City OKs tactical urbanism project
The Starkville Board of Aldermen approved the plans for a prototype tactical urbanism project on University Drive in front of the Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library during their meeting on Nov. 21.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0. The project first came to fruition as Mayor Lynn Spruill and Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker discussed ways to make Starkville, and in particular this case, downtown a more vibrant area for residents.
Walker said the two have discussed the opportunity and partnered with the mayor's art and mural program, which is something both the mayor and the board would support.
Urbanism projects can be seen in cities both small and large. The plan is to vacate areas where there is not much use and finding ways to make them a new addition to the city.
The area the city is eyeing is the right turn lane in front of the Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library on University Drive.
During discussion, the board voiced it wanted a study of the area to make sure the project wouldn't create any traffic problems.
Ward 2 Aldeman Sandra Sistrunk asked how necessary the right turn lane is to see if it would create any problems. She does see this as a "traffic control opportunity.”
Spruill assured the board the project is temporary, so if the project does create any problems, it can easily be removed.
With the board's approval, Walker said now they will look at an actual plan for how the project is going to look. He said they are looking at a temporary installation, which can be moved and won't change the drainage pattern and a safe place for residents.
"That's the tactical part of it," Walker said. "Any time that you can reclaim some of that space that is not being used to its best and fullest potential is an opportunity to look at."
Walker said the first part of the process would be striping and then planters to barricade the area and see how much of the road can be taken up and if there needs to be a reconfiguring.
The area would provide bicycle parking, places to sit and a more pedestrian friendly environment.
"At a later date once we find sort of the right mix then maybe spend a little bit more true capital and make something a more permanent installation," Walker said. "But it would give us the opportunity to do it seasonally at best and would really in my mind probably kick off what could be a pretty interesting park-let type of program that the City would establish."
Through this project, Walker said it gives the city the opportunity to reclaim space because there are places in town where most cars never really drive on. He said this will provide an opportunity to "kick the tires" and see if this is a project worth tackling in certain areas.
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