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Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
A vacant lot connected two busy streets in Schenectady's Stockade District -- an area that also lacked places to sit. To take advantage of the space, the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation activated it, dubbing the improved space Jay Square. They installed ADA-accessible benches and tables, flower boxes, overhead lighting and trash cans. New murals onsite act as "selfie stations," giving passersby the opportunity to snap a photo. To help visitors navigate to local landmarks, they also added wayfinding signage. Organizers say Jay Square demonstrated the importance of providing public space for the community. Today, the space hosts community events and local leaders are looking to replicate the activation in other parts of Schenectady.
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See More Projects Like This One
Ronceverte, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: To give residents an outdoor space to gather, this project set out to create a pocket park in downtown Ronceverte. Organizers poured topsoil to level out the site and added benches and raised flower beds. A mural is also planned for the site.
Dayton, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project will transform four vacant lots into a recreational space for older adults. Amenities will include a walking path, tables, benches and a shelter house.
Roundup, MT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The large public space in the Roundup's downtown lacked accessible seating. As part of its historic preservation and economic development work, Roundup Community Partners added picnic tables and benches to the plaza. The new seating is designed to be accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The plaza sits on the town's Main Street and project organizers hope the seating helps incentivize residents and visitors to shop and eat downtown. "Thanks to our local leaders and AARP, Roundup's Welcome Plaza is a dynamic hub for the community that increases local commerce, strengthens local pride, and broadens awareness of Roundup's history," Roundup Mayor Sandra Jones said of the project.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Colonie, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Housing stability
Description: This project will help construct 16 on-bedroom apartments in a supportive housing community for older adults experiencing homelessness. The Center will also host a series of health literacy, wellness and aging-in-place workshops for residents.
Albany, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: Rural New York faces a growing population of those age 50-plus along with limited housing options. Yet, many communities lack ADU ordinances and awareness of state funding. To address this, the coalition hosted two webinars for planners and housing groups on ADU benefits and mailed AARP's ADU guide to county offices. It also posted sample ordinances online to help communities act. The effort aims to spur adoption of ADUs for multigenerational living and aging in place. "We are hopeful that... more communities adopt local ordinances that permit ADUs," said the organization, which plans to expand outreach at its next annual conference.
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