COVER

BUILD A BETTER BLOCK

A GUIDE TO PLANNING AND ORGANIZING

A BETTER BLOCK

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Build a Better Block: A Guide to Planning & Organizing a Better Block ............ 3What is Better Block? ..................................... 4Better Block Case Study ................................. 6Why a Better Block? ....................................... 6Better Block Costs .......................................... 7What an $8,000 Better Block Looks Like ........ 7Team Better Block Consulting ........................ 8Better Block Schedule & Plan ......................... 9 Identify & Outreach to Partners ................. 9

DefineProject&SelectaSite .................. 10

BetterBlockSurvey .................................. 12

Conduct a Community Meeting & Keynote ................................................. 13

KeynoteinNewOrleans .......................... 14

OrganizeaWalkingTour&BrainstormingSession .......................... 15

SetaDate ................................................ 15

Sign-upVolunteers& Coordinate Teams ................................ 15

DevelopConceptPlan ............................. 16

Activities&Programming ........................ 17

Promote & Market ........................................ 21OutreachtoPropertyOwners .................. 23

Codes & Insurance ................................... 23

SecurePermits ......................................... 23

ProcureMaterials,Prep&Pre-Build ......... 24

Set-up&FinalLogistics ............................ 25

Document,Measure&Evaluate .............. 26

DevelopPolicies&UpdateZoningfor Permanent Changes ........................... 27

Appendix ....................................................... 28TeamBetterBlockTools&Resources ...... 28

Budget:TypicalScopeofTeamBetterBlockServices .................. 29

SiteSelection:BetterBlockSiteSurvey ... 32

Partner Outreach: Partner Questionnaire .............................. 33

VolunteerOutreach:TeamAssignment&VolunteerSignUp ... 34

ConceptPlanExample ............................. 35

BetterBlockWorkshops:Prep&Pre-Build ....................................... 36

Set-up&Logistics:ScheduleofEvents&MapsExample ...... 42

Set-up&Logistics:TrafficControlPlanExample .................... 43

Measurement ........................................... 44

Evaluate ................................................... 49

CompleteStreetsDesignExample .......... 52

BetterBlockResources ............................ 53

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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BUILD A BETTER BLOCKA Guide to Planning & Organizing a Better BlockTherearedowntownsandcommercialcorridorsinalmosteverycommunitythatareinneedofajumpstarttohelpthembecomethegreatplacestheyoncewereby transformingthemintowalkablecommunitiesandvibrantdestinationsforresidentsandvisitorsalike.Canyouthinkofanyneighborhoodsthatfitthisbillinyour community?

THENATIONALASSOCIATIONOFREALTORS® encourages REALTOR® Associations andREALTORS®,tobecomeengagedintheircommunitiestomakethembetter placestoliveandwork.TheREALTOR®Partyoffersresources,funding,training andtechnicalassistancetosupportourREALTOR® Associations in their community outreach efforts.

BetterBlockisonetypeofprojectinwhichREALTOR®Associationscanbecome engagedintheircommunitiesandpartnerwithotherstoinitiatetherevitalizationofadowntownorcommercialcorridor.Yourassociationcantaketheleadinyour communitytohelpturnthingsaround.

NAR’s SmartGrowthActionGrantcanbeusedtohelpfundaBetterBlockproject.Aftertheprojectiscompleted,thePlacemakingGrantcanbeusedtocreatevibrantcommunitygatheringplaceslikepocketparksandgardensfollowedbya HousingOpportunityGranttoaddressaffordablehousingchallengesinthe neighborhood.

ThreelocalREALTOR®Associations—HamptonRoadsAssociationofREALTORS®(VA),GreaterSouthBend-MishawakaAssociationofREALTORS®(OR)andtheNewOrleansMetropolitanAssociationofREALTORS®(NOMAR)(LA)—havecompletedBetterBlockprojectsintheircommunities.Andtheireffortscontinue.ThecityofNorfolk,VA,hasheldathirdBetterBlockprojectandhasadedicatedwebsitepage.ThecityofSouthBend,OR,hasaskedtheGreaterSouthBend-MishawakaAssociationofREALTORS® tomakeaBetterBlockeventanannualevent.AndNOMARisplanningasecond BetterBlock.

“Better Block is an excellent program and has the ability to jumpstart development and excite a community about the possibilities for underutilized areas.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association, VA.

ThisdocumentisanoverviewofBetterBlocktohelpyou,alongwithyourpartners,toplanandorganizeaBetterBlock.

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WHAT IS BETTER BLOCK? BetterBlockisaprocessthatempowerscommunitiesandtheirleaderstoreshapethebuiltenvironmentstopromotethegrowthofhealthyandvibrantneighborhoods.

Itdemonstratesthepotentialofanareawith“temporarytreatments”(i.e.painting,bikelanesandparklets)tovacantbuildings,underusedstreetsandpublicspaces.Thistemporarytransformationprovidesawayforresidentsandcommunityleaderstoparticipateintheprocess.Italsohelpstoconvincepublicofficials,stakeholders,lendersandpropertyownersofthepotentialofanarea.Thinkofitasadressrehearsalforchange.

BetterBlockisanalternativetotraditionalplanningprocesses,whichcanbelongandboring;involveendlesspublicandcommitteemeetings;andcausestrifeamongststakeholdersandresidents.

BetterBlockhasreplacedthetypicalpublicmeetingandarchitecturalrenderingsprocessinmorethan100communitiesaroundthecountryandinternationally.

BetterBlockprojectshaveapositiveimpactontherealestatemarket.InNorfolk,VAmorethan$20millioninrealestatetransactionshaveoccurredsinceaBetterBlockin2011.OneofthesetransactionsevenoccurredduringtheBetterBlockeventitself.

“Better Block is speed dating for future investors, developers and business proprietors to meet and test ideas out in real time.”

Andrew Howard, Team Better Block.

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BetterBlockisnotalong,drawn-outprocess.Ithappensquickly:

MonthOne:Identifyaoneblocklocation

MonthTwo:DevelopaConceptPlanbasedoncommunityinput

MonthThree:buildouttheconceptplanwiththecommunityanddemonstratepotential

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Better Block Case StudyBinghamton,TN,isaneighborhoodofMemphis.Inrecentyears,Binghamton’spopulationhasdeclined30percent,10to14percentofitshomesarevacantanditisundergoinganincrease inneighborhoodblight.LivableMemphis,aprogramoftheCommunityDevelopmentCouncil ofGreaterMemphis,sawanopportunitytoconnectseveralgreatassetsinthesurrounding neighborhoodswithatwo-milebicyclepath,TheHampline,tobringtraffictothearea.Butfirst,revitalizationeffortswereneededtochangeBinghamton’simageasablightedandcrime-riddenarea.Tojumpstartthepre-revitalizationprocessandovercomeperceptions,LivableMemphisjoinedforceswiththeBroadAvenueArtsDistrict,theBinghamtonDevelopmentCorporation,andtheownerofananchorbusiness,TCliftonArts,toutilizeatacticalurbanismtoolfromDallas,TexascalledBuildaBetterBlock.Forasingleweekend,theprojecttransformeddesolateBroadAvenueintoathrivingcommercialdistrict,withprotectedbikelanesandculturalprogramming.Overthenextyear,theareasaw$2.5millioninprivateinvestment,andinthenextthreeyears,morethan$18million.Bythefourthyear,thecommercialdistricthada95percentoccupancy.

TakealookatthisshortvideooftheBetterBlockinSanAntonio,TX,togiveyouabetterideaofwhathappensduringaBetterBlock.

WHY A BETTER BLOCK?TherearemanyreasonstohaveaBetterBlock.Afewofthesereasonsaswellaspotentialoutcomesareoutlinedbelow.Ifyouthinkaneighborhoodinyourcommunitycouldbenefitfromoneormoreoftheseoutcomes,youmightwanttoconsideraBetterBlockproject.

• Improvesandrevitalizesunderusedproperties

• Highlightsthepotentialforcreatinggreat“completestreets”and“walkablecommunities”

• Createspop-upretailopportunities

• Initiates infrastructure changes

• Createsparklets,greenandopenspaces

• Enhancespedestriansafety

• Updatesandenhanceszoningandlandusepolicies

• Initiatesnewdevelopment:mixed-use,commercialandresidential

• Enhancesstreetscapes

• Testsideas:temporarytopermanent

• Encouragespeopletovisitareainsteadofavoiding

• MakesareaadestinationIntroducespedestrian&bike-friendlyconcepts

• Re-engineersandre-programsstreets,sidewalks,properties,andspacesforsafety,sharedamenitiesandstayingpower

• Createsopportunitiestosellandleasevacantproperties

• Encouragesvendorstoopennewbusinesses

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“A good start…worthy of repeating every year.” Dan Blacharski, Marketing Vice President, Drewry’s Brewing on the South Bend Better Block sponsored by the Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS® (OR)

“We would really like to see local investment and the little things, like more people coming out here for dinner and knowing that the West Side is an option for them to come out and eat. We want Western Avenue to be a destination.” Sam Centellas, Executive Director, LaCasa de Amistad on the South Bend Better Block sponsored by the Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS®.

BETTER BLOCK COSTS ThecostsofaBetterBlockwillvarydependingonhowbigyourplansare;howmanypartners andvolunteersyouhave;whattypeofactivitiesandamenitiesyouoffer;howmanydonations andin-kindservicesyoureceive;andwhetheryouareableto“do-it-yourself”orneedtohireaconsultant.

