On a brisk Monday afternoon last week, passersby at the intersection of Greenkill Avenue and Route 32 in Kingston would have noticed an intriguing instillation of book shelves, benches and cafe tables on the side of an empty parking lot.
The technique used by local citizens at the Five Ways to Die intersection is commonly known as tactical urbanism. An effort by citizens to physically and spatially arrange ephemeral placemaking objects in an effort to reimagine a volume of space into something more benevolent than currently exists. It is an effective way to allow others to think about repurposing public space.
When municipal government bodies tasked with waivers from existing zoning codes, review applications they are principalbly informed by whether or not a hardship exists that is not the making of the applicant. The waiver that the cannabis business is asking for does not qualify as a hardship. The code is explicit. It was in place at the time of the waiver therefore there is no hardship. Waiver denied. Citizens should not accept any other outcome.
The technique used by local citizens at the Five Ways to Die intersection is commonly known as tactical urbanism. An effort by citizens to physically and spatially arrange ephemeral placemaking objects in an effort to reimagine a volume of space into something more benevolent than currently exists. It is an effective way to allow others to think about repurposing public space.
I hope to see more tactical urbanism soon!
Tactical urbanism is in the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan as a follow on activity on the second to last page.
👏👌
When municipal government bodies tasked with waivers from existing zoning codes, review applications they are principalbly informed by whether or not a hardship exists that is not the making of the applicant. The waiver that the cannabis business is asking for does not qualify as a hardship. The code is explicit. It was in place at the time of the waiver therefore there is no hardship. Waiver denied. Citizens should not accept any other outcome.
Great point!
Makes sense. I hope authorities take notice.
Yes, the planning board will have the final say I believe.
Good. I hope your work continues to find its way into the press.
Thanks for bringing this to light.
Sure thing!