Preferred features survey for the Penn Avenue safety improvements project

The following is a Problem Statement describing the problems that this Penn Avenue safety improvements project aims to address. The statement was drafted based on input from the 2021 Penn Avenue study and affirmed by the 2025 Phase 1 engagement. As you read the Problem Statement, think about the ways that it aligns or doesn’t align with your experience traveling along and across Penn Avenue.

Penn Avenue problem statement:

People need safe and reliable property access along Penn Avenue

• People can’t walk or bike safely or comfortably along Penn Avenue.
• It’s difficult to make left turns onto or off Penn Avenue.
• The pavement is in poor condition.
• There are limited public parking opportunities along Penn Avenue.

Penn Avenue is dangerous to walk

• Penn Avenue is not safe to walk across.
• Penn Avenue is not comfortable to walk along.
• There are no features to create a positive walking experience.

Biking on Penn Avenue is not safe

• There are no dedicated bike facilities on Penn Avenue.
• It is difficult to cross Penn Avenue when traveling on nearby trails.

There isn’t enough greenspace on Penn Avenue

• Greenspace makes it safer to walk.
• Greenspace creates room for water and snow.
• Greenspace can improve the look and feel of the corridor.

Penn Avenue does not fully support a vibrant business district

• The lack of walkability discourages business frontage along Penn Avenue.
• The lack of a cohesive streetscape detracts from sense of place.
• Parking and business access locations are discontinuous, which detracts from the user experience.