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Maple Street Block Talks

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MAPA conducts Block Talks as a public engagement presentation to introduce stakeholders and citizens to experience the built environment from the perspective of vulnerable road users (defined here as elderly, disabled, or children that walk , bike, or scoot). The walk audits are designed to help participants identify strengths and weaknesses of the infrastructure in an area and initiate conversation between members of the community, policy makers and organizations responsible for roadway maintenance and operation. Walks look at the sidewalk and road design and how it relates to businesses and activities along the street.

MAPA’s mission is to provide local governments with planning and technical support, thinking regionally and long range on the core issues that impact the vibrancy of the Greater Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Facilitating Block Talks is just one of the many ways MAPA is here to promote vibrant places to live, work, and play.

In close coordination with the City of Omaha, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and local Neighborhood Associations, Business Improvement Districts, and nonprofit organizations, MAPA is conducting Block Talks addressing pedestrian safety issues along Omaha’s Maple Street corridor.

Virtual Benson Block Talk

In September of 2020, MAPA conducted virtual surveys using online StoryMaps as well as a facilitated Zoom session using breakout rooms to recreate the guided ‘Block Talk’ experience. Initially designed to enable greater participation, these virtual tools made public participation possible during the ongoing pandemic.

 

Virtual Maple Village Block Talk

In November of 2020, MAPA conducted virtual surveys using online StoryMaps as well as a facilitated Zoom session using breakout rooms to recreate the guided ‘Block Talk’ experience along Maple Street from 97th to 102nd Street. The facilitated session was held in conjunction with the Maple Village Neighborhood association regularly scheduled meeting.

Virtual NW Radial Highway Block Talk

In October of 2021, MAPA conducted virtual surveys using online StoryMaps as well as a facilitated Zoom session using breakout rooms to recreate the guided ‘Block Talk’ experience along NW Radial Highway from 56th to 52nd Street, and 52nd Street north to Bedford Ave.