merson Heights What is a Charrette? - Ball State University

Traffic CalmingOverview:Neighbors expressed concerned ofhigh speed vehicular traffic impedingthe safety of pedestrians and youngchildren playing in the neighborhood.The implementation of a networkof traffic calming features go wellbeyond simple speed bumps. Beloware a few examples of traffic calmingbest practices that also enhance thecharacter of the neighborhood.10A: Bump-OutsAlternating bump-outs create atechnique known as a “chicane”. Theyforce the driver to slow down becausehe must curve, and also psychologicallyforce drivers to slow because they nolonger have a “tunnel” view of thestreet. These curb bump outs createnew pockets for landscaping that couldincorporate stormwater managementinterventions.Existing10B: LinwoodstreetImprovementsWide-open views promote speedbecause the driver’s range of visionis unlimited. Infill buildings canaddress the street and create a moreappropriate “street wall” and senseof enclosure along Linwood Street.Additional improvements may includenative plantings, appropriate urbanstreet trees, brick/paver/texturedstreets and dedicated bicycle lanes.Fig. 10AProposedFig. 10B10C: streetSectionsThe neighborhood has two distinctstreet typologies...the esplanadestreets on the east half and commonstreets on the west. Similar signage,landscaping, lighting, and trafficcalming can be used to better “unite”the streets into a common identity.Fig. 10c10D: Pedestrianfriendly streetsThis perspective sketch showsimplementation of “complete streets”that create vibrant places for cars, bikes,and pedestrians. The streetscapeincludes new pedestrian walkways andnative landscaping.Fig. 10DVisions for the Future:Hurdles to Overcome:Design Charrettemerson Heights