Rochester, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities

Description: In the 1950s, construction of U.S. Interstate 490 split Rochester's 16th Ward in two. In recent years, the City of Rochester removed the highway. Hinge Neighbors hoped to bridge the gap between neighbors on either side of the expressway and explore their shared history. To do this, the organization closed the Scio Street Bridge to vehicle traffic. They then created a pop-up community gathering space on bridge, which once spanned the interstate. To activate the space, project organizers added tables, benches, planters and fruit trees. Kiosks displayed information about the neighborhoods, both before and after the highway. Additionally, the event featured live music and food, and organizers provided resources related to community health, design and equity. Since the pop-up event, Hinge Neighbors has worked to include community input in local design plans as Rochester fills in the removed expressway.

Honolulu, HI

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Roadway/sidewalks/crosswalk improvement

Description: This project will install flashing pedestrian beacon signs to improve crosswalk safety on busy roadways and bus routes, making them safer for pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

Dona Ana County, NM

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: Founded in 2016, the South Central Transit District serves a largely rural area in New Mexico's Mesilla Valley. Before its launch, no public transportation services covered this part of the state. Despite the area's hot summer temperatures, few of the District's bus stops had amenities aimed at helping transit riders wait comfortably. To fix this, the District added two dozen benches and four bus shelters in several communities, including Anthony, Chaparral, Sunland Park and Hatch. District staff constructed concrete pads for the benches, which sit in high traffic areas. The work represents the first phase of improvements to stops -- the District plans to add LED lighting to increase safety for riders. Project organizers say the shelters and benches are popular with students and older adults, who make up a large share of the transit system's ridership.