Village of Lindenhurst, NY Downtown Walkability Study

GPI prioritized community engagement right from the beginning of the study development. We organized several public meetings and awareness-raising events, conducted a community survey, and carried out six “LindenWalks” – walk audits that involved local decision-makers, the business community, and the wider public. These walks also included nighttime sessions focused on safety.

Additionally, we created an interactive, GIS-powered website, providing a dynamic platform for public engagement. Community members could pinpoint their concerns and suggestions on a digital map of the village, allowing for precise, location-based input. The site also featured 3D visualizations and video animations of proposed improvements, such as curb bulb-outs, pedestrian islands, and an extended Village Square.

Technical plans and design concepts can be challenging to communicate to stakeholders. The website was crucial in providing visualized and easy-to-understand information. Proving that “seeing is believing,” GPI employed state-of-the-art 3D visualization and ESRI web technologies to show the Lindenhurst community how walkability improvements would look when implemented.

The active involvement of the Lindenhurst community led to a significant increase in public support and excitement for walkability in the area. Within a few months of adopting the study recommendations, the village secured grant funding, which facilitated the implementation of many study recommendations. GPI has since been recognized with multiple awards for engineering excellence, innovative technology implementation, and value to society.