NELA Urban Design Committee

To create a sense of place that is both neighborhood distinct and river oriented, a collective vision of urban design is necessary. Currently, developers and public entities look to Neighborhood Councils as one avenue to provide community feedback for development projects. Similarly, Council District 13 has a Design Review Committee made up of local architects, designers, and urban planners to provide feedback for major development projects. The Department of City Planning has an Urban Design Studio that ensures projects meet design guidelines. Collectively, these groups do not come together to provide a voice for urban design in the Study Area.

The creation of a NELA Urban Design Committee, represented by community organizations and all of the Neighborhood Councils within the Study Area, can provide an unified urban design perspective. Specifically, this committee can ensure that development projects, public spaces, artistic structures, and public art highlight the character of the neighborhoods and the River. One example is the review of river and neighborhood themed visual art on public structures such as utility boxes, garbage cans, and bicycle racks.