, temporary signage and landscaping. They will be evaluated for permanent construction on a case-by-case basis.

Placemaking Components

Components that support this goal focus on these principles in general:

As building capacities are still reduced and customers may feel more comfortable outdoors, additional space should be set aside to permit dining and vending
Drawing foot traffic and creating focal points that encourage engagement with the street also helps to support businesses located downtown
Landscaping, art, lighting, and shade provide enclosure to help make spaces more inviting.
The projects will generally be built with an “interim” timeline in mind and can be removed and replaced seasonally.