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POR 2017 #282 · Agenda item attachment · Oct 16 2017

That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Community Development Department, the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Arts Council regarding the feasibility of implementing neighborways on certain streets in Cambridge, propose two streets to pilot as neighborways, and create a process by which a group of residents can request that their street be considered as future neighborways

POR 2017 #282·Council meeting Oct 16, 2017·1 page·📄 Original PDF (city portal)
City of Cambridge O-7 ORIGINAL ORDER IN CITY COUNCIL October 16, 2017 COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX COUNCILLOR CARLONE WHEREAS: Speeding cut-through traffic is one of the most frequent concerns expressed by residents city-wide to the City Council; and WHEREAS: Traffic calming elements can be effective on certain streets, but features like curb extensions and raised crosswalks can be costly and time-consuming to install, and often residents feel that they do not solve the speeding problem; and WHEREAS: “Neighborways” are becoming increasingly popular tools to slow traffic on residential streets without making substantial infrastructure changes to the street or reducing parking; and WHEREAS: Neighborways beautify the public way with public art, identifying the street as one where neighbors prioritize safety and community over speed; and WHEREAS: Neighborways have proven popular and effective in Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, and in Somerville; and WHEREAS: These low-cost solutions bring neighbors together to brainstorm and collaborate in making community art to take "ownership" and pride in the public way; and WHEREAS: Neighborways are a visual cue to motorists to slow down and watch for children, the elderly and other vulnerable users, furthering the City's commitments to Vision Zero and Complete Streets; and WHEREAS: Neighborways bring communities together to improve their street, combining art, community relations, and safety to enhance Cambridge; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Community Development Department, the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Arts Council to 1) examine and report back to the City Council on the feasibility of implementing neighborways on certain streets in Cambridge, 2) propose two streets to pilot as neighborways, and 3) create a process by which a group of residents can request that their street be considered as future neighborways.