Building Consensus for Community Buy-In:
Archer Avenue Grade Separation Study Project
Challenge:
The Archer Avenue at the Belt Railway Company of Chicago (BRC) Grade Separation Study was launched to explore opportunities to eliminate the existing at-grade crossing where the railroad and roadway intersect at the same level to improve safety and mobility through the corridor for all users, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and the railroad by reducing delays caused by train movements.
The challenge set for our team was to gather feedback from stakeholders and the public about which design alternative would best accommodate their needs.
Solution:
Morreale managed the public involvement strategy by establishing key messaging, creating a project logo, facilitating public meetings and building and maintaining an innovative project website to enhance public awareness of the project and public involvement opportunities.
Highlights
Morreale led efforts to assemble a community advisory group composed of local leaders, area residents, and regional and statewide elected officials, to help guide and build consensus throughout the project.
The website was designed to encourage stakeholder engagement and ensure information is accessible and informative to the public.
Result:
The project website was extremely well-received, and our team has watched it become a model for other project websites under the CREATE program. In addition, the kick-off community group meeting was attended by community leaders and organization representatives across the project area, and was regarded as a successful start to building consensus around a project that will increase safety and mobility in the project area.
