Deerfield Beach aims to implement ‘complete streets’ with help from Smart Growth America

Residents of Deerfield Beach, FL are invited to meet with representatives from Smart Growth America later this week as part of a free program aimed at helping the City of Deerfield Beach develop a “complete streets” policy.

On Wednesday, February 15, from 6:30-8:30 PM, the public is invited and encouraged to attend a reception and presentation to learn more about smart growth and complete streets principles. The reception will be held at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, at 2096 NE 2nd Street, and is sponsored by the Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Complimentary parking will be available in the Wyndham’s parking lot, located just south of the hotel, at the corner of NE 20th Terrace and NE 1st Street.

Complete Streets are designed to allow safe access for all users. Complete streets are easy to cross, enjoyable to walk along and safe to bicycle on. They allow buses to run on time, allow drivers to move through easily and make it safer for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

“The City of Deerfield Beach is in undergoing a revitalization in terms of infrastructure projects,” said Mayor Peggy Noland. “A complete streets policy will assure that the city’s roadway objectives are kept in the forefront with every new project, making Deerfield Beach a better place to live.”

“Smart Growth America is committed to providing the tools and training to help community leaders keep their cities and towns livable, sustainable and vital places,” said Roger Millar, Director of Smart Growth America’s Leadership Institute. “Turning the City’s existing streets into ‘complete streets’ will enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for commuters of all ages and abilities, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transit riders.”

In September 2011, Deerfield Beach was one of 15 communities nationwide selected by Smart Growth America to receive free technical assistance workshops. Stretching from Maine to Washington State, these 15 communities represent major cities, suburban centers, and rural towns alike.

The technical assistance workshop program is made possible through a five-year Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Sustainable Communities, which seeks to develop local planning solutions that help communities grow in ways that benefit families and businesses, while protecting the environment and preserving a sense of place. Three other nonprofit organizations – Forterra, Global Green USA and Project for Public Spaces – also received competitively awarded grants this year to help communities get the kinds of development they want.

Interested in learning more about Smart Growth America’s free technical assistance? Join our mailing list to learn about the next opportunity.

Photo of Deerfield Beach by Flickr user Infrogmation.

Complete Streets Technical assistance