ReEnvisioning the Highway Strip

How often do you find yourself stuck in traffic on a Saturday morning trying to get errands done?  Stoplights at each block, cars cutting you off as they pull out of the numerous strip mall entrances – drives you crazy, right?  Is there a better way?
 

 
GrowSmart Maine proudly announces the launch of a new community planning project entitled ReEnvisioning the Highway Strip.

A large proportion of commercial and retail development in the last 40 years in Maine resulted in development outside of traditional downtowns, village centers and neighborhood centers.  These “highway strips” represent significant investment in land development and infrastructure costs for many communities and private landowners, and are important parts of local tax bases. Recognizing the investments that have been made and also a continued and broadening interest in protecting Maine’s Quality of Place, are there ways of retrofitting these “strips” that will create expanded opportunities for economic growth while relieving traffic pressures and creating a safer and more visually appealing roadside?

GrowSmart Maine, building upon its successful Maine Model Town and Charting Maine’s Future initiatives, proposes to research current ideas and examples for retrofitting the highway strip and to develop a White Paper on ReEnvisioning the Highway Strip.

The project will be led by planner Lynne Seeley who will provide day-to-day management and project oversight. In addition, Evan Richert, AICP, planning consultant, will be responsible for project interviews and general project review and Bruce Hyman, AICP, planning consultant, will assist with project research and writing.

For more information or to get involved, contact us at info@growsmartmaine.org or 207.699.4330.

• Progress Report - August 2011
• Progress Report - June 2012