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Transportation Alternatives Inc. (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Walk Audits
└ Walk Audits
Older adults faced daily risks along Canal Street, where speeding traffic and missing curb cuts made crossing dangerous. To address this, the group led four walk audits and three meetings with more than 100 participants, identifying urgent fixes like leading pedestrian intervals and improved visibility. The effort produced advocacy letters to community boards and influenced DOT's planned redesign, which includes raised crosswalks and speed reductions. One participant said, "I've witnessed multiple crashes... More greenery, slower speeds and safety at the bridge entrance would make it safer for everyone."
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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Greensboro, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: This project will partner with neighborhood organizations to conduct two meetings and two walk audits. The project will gather testimony to produce a community walk report for future street and sidewalk plans.
Lamoine, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: Walking along town roads posed safety risks for older adults and students due to poor visibility and limited signage. To address this, the town conducted walk audits, formed a dedicated committee and distributed reflective vests to all K-12 students and staff. Residents were engaged through newsletters and social media, and findings were shared with the Selectboard, which suggested infrastructure upgrades. The project sparked plans for traffic warning signs and annual safe walking programs. At a school assembly, students wore their new gear all day, and the principal thanked the committee for raising awareness.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Denver, CO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Walk Audits
Description: The project will conduct eight walk audits in a commercial district to identify sidewalk and crosswalk improvements. The project will also host two community meetings with participants and city officials.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
New York, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: Older adults in low-income neighborhoods faced isolation and limited access to cultural programs, challenges worsened by the pandemic. The Grandparent Resource Center expanded its Intergenerational Cultural Workshop Series to four NYCHA sites, hosting 16 sessions on dance, mosaics and other arts. Outreach engaged residents age 50-plus and their families. The workshops strengthened family bonds and community ties, with participants feeling more connected. "I would love to see more classes like this, it helps people stay connected," said one attendee. Plans are underway to secure funding for future sessions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
New York, NY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing
Description: Long Island's housing shortage leaves older adults struggling to stay near family. Regional Plan Association produced videos showing how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can help, featuring residents who rely on ADUs to age in place or support loved ones. The stories, shared with housing advocates, fueled a statewide coalition and informed proposals like the New York Housing Compact. "We've enjoyed living in an ADU at our daughter's house... but now face incredible uncertainty," said one couple, underscoring the urgency for flexible housing options.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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