phase I

streetscape details developed for phase I

Stabilize: To minimize loss and change direction in order to maintain a uniform level.

Stabilization comes from having a balance of features that holds the fabric of the community together. This proposal has been organized to do just that, by initially enhancing the overall aesthetic quality of Washington Place. In addition to improvement of its appearance, we hope to increase community interest, participation, and input into what takes place on their street, and increase its safety. Not only does the community need to be active in what is going on, they need to feel a sense of pride and spirit, which is the essence of this stabilization phase.

Phase I will include:

• Remove unusable structures that add to the debris of the neighborhood, such as burned houses on 14th St.

• Remove cracked and unsafe sidewalks, and replace them with brick sidewalks in which the residents can participate in laying.

• Add lower lighting and corner posts to luminate the sidewalks for better safety, as well as to add to the historic quality of the streetscape. On the entrance posts, that will be located at corners, plaques engraved with historical information will be mounted.

• Add trees suitable for an urban setting to line the street adding to the streetscape and helping the environment. We chose the Ginkgo Biloba because of its characteristic as a good city tree that was capable of withstanding air pollution, and was also a good size.

• Remove the alleys behind the houses which will extend each residents property an additional 7-15 feet. This is to increase safety, and to eliminate the vacant public area where garbage and weeds can accumulate.

• There will be NO PARKING on the streets from 12mid-6am. This is to keep the amount of congregating public traffic down to a minimum, and improve police surveillance of the street at night.

• A neighborhood watch will be set up and signs posted for added protection, along with community awareness and involvement in this neighborhood. Build and strengthen resident support.

phase I conditions:

East St. Louis Action Research Project