• Basic Budget:AsimpleBetterBlockprojectcanbedonewithabudgetofafewthousanddollars.But,remember,ifthereisalimittofunds,youwillneedmorepeoplewhoareavailableandreadytodonatetheirtimeandresources.Youwillneedtobeg,borrowandbuild.Andyou’llneedtogetpartnercommitmentsandvolunteerparticipation.Baselinecostsoftheproject,suchaspermits,rentalsandmaterialsshouldcostaround$3,000.

• A Step Up:Ifyouhaveaccesstoadditionalfundingviagrants,donationsandpartnerresources,youwillbeabletoaddmoreamenitiesandactivitiessuchasadditionallandscaping,buildingfaçadeimprovements&painting,musicforentertainment,specialtypop-ups,videorecordingofevent;evaluationandreporting.Youmaynowbelookingatabudgetupto$10,000ormore.

What an $8,000 Better Block Looks LikeTheOldTown/ChinatownRevitalizationBetterBlockProjectinPortland,OR,builtsidewalkcafe seating,protectedbikelanesandapedestrianplaza.AconceptplanwascreatedwiththehelpoftheFatPencildesignteamandNickFalboofAltaPlanning,abikelanedesigner.Thegroupgavethemselvesamonthtocreatefourblocksworthofmaterials,including150planterboxestocarveouttheprotectedbikelaneandpedestrianplaza.TheteamcleanedouttwoHomeDepot® stores worthofAstroTurf®fortheproject.Withsomanymaterials,thegroupstillkepttheproject budgetaround$8,000,whichtheycoveredwiththehelpofsponsorswhosteppeduptosupport theproject.Nowthattheyhaveallthetoolsandpropsfromthisproject,futureprojectswillbecheaper.Theyalsohadalargenumberofvolunteersstedonatetheirtime,startingwiththreeattheverybeginningoftheprojectandendingwithmorethan30.Volunteersworkedeveryeveningin theweeksleadinguptotheprojecttocompletetheplantersintimeforthedemonstrationthisweekend.

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TEAM BETTER BLOCK CONSULTINGTeamBetterBlockcanassistREALTOR®Associationsandtheirpartners,includingcitiesand communityorganizations,withtheplanning,organizing,communityoutreach,logisticsandmeasuringtheimpactsofaBetterBlock.Dependingontheservicesyouneed,consultingfeescanrangefrom$3,000to$50,000.TeamBetterBlockhasavarietyofservicesthatwillelevatethesuccessofyour project.KeynoteandCommunityPresentation:Bestpracticesfromthemorethan100projects.

• Community Walk:IdentifiestheblockswiththebestpotentialforaBetterBlock.• Site Selection:Assistsintheselectionoflocationsboundtosucceed.• Build Workshops:Organizesshortworkshopsforvolunteerstomeetandbuildtogether.• Concept Plan Development:Designsaplanandplacemakingelementsthatcanbeachievedindaysnotyears.

• Event Management:Coordinatesset-upandlogisticsfromconcepttocompletion.• Documentation and Evaluation:Providesassistancetomeasureoutcomesbecauseifyoudonotcountitanddocumenttheresults,itisnotworthdoing.

• Policy Development:TranslatestheBetterBlockdemonstrationintopolicyforlongtermchanges.

Tool: SeebudgetdetailsintheAppendix.Team Better Block Budget Tips:

• Rememberthatifyouwantcreativity,takeawayazerofromyourbudget.Oftentimesgroupsgetstifledbythelackoffunds,butsincetheprojectisademonstra-tion,youcanoftenborrowthemajorityoftheitemsneededfortheproject.

• Ifmorefundingisrequired,useindiegogo.com or ioby.orgtosetupacrowdfundtohelpwiththeeffort.

Better Block Budget Estimates: • RightofWayeventpermittingwiththeCity-$50• Trafficcontrolandstreetscapebuffers-$200• Eventinsurance-$150• Marketing-$100• Sitecleanup-$50• Volunteerlunch-$100• Materialrental-$500• VideoRecording-$500• Communityengagementinstallation-$100• Protectedstreetscapebuffers-$100• Signageandway-finding-$100• Lendinglibrary-$100• Publicseating-$100• Pocketpark-$100

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BETTER BLOCK SCHEDULE & PLANTimeline:PlanningtoEvent:3monthsorlessHerearethemajortaskstoconductforaBetterBlock.Youdonotneedtogointheorderaslistedbelow,and,maywanttohaveteamsworkonsomeofthetasksatthesametime.

Month 1• Identify and Outreach to Partners

• DefineProjectandSelectSite

• Conduct a Community Meeting and Keynote

• OrganizeaWalkingTourandBrainstormingSession

Month 2• Sign-upVolunteersandCoordinateTeams

• DevelopConceptPlan

• OutreachtoPropertyOwners

• SecurePermits

• Promote&Market

Month 3 and During/After • ContinuetoMarketandPromote

• ProcureMaterials,PrepandPrebuild

• SetupandFinalLogistics

• Document,MeasureandEvaluate

• DevelopPoliciesandUpdateZoning

Identify & Outreach to PartnersYoucannotconductaBetterBlockalone.Youwillneedthesupport,commitment,participationandresourcesoflocalstakeholders,residents,partnersandvolunteers.

YoumaywanttostartwithafewkeypartnerstoseeifthereisanyinterestinaBetterBlock.Atthistime,youmayormaynothaveaneighborhoodinmindfortheproject.Ifnot,partnerscanaddvaluable insightandhistoryofanarea.Ifyoudohaveaneighborhoodinmind,youmaywanttomakesure youareabletogetthesupportofatleasttwopartnerswhohaveavestedinterestinrevitalizingtheneighborhoodbeforemovingaheadwiththeproject.

Animportantpartnerisusuallyaneighborhood-basednon-profitorganizationwhohasaproventrackrecordinthecommunity.Thisorganizationwillbecometheleadorganization.Residentsneedtotrustthisorganizationandnotlookatthemas“outsiders.”YoumaywanttoseeifthereisalocalMainStreet® organization,NeighborWorksorganization,CommunityDevelopmentCorporation,orDevelopment Organization,thatwantstotakethelead.

“Better Block will not be successful if it appears to be run by REALTORS® or any other outside group dictating their vision to the community.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (VA).

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Oncetheleadorganizationisselected,youwillalsoneedthesupportandresourcesofadditionalpartners.Hereareafewplacestostart:

• Universitiesandcollegesespeciallythosewithurbanplanningandarchitectprograms• Organizersofexistingeventsthathappeninthearea(funruns,cyclovias,artcrawls,food,artandmusicfestivals)

• Cultural,civic,andhistoricalorganizations• Localartists,musiciansandartorganizations• Non-profithousingdevelopers• Faith-basedorganizations• Eventcoordinators• Bicycleadvocacyorganizations• Urbanfarminggroups• Foodtruckpurveyors• Farmtomarketrestaurants• Localcommunitymarkets(Etsygroups,farmersmarkets,etc.)• Propertyowners• Localbusinesses• ChambersofCommerce• Propertyowners:YoucannothaveaBetterBlockwithoutpropertyownerbuy-in.• Governmentofficials:Youwillneedtoregularlymeetwithgovernmentofficialsandstaffandgetbuy-infromthemastheprojectprogresses.

ForasuccessfulBetterBlock,youwillneedtorallyandgetbuy-infromstakeholders,communityresidentsandorganizationsandcivicparticipation.

“Community business associations and civic leagues make natural partners. There also needs to be an existing residential community within walking distance; it doesn’t have to be large, but enough to establish a natural constituency. This local group should set the vision and challenge participants to look to the future, not just what the area used to be.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (VA).

Tool: UsetheQuestionnaireintheAppendixtodeterminethetypeofcommitmentfromapartner.

Define Project & Select a SiteYoumayalreadyhaveidentifiedaneighborhoodtorevitalizebeforeyoucontactedanypartners.Thatisfineaslongasyouareabletoyourpartners’agreement,supportandparticipationintheproject.

However,ifyouandyourpartnershavenotidentifiedaneighborhoodforaBetterBlock,findingoneor twolocationsisthenextthingtodo.Ifseveralneighborhoodsareunderconsideration,orifyoufoundaneighborhood,butarenotquitesureoftheexactlocationforaBetterBlock,youcanusetheinformationbelowtohelpyou.Youmayalsowanttogettheinputofthecommunitytohelpyoudecide.

Typicallyneighborhoodsbuiltpre-wararegoodpossibilities.Thecentralcoreshouldbeincloseproximitytoresidentialhousingasthiswillbethecommunitywhowillbenefitthemostandwill determinewhattheywhattheirneighborhoodtobecome.

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Youshouldalsofocusonareaswherethereareseveralbuildingsforleaseorforsale. Ideally,thereshouldbeatleasttwospacesavailableinvacantbuildings.Onespacewill serveasaBetterBlocklabandbuildspace.Thisiswherethevolunteerscanmeet,store materialsandcompleteconstruction.

“Sites should have empty storefronts, not just underutilized spaces, but also have a few key established, anchor businesses.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affair s Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (VA).

Theareashouldcurrentlynotbea“destination”wherecafes,shops,greenspaces,gatheringspots,etc.alreadyarepresent.These placesarealreadyonthewaytomakingtheirvisionhappen.

