PORT TOWNS YOUTH COUNCIL COMMUNITY ASSETS MAPPING SURVEY RESULTS A PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY REPORT

Transcription

1 PORT TOWNS YOUTH COUNCIL COMMUNITY ASSETS MAPPING SURVEY RESULTS A PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY REPORT PRESENTED BY THE WELLNESS AMBASSADORS TO THE TOWN OF BLADENSBURG Youth Wellness Leadership Institute 2012 LIVING WELL in the Port Towns An Obesity reduction and prevention campaign of the Port Towns Youth Council

2 FOREWORD This is an historic document created by the Port Towns Youth Council (PTYC) and presented to the Town of Bladensburg at the Wellness Ambassadors Leadership Program Showcase event, August 4, 2012, that showcased the Wellness Ambassadors LIVING WELL in the Port Towns. Thirty (30) PTYC students, age 10 17, participated in the second annual 6-week Wellness Ambassadors--LIVING WELL in the Port Towns Summer Camp. During the camp, these youth were empowered by acquiring an in-depth knowledge of the environmental, geographic and demographic make-up of the Town of Bladensburg through their participation in a Community Assets Mapping course. The walkability audits the students conducted enabled them to identify assets and issues that threaten the health and wellness of the Bladensburg community. Using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis and photovoice methodology enabled the Wellness Ambassadors to compile this document that begins dialogue between the Bladensburg s Mayor and Council and the PTYC to help this community achieve optimum health and wellness. The recommendations outlined in this booklet fully accord with the following health and wellness advocacy issues developed by the PTYC s during their May 19, 2011 meeting: 1. Nutritional meals in schools and in the community. 2. More physical activities in schools and in the community. 3. A Crime free community conflict resolution programs no gangs and no bullying. 4. Positive music. 5. Restaurants and grocery stores that offer healthy foods. 6. Safe playgrounds and driving. 7. Improved roads, sidewalks and parks. 8. More and better street lights. 9. Clean environments: new trash & recycle bins. 10. Smoke-free environments in the community. 11. Community Farmers Markets. 12. No liquor stores or pawn shops. 13. More trees. 14. More PTYC advocacy meetings that promote PTYC goals. 15. More fitness centers. End Time Harvest Ministries (ETHM) wishes to thank the YWLI instructors, facilitators, coaches and staff for the dedication and professionalism they extended to our youth during the summer camp educational program. Our youth have exceeded all expectations because of the support of the Port Towns Community Health Partnership, Prince George s County-District 5, UM Urban Studies and Planning Department, Town of Bladensburg, Americana Grocery, Bladensburg High School and Port Towns Elementary School. We also wish to express our appreciation to our HEAL Jobs-For-Youth employers: ETHM-YWLI staff, Town of Bladensburg, Town of Colmar Manor, Town of Cottage City, Anacostia Watershed Society, Eco City Farms, Joe s Movement Emporium, Earnest Maier Block Co., and MNCPPC Planning Department. 2

3 Table of Contents Part 1: Green Street 4 Chapter 1: What is a Green Street? 5 Chapter 2: About the Audit 5 Chapter 3: Audit Instrument 6 Part 2: A Green Street is Walkable 9 Chapter 4: Definition of a Walkable Street 10 Chapter 5: Findings for Walkability 10 Chapter 6: Recommendations for Walkability 12 Part 3: A Green Street is Bikeable 13 Chapter 7: Definition of a Bikeable Street 14 Chapter 8: Findings for Bikeability 14 Chapter 9: Recommendations for Bikeability 14 Part 4: It s Easy to Find One s Way on A Green Street 16 Chapter 10: Definition of Finding One s Way 17 Chapter 11: Findings for Finding One s Way 17 Chapter 12: Recommendations for Finding One s Way 18 Part 5: A Green Street has Good Storm Water 19 Management Chapter 13: Definition of Good Storm Water Management 20 Chapter 14: Findings for Good Storm Water Management 20 Chapter 15: Recommendations for Good Storm Water 21 Management Part 6: A Green Street is Attractive and Appealing 22 Chapter 16: Definition of an Attractive Street and Appealing 23 Chapter 17: Findings for an Attractive Street and Appealing 23 Chapter 18: Recommendations for an Attractive Street 24 And Appealing Part 7: A Green Street Offers Healthy Food Choices 26 Chapter 19: Definition of Access to Healthy Food Choices 27 Chapter 20: Findings for Access to Healthy Food Choices 27 Chapter 21: Recommendations for Access to Healthy 27 Food Choices 3

