2013 NJ Complete Streets Summit

The Importance of Context in Institutionalizing a Local Complete Streets

Policy: Chatham Borough Case Study

Susan G. Blickstein, PP/AICP, PhD

10/21/2013

Overview

• Funded by ANJEC Grant• Steering Committee • Policy Plan • Importance of local CONTEXT in plan and

policy preparation and implementation

Chatham Borough

• Southeastern Morris County • 2.4 square miles/9,000

residents• Built-out community with

downtown core• RETROFIT IN DEVELOPED

CONTEXT (ROW constraints).

Key Elements of Policy Plan: More than a Resolution

• Vision Statement & Goals• Policy Language (Resolution)• Complete Streets Measures – general design

guidance based on local context• Educational Program Recommendations• Roadway Project Checklist• Performance Measures

Vision Statement

“ Develop strategies, policies and goals that promote individual and community health and sustainability through the provision of transportation options that encourage physical activity while preserving and enhancing the existing assets of Chatham Borough.”

Select Goals – CONTEXT• Building on the historic, mixed-use downtown of

Chatham, plan pleasant and accessible places to walk, cycle, and access transit.

• Enhance current walking and bicycling opportunities through improvements that expand existing safe routes to destinations.

• Promote walking, bicycling and transit use through consideration of specific street safety needs of children, older adults, and people with disabilities in new and retrofit projects, especially those projects at and near schools, community facilities, transportation hubs, and the downtown.

Select Goals - CONTEXT • Ensure that complete streets projects reflect and

consider the environmental, cultural, and historic context of the Borough.

• Promote outreach and education to all street users regarding mutual respect and rules of the road in a multi-modal environment.

• Implement the complete streets policies to support other local initiatives such as Sustainable Jersey certification and SRTS.

• Involve residents and business owners in promoting walking and cycling locally.

• Seek public input via surveys for certain types of projects.

Local Checklist – Streets/Crossings/Sidewalks

Local Checklist – Streets/Crossings/Sidewalks

Local Checklist - Use

• Insert checklist

Local Checklist – Contextual Factors

Local Checklist - Safety

Performance Measures

1. Safety & Use

2. Improved Accessibility for Users of All Ages & Abilities

3. New Infrastructure and/or Retrofitted Streets

4. Consideration of Historic & Environmental Resources

5. Education Events & Community Outreach

6. Implementation of Sustainable Jersey Certification Actions

7. Funding Support and Cost/Benefit Analysis.

http://www.chathamborough.org/chatham/Plans-Reports/Complete%20Streets%20Policy%20Plan%203-21-2012.pdf

Related Efforts that Reinforce CS Policy

• Local Traffic Committee • SRTS Efforts• Ordinance Changes • Checklist– Complete Streets measures included in recent maintenance and reconstruction projects

sblickstein@gmail.comSusan G. Blickstein PP, AICP, PhD