Lookforlocationswherethemainactivitiescouldbecontainedtoablocklengthsomewherebetween200and400feetandwherebothsidesofthestreetcouldbeutilized.

TeamBetterBlockhasfoundthatitisbesttoaddressthefollowingfourfactorswhendeterminingalocationforaBetterBlock:

• Safety• SharedAccess• StayPower• The8to80Rule:Notaskislessthan8hoursormorethan80hours

Youshouldaddresseachofthefollowingrelatedquestions.Iftheanswerisno,canyoumake temporaryimprovementsduringtheBetterBlocktochangethingsaround?Ifyoucan,theareawillbeagoodpossibilityforaBetterBlock.AftertheBetterBlock,thetaskwillbetomakethe temporarychangespermanent.

Safety (real and perceived):Ifanareafeelsunsafe,theneverythingbreaksdown.Thekeytochanginganeighborhoodisaddressingitsperceivedsafety.Ifaneighborhoodisnotperceivedassafe,whatcanbedonetochangethis?

• Doesitfeelsafetocrossthestreet?• Doesitfeelsafetostandonthesidewalk?• Doesitfeelsafetolingerinthearea?• Doestheareahavehiddencornersorlargeobstaclesthatreduceopensightlines?• Istheareafilledwithdebris,graffiti,overgrownlandscaping,etc.?• Dothebusinesseshavebarsonthewindowsoropaquewindows?

Shared Access:Theareashouldbeaccessibleviadifferentmodesoftransportationandpresentopportunitiestoimplementbikelanes,widesidewalksandcrosswalksandclosetoalaneoftraffic.

• Istheareaaccessibleviapublictransportation?• Canpeoplesafelyrideabiketothearea?• Docyclistsfeelwelcomeinthearea?

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• Dopedestrianshaveeasyandclearaccesstothearea?• Istheareaeasilyaccessiblefromresidentialneighborhoods?• Aretherewayfindingsignsthatdirectpeopleintoandoutofthearea?• Whatcanbedonetoincreaseaccessibility(bikelanes,signage,etc.)?

Staying Power:CanamenitiesandactivitiesbepartoftheBetterBlockwhichwillencouragepeopletovisittheareaandhavethemlinger?

• Arethereamenitiesthatallowpeopletolingerinthespace(seating,tables,etc.)?• Canthevacantspaces/propertiesbeactivated?• Aretherefoodoptionsontheblock?• Isthereapresenceoflocalartandculturalorganizations?• Arethereplacestoeatoutdoors?• Cangames,entertainment,artandotheramenitiesbeaccommodated?• Arethereopenspaces?• Arethereplacestowindowshopandpurchaseitems?• Istheidentityoftheareaprominent(artsdistrict,culturaldistrict,historicarea)?

8 to 80:Canamenitiesandactivitiesbecreatedforchildren,artists,seniors,cyclists,dogowners,etc.Thesegroupstendtobeindicatorsofahealthyenvironmentthatfeelswelcomingandattractsotherpeople.

• Istheareasafeforchildren?• Istheareaaccessibletotheelderlyandthosewithdisabilities?• Aredogswelcomed?• Istheneighborhooddiversity-friendly?

Team Better Block Tip:Thinksmallforthelocation.

Better Block SurveyYoucanusetheBetterBlockSurveyintheAppendixtodefineaBetterBlocklocation.Youandyourpartnerswillvisittheareaandscorethefollowingsevenelements.Youmaywanttorankseveralpotentiallocations.

Rateeachelementfromonetofour(onebeingpoor,fourbeingstrong):

1. Leasable/Available Buildings:Thesepresentopportunitiesfortemporarybusinessdevelopment(pop-ups)whichcanbecomepermanentbusinesses.Whoownsthepropertiesandarethepropertyownerswillingtomakespaceavailable?Dothebuildingsmeetminimumcodeandhaveelectricity?

2. Building Edges that Define a Space (Form):Doestheareahavewell-formedbuildingedgeswithveryfewgaps?Arethereanyparkinglotsorvacantlotsinthearea?

3. Potential for Multi-modal Street Infrastructure:Isthereavailablestreet/sidewalkcapacity?Istrafficunder20,000ADT(street)?Howmanytrafficlanesarethere?Whatisthewidthofsidewalks?Isthereroomforbikelanes?Canyougetthesupportofpedestrian/bikegroups?

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4. Proximity to a Residential Neighborhood (Community):wherearetheresidentialcommunitiesandwheredopeoplelivewhowouldcometothearea?

5. Placemaking Potential (Comfort):isthereapotentialforcreatingadestination:pocketpocks,gardens,nicheshops,galleries,publicartinthearea?

6. Interest from Local Partners:whoarethepotentialpartners?Aretheywillingtoparticipateandlendtheirresources?

7. Existing Special Events (People):arethereanyfestivals,fairs,localevents,marketsthattakeplaceinarea?

Team Better Block Tip: Givetheareaaname,i.e.TownArtsDistrict,TownCulturalDistrict

Tool: SeetheBetterBlockSurveyTemplateintheAppendix.

Conduct a Community Meeting & KeynoteYouwillneedtointroducetheBetterBlockconceptandanydraftplanstothecommunity.So,anothertasktoconductearlyintheprojectistoscheduleapublicmeetingforthecommunity.

Youshouldinvitealllocalstakeholdersincludinglocalofficials,businessandpropertyowners,residentsandpotentialpartnersasoutlinedabove.

ThekeynotewillintroducethecommunitytotheBetterBlockconceptandhopefullygetthemexcitedaboutaBetterBlockproject.Itmayprovidelocalleadersandprofessionalsreasontogetitdone.

Atthemeeting,youwillgiveanoverviewofeffortsandideastorevitalizetheareaanddescribeBetterBlockandhowtheBetterBlockwillbeusedtojumpstartrevitalizationefforts.Youwillalsopresentthepotentiallocation(s)oftheBetterBlockandseekinputfromcitizensandbusinessownerstodeterminethefinalsiteselectionifthathasnotalreadybeendecided.

Thisiswhereyouwillgettheneededbuy-infromthecommunity.Youwillhopefullyexperienceexcitementandenthusiasmfromthoseatthemeetingaswellasrecruitbothpartnersand volunteers.

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“The most important thing from my perspective is having local community buy-in and support.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (VA).

“I have pictured many, many times how awesome this city from West, East, North and South can look again. With blessings above and people like you, this city can return to its glory days.”

South Bend Resident on the South Bend Better Block sponsored by the Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS® (VA).

Team Better Block Tip:

• Thereneedstoadesireforchangebythecommunityandthecommunityneedstotakeownershipoftheproject.

• Do not forget to introduce any VIPs who attend the meeting.

Optional:TeamBetterBlockisavailabletogiveakeynoteatthecommunitymeeting.TheirpresentationincludeshowBetterBlockgotstarted;whyaBetterBlock;whatcantakeplaceataBetterBlock;participantcasestudiesfromprojectsfromaroundthecountryinvariouscitysizes; andoutcomesofaBetterBlock.Thereisalsoasharingportionthatwillgetparticipantsengagedwitheachotherandthinkingaboutsolutions.Onehourfora$3,000fee.

Keynote in New OrleansIhadthepleasureofattendingthecommunitymeetingfortheBetterBlockinNewOrleans sponsoredbytheNewOrleansMetropolitanAssociationofREALTORS®(NOMAR).NOMARreceiveda REALTOR®PartySmartGrowthActionGranttohelpfundtheirBetterBlock.PartofthegrantwenttoTeamBetterBlockforconsultingservicesincludinggivingakeynoteatthecommunitymeeting.Onceintroductionsweremade,AndrewHowardfromTeamBetterBlockgavethekeynoteandtoucheduponthefollowing:

o Howitallgotstarted:Inhisownneighborhoodo Planningshouldbefunandnottakeyearstoimplemento BetterBlockisawayforcommunitiestotakeownershipofacommunityo Showwhatcouldbe;peoplegettoexperience“it”o Recreate what the is dream for the communityo Useinsteadoftraditionalplanningprocesseso Ideasforactivitiesandamenitieso Candoalotwithpartnershipso Findgooddeals,borrowandbuildforshoestringbudgetso Playfultoolwithrealoutcomes

• BetterBlockcanleadtocodechanges• Pop-upsbecomepermanentstoresinthecommunity• Sale/leaseofproperties

o Setadateandpublishit–blackmailyourselfo EnhancethechaosandhavefunwithBetterBlocko BetterBlockRecipe:Cleanit.Activate.MakeitPermanent.

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Organize a Walking Tour & Brainstorming SessionAfterthecommunitymeeting,agroupofstakeholdersandmembersofthecommunitywill needtotakeawalkofthepotentialBetterBlocksitetoidentifyopportunitiesforactivitiesand amenities.Awalkoftheareagetsparticipantsontothestreetssotheycanstarttothinkofideas forpop-upshops,streettreatments,publicspaces,publicartandbeautification.

Afterthewalk,everyonewillgettogethertohaveabrainstormingsessiontodiscusstheirfindingsandoptions;identifyexistingcommunityassets;andsuggestpeoplewhocanberecruitedtohelpwiththeBetterBlock.

