Public Art: Our Streets Southside, 2022-2023

Context

The Southside neighborhood experiences high rates of gun violence concentrated in particular intersections and corridors. In addition to other long-term mitigation measures including providing resources to the local public schools, neighbors are interested in exploring streetscape interventions which would slow speeding cars (which are often witnessed following gunfire) and impede long-range sight lines (which have been cited as a reason for which these locations are strategic for criminal activity and speeding). The project will not only slow traffic but also build community through artistic engagement techniques.

Process and Intervention

Phase I - Research

An analysis of the neighborhood emergency WhatsApp text thread over the last year counted and mapped all reported instances of shots being fired in Southside. Possible urban design strategies were researched and gathered into a palette of possible safety interventions.

Phase II - Community engagement

We sent postcards to 450 neighbors and did door-to-door interviews asking residents “What are your dreams for our Southside streets?”

Two community meetings were held to gather ideas for safety interventions and gather feedback on an initial design document

A block party will be held where more input will be gathered, children will collaborate on building a demonstration walk/bike lane, and neighbors will be invited to co-create a quilted banner inspiring unity and conversation in the neighborhood.

Phase III - Recommendations

A design document with all recommendations will be presented to City of Durham staff for implementation during the summer 2023 street resurfacing project.

Phase IV - Implementation

In summer and fall of 2023, the City of Durham will resurface all streets in Southside and implement a selection of recommendations made by the community