Connecticut landscape architecture - CTASLA

Complete Streets: Designing andImplementing the Higher Road“Complete Streets” policy, formalizedin Connecticut with Public Act 09-154 (“An Act Improving Bicycle andPedestrian Access”), means that streets mustnow be designed to enable safe access across theentire right-of-way for all users, regardless of age,ability, or mode of transportation. The key pointsof Public Act No. 09-154 are:• Accommodations for all users shall be aroutine part of the planning, design, construction,and operating activities of all highways.• State and municipal projects are included.• The “user” means a motorist, transit user,pedestrian, or bicyclist.• A minimum of one per cent of the totalamount of funds received in any fiscal year isrequired to provide facilities for all users.• A Connecticut Bicycle and PedestrianAdvisory Board has been established withinthe Department of Transportation.Connecticut landscape architects support“Complete Streets” by helping developersand communities plan and design streets thataccommodate multiple users — cars and trucks,pedestrians, bicycles, strollers, skateboarders,emergency vehicles — while also incorporatingplantings, stormwater management systems,hardscapes, safety features, and even street furniture.The result? Safer intersections, smoothertraffic flow, and vibrant streetscapes that attractpeople and generate economic development.The Connecticut Chapter of ASLA developeda series of display boards in 2012 (someof which are on the following pages) to helpstate residents understand the core concepts ofComplete Streets, and the contributions thatlandscape architects are making in helping ourtowns and cities achieve these goals. Theseboards can also be viewed on our website atwww.ctasla.org/exhibits/Complete_Streets.pdf.Connecticut ASLA members TomTavella, FASLA, of Fuss & O’Neill,and David Sousa, ASLA, of CDMSmith, were presenters at a Juneworkshop sponsored by the CTDepartment of Transportationcalled “Complete Streets: WorkingTogether to Design Great Places.”Here, landscape architect SusanFiedler, ASLA of ConnDOT poseswith Tom Tavella in the lobby of theDepartment’s Newington headquarters,where CTASLA’s CompleteStreets boards were displayed.47