Public participation is seen as a key step in the restoration of a historically important boulevard gutted by the expansion of the automobile and reduced to a mono-functional thoroughfare of eight traffic lanes devoid of life.
A sketch emphasizes the use of temporary features designed to test the limits of what may be possible including: the reclamation of traffic lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, the replanting of street trees, and the introduction of public amenities such as seating.
This intermediate step is intended to maximize public participation and build consensus among residents and stakeholders. It is intended to have a life of one year, spanning all seasons, and beginning with a grand opening event to mark the introduction of the new vision. Information kiosks located at intervals along the temporary streetscape give residents and stakeholders the chance to learn about the proposed restoration and to voice their feedback in real-time. A dedicated website will provide additional access to project details and elicit public response.
Successful interventions will contribute to an expansion of public life within the streetscape, a rise in pedestrian traffic, and an increase of economic opportunity for shops and businesses. Upon completion of the test phase and evaluation those interventions deemed successful can be confidently implemented after having already earned the approval of the public.