Community Walk in RichmondTheChurchHillNorthBetterBlock(Richmond,VA)waskickedoffwithasuccessfulcommunitywalkthattookplaceattheprojectsite(25thStreetandVenableStreet).Agroupofnearly100residents,stakeholdersandactivistsshoweduptobeginlayingoutthegroundworkforthearea’sfirstBetterBlock.Whilewalkingthroughthesite,propertyownersofvacantstructuresofferedaccesstotheirbuildings.Thesepropertieswouldbeusedforpop-upshopsduringtheBetterBlock.Participantsidentifiedahandfulofgreat,historicstructureswhichhadthepotentialtobequicklyconvertedtocafes,marketsorartgalleries.

SeeavideoofacommunitywalkinNorfolk,VA.

Optional:TeamBetterBlockisavailabletolead,moderateandparticipateinthewalkandprovidefeedbackandsuggestionsonsiteselectionchoicesandactivities.UsingaBetterBlocksurvey,theycanhelpyouidentifypotentialpop-upshops,streetimprovementsandpublicspaceamenities.Onehourfor$1,000fee.

Team Better Block Tip:Atthistime,donotoverthinkthedetails.ThemajorityoftheworkanddetailsareworkedoutintheweekspriortotheBetterBlock.

Set a DateYoumaywanttocoordinatetheBetterBlocktoanexistingevent,suchasanartcrawl,ciclovia, funrun,etc.TeamBetterBlockhasdevelopedfoodevents,bikeridesandmorethatcelebrateacommunity’sidentitywhilealigningtheeffortsofaBetterBlockproject.

Team Better Block Tip:SetadatefortheBetterBlockandpublishit.Thislocksyouin.

Sign-up Volunteers & Coordinate TeamsAsuccessfulBetterBlockdependsonvolunteers.Volunteersareneededtohelpwithplanning,logistics,setup,tours,cleanup,securingin-kinddonations(paint,wood,A/V,etc.),prebuilds, entertainment,promotionandmarketingandtakedown.

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Volunteerscouldincludelocalgrassrootscommunityactivists,stafffromnon-profit organizationsandcivicgroups,businesses,artists,musicians,collegestudents,urban planning/architectfirms,youngbusinessprofessionals,localEtsygroupsandresidents.Agreatplacetosolicitvolunteersisatthecommunitymeeting.

Onceyouhaveavarietyofvolunteerssignedup,youwillneedtocreateteamsanddesignatetaskstoeachvolunteer.Eachteamshouldhaveateamleadertomakesurethetasksgetcompleted.

Team Better Block Tip: TeamBetterBlockhassetupacollaborativemap for anyoneinterestedindevelopingaBetterBlock.PinthelocationofyourBetterBlockand providelinkssootherscantakepart.

Tool:TheAppendixhasasign-insheetanddiscussesopportunitiesforparticipation.Youcanusetheresponsestocreatevolunteersteams.AlsoseetheVolunteerFormusedattheBetterBlockinRichmond,VA.

Develop Concept Plan Asyousignuppartnersandvolunteers,yournexttaskistocreateaconceptplan.Youneedtodraftaroughsketchofthestreetsandwhattypesofactivitiesandamenitiesyouwillhaveandwheretheywillbelocated.

Theconceptplanwillnotealloftheimprovementsyouwouldliketoaccomplish.You’llwanttothinkaboutpop-upshops,cafétables/chairs,bikelanes,plants,landscaping,façadeimprovement/painting,Wi-Fi,foodvendors,tours,activities,music,artandsoon.

BeginwithdefiningthefocalpointsoftheBetterBlock.Wherewillthepicturesbetaken,whatspotswillpeoplegatherandwhatmakesthisplacedifferentthanothersnearby?

AllBetterBlocksshouldfocusonfour elements:anedge,asidewalk,astreetandalabspace.

Theedgeshouldhavesmallretailshopswithaminimumoffiveshopsthatlinebothsidesofthestreettoshowhowtheseedgescanengageeachother.Lookatshoppingmallsasananalogyforcreatingasmartlyscaledstreetwithsmallretailspacesat18feetorlesswithstrongedgedetail,two-sided,commonspacewhichissharedandactivatedbyfoodcourt.

Thelabspacewillbewherevolunteergroupscanmeet,completeconstructionandstorematerials.Youwillneedto identifyavacantpropertytosetup thelabspace.

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Sidewalksneedtosafeforall.Youshoulddevelopwalkingandbikingconnectionsto thesidewalks.Maketheseconnectionssafeandappealingusingasmanyofthetechniquesfound in a streetdesignmanual.Focusonscale.Worktocreatea1:1ratioonsidewalktoroadspace.

Thestreetwillaccommodatecars,butyouwillneedtofindawaytoslowdowntrafficwithtrafficcalming measuressocyclistsandpedestrianswillfeelsafe.Youcan use Streetmixtoprofiletheexistingstreetscape.

Includeasmanypeople-friendlyaesthetics—lighting,plants,seating,etc.—asyoucan,especiallyseatingastheareamustbecomfortabletoencouragepeopletolinger.

Besuretoprovidefortheweather.Ifitishot,addshade.Ifitiscold,makesureheatersandblanketsareonhand.

Rememberthatpeoplewantareasontostayandbeapartofaneighborhood.Makesureyouhaveavarietyofactivitiestocreateenoughdiversificationofusetoallowtheareatosustainactivityoverafullday.Keepinmindallusers:teens,children,elderly,adults,students,disabled,etc.

Activities & ProgrammingTheBetterBlockprojectshouldbethoughtofasa“hardwareproject.”The“softwareproject”istheprogrammingofthespaceitself.Partnerwithanoutdoormarket,orworkwithaneventmanageronsitetocoordinatevendors,communicationandmarketingofprogrammingandactivities.Takingonbothpiecescanstretchresourcesifvolunteerturnoutislight.

HerearesomeideasforamenitiesandactivitiesforyourBetterBlock:

Reading & Information:Create,distributeandpostmapsoftheshopsandamenitiesandascheduleofactivities.BuildasimplekioskorLittleFreeLibrarytouseascommunitybulletinboard.Postthestoryoftheblock(itshistory,itspresent,itsfutureasaneighborhoodplace).Distributeinformationandgetlocalhistorianstovolunteertogivetoursandtalks.

Landscaping:Youwillneedtobeautifytheareaandmakeitwelcoming.Volunteerscanbuildplantersfromoldpallets.TeamBetterBlockhasworkedwithlocalpropswarehousestobringinplanterstohelpdividethestreet.Theyhavealsoaskedlocallandscapersiftheycouldborrowpottedtreesandplantstheywillbeusingforotherprojects.

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Lighting:Lightingcreatesambianceandmakestheareasafe.TeamBetterBlockhasstrungsimplebailingwirebetweenbuildingsat15feethigh(aboveasemi-truckslowestclearance)andattachedrecycledChristmaslightstohelpprovidemoreambiance.

Pop-up Shops:Theshopsshouldhaveamorningbeverageoption(coffee,tea,etc.),arestaurant,andincludelocally-madeproducts.Youdonothavetogetoverly elaboratewithyourproductofferings.Forcoffeeshops,youcouldbrewthecoffeeoff-siteanduseurnstopouritonsite.Thisstillcreatesaninvitingexperience.

Ifpossible,workwithexistinglocalbusinessestohelpfillthestorefrontswithproducts.Thegoalshouldbetoplaceasmanylocalproductsaspossibleineachoftheshops.Otheroptionsincludeaflowershop,bikeshop,musicstore,bookshop,etc.TeamBetterBlockcreatedakids’artstudioso familiescouldbeinvolved.Anotherideaistoorganizeabookdriveandthencreateasmallbookstore.

Iftherearenotenoughvacantpropertiesforpop-ups,rentscaffoldingand/orusedbillboardvinyltocreateanewstreetedge.Installsmallpop-upretailinthesespaces.

Someotherideas:

• Pop-upRealEstateOffice:Yourassociationmaybeabletosetupapop-uprealestateofficeandusememberstostafftheoffice.Youthencouldofferatourofopenhousesinthe area.

• ArtsandCraftsPop-up:Pop-upsareagreatwayforlocalstart-upsandartiststoshowandselltheirwares.

InRichmond,VA,vendorsinterestedindevelopingashopattheirBetterBlockhadtosubmitanapplicationform.Theyconductedatouroftheareaforpop-upshopparticipants.

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Bike Lanes, Crosswalks & Sidewalks:Workwithyourcitytotesttheviabilityoftemporarybikelanes,crosswalks,dedicatedtransitlanesorexpandedsidewalks.Whiteducttapeworksextremelywellasareplacementforpaint.Spraychalkisalsoanalternative.

Team Better Block Tip:Mixyouownremovablepaintusingequalpartsflour,cornstarchandwaterwhichquicklydissolvesattheendoftheproject.

AndinNorfolk,VA,whereaBetterBlockwasheldovertwodays,totaling10hoursofbusinessoperation,morethan$13,000inrevenuewas generated.Onepop-upshophassetupapermanentbusiness.

Beer Garden:Ifaprojectisatnight,buildabeergarden.Donotforgettopullanalcoholpermit.StringlightsaroundthegardenwhichcanhelpcreateasocialgatheringspacethatcanbethecenteroftheBetterBlock.

