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Motown Glory Partners Community Development Corporation (2023) Print
2023 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walkability
└ Walkability
Cracked sidewalks, poor lighting and flooding made walking hazardous in Detroit's Petoskey-Otsego neighborhood, limiting mobility for older adults and residents with disabilities. The organization led two walk audits to pinpoint risks and shape a neighborhood plan, sparking collaboration among residents, businesses and city agencies. The effort prompted repairs, debris removal and increased patrols, with plans for seating and shade to support aging residents. As one participant noted, "Participating in the walk audits helped me express the challenges I have as a blind person," a step toward lasting accessibility.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Houston, TX
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Cracked sidewalks and unsafe curb ramps along Washington Avenue made walking hazardous for older adults and people with mobility challenges. The coalition organized walk audits, trained volunteers and captured nearly 1,000 images to document issues, mapping them for public access. Surveys revealed widespread concerns about accessibility and safety. These efforts built momentum for a citywide sidewalk plan and proposals to repair curb ramps, while fostering collaboration among residents, businesses and city officials to create safer, more walkable streets.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Orosi, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Rural Communities Resource Center organized six walk audits in Orosi to spotlight unsafe streets lacking sidewalks, crosswalks and speed controls. Nearly all participants were age 50-plus, documenting hazards and sharing findings at community meetings. The effort drew attention from local officials and empowered residents to advocate for safer infrastructure. One participant said, "After walking around our town... I felt happy that I could join with others who want to make Orosi a better and safer place."
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Hopkinton, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Walkability
Description: Contoocook Village lacked safe sidewalks and crosswalks, limiting walkability and raising safety concerns for residents who rely on accessible routes for health and independence. To address this, the town organized four walk audits with more than 20 participants, including the police chief, to document hazards and prioritize fixes. These audits sparked community awareness and laid the groundwork for improvements such as new sidewalks, visible crosswalks and traffic calming measures. Findings will be compiled into a report for municipal and state officials. "I was amazed at the lack of walkability... and I am optimistic that something can be done," said the police chief.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Home safety upgrades will be completed for 30 households with residents who have disabilities, including ramps, rails, lighting and basic safety equipment. The changes will help people move more safely at home and remain independent longer.
Dearborn, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Near housing for older adults, crossings were hard to see at night and in bad weather, discouraging residents from walking and raising crash risk. The city installed flashing crosswalk signs at high-risk locations to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Residents report feeling safer and more willing to walk to nearby destinations. The city will track before-and-after crash data and gather resident feedback, then use both to decide where to add safety upgrades next. The goal is targeted protection at crossings that residents adults rely on, supported by data and lived experience rather than broad claims of impact.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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