Positioned as a main traffic artery and alternative route between city and county, Dale Avenue and all its improvements provide the mixed use corridor that solidifies the viability of this project as an added asset of the community. This is a prime example of a "Build it and they will use it because there are plenty of places to go" thought process. This forward thinking community started assembling this staged production back in 2007 using a grass roots approach beginning with public open houses, land studies, and neighborhood workshops, giving citizens and stakeholders that would ultimately benefit from this type of improvement, a chance to contribute directly and be involved at the ground level. End users were asked, they gave, and now their ideas are being implemented on previously under-utilized easement. What more can taxpayers ask for? Community involvement pays off.
How does this relate to universal design? This is universal design. It is an example of designing for health, wellness and social participation, some of the goals of UD. It is seamless incorporation of elements that wil benefit all and it is being done as a team working together to see it come to fruition.
These kinds of civic improvements have a positive and ongoing socio-economic impact. They make active transportation more accessible for all residents and this cultivates community growth by promoting social activity within neighborhoods. It reduces transportation costs by providing safe access to alternative transportation routes, which ultimately leads to improved health and well being, reducing healthcare costs for individuals and reducing the burden on the healthcare system at large. Not to mention it leaves people money for other things, like supporting local business. It keeps people in the community longer by making it easy for them to get around to the amenities the community has to offer.
This morning while out on my field study taking photos for this blog post, I met with some less than favorable opinions about this development activity. One property owner thought it was an unnecessary use of tax dollars on top of an unsightly mess for property owners. My only comments to this--and granted I am not the one dealing with a direct disruption--is that minor setbacks lead to major improvements so hopefully those that are being inconvenienced will realize the long term benefits community wide improvements like this have on private property values. It is a win-win. This is most definitely not a waste of taxpayer money at all. It is wise appropriation of funds that are available from the government for this sort of community wide improvement activity. It would be waste of resources not to take advantage of it, especially when there is a demonstrated need.
I captured an odd assortment of pics from today and am calling this haphazard gallery of photos: "Looking Beyond The Obvious". There is much beauty to behold about these photos because this is a perfect demonstration of progress as promised.
As a frequent traveler along Dale Avenue I look forward to watching this progressive action as it happens. And I will definitely keep you posted!
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