Crosswalks near Cliff, Main streets will look like books. What to know about the project

New crosswalks by Otis Library represent the city’s first taste of Tactical Urban Design.

The four colorful crosswalks will be added to the area near Main Street and Cliff Street. They will look like books on a shelf as an homage to the Otis Library, and include a tribute to local author Lottie B. Scott’s book “Deep South, Deep North: A Family’s Journey.”

Developed as a part of the Chelsea Harbor/Downtown Mobility Study, the new sidewalks will be finished in June, Global City Norwich Director Bobbie Braboy.

These new crosswalks are temporary, but the city will use them to gather feedback for a permanent change.

This project will help address what’s been identified as the four core problems of downtown Norwich, which are cleanliness, lighting, signage and accessibility, Braboy said.

While there are plans to improve the crosswalk at Courthouse Square, it was thought best to tackle the Cliff Street area first, Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services Deanna Rhodes said.

What is the area by the Norwich library and what is happening on Main Street

A parklet area will be added by the library and there will also be a bumpout to change the angle of cars stop at the intersection of Cliff and Main streets, according to the Envision Norwich 360 website.

“It’s a piece of art; it's usable art,” Rhodes said.

Parklets are small fenced areas on the street with tables and chairs. There are already a few parklets around downtown, including by Foundry 66.

Bumpouts have already been implemented in Greenville, with the flags painted on Central Avenue. It reduces the distance pedestrians walk in the street, while the art gives community pride, Rhodes said.

The project aims to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, enhance visuals, provide additional outdoor space, and highlight a valuable community asset, the Envision Norwich 360 website states.

The city will also try a wayfinding sign, Rhodes said.

What is tactical urbanism?

This project is a demonstration of the tactical urban design concept, so it can help communities and authorities to visualize the potential of spaces, the Envision Norwich 360 website states.

Tactical Urbanism focuses on small, temporary changes, and gathering feedback, from the bottom up, for larger changes. The small changes tend to be low-cost and are flexible based on what’s needed, the Envision Norwich 360 website states.

All changes under tactical urbanism are meant to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. The results are meant to be safer, more accessible and people-friendly, according to the Envision Norwich 360 website.

Policy may be changed to allow for, or in response to, these changes. All feedback, data and observations should be collected to determine effectiveness and future plans, the Envision Norwich 360 website states.

Why do city planners and community development leaders like the project

Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments Regional Planner Nicole Haggerty is confident things will work. As someone who lives in Norwich and has helped in this effort, the effort marks change, she said.

“Downtown is going to look great,” she said.

The project should also be a “spark of creativity” for downtown, and help change its perception Norwich Community Development Corporation Community Development Specialist Lucas Kaiser said.

“Hopefully it starts a domino effect,” he said.

How Norwich residents can provide feedback on the redesigns

The next meeting on the crosswalk project will be virtual on Tuesday, April 30 at 5 p.m. The link will be on the project page on the Envision Norwich 360 website, Braboy said.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: New colorful crosswalks in Norwich: Its part of tactical urban design