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Metuchen Downtown Alliance (2022) Print
2022 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Public space activation
└ Public space activation
To create a gathering spot near the city's center for older adults, this project transformed two downtown parking spaces into a parklet with planters, seating and a table decorated with a mosaic.
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See More Projects Like This One
Millinocket, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This grant will facilitate the transformation of a small, underutilized room into a welcoming and functional seating area in the library. This space will be reimagined to serve a diverse age group, fostering inclusivity and engagement among library visitors to relax, craft, and socialize.
Sacramento, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This pop-up placemaking project will transform a parking lot into an outdoor plaza. Volunteers will install accessible benches to accommodate older adults attending planned events in the space.
Durbin, WV
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: This project repaired a public staircase connecting different elevations of the town.
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Metuchen, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Businesses in Metuchen's downtown struggled during pandemic-related shutdowns in 2020. To help with their recovery and resilience, the Metuchen Downtown Alliance made investments in public outdoor spaces, turning a block of New Street into a pedestrian oriented New Streetery. After the Borough Council voted to ease zoning requirements, the Alliance converted street parking spaces into parklets. This created outdoor space for businesses -- including restaurants, shops and fitness studios -- to operate safely. To accommodate diners, the Downtown Alliance purchased over 100 tables with chairs, as well as infrared heaters and lighting. In the summer months, New Street closed to vehicle traffic on weekends, with partial street closures continuing into the winter. Project organizers say that although COVID-19 has since waned, walkability and outdoor dining remain part of Metuchen's downtown culture.
Perth Amboy, NJ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public art installations
Description: The City engaged a local artist to create a mural in for Perth Amboy Housing Authority's community room. The City surveyed residents, using their input to inform the artwork's subject matter.
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