Health Screening Clinic:Offerfreebloodpressurechecks,heartmonitoring,etc.Alocalhospitalorcliniccouldbethesponsor.Thismaygettheelderlytoattendandothersandmayencourageahealthcare providertodevelopahealthclinicintheneighborhood.

Parklets:Thesearetemporaryspacesforthecommunitytositandlinger.Linetwosidesofthestreetwiththeseifpossible.Theygivethesemblanceofafrontporch,whichactsasasocialgatheringspaceandstreetactivator.Also,-makesureoneincludesshadeiffolksneedaplacetocooldown.

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Music:Musicisakeycomponenttohavingactivatingastreet.Invitelocalmusicians,DJs,drumcircles,etc.toperformattheBetterBlock.OruseaguitaramplifierandplaytracksfromaniPodasasimplewaytobringmusictotheblock.

History & Cultural Activities:Schedulingactivitiesthatreflectthelocalcultureand/orgivesahistorical perspectiveoftheneighborhoodwillhelpattendeesbetterunderstandthecommunity.AtaBetterBlockinSanAntonio,TeamBetterBlockstrategicallyorganizedseveralculturalinterpretationstofocusonthevast historyandimportanceofAlamoPlazatoSanAntonioandTexashistory.Coahuiltecan/ApachestorytellerIsaacCardenaswaspairedwithTexasNativesongwriterKRWoodandspecialguestCarolynCottonCrockett,thirdgranddaughterofDavyCrockettforamomenttoremember.

Games & Activities:Smallerdetailscanincludesettingupgames,suchasabeanbagtossorareastoplayhopscotch,whichcanappealtofamilies,especiallychildren.Boardgames,likechess,areanotheroptiontoconsider.

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Open Houses:Organizeanopenhouseofallresidentialpropertiesinandaroundtheareaforsale.Aspeopleattendingtheeventenvisionwhattheneighborhoodcouldbe,theymaywanttothinkaboutlivingintheareatoo.

“Open Houses are a natural way for REALTORS® to participate by coordinating the scheduling for nearby properties, both residential and commercial. The Better Block activities should elevate interest in the area and bring a large crowd, providing the perfect opportunity to showcase available properties.”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (VA).

Tour of Vacant Buildings:Iftherearecommercialpropertiesforsale/leaseina10-blocksquareareaofwheretheeventwillbeheld,theremaybepotentialforawalkingtourofthesebuildingstobeheldduringthesametimeoftheBetterBlock.Theeventmayencouragepotentialbusinessestobecomeinterestedinrentingorleasingthesebuildingsiftheyknowthereareplansfortheareatoberevitalized.TheBetterBlockwillenablethemtoseethepotentialandtheinterestinlocalsinsupportinglocalbusinesses.

ThismightbeaprojectforyourCommercialmemberstoconsider.Seeanexampleofatour: http://smallbizsurvival.com/2013/05/small-town-economic-development-idea-tour-empty-buildings.html.

Promote & MarketPromote.Promote.Promote.DuringeverystepoftheBetterBlockplanning,youshouldbe gettingthewordoutontheBetterBlockevent.Thisisagreatopportunityforavolunteerwhohasmarketingskillsandexperience.

Inadditiontousingtraditionalmedia—newspapers,radio,localnewsstations—youwillalso wanttotakeadvantageofsocialmedia—Facebook,Twitter,etc.—whichcanalsobeusedtosolicitvolunteers,sponsorsandpartnersaswellasencourageresidentstoattendtheBetterBlock.

CreatingaFacebookpageisaneasywaytogetthingsstarted.Seeanexample:https://www.facebook.com/BetterBlockLawrence

Donotforgetabouttocreatefliersanddistributethemthroughoutthecommunityincludingatbusinesses,schools,churches,eventsandarts/culturalorganizations.

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YoumayalsowanttopromotetheBetterBlockthroughoutthecity.Morethanlikely,theareayouarerevitalizinghasbeen“offline”andmostresidentsdonotknowtoreturntothearea.

“We came to Better Block to get familiar with another part of town.” Molly Busser, South Bend resident attending the South Bend Better Block sponsored by the

Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS® (OR)

“The goal wasn’t about selling property. It was to find a part of the community that people had forgotten about and say, ‘Look what’s here.’” Eddie Niziolek, Communications Coordinator, Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS® (OR)

Makesuretoinviteyourmayor,councilmembersandotherelectedofficialsaswellthestaffofgovernmentagencies,sotheycanseethepossibilitiesofchangeforthemselves.

Youwillneedtodevelopamapandscheduleofactivitiesfortheday(music,performances,

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etcetera)andthendistributethescheduletothemedia,publicofficials,businessesandattendees.

Outreach to Property Owners

Theemptyandvacantbuildingsintheareawillserveaslocationsforthepop-upsandprebuildworkshops.Youwillneedtoidentify,contactandworkwiththepropertyownerstogettheir permissiontogainaccesstotheproperties.YoushouldexplainaBetterBlocktopropertyownersandletthemknowofpotentialoutcomesincludingtheleaseorsaleoftheirproperties.

TeamBetterBlockpitchedoneeventasagiant“artinstallation,”sothevacantspacesbecome defactoartgalleries.Thepropertyownerswereexcitedtofreelyallowaccessbecausetheir propertieswerebeingactivelymarketed.AndafterthisBetterBlock,severalofthepropertieswereleased.

Codes & InsuranceThepropertieswillneedtobeuptocodeandsafeforpeopletoenterthem.Theyshouldalsohaveaccesstoelectricity.Walkthroughthepop-upshopswithabuildinginspectorandthefirechieftocheckforhazards.

Youshouldalsotakeoutaneventinsurancepolicy.Oftentimes,propertyownerswillaskforinsurancetoprotectthemagainstlawsuits;claimsmaderelatedtobodilyinjuryofothers;andpropertydamagetothepremisebeforeallowingaccesstotheirbuildings.Youmayneedtotakeoutasimple“BlockPartyevent”insurancepolicyandaddpropertyownersas“additionalinsured”fortheBetterBlock.

Secure PermitsMorethanlikely,aBetterBlockwillneedapermit.YouwillneedtoworkwithyourcitytopermittheBetterBlockusingeitherablockpartypermitorassemblypermit.Startthisprocessatleast60dayspriortoyourdate.Buildintoyourspecialeventpermittwohoursforset-upandtakedown.

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Ifyouwillbesellingalcohol,youwillneedtopullanalcoholpermit.

You’llmorethanlikelyneedapermittocloseaportionofthestreet.TeamBetterBlock askstoallowonelaneofvehicletrafficsothatresidentscouldseethata“completestreet”thatallowedallmodesoftransitwasaviablesolution.

InsomeBetterBlockprojects,citystaffswerealsoadvisedonthecreationofoutdoorcafeseating,pedestrianbulb-outsandimprovedlandscaping.Youmaywanttoworkwithatrafficcontrol contractortoprovidesafetyconesandwarningsigns.

TheCityofNorfolkhasachecklistthatmustbefollowedandanin-personmeetingisneededtoclarifyeventdetails.

“Look to the local government planning and economic development departments for support. If they see the value in promoting private sector growth (which they should), they can expedite some of the permitting needed and prevent other obstacles. ”

Andrew Sinclair, former Government Affairs Director, Hampton Roads REALTORS® Association (VA)

Procure Materials, Prep & Pre-BuildAsthedateoftheBetterBlockapproaches,youwillneedtothinkaboutall,andcreatealist,foralltheitemsthattobuy,borrowandbuildaspartofyourconceptplan.Askforeachteamtosubmitalistofwhattheyneedtocoordinateefforts.Tokeepcostsinline,borrowandbuildasmuchasyoucan.

Itemstobuy,buildorborrowcanincludechairs,tables,plants,paints,lights,trashcans,tools,nails,ducttape,spraychalk,signage,markers,fencing,haybalesandpalletwood.

Setasmallbudgetforbuyingessentialitems.Retailerswilloftenofferdiscountsforcommunityprojects.Justask.

Team Better Block Tip:Makesureyouhavethebasictoolsrequiredforallprojects:4automaticscrewdrivers(1withdrillbit),extrabatteries,2circularsaws,3hammers,1crowbarandasmanypalletsasyoucanacquire.

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Youwillalsoneedtogathervolunteersforone,ormore, pre-buildworkshoponetotwoweekspriortotheBetterBlock. Theworkshopallowsvolunteerstogatherandassemblematerials,gainaccesstovacantpropertiesandbuilditemsneededfortheBetterBlock.Besuretohaveallmaterialsassembledandreadytoinstallpriortoaworkshop.Providesnacksandbeveragestothevolunteers.

Team Better Block Tip: Do not create more than twoworkshopsperday.

WatchvolunteersinRichmond,VAbuildparkletsandfurniture.

Optional:TeamBetterBlockcanconductapre-buildsessionon-siteoftheBetterBlock.

Youwillalsoneedtoget accesstothevacant buildings,whichwillbepaintedandsprucedup forthepop-upshopsThisisthetimetocleanup publicspacesandadd landscapingamenities.Thesesmallchangescanmakeabigdifferencein theambianceofthe neighborhood.

Set-up & Final Logistics ItisfinallythedayofyourBetterBlock.

Makenoteofanylastminutelogisticsandsetupthatneedstobedone.Iseverythingbuilt,installedandinplace?

Makesureallhandsareondeck.Assembleallyourvolunteersandgivethemtheirassignmentsandmakesureeverythingisreadyandinplace.

Areallthevendorssetupandhavewhattheyneed?AllowvendorsaccessatleastonehourpriortostartoftheBetterBlock.

IfthereareVIPscoming,makesureyouhavevolunteerstogreetthemandshowthemaround.The same goes for any media that attends.

Makesureyouhavesomevolunteersfortake-downandclean-up.

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Document, Measure & EvaluateSinceyouwentthroughalotofefforttoplanandorganizetheBetterBlock,youshouldtakesometimetodocumentyoureffortsandwhattookplace.

EvaluationeffortscanincludecataloguingvacantpropertiesandtheirusageduringaBetterBlock.IfanyofthesepropertiesareleasedorsoldafterBetterBlock,youcanindicatethatandcomparevacancyratesbefore/afterBetterBlock.

Besuretotracksalestoshowtheincreaseinareabusiness(potentialforincreasedtaxrevenueisacity’slargestmotivatorforchange),andspotlighthowtrafficslowsbutpeoplestillhaveeasyaccessand come out.

Youshouldalsokeeptrackofretailandfoodsalestoshowtheincreaseinareabusinessandthe potentialforincreasedtaxrevenuewhichcouldbeacity’slargestmotivatorforchangeandaction.

Anotherevaluationactivitytoconsiderisconductingbaselinemetricstoshowexistingvehiclecountsandspeedsandpedestrianuse.ThesecanbeusedtocomparetrafficspeedsbeforeandduringaBetterBlockwhichincludedpedestriansafetyfeatures.

Tool: YoucanusethesurveysintheAppendixtofollowupwithvolunteers,participantsandattendees.

• BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey–conductedbeforeaBetterBlock

• BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey–conductedduringaBetterBlock

• BetterBlockQuantitativeMetricsActivitySheet

Volunteerscanhelptophotograph,videoanddocumenttheBetterBlockbeforeandduringtheevent.

Youcanthenpublishallyourfindingsinprintandonline.ThephotoscanbeusedtopostonyourFacebookpageandforreportsand presentationsinanyeffortstomakepermanentchanges.

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Develop Policies & Update Zoning for Permanent ChangesTheworkdoesnotstoponcetheBetterBlockisover.Itisnowtimetomakethetemporarychangespermanentbyworkingtochangepolicyandfast-trackinfrastructureimprovements.

Youcanusethefindingsfromyourmeasurements,surveysandevaluationstoseewhatworkedandwhatdidnot.Fortheactivitiesandprojectsthatworked,thesewillbetheareastofocusonforyouradvocacyefforts.

Neighborhoodsthrivewhenpeoplecanlive,work,shop,dineandrelaxallinthesameplace,asdemonstratedbyBetterBlocks.However,therearebarriersthatprohibitthingslikestoresmixedwithresidences,adiversityofhousingtypesinthesamedevelopmentandpedestrian-firstdesign,suchaslendingpracticesthatfavorconventionalsuburbandevelopmentandoutdatedfederal,stateandlocaltransportation,tax,zoningandotherpolicies.

“In 95% of the jurisdictions of this country, building mixed-use, high density WalkUP urban development is not legal. It does not meet the zoning,”

Mark Falcone., Denver developer.

“Most current zoning ordinances are a combination of good intentions producing bad outcomes for most places.”

Eric Bethany, Atlanta architect.

Youmayfindthatthezoninginyourcommunityneedstobechangedorupdatedtoimplementpermanentchanges,includingthefollowing:

• Allowagroundfloorstorefrontandresidentialintheupperfloors

• Permit increased density

• Alloworeliminatefeesforoutsidecaféareas

• Reduceparkingrequirements

• Facilitateamixofuses

Ifyourlocalgovernmentisproposingchangestothezoningcode,theREALTOR®Party’sLandUseInitiativecanreviewtheproposedzoningtoassesstheimpactonrealestate.

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APPENDIXTeam Better Block Tools & Resources

I. Budget:TypicalScopeofTeamBetterBlockServices

II. SiteSelection:BetterBlockSiteSurvey

III. Partner Outreach: Partner Questionnaire

IV. VolunteerOutreach:TeamAssignment&VolunteerSignUp

V. ConceptPlanExample

VI. BetterBlockWorkshops:Prep&Pre-Build

a. ParkletWorkshop

b. StorefrontWorkshop

c. StreetCrossingWorkshop

d. FurnitureWorkshop

e. MetricsWorkshop

VII. SetUp&Logistics:ScheduleofEvents&MapsExample

VIII. SetUp&Logistics:TrafficControlPlanExample

IX. Measurement

a. BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey-Before

b. BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey-During

c. BetterBlockQualitativeSurvey

d. BetterBlockQuantitativeMetrics

e. Catalogue

X. Evaluate

a. SurveyforVolunteers

b. SurveyforParticipants

c. SurveyforAttendees

XI. CompleteStreetsDesignExample

XII. BetterBlockResources

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Budget: Typical Scope of Team Better Block ServicesPublic & Private Space Survey (PPSS): $5,000Survey of the site’s public and private spaces, quality of these spaces and identification of rapid redevelopment potential.

TeamBetterBlock’sPPPSSurveyprovidesadetailedanalysisofacommunity’sassets,potentialstakeholders(propertyowners,activists,non-profits,businesses,artists)andquickwinopportunitiesthatallowajumping-offpointforaBetterBlockdemonstration.ThePPSStoolalsoidentifieslocalmaterialsandresourcesthatcanbestbeutilizedtorebuildacommunitywhileshowcasingthearea’snaturalcharacter.

Deliverables:• KeynotepresentationtostakeholdersandleadersonBetterBlockapproachatapublic

meeting• PPSSSurveyoffivepotentialBetterBlocksites• SurveyofparticipantstoassesspotentiallocationsandinterestinaBetterBlock• MemodetailingfindingsandrecommendationsforBetterBlocksite

Community Walk, Workshop and Concept Plan: $10,000Gatherleaders,activistsandgeneralpublicforawalkofthepotentialBetterBlocksitetoidentifyopportunitiesandconstraints.Createalistofpotentialpopupshops,transportationimprovements,publicspacesenhancements,publicartopportunitiesandotherchanges.Facilitatedividingthelargegroupintosmallerteamstoaddressprojectgoals.

Deliverables:• Communitywalk-throughofpotentialBetterBlocksite• Conceptplan• Needslist• Summarymemoofnextsteps• Goorno-godecisiononhavingaBetterBlock

Community Organization: $3,000Organizing volunteers to execute pop-up shops, public spaces, traffic calming, complete streets and other elements of the Better Block.

Createavolunteerplan,betterblockguideandassistwithfollow-uptogeneratevolunteercommitments and success.

Deliverables:• Assistwithvolunteerplan• CreateaBetterBlockGuide• Emailandphonecoordinationwithlocals,cityleadersandvolunteers

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Private Sector Organization: $3,000Incoordinationwithlocalpropertyowners,non-profitsandprivatebusinesses,solicit participationintheBetterBlock.Approachandnegotiateaccesstovacantpropertyinthe BetterBlockarea.Provideinformationonbenefits,risksandofferlegalagreementstomitigateliability.Offersuccessagreementsbetweenpop-upshopsandpropertyowners/agents.

Deliverables:• Assistwithprivatesectoroutreach

• Providelegaldocumentswhenneeded

• Providesuccessagreementswhenneeded

Public Sector Organization: $3,000Presenttheconceptplantocitystaffandrefinebasedoncommentsandconcerns.Assistwith needsforpermittingofspecialevent,foodandbusinesslicenses.Negotiatewithtrafficengineer’sconsiderationofthestreetplan.

Deliverables:• Assistwithinternalcitystaffcoordination

• Presentconceptplanandrefinebasedoncommentsfromstaff

• Applyforpermits

Build Plan (BP): $9,000Createaplanviewrenderingoftheblock,materialslist,streetcrosssection,costestimatesandPowerPointdescribingtheBetterBlock.

Deliverables:• StreetandtrafficcontrolbuildplanforBetterBlock

• Listofmaterials,rentalsandvendorsnecessarytocompletetheBetterBlock

• Publicspaceprogramwithdescriptionsoftemporaryfacilities

• Workshopinstructions

Better Block Pre-Build: $10,000Assistinorganizingapre-buildtime(4to6hours)wherethecommunitygatherstobuildelementsofthebetterblockpriortotheeventdate.Typicallythebuildincludesplanters,plants,bollards, temporarypaintedsurface,bicyclelanesandparking,streetfurnitureandlighting.Wewillidentifyasmanyaspossiblelocalsources,defineopportunitiesforlocalcraftsman,artistandDIYersto participate,build-outourselvesorrenttheneededmaterialsifnecessary.TeamBetterBlockwill assuresafetyproceduresarefollowedandwilldocumentwithvideo,picturesandpersonal interviewsthecommunitybuild.

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Deliverables:• Volunteerwaiverofliability

• Propertyownerwaiverofliability

• Codeofsafepracticesandprocedures

• On-sitemonitoringandassisting

• ListingofmaterialsfromTeamBetterBlock

• ListingofmaterialsneededfromPartners

• Photo,videoandpersonaldocumentation

Better Block On-site Coordination: $15,000Createsastagingplanandinstallationchecklistthatguideseveryone’srolesinmobilizing,settingupandtearingdown.TeamBetterBlockwillhasatleasttwostaffmemberspresentduringthe BetterBlockforon-sitemanagementandoperationoftheproject.

Deliverables:• Stagingplanandinstallationcheck-list

• Mobilizationandinstallation

• On-sitemanagementandoperation

Better Block Metrics and Report: $5,000Createsametricscharttobecollectedduringtheprojectthatgaugessuccessintermsof business,infrastructureandsocialaspectsoftheproject.Workswiththecitystafftodevelop recommendationsforchangestozoningoverlaysanddevelopmentguidelines.Workswithlocalstooffersuggestionsforfurtheractivatingtheareawithprogrammingandbusinessdevelopment programs.Anextstepsreportwilldocumenttheprojectandoutlinetheserecommendations.

Deliverables:• List of metrics

• Writtenaccountofinterviews

• Summarymemo

• Blogpost

• Nextstepsreport

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OverallRating:___outof28

Element Rate 1 to 4 (1beingpoor,4beingstrong) Photo Recommendation for

BetterBlock

1. Buildingedgesthatdefinespace(form)

2. Leasable/availablebuildingswhichpresentopportunitiesfortemporarybusinessdevelopment(pop-ups)

3. Potentialformulti-modalstreetinfrastructure,availablecapacity(completestreets)

4. Proximitytoaneighborhood(community)

5. Placemakingpotential(comfort)

6. Interestfromlocalpartners,existingorganizations(partners)

7. ExistingSpecialEvents(people)

Site Selection: Better Block Site Survey

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Partner Outreach: Partner QuestionnaireName:___________________________________________________________________________________

Organization:_____________________________________________________________________________

Block:___________________________________________________________________________________

Visionforthearea:________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

TheBetterBlocktypicallytakes3monthsofplanningandexecution.Whichmonths/datesarebest

foryouforaproject?___________________________________________

HowmuchtimeperweekcanyoudedicatetotheBetterBlock?________________________________

Howmanypeople/organizationsdoyouhavecontactsforthatcould

assistinthisproject?_______________________________________________________________________

Howmanypropertyownersdoyouhavecontactwithwhichwouldgivetheprojectaccesstovacant

storefronts?______________________________________________________________________________

WhodoyouhaveinmindforleadingelementsoftheBetterBlock?

• StreetTeam:_________________________________________________________________________

• Pop-UpBusinessTeam:_______________________________________________________________

• Marketing/ProgrammingTeam:________________________________________________________

Canyouattendmeetingstoreachagreementoneventplan?___________________________________

Areyouwillingtosolicitborrowingmaterials,suchaslandscaping,

fortheprojectfromareabusinesses?_________________________________________________________

Areyouabletofileforaneventpermitfromthecity?__________________________________________

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Volunteer Outreach: Team Assignments & Volunteer Sign-UpStreet Team:Focusesoncompletestreet,rightsizing,bicycleandpedestrianamenitiessuchasbikelanes,cross-walks,laneclosuresandlighting.

• DesignerstoworkwithCADDand/orPhotoshop

• Numbercruncherstotrackvehiclespeed,pedestrianandbicyclecountsandotherlivabilityindicators

• Streetscapedoerstohelpimplementconceptplantsuchasinstallingcrosswalks,lighting,plantersandcaféfurniture

• Landscapedoerstobuy,borrowandacquireplantsandmaterialsandplacethem

Marketing and Documentation Team:Tohelpgetthewordoutandgetpeopletoattendthebetterblockand/ortohelpdocumenttheevent.Volunteerrolesneededincludeanoutreachmanager,photographersandvideographers,webmanager,copyeditorandreporter/writer.

Signage and Wayfinding Team:Tohelpcreatesignageandwayfinding.

Name Skills

Name Role

Name Role

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Concept Plan

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Better Block Workshops: Prep & Pre-BuildInstructionsforsomeoftheseprojectsfollowthislisting.

How to build Parklets–Parkletsaremini-parkscreatedbyextendingexistingsidewalksintoaparkingspots,yes,actualparkingspots.We’llintroducethe conceptandworkwithreclaimedmaterialtobuildparkletsforaBetterBlock project.

How to build pallet furniture–Thisworkshopfocusesonhowtotransformpalletwoodintopublicbenches,tablesandplanters.ThefurniturewillbedisplayedthefollowingdayandcanbepickedupaftertheBetterBlock.

How to create a pop-up shop–Themovementtotransformvacantbuildingspacesintocafes,retailshops,andservicecentersishelpingkicknewbusinessesoffandcreateamorevibrantstreetscape.Wewilloutlinebestpracticesforgettingyourownshopofftheground.

How to make a street more bike/pedestrian friendly–Two-daycoursewithclassroomfundamentalsdescribingaroadwaysegmentandalternativesand materialsthatcanmakeitmorepedestrianfriendly.Wewillimplementthoseideasusingtemporarymaterials.

How to create wayfinding signage–Oneofthesimplestwaystoeducateacommunityaboutwalkingandbicyclingiscreatingsimplesignsthatcommunicatedistancestolocalamenities.Wewillwalkthroughthatprocesstofocusonareastomeasure,andendbycreatingsignsinanexistingareathatwillbedisplayedduringtheBetterBlock.

How to gather metrics on a Better Block–Inthis2daycourse,wewillstartbyidentifyingareasthatshouldbemeasuredtopushforpermanent.Wewillalso gatherbaselinemeasurementstocomparewithforthemeasurementstakenonthedayoftheBetterBlock.

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Better Block Parklet Workshop

Overview:

Createthesemblanceofafrontporchwithshadeusing Parklets.Tocreateadditionalcaféseatingandcalmtraffic.

Needs (must be gathered and onsite prior to assembly):• 20pallets(8forbase,6forwalls/bar,6forfurniture)

• 5sheetsof4x8plywood(forbaseandfurnituresurfaces)

• 4–8-foot2x4s

• 2packagesofeyehooks

• 6LBrackets

• Rope

• Paintandbrushes

• 2crowbars

• 1circularsaw

• 2 handsaws

• Straightline

• Boxcutter

• 2measuringtape

• Constructionpencils

• Chalkline

• 2 Hammers

• Goggles

• Gloves

6volunteers,2hours

Directions:

1. Layoutfoundationwithpallets.12totaltomakeupthebase

2. Attachparticleboardandfittofoundation

3. Attachpalletstocreatewallsatfront,sides,andportionsofback.Arrangeplanksvertically(ref:pictureabove).Leavesmallopeningstoallowpedestrianaccess

4. Attach2x4’sascolumnstoeachendofthefoundation.UseLbracketstosupport

5. Createframeattopof2x4columnsusing1x’s

6. Attachshadeclothwithstapleguns

7. Ataminimum,paintoutsideedges

8. Addflowerboxes,andfurniture

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Better Block Storefront Workshop

OverviewSomestorefrontsmaynotbeveryinterestingespeciallyoneswithonepaintcolorand notmuchedgedetail.Highlywalkableplaceshavecolorvariationandattentiontodetails.Thisworkshopfocussesonwaystoquicklychangestorefrontsusingsimplematerials.

Needs •4GallonsofLatexPaint(seecolorsabove)formainbuildingfronts

•2quartsblackforwindowtrim

•2quartsgreyforwindowtrim

•2quartsbrightcolorsfordoors

•Paintbrushes,buckets,pans,rollersandextensionpoles.

•2extensionladders

10volunteers,2hours

Directions:Workingwithalocaldesigner,suchasReVisionNorfolkorAlchemyNFK,tocreatea reviewteamtoadministeraStorefrontReimbursementGrant.Existingbusinessesandpop-up shopsmayapplyforreimbursementofupto$1,500for:constructionservices,repair,paint,buildingmaterialsandlabortoimprovethestorefront.Detailstobeworkedoutbycommittee,butingeneraltheimprovementsshouldprovideagifttothestreet.

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Better Block Street Crossing Workshop

Needs (must be gathered and onsite prior to assembly): • 8–25-footstrawwattles

• Skinzwrapmaterial

• Bicyclestencil

• Whiteducttape

• 8Dollarstoretrashcans(forplanters)

• Spraypaint

• Cardboardboxestosetplantsoninsidetrashcans

• Gloves

• Miscellaneous:cushionsfromIkea,plantsfortrim,stringlights

6volunteers,1hour

1. HaveAgroupcutskinzmaterialtosize

2. HaveBgrouplayoutwattlesforbulbouts/pedislands

3. HaveCgrouppainttrashcans

4. HaveAgrouplayoutcrosswalks

5. HaveBandCgroupssetplantsout

6. Cleanup

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Better Block Furniture Workshop

Needs (must be gathered and onsite prior to assembly): • 20pallets

• 2sheetsof4x8plywood(forsurfaces)

• Paintandbrushes

• 2crowbars

• 1circularsaw

• 2 handsaws

• 2measuringtape

• Constructionpencils

• 2 Hammers

• Goggles

• Gloves

15volunteers,2hours

1) Instructorcreatesexamplepalletbench

2) 2peoplepergroupdevelopeachchair

3) Allgroupspaintatend

4) Clean-Up

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Better Block Metrics Workshop

Needs (must be gathered and onsite prior to assembly): •8Clipboards

•PrintoutbeforeQualitativeSurveys

•PrintoutafterQualitativeSurveys

•PrintoutQuantitativeWorksheets

•2Speedguns

•2Decibelmeters(downloadphoneappifavailable)

• 20 Pens

• Camera

6volunteers,1hourforeachsurvey

1.HaveAgroup(2people)gatherquantitativemetrics

2.HaveBgroupperformsurveys

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Set-up & Logistics: Schedule of Events & Maps

43

Set-up & Logistics: Traffic Control Plan Example

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MeasurementBetter Block Qualitative Survey – Before

Gender:

Neighborhood:

Whatdoyoulikeaboutthisarea?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Doesitfeelsafe?Yes/NO

Ifno,howwouldyouimprove?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatdoyoufeelismissingandwouldbringmorepeoplehere?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatwouldenticeyoutowalkorbicyclemorehere?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howwouldyouliketobeinvolved?

Builder_________Pop-UpShopProprietor__________

Entertainer__________Artist_________Volunteer_________

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Better Block Qualitative Survey – During

Gender:

Resident or Visitor:

Whatdoyoulikeaboutthisarea?

Doesitfeelsaferthanbefore?

Ifmoderateorlowsafety,howwouldyouimprove?

Whatdoyoufeelismissingandwouldbringmorepeoplehere?

Whatwouldenticeyoutowalkorbicyclemorehere?

OftheBetterBlockelementsadded(pop-upstores,caféseating,bikelanes,landscaping,etc.)what,ifany,wouldyouliketoseecontinue?

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Better Block Quantitative Metrics Activity Sheet

Auto Speeds (before Better Block)Date/Time:

Direction A:Speeds:

Direction B:Speeds:

Auto Speeds (during Better Block)Date/Time:

Direction A:

Speeds:

Direction B:

Speeds:

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Decibel Levels (before Better Block)Date/Time:

• Direction A:

• Decibels:

• Direction B:

• Speeds:

• Decibels:

Decibel Levels (during Better Block)Date/Time:

• Direction A:

• Speeds:

• Direction B:

• Speeds:

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CatalogueBefore Better Block

Numberofoutdoorcaféseating:

Numberofpeoplelingering:

Numberofonstreetparkingspaces:

During Better BlockNumberofoutdoorcaféseating:

Numberofpeoplelingering:

Numberofonstreetparkingspaces:

Retail Sales (After Better Block)Increased/Decreasedbusinesssales%forexistingbusinesses:

Business Name %Increase/Decrease

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EvaluateSurvey for Volunteers

1. HowdidyouFIRSTlearnaboutvolunteeropportunitiesfortheBetterBlock?SELECTONE.

a. TeamBetterBlockWebsite

b. Anotherorganizationorgroup.Pleaseprovidename

c. Personal(family,friend,neighbor)

d. PersonalexperiencewithTeamBetterBlock

e. TV,newspaperorradio(Pleaseprovidename)

2. Forwhatareasdidyouvolunteer/donate?

3. WereyougivenadequateinformationandtrainingfortheBetterBlock?

a. Yes

b. No

c. Alittle,butnotallIneeded

4. Tellusaboutyourvolunteerexperience.

a. Didyoufeeltheeffectivenessofyourparticipationwas?

i. Helpfulandnecessary

ii. Somewhathelpfulbutnotnecessary

iii. Nothelpful

b. Easeofvolunteerprocess

i. Clearandsimple

ii. Toocomplicated

iii. Manageable

c. Wasthenumberofvolunteers

i. Too many

ii. Too few

iii. Adequate

5. WouldyouvolunteerforanotherBetterBlock?

a. Definitelywill

b. Probablywill

c. Undecided

d. Probablywillnotwhy?

e. Definitelywillnotwhy?

50

Survey for Participants

1. HowdidyouFIRSTlearnaboutparticipatingintheBetterBlock?SELECTONE.a. TeamBetterBlockWebsiteb. Anotherorganizationorgroup(Pleaseprovidename)c. Personal(family,friend,Neighbor)d. Anotherorganizationorgroup(Pleaseprovidename)e. Personal(family,friend,neighbor)f. PersonalexperiencewithTeamBetterBlockg. TV,Newspaperorradio(Pleaseprovidename)h. City staff

2. Whatareadidyouparticipatein?3. Whichdaydidyouparticipate?

a. Fridayb. Saturdayc. BothFridayandSaturday

4. Ifyouwereavendor,pleasetellushowmuchrevenueyougenerated?5. Wasthisaboveorbelowyourexpectations?6. WouldyouparticipateinaBetterBlockProjectagain?

a. Why or why not?7. WereyougivenadequateinformationfortheBetterBlock?

a. Yesb. Noc. Alittle,butnotallIneeded

8. WhatwasyouroverallimpressionoftheBetterBlock?a. Excellentb. Goodc. Noopiniond. Needssomeworke. Notgoodatall

9. WhatcouldhavebeendonetoimprovetheBetterBlock?10. Ofthedemonstrations,whichwouldyouliketoseemoreofontheplaza?

a. Seatingb. Shadec. Plantingsd. Streetnarrowinge. Activitiesf. Bicyclelanesg. AngleParking

11. Ifyoucouldrecommendonephysicalchangeforthearea,whatwoulditbe?

51

Survey for Attendees

12. HowdidyouFIRSTlearnabouttheBetterBlock?SELECTONE.

a. TeamBetterBlockWebsite

b. Anotherorganizationorgroup(Pleaseprovidename)

c. Personal(family,friend,neighbor)

d. PersonalexperiencewithTeamBetterBlock

e. Flier

f. Facebook

g. TV,newspaperorradio(Pleaseprovidename)

h. Other(Pleaseexplain)

13. DidyouattendtheBetterBlock?

a. Yes

b. No

14. Which day did you attend?

a. Friday

b. Saturday

c. BothFridayandSaturday

15. Ofthedemonstrations,whichwouldyouliketoseemoreofontheplaza?

a. Seating

b. Shade

c. Plantings

d. Streetnarrowing

e. Activities

f. Bicyclelanes

g. Angleparking

16. Ifyoucouldrecommendonephysicalchangeforthearea,whatwoulditbe?

17. WhatwasyouroverallimpressionoftheAlamoPlazaBetterBlock?

h. Excellent

i. Good

j. Noopinion

k. Needssomework

l. Notgoodatall

18. WhatcouldhavebeendonetoimprovetheBetterBlock?

52

CompleteStreetsDesignExample

53

Better Block ResourcesREALTOR® Association Better Blocks:

• HamptonRoadsREALTORS®

• GreaterSouthBend-MishawakaAssociationofREALTORS®

• NewOrleansMetropolitanAssociationofREALTORS®

Better Block and Similar Organizations• TheBetterBlock

• TeamBetterBlock

• PopUpHood

Articles, Videos, Interviews, etc. on Better Block• BetterBlockMovementShowsPotentialinStrugglingNeighborhoods

• NeighborhoodVolunteersHopetoReviveStateStreetwithaBetterBlockProject

• G-sync:Gentrification’sStep-BrotherisEquitablePlanning

• MCLAstudentsunveil‘EagleStreetRising’projecttoshowhowtorevitalizecityblocks

• CrowdsourcingaBetterBlockinMemphis

• 48x48x48:AnInterventioninOysterBay

• Q&AwithTheBetterBlock’sJasonRoberts

• BuildingaBetterBlockDemoisChangingaDallasNeighborhood

• Creatinga‘BetterBlock’:Muskegon’sThirdStreetbusinessdistrictfocusofgrassrootseffort

• HowtoFixthatUglyStrip

• WebinarrecordingonPopUpRetailandCommunityRevitalization

• ArticleaboutworkinoneneighborhoodinNewHaven,CT:http://www.theatlanticcities.com/neighborhoods/2013/08/practical-lessons-turning-around-neighborhood-decline/6394/

Better Block Events• LaAlmaAction(Denver,CO)

• BetterBlockMontgomery(Montgomery,AL)

• BetterBlockKC

• BetterBlockClovelly(Sydney,Australia)

• BetterBlockMiddleborough(Middlesboro,KY)

• BetterBlockBR(BatonRouge,LA)

• BetterBlockOKC(OklahomaCity,OK)

• BetterBlockBrownsville(Brownsville,TX)

• BetterBlockIndy(Indianapolis,IN)

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• CoburgBetterBlock

• BetterBlockre:State(GrandRapids,MI)

• EagleStreetRising(NorthAdams,MA)

• BetterBlockSt.Joe(St.Joseph,MO)

• BetterBlockFivePoints(Denver,CO)

• BetterBlockFt.Lauderdale(Ft.Lauderdale,FL)

• BetterBlockJeffersonPark(Denver,CO)

• BetterBlockRaceStreetFortWorth(FortWorth,TX)

• GeelongBetterBlock(Australia)

• BetterBlockHouston(Houston,TX)

• BuildingaBetterBlock-ThirdStreetEditionMuskegon

• BetterBlocksPhilly

• AlamoPlaza(SanAntonio,TX)

• Oyster Bay(LongIsland,NY)

• St.PaulBetterBlock(St.Paul,MN)

• BetterBlock#1(Dallas,TX)

• ANewFaceforOldBroad(Memphis,TN)

• NorfolkBetterBlock(Norfolk,VA)

• BetterBlock-Mt.Rainier(Mt.Rainier,MD)

• PopUpPearlBetterBlock(Cleveland,OH)

• SteerFW(FortWorth,TX)