City of Indianapolis seeks public input on Tactical Urbanism projects

INDIANAPOLIS — The Department of Public Works (DPW) is looking to make city streets safer for drivers and pedestrians through its Tactical Urbanism program. The city is currently accepting applications for new Tactical Urbanism projects from the public.

If you drive on Calvary Street near Virginia Avenue in Fountain Square, you’ll see the latest Tactical Urbanism project — a series of water barriers installed by the Fountain Square Neighborhood Association and DPW.

“No one knows their neighborhood better than the people who live there,” said Kyle Bloyd of the Indianapolis Department of Public Works. “Think about your morning commute and afternoon drive. You probably know places along the path that people go too fast or take a corner too tight.”

Bloyd says the department is currently taking applications for more citizen-led Tactical Urbanism projects and Art in the Right of Way across the city. The program now includes a 50/50 cost-share match and a lending library, which offers neighborhoods access to Tactical Urbanism equipment and materials through DPW.

The department recently added another $40,000 in supplies to the library, including cones and barriers.

“This is an opportunity for neighborhood organizations to put their infrastructure ideas into effect,” Bloyd said. “This becomes a test for a future permanent installation from Indy DPW.”

Local business owners, like Charlie McIntosh of Amelia’s off Virginia Avenue, support the initiative and say they’d like to see more citizen-led safety projects like this one.

“The more focus they put on that and encouraging people to walk, the better it is for businesses and everyone who is doing the walking,” McIntosh said. “Not only from a health standpoint, but safety.”

Bloyd says DPW is eager to hear community ideas and believes the results will be beneficial not just for the safety of drivers and pedestrians, but for the city as a whole.

“It’s about traffic calming, it’s about making our infrastructure safe for everyone,” Bloyd said. “Indianapolis doesn’t have to be about getting in your car and going to point A and getting in your car and going home. Indianapolis should be explored.”

DPW is accepting applications through August 30. To find out how to apply, click here.

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