4 Part 1: Green Street Figure 1: Wellness Ambassadors drafting Audit Instrument for their Community Asset Mapping Survey 4

5 Chapter 1: What is a Green Street? A Green Street is a street that is walkable, bikeable, is easy to find one s way, has good storm water management, has positive features such as attractive and appealing places that people want to go, and offers healthy food choices. Chapter 2: About the Audit, Findings and Recommendations The Port Towns Youth Council Wellness Ambassadors designed an audit to answer the question How can Route 450 become a Green Street? The audit instrument was based on research of Green Street promising practices, Stormwater Management promising practices and a preliminary screening of Route 450 using the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis Method. The Wellness Ambassadors used the Photovoice Technique and took pictures of the physical terrain as evidence of the community s strengths and weaknesses. The Findings and Recommendations are discussed in the report according to the elements of a green street. Figure 2: Port Towns Youth Council Member Completing a survey form Figure 3: Port Towns Youth Council Member using the Photovoice Technique 5

6 Chapter 3: Sample Audit Instrument Date: Block ID: Segment ID: Street name: Team name Student name Responsibility Recorder Fill out survey form Time keeper/checker Keep track of time, make sure all boxes are filled, help recorder Navigator Photographer (must take notes about the pictures taken) Audit form responsibility People(A) Bike-ability (A) Walkability (B) Stormwater (C) Signage (C) Healthy eating (C) Aesthetics/amenities (D) Housing (D) Other businesses (E) 6 At least two pictures per segment of a strength and weakness of the segment (reason) (if there 4 in a group, A will take on the responsibility of E) Weather conditions Time start Time end Grading the segment (circle one, A, B, C, F) A: I would readily walk on this segment: It is safe and clean, sidewalks, streets and buildings are well maintained. Crosswalks are clearly painted and sidewalks are separated from the curb. Other comments: B: I would walk on this segment, but would like to see it improved: There are street lights, but some do not work; there is some litter and cracks/potholes, homes are in good condition but could use some minor fix-up, e.g. new coat of paint, mow the lawn. There are some but not all crosswalks are painted. Other comments: C: I personally would never walk on this segment. There are too few street lights, and many do not work; there are many cracks/potholes that make it unsafe to walk or ride a bike. There is no sidewalk. Too much litter and houses leave too many large items in the front yard. Other comments: F: No one should or can walk on this segment. Unsafe and not clean. No lights, abandoned houses, too much litter on the streets and sidewalks. Too many cracks and potholes. Other comments: Final comments about the segment. Strengths and Weaknesses about the segment

7 People seen on segment (# and activity) People Aesthetics/amenities Public trash cans (#) Walkability Public recycling bins (#) Sidewalk/walking path YES NO Public benches/tables (#) Sidewalk texture DIRT TRAIL PAVED N/A Other public seating (# and type) Sidewalk width (# of people who can fit at one time) N/A Fire hydrants (#) Sidewalk blocked YES NO Existing public art? YES NO What is blocking the sidewalk? (poles, trees, etc.) Where should public art be placed to add appeal? Sidewalk evenness LEVEL/SMOOTH MEDIUM BUMPY Overgrown plants Sidewalk cracks YES NO Trees on public property? Cracks in need of immediate repair YES NO Where should flowers/plantings/trees be placed to add appeal? Pedestrian curb cut ramp (#) Graffiti needing to be removed YES NO Vehicular curb cut (#) Litter YES NO Buffer between sidewalk and road NO Fence needs repair YES NO CURB GRASS BOTH Library YES NO Bus stop (#) Parking lot (#) Bus stop (circle all that NONE Street parking available YES NO apply) Sign Public open space (park) YES NO Bench Housing Shelter Abandoned/vacant (#) Shade Single-family homes (#) Trash can Smaller streets leading to YES NO residential area Recycling bin Apartment buildings, 3 + floors (#) Painted crosswalks YES NO Townhomes (#) Unsafe crossing areas YES NO Big homes (#) Comment: Paint job needed (#) Repair needed YES NO Pedestrian signal YES NO NOT WORKING Mowed lawns YES NO Signal with Garden (#) countdown timer (#) Pedestrian cross button YES NO NOT WORKING For sale signs YES NO Street lamps (#) Alarm system signs YES NO Broken/partial street lamps YES NO Large, bulky items on front lawn YES NO Shade protecting sidewalk NONE A LITTLE A LOT Notes Bike-ability Healthy eating Painted bike lane YES NO Any food vendors? YES NO Bike trail YES NO Fast food (#) 7

8 Bike racks YES NO Sit-down restaurant (#) Where could bike racks be Grocery stores (#) placed? Potholes/cracks in need of YES NO Convenience store (#) immediate repair Car lanes (#) Ethnic market (#) Speed bumps YES NO Outdoor market (#) Traffic (cars passing) NONE SOME VERY BUSY What type of autos passing? Carry-out (#) Cars, trucks, etc. Signs indicating bike lane YES NO Liquor stores (#) Would you bike on this street? YES NO Bakery (#) Why not? Are these food places attractive/entice you to go in? YES NO Stormwater management Other businesses/retail/offices Where should green roofs be placed? Any business/retail/offices YES NO Permeable pavement YES NO Vacant/boarded-up business (#) Where should permeable Gas stations (#) pavers be placed? Where should bio-retention Auto-related stores (#) be placed? Storm drain (#) Industrial/manufacturing stores (#) Storm drain filter YES NO Pawn shops (#) Auto/industrial spills visible YES NO Cash check shops (#) Signage Pharmacies (#) to Waterfront Park YES NO Hair and nail stores (#) to Anacostia Trail YES NO Clothing stores (#) to Peace Memorial Cross YES NO Medical-related offices YES NO For local organizations YES NO Legal-related offices YES NO School-related signs YES NO Office buildings YES NO Stop or speed limit sign YES NO Police or fire station YES NO What's the speed limit? Places of worship (#) Turn only sign or lane YES NO Schools (#) Traffic lights YES NO Historical (# and/or name) Signage visible/easily readable YES NO Other (please list) 8

9 Part 2: Figure 1 2 Wellness Ambassadors walking on Rt. 450 Figure 2 Port Youth Council Member completing an audit A Green Street is Walkable Figure 3: Two Wellness Ambassadors surveying Rt. 450 and noting that the street is not very walkable 9

10 Chapter 4: Definition of a Walkable Street A Walkable Street has: Sidewalks that are even and complete Clearly defined crosswalks Wide ramps Pedestrian signals Shade Attractive bus shelters Trash and recycle bins Public seating Chapter 5: Findings for Walkability Intersections have crosswalks such as the intersection of Edmonston Rd & Rt However, many crosswalks are not visible and are not placed at busy intersections, such as the intersection of Rt. 450 and Rt. 202, that are dangerous for pedestrians to cross. Figure 4: A clearly defined brick crosswalk at the Intersection of Edmonston Rd. & Rt. 450 Figure 5: An unsafe and dangerous intersection at the Rt. 450 & Rt. 202 divide 10

11 There are bus shelters along Rt. 450, such as the bus shelter at Rt. 450 & 52 nd St. Despite this, many bus stops do not have shelters or the shelters are not maintained. For example, the bus shelter on Edmonston Rd. and 51 st St. is shattered. Figure 6: Bus shelter on Rt. 450 & 52nd St. Figure 7: Shattered Bus shelter on Edmonston Rd & 51 st St. There are pedestrian lights on Rt. 450, however many of them do not work or are covered with burlap. Figure 8: Pedestrian Light at Edmonston Rd. & Rt. 450 Figure 9: Pedestrian Signal with burlap cover at Rt. 450 & 51 st St. 11

12 There are handicapped accessible ramps on Rt. 450, but there are certain places, such as the Shops at Bladensburg, where these ramps are needed and they are not in place. Figure 10: Handicap accessible curb cut at Rt. 450 Figure 11: Shops at Bladensburg on Rt. 450 & 51 st St. does not have handicap accessible ramp Chapter 6: Recommendations Walkability 1. Repaint faded crosswalks and add crosswalks where they are needed 2. Install attractive bus shelters at all bus stops 3. Install wider sidewalks and wider sidewalk buffers 4. Install more trees/bushes inside the sidewalk buffers 5. Install pedestrian curb cut ramps to all intersection that do not have ramps 6. Install speed cameras near Bladensburg Elementary School PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 6: Safe Play Grounds and Driving 7. Install sidewalks on both on both sides of Rt

13 Part 3: A Green Street is Bikeable Figure 12: Bladensburg Shopping Center does not have bicycle lanes, which makes bicycling dangerous because of the heavy traffic on Rt

14 Chapter 7: Definition of a Bikeable Street A bikeable street has: Bicycle Lanes Bicycle Racks Locations where people frequent, such as local businesses, shopping centers, schools, and bus stops Chapter 8: Findings for Bikeability People in the community use bicycles as a mode of transportation. However, there are no bicycle lanes and racks. Cyclists compete for road space in busy traffic on Rt Figure 13: Rt. 450 is a busy street with no bicycle lane Chapter 9: Recommendations for Bikeabilty 1. Install Bicycle Lanes along Rt. 450 on both sides PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 6: Safe Play Grounds and Driving 2. Install more Speed Limit Signs along Rt. 450 PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 6: Safe Play Grounds and Driving 3. Install Bicycle Racks in front of businesses, in all shopping centers and in front of Bladensburg Elementary School. PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 6: Safe Play Grounds and Driving 14

15 4. Implement Bike Share Program on Rt

16 Part 4: It s Easy to Find One s Way on a Green Street Figure 14: Way Finding Aide on Rt

17 Chapter 10: Definition of Finding One s Way A street where it s easy to find one s way has: Stop signs Speed limit signs Schools and local businesses signs Historical landmarks, amenities and natural resource signs Trail sings Direction Sings Chapter 11: Findings for Finding One s Way Rt. 450 has many attractions for residents and visitors such as the Bladensburg Waterfront Park, The Magruder House, and Peace Cross but they are underutilized and not valued as they could be by the community. There is no clear signage that directs residents or tourists to these attractions. Figure 16: Very little contrast between lettering and background on the Bladensburg Waterfront Park Sign, and no signs to direct people to these sites along Rt There are many crooked signs and remnants of old crosswalks or street signs that are unattractive and send the message we don t care how this place looks. Figure 17: Remnant of old street signs on Rt. 450 in between the Bladensburg Shopping Center and 53 rd Place 17

18 Chapter 12: Recommendations for Finding One s Way 1. Ensure that all signs are clear and visible to pedestrians and drivers PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 6: Safe playgrounds and driving 2. Prominently display more advertisements for local and commercial businesses 3. Display more prominent signage along Rt. 450 that directs residents and visitors to all historical land marks such as, Bladensburg Waterfront Park, the Anacostia River Trail, Magruder House, and all historical assets. 18

19 Part 5: A Green Street has Good Storm Water Management Figure 18: Example of Bioretention Gardens in a Shopping Center Parking Lot 19

20 Chapter 13: Definition of Good Storm Water Management Examples of good storm water management are: Clean Storm Drains Permeable Pavement on sidewalks and in parking lots Bioretention gardens in parking lots, on rooftops, in gardens and sidewalk buffers Chapter 14: Findings for Good Storm Water Management There are several storm drains on Rt. 450, however many of them are clogged. Figure 19: Clogged storm drain on Rt. 450 between the 54th St. & 202 divide There are a many impervious surfaces in the form of parking lots and flattop businesses. The parking lots, especially the larger shopping center lots, are not recognized for other possible uses. Figure 20: Save-A-Lot Parking Lot on Rt. 450 in an impervious surface and has poor drainage 20

21 Chapter 15: Recommendations for Good Storm Water Management 1. Place permeable pavement in all parking lots on Rt. 540, especially near the Checkers 2. Place more storm drains on main roads 3. Maintain proper cleaning of current storm drains 4. Use bioretention materials in parking lots and green roofs on top of businesses in major shopping centers 21

22 Part 6: A Green Street is Attractive and Appealing Figure 21: Wellness Ambassadors taking notes regarding newly installed plants in front of a Garden Apartment Complex on Rt

23 Chapter 16: Definition of an Attractive and Appealing Street An attractive street has: Public Art and murals Trees, flowers, gardens No Litter or graffiti Pedestrian oriented lighting Restaurants, stores and recreational facilities Chapter 17: Findings for an Attractive and Appealing Street There are some vacant business spaces and homes that create the possibility of new businesses and tenants moving on Rt Figure 22: A vacant commercial building on Rt. 450 & Edmonston Rd. 23

24 The pedestrian tunnels on Rt. 450 allow pedestrian passage; however, these tunnels have poor lighting, graffiti, litter and an unpleasant order. Figure 23: Pedestrian Tunnel on Rt. 450 Chapter 18: Recommendations for an Attractive and Appealing Street 1. Install more public trash cans and public recycle bins on Rt. 450 PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 9: Clean environments: new trash and recycle bins 2. Install more public seating/benches on Rt Install more public art on Rt. 450 in locations such as: Outside of Private Businesses Near and Inside of Tunnels In front of Bladensburg Elementary School 4. Include landscaped properties in front of business and schools on Rt. 450 PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 13: More Trees 5. Install more visible and attractive signage at the entrances of Bladensburg on Rt. 450 to welcome people to Bladensburg 6. Install brick or special crosswalks to beautify Rt

25 7. Install more trees on public properties PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 13: More Trees 8. Renovate vacant homes and buildings on Rt PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 9: Clean environments: new trash and recycle bins 9. Repair and paint broken fences on Rt. 450 PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 9: Clean environments: new trash and recycle bins 25

26 Part 7: A Green Street offers Healthy Food Choices Figure 24: Wellness Ambassador purchasing fresh herbs at Americana Grocery on Rt

27 Chapter 19: Definition of Access to Healthy Food A Street that offers healthy food choices has: Organic and natural markets Stores with fresh fruits and vegetables Ethnic food choices Restaurants that serve balanced and nutritional meals Affordable healthy food choices Chapter 20: Findings for Access to Healthy Food There are ethnic food markets, restaurants and limited to moderate access to fresh fruits and vegetables on Rt Additionally, there are more places where you can find unhealthy food, such as, Checkers. Figure 25: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables are available Figure 26: Checkers fast food restaurant on Rt. 450 at Americana Grocery on Rt. 450 Chapter 21: Recommendations for Access to Healthy Food Bring an organic Market to Rt. 450 to provide residents with a broader selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and produce in Bladensburg PTYC Advocacy Plan Point 5: Restaurants and grocery stores that offer healthy foods 27

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29 Pathways to Career Success Program (Port Towns Youth Council) Bladensburg High School Room C1125 (301) or (301) FALL COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES BULLETIN October 7, 2013 SIGN UP IN THE Youth Development and Empowerment Institute office (BHS, Room C1125) or contact the staff at (301) Students will earn learning service hours and earn extra hours when their parents attend activities with them. Thur, August 22, 2013 PORT TOWNS YOUTH COUNCIL (PTYC) PLANNING MEETING 6:00-8:00 pm Colmar Manor Community Center. Monthly, every 3rd Thursday 6:00-8:00 pm PORT TOWNS YOUTH COUNCIL (PTYC) MEETINGS Members only with your parents. Colmar Manor Community Center & occasionally at other Port Towns locations. Mon, Sept 9 Wellness Ambassadors make Pedestrian Safety Policy Recommendations 7:00- pm before the Bladensburg Mayor and Council. Sat, Sept 21 Port Towns Day event at Bladensburg Waterfront Park. For Wellness 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Ambassadors (PTYC & PTCS) students who desire to earn learning service hours. Bring your parents! Sign up in Room C1125 YDEP Institute. Sat, Sept 28 College and Scholarships Preparation Workshop for class of 2014 Pathways 8:30 11:30 am to Career Success students and parents at Colmar Manor Community Center. Wed, Oct 2 All day Walkers Summit for Health Policy Student Council (SGA Port Towns school leaders) Renaissance Washington DC Hotel. Wed, Oct 9 International Walk to School Day 6:45 7:45 am Rogers Heights Elem School Meet on BHS parking lot Sat, Oct 19 Project 450 Community Clean Up Green Up, a County Beautification Program. 10:00-11:45 am Up Program. Students and parents will meet on Bladensburg High School s parking lot. For all students and parents. Sat, Oct 19 Up Cycle Your Life--linking Food to Health Expo. Our partner organization: 12:00 3:00 pm Community Folklift, LLC, 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston, MD Sat, Oct 26 11:00am-3:00 pm Resource Day for Blind and Low Vision Persons, Nat l Federation of the Blind Colmar Manor Community Center Sat, Nov 2 Cottage City Community Garden Harvest. PTYC & PTCS Wellness Ambassadors 9:00 am 12 noon Cottage City Town Hall, th Avenue. Dec (Time & Date TBA) Town of Bladensburg Christmas Celebration Wed, Dec 18 PGC District 5 Christmas/holiday celebration for District 5 Senior Citizens 6:00-9:00 pm International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Hall 4700 Boston Way, Lanham, MD CFC #31604 CFC #31604 United Way #8915