Trenton Receives Top Ten National Recognition for its Complete Streets Resolution

April 8, 2013 | Community News, Trenton

The National Complete Streets Coalition, a Washington-based organization dedicated to making streets safe and accessible for all users, has recognized Trenton for having one of the best Complete Streets policies in the nation. Of nearly 130 communities across the country that submitted Complete Streets policies, Trenton ranked number eight on the list.

Marissa Davis, NJPHK-Trenton project manager, knows that the Complete Streets policy will help Trentonians make physical activity a regular part of their daily lives. “We’re making it easier and to move around the city, and that’s going to make Trenton a healthier place to live, work, bike and just have fun.”

Stefanie Seskin, deputy director of the National Complete Streets Coalition, said “Trenton’s policy should be a national standard; (it’s) a policy that takes a stand for everyone who uses our streets, including people young and old, whether they’re walking, driving, bicycling, riding a bus, shopping, or sightseeing.”

Complete Streets policies help ensure that residents and visitors, regardless of age, ability, income, ethnicity or mode of transportation, can safely and conveniently navigate throughout the community.

“This award is partly about recognizing Trenton’s leadership and support on this issue,” said Seskin. “It’s also about showing other cities what a great Complete Streets policy looks like. Trenton has done that extremely well.”

Trenton Councilwoman Marge Caldwell‐Wilson noted that the Complete Streets policy makes safety a priority. “I was happy to take the lead in supporting this important policy and am proud to see it recognized as one of the country’s best. I look forward to focusing on additional street improvements for Trenton’s residents.”

The award-wining policy was drafted by Trenton City Planning staff in 2012. Several local groups, including the NJPHK–Trenton, the Trenton Green Team and Trenton Cycling Revolution, worked together to help inform discussions around the resolution. Other groups that supported Trenton’s policy included Children’s Futures; City Smiles; City Works; Concerned Pastors & Ministers of Trenton; Isles; New Jersey Bike & Walk Coalition: Tri‐State Transportation Campaign: Villa Park Civic Association and the YMCA and YWCA of Trenton.

NJPHK–Trenton, the Trenton Downtown Association and the city of Trenton are working on a number of proposed infrastructure improvements, including a wellness loop throughout downtown that will include crosswalks in the downtown and Delaware & Raritan Canal areas, as well as installation of crosswalks and repaving of North Warren Street. These improvements are expected to be completed by September 2013, with future improvements planned for Broad Street and major intersections off State Street.

Click here for a full list of this year’s Complete Streets policies.

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