Places & Faces
JUST
IMAGINE ENHANCING DOWNTOWNS
SWLA COMMUNITY PLANNING
THROUGH COLLABORATIVE A Conversation with Lauren Bynum
This month, we chatted with Lauren Bynum, the assistant director of Planning & Development at the City of Lake Charles. We delved into the essential elements contributing to a strong downtown to showcase the impact of collaborative planning.
One of the five key topics integral to the Just Imagine SWLA vision is Collaborative Community Planning. This vision is critical to transforming downtown areas into vibrant, walkable spaces. Two catalytic projects address this topic: Strong Downtowns and the Nellie Lutcher District. 54
Thrive Magazine for Better Living • February 2024
Exploring the characteristics of a Strong Downtown prompts the questions: How can we classify it, and what key features are essential for its success? Bynum explained that a strong downtown must be walkable. The street is the backbone of a successful walkable, pedestrian-oriented environment. The streetscape and sidewalk amenities need to support walkability by providing a safe space for the public to linger, gather, and engage with businesses. Creating barriers from vehicular traffic with landscaped areas and street trees helps the pedestrian feel safe and protected from the street traffic. Even on-street parking provides an additional layer of protection for the pedestrian and slows the traffic. Cars are no longer speeding by businesses but are subconsciously forced to slow down and can see the shopping
opportunities, boosting economic activity. Downtowns provide a unique experience for pedestrians. Once the streetscape has been addressed, activating storefronts, supporting mixed-use developments, and creating engaging public gathering spaces and art opportunities keep the public’s attention. All of which contributes to a healthy, strong downtown with a vibrant economic environment. Unpacking the concept of “street calming,” how can we define this term? Furthermore, in what ways does the Nellie Lutcher District serve as an illustration of “street calming?” Bynum said that, like the conversation surrounding strong downtowns, the Nellie Lutcher District utilizes the same elements and approaches. Currently, the five-lane roadway only serves to move cars quickly through, which we know does little to support local businesses or provide a safe and walkable environment. Likewise, the current traffic counts in the area don’t support the large street section. Utilizing traffic calming methods, we can reimagine the streetscape of