Convincing neighborhood stakeholders and local businesses that shutting down a street to cars is a good idea can be a herculean task. After nine years of work to do just that, a group of advocates in Philadelphia has lessons to share.
Geoff Kees Thompson reports findings from the "more than 9 years of planning, overcoming opposition and gaining approval," it took to deliver Philadelphia's newest pedestrian plaza: the Triangle at 23rd, South and Grays Ferry Avenue. According to Thompson, it's "the first plaza in Center City that has fully repurposed the street by closing it to vehicular traffic," but the Center City has many more opportunities for similar projects.
Thompson goes on to provide a detailed how-to of how the South of South Neighborhood Association built support among local businesses, maintained the space before the conversion, gathered financial support, pursued political support, and marshaled volunteer labor.
Read the full story: Philadelphia's Newest pedestrian Plaza at the Grays Ferry Triangles: How It Happened, How Much It Cost, Your Playbook
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