Joseph Castillo’s Post

Across the United States, cities are reimagining and reinvigorating abandoned #infrastructure. #Parks and #communityspaces built on derelict sites have the potential to drive #economicrevitalization in neighborhoods. The #HighLine in #NewYorkCity was one of the earliest and most high-profile examples of transforming abandoned infrastructure into a public space in this manner; however, its popularity also contributed to rapid #gentrification and #displacement in the surrounding neighborhoods. While resulting from the "High Line Effect", many projects across the United States are addressing underutilized spaces through an