Better Block Four Corners is happening this Saturday, May 16th from 10am-2pm there will be a one-day transformation of Cameron Street at the Four Corners (Intersection of Cameron Street and University) into a two-lane pedestrian friendly Boulevard. This is an exciting opportunity to see what’s possible for the future of one of Lafayette’s key, historical, gateways.
Locally known as Four Corners, the Intersection of University Ave with Cameron Street (US HWY 90) in Lafayette, LA, was once a thriving cultural and economic hub. Prior to the Oil boom of the 1980’s Four Corners was a place for fine dining at restaurants such as Toby’s Oak Grove and Jacob’s. Live music and dancing could be found at a number of venues and these venues attracted acts from around the country and across the South. Residents could catch a movie at the Pat theater or a wrestling match at the gym just across the Railroad tracks. Numerous businesses sold a wide variety of products.
With the Oil Boom of the early 1980’s the state acquired additional right of way to expand both Cameron Street and University Ave in order to accommodate more cars and construct an underpass to service the growing population of Lafayette. These street improvements, coupled with the first oil bust had a dramatic impact on this section of Lafayette. Today none of these cherished institutions remain. There is a general perception in the community that the area is a high crime area that is frequented by prostitutes and drug dealers.
Lafayette, like other cities around the U.S. are looking for tools to help redevelop communities that enable multi-modal transportation while increasing economic development, and reducing carbon emissions. The “Better Block Four Corners” project is a demonstration tool that acts as a living charrette so that communities can actively engage in the build out process and provide feedback in real time.
The Better Block Event will address the following four areas in order to redevelop Lafayette’s Four Corners
Safety
Shared Access
Stay Power
8-80 Amenities
Safety
First and foremost, if an area feels unsafe then everything breaks down. Whether it be businesses, schools, or neighborhood revitalization, the key to changing a place is addressing its perceived safety.
- Does it feel safe to cross the street?
- Does it feel safe to stand on the sidewalk?
- Does it feel safe to linger in the area?
- Does the area have hidden corners or large obstacles that reduce open sightlines?
- Is there area filled with debris, graffiti, overgrown landscaping, etc.?
- Do the businesses bars on the windows or opaque windows?
Our goal is to address each of these questions and find ways to improve the area rapidly.
Shared Access
The next goal we focus on is looking at ways to bring more people into the area by various modes of transportation. We ask the questions:
- Do pedestrians have easy and clear access to the area?
- Do bicycles feel welcome in the area?
- Is the area easily accessible from neighborhoods?
- Are there way finding signs that direct people into and out of the area?
- Are there amenities that allow people to linger in the space (seating, tables, etc.)?
Stay Power
- How can we encourage people to visit the area and have them linger, and invite their friends?
- Are there food options on the block?
- Are there places to eat outdoors?
- Are there maps, bulletin boards, games, or other amenities that encourage people to linger?
- Is the identity of the area prominent (arts district, cultural district, historic area)?
8 – 80, dog-owners
Lastly, we look at amenities that create invitations for children, seniors, and dog owners on a block. These groups tend to be indicators of a healthy environment that feels welcoming and attracts other people.
The Better Block Four Corners Event will be designed to demonstrate these four areas and show the community what Four Corners Could be.
http://www.facebook.com/betterblock4corners
https://twitter.com/BB4Corners