Town Of Edgartown: Fall Issue: Mass Planning

Press release from the Town of Edgartown:

09/21/2021 2:27 PM

Even as communities approach widespread vaccination, we know life will never be the same as before. One program in Massachusetts gives us a glimpse into the meaningful quality of life improvements we can take with us into the future if we continue to design healthy, fun, safe and affordable ways for people to get around
and within our communities.

The Bay State’s Shared Streets and Spaces grant program has supported 143 communities —from cities to small towns—in testing ideas to improve local outdoor spaces so that people can safely be in public together during the pandemic. Administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) with support from the Barr Foundation, the Solomon Foundation, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), and other nonprofit partners, the program has empowered municipalities across Massachusetts to implement changes to make their streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces more equitable, inclusive, and accessible.

While these projects may look simple—setting up a few chairs for strangers to have small talk, slowing down traffic so kids can play, adding a bus stop for essential workers—all strengthen community bonds and combat loneliness, keep downtowns buzzing, and remind all of us that we’re in this together.

The Shared Streets and Spaces grant program has been successful in piloting projects and policies that in many cases will now be made permanent. So, how does it work, and what lessons does the program provide other cities around the country?

How does it work?  Find out by downloading your copy of Massachusetts Planning!

How does it work?  Find out by downloading your copy of Massachusetts Planning!

We hope you enjoy this issue and find the articles interesting, informative and useful.  As always, your comments and suggestions are always welcome! Stay tuned for another edition of Massachusetts Planning coming in Winter 2021!

This press release was produced by the Town of Edgartown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.