The City of Decatur is taking significant strides to enhance community connectivity and vibrancy through the Jasper Street Corridor Roadmap, officially adopted by the City Council on Monday, September 18, 2023. This roadmap is the culmination of extensive community engagement, incorporating valuable feedback from events like the Jasper Street Fest and Jasper Street Summer Fest, online platforms, focus groups, and a dedicated steering committee. It synthesizes these diverse inputs into actionable recommendations that will shape the future of Jasper Street, transforming it into a more welcoming, safe, and thriving artery of our city. Stay connected for upcoming updates as this exciting project moves forward.
Jasper Street Corridor Roadmap
Decatur’s Jasper Street: A Case Study in Community-Led Revitalization
Decatur, Illinois, is emerging as a model for urban transformation through its participation in the US Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Program. The city’s innovative approach to revitalizing the Jasper Street Corridor, a key component of the broader Great Streets Great Neighborhoods Initiative, is a compelling example of community-centered urban development. This project underscores Decatur’s commitment to leveraging local insights and fostering collaboration to reshape its urban landscape for the benefit of all residents.
Read the USDOT Thriving Communities Program Decatur, IL Case Study
Project Overview: Enhancing Jasper Street for a Stronger Decatur
The Jasper Street revitalization project is a capacity-building endeavor focused on enhancing safety and aesthetics along Jasper Street, stretching from Pershing Road to East Lake Shore Drive. This initiative seeks to unlock the full potential of this vital corridor, addressing crucial questions about how to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike, foster stronger connections between neighborhoods, and build upon the existing strengths within the community. Central to this project is the belief that Jasper Street can become a more integral and celebrated part of Decatur.
Great Streets Great Neighborhoods: Reimagining Jasper Street
The City of Decatur’s Great Streets Great Neighborhoods initiative is spearheading the transformation of Jasper Street. This city-led program targets underutilized corridors, harnessing the creative power of community ideas to convert them into inviting, secure, and dynamic public spaces. Jasper Street, strategically located between Pershing Road and East Lake Shore Drive, serves as a critical link between residential areas, parks, industrial zones, and various community assets. The revitalization process aims to realize the untapped potential of this often-overlooked urban space. Community participation is essential to shaping the designs and policies that will empower Jasper Street, its adjacent neighborhoods, local parks, and businesses. By working together, residents can directly influence the future of their neighborhood and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Decatur.
Jasper Street: By the Numbers – Understanding the Community Context
To effectively revitalize Jasper Street, it’s crucial to understand the demographic and economic landscape of the surrounding market area. Key statistics highlight the unique characteristics of this community:
- 9,167 Market Area Population: A substantial local population forms the base for Jasper Street’s community and economic activity.
- 48% Renter Occupied Housing Units: A significant portion of residents are renters, indicating the importance of diverse housing options and community stability.
- $30,705 Market Area Median Household Income: Understanding the median income level is vital for developing economically inclusive revitalization strategies.
- 34.2 Market Area Median Age: A median age of 34.2 suggests a relatively young to middle-aged demographic, influencing the types of community amenities and services needed.
Key Elements of the Jasper Street Revitalization Plan
The Jasper Street Corridor Roadmap addresses several key elements critical to the area’s revitalization, each informed by community feedback and designed to create a more cohesive and thriving environment:
- Enhancing Transportation and Accessibility (“Getting Around”): Improving ease of movement is paramount. This includes evaluating pedestrian crossings, bicycle infrastructure, and overall traffic flow. The goal is to create a transportation network that is safe, efficient, and accessible for all users, encouraging walking, biking, and public transit use alongside vehicle traffic.
- Fostering a Thriving Business Environment: Supporting existing businesses and attracting new ventures are crucial for economic vitality. Strategies include infrastructure improvements, facade enhancements, and initiatives to attract diverse businesses that meet community needs and create local jobs along Jasper Street.
- Strengthening Local Leadership and Community Engagement: Empowering neighborhood associations is key to long-term community development. Providing resources and support to these groups enables them to effectively address local needs, advocate for residents, and participate actively in the ongoing revitalization process.
- Cultivating a Distinct Corridor Identity and Vibrancy: Defining and reinforcing Jasper Street’s unique identity is essential for creating a sense of place. This involves public art installations, streetscape improvements, branding initiatives, and community events that celebrate local culture and heritage, making Jasper Street a recognizable and attractive destination.
- Expanding Open Space and Community Amenities: Enhancing open spaces through art, cultural installations, and outdoor recreational areas improves quality of life. Community events and seasonal festivals will activate these spaces, fostering social interaction and community spirit along the Jasper Street corridor.
- Addressing Housing Needs and Revitalization: Maintaining and revitalizing neighborhoods along Jasper Street requires targeted housing resources. This element focuses on strategies to improve housing quality, promote homeownership, and ensure housing affordability, contributing to neighborhood stability and preventing displacement.
Community Voices: Shaping the Future of Jasper Street
The success of the Jasper Street revitalization hinges on the active participation of the Decatur community. Here’s what some community members have shared, reflecting the diverse needs and aspirations for Jasper Street:
“I would love to have somewhere to grab food on my lunch break.” – Steering Committee Member
“I’d like to see improvements in: lighting, more locally owned businesses, revitalization, neighborhood capacity, beautification.” – Focus Group Facebook
“I have lots of fond memories growing up on Jasper Street.” – Neighborhood Resident
These comments, and countless others gathered through various engagement platforms, underscore the community’s desire for a Jasper Street that is not only safer and more beautiful but also a vibrant hub for local businesses and community life.
Relive the Excitement: Jasper Street Summer Fest Highlights
The Jasper Street Summer Fest was a vibrant celebration of community spirit and a showcase of the potential of Jasper Street. Learn more about the music, art, and community engagement that made the event a resounding success here.
Explore the interactive Jasper Street Map to further discover the community’s vision for Jasper Street and stay informed about the ongoing revitalization efforts.
