Close Broadway to Pedestrian only traffic on the weekends
From "Envision Norwich! Submit An Idea"
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The ongoing ARP investments in lower Broadway are incremental, but will lead to a more pedestrian friendly public space and retail space. As a step along that incremental path, let's close off Broadway to pedestrians only on the weekends and encourage gatherings (v. the more extreme approach of shutting it down altogether right now - too soon, one day yes, but not yet).
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Profile of Sam Chinigo
Posted by:Sam Chinigo
4 years ago
I certainly appreciate the idea, but how/where will traffic be diverted or re-routed? Also, closing off a street is not necessary to encourage foot traffic and activity. This is apparent in neighboring towns like Mystic, Stonington, New London, etc. I would suggest we focus more on giving people reasons to be downtown before closing down streets.
Profile of Aaron Maxwell
Posted by:Aaron Maxwell
4 years ago
I recently took a trip to Vietnam, and in Hoi An there is a famous "night market" where there are a bunch of small food cart vendors, craft vendors, and bars overflowing with people. The streets are all lit up with colorful lantern lights.
The night market in Hoi An is much bigger than this Broadway area, and basically a permanent fixture, but I could imagine something along those lines happening on weekends, maybe starting during daylight hours and finishing when bars close.
I'm filled with doubt writing this comment because the night market in Hoi An is so big and well-established, but I do wonder if there is some value to the idea. As someone mentioned, you have to have a reason to actually go to Broadway if the street is going to be closed. Are there food and craft vendors out there looking for this kind of establishment? Is it too much hassle bringing food stands into the area every weekend? Is it possible to attract more ethnic foods that normally don't get much attention?
Profile of Kevin Brown
Posted by:Kevin Brown
4 years ago
@Aaron Maxwell your idea AND your hesitation is what we are trying to tackle so thanks for your thoughts. Yes, chicken or the egg proposition, as is much of our effort to revitalize. But we've got to take a leap somewhere - so we are starting with a design plan to work on the "feel" of Lower Broadway. Simultaneously, and equally as important, we've got to have "the reason". Your Vietnam example might not fit at the same scale, but it's a primer for something that's built to the scale we have. Thanks for being part of the conversation here. Early next year (estimating Feb or March) the Yale Urban Design Workshop will hold focus groups. Stay tuned (sharing with you @Adam Bowles )
Profile of Brendon Albertson
Posted by:Brendon Albertson
4 years ago
I think this is a fantastic idea. However, closing a street will only encourage gatherings if folks have a reason to visit. Perhaps a chalk mural competition, a food festival, or just a block party! I'm more than happy to volunteer for this.
Profile of Nicole Haggerty
Posted by:Nicole Haggerty
4 years ago
@Brendon Albertson The last town that I worked in held a "Chalk Walk" mural competition that was highly successful and had thousands of attendees. I think this is a great idea.
Profile of Brendon Albertson
Posted by:Brendon Albertson
4 years ago
@Nicole Haggerty Thanks for your reply Nicole! I'm to glad to hear there's a precedent for this that has been successful. I'm curious which town it was in? I just moved back to Norwich (my hometown) after 10 years in Boston/Cambridge and feel there's a lot we could learn/borrow here from larger, more vibrant areas that regularly hold events like this. The question I'm wondering, however, is what is the process for something like this? Who will take leadership? The blurb above mentions that closing off Broadway will "encourage gatherings," but no one wants to gather unless there's something to do. Will the city host a chalk event like this? Would the city advertise the closed Broadway as an event space to organizers? If so, how would we compete with other locations that organizers might consider for their event, such as New London? Just some thoughts!
Profile of Nicole Haggerty
Posted by:Nicole Haggerty
4 years ago
@Brendon Albertson It was in Round Rock, Texas. Norwich is also my hometown, and I recently moved back after living in Austin, Texas for 4 years. I agree that there is a lot Norwich can borrow from other cities and events. It seems like in the short time that I was out of the area there has been a strong, grass-roots efforts for more arts and festivals in Downtown and it's great to see how lively Broadway has been on First Fridays. It seems like there is enough momentum from community groups to continue working with the City to build on what's already been done. It's exciting to see that the City/NCDC is bringing forward ideas such as closing Broadway.
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