An east end Traffic Calming Project is set to begin tomorrow, Saturday, June 27 at 10:00 am according to a press release received this morning jointly from the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization and the India Street Neighborhood Association.  The joint Project plans to install traffic calming measures at six critical intersections in the two east end neighborhoods.  It is intended to slow vehicles down, shorten crossing distances and make everyone safer and better connected in the east end of Portland.

Motivated by concern over the increasing number of pedestrian fatalities in Portland, the MHNO-ISNA Street Safety Team began its collaborative work eight months ago.  That work was thanks in part to a Portland Sustainable Neighborhoods Mini-Grant.  With the help of partners throughout the city — including the West End Neighborhood Assocation (WENA), Portland Trails, Bicycle Coalition of Maine and Vision Zero Maine — and the dedication of commited volunteers — including project leads Tom Nosai, Hanna Hartman and Craig Bramley — the team developed a comprehensive traffic calming proposal.  That proposal has now earned key funding support from AARP, as well as full approvals, lienses and permits from the City of Portland.  Team members will now temporarily install the paint, flexible posts, benches, bike racks and planters designed to make the critical — and too often dangerous — Congress Street Corridor safer for all.

Significantly, this Project has been chosen by AARP as one of 750 projects out of 5,100 applicants nationwide to be awarded a Community Challenge Flagship Grant in excess of $10,000 to enable the Project to go foward with its Calming Project.

“America is aging and most older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love.  There are a lot of things that localities can do to support residents of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Offcer.  “AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements — from safer sidewalks and improved transportation optins to public spaces that bring neighbors together and enhance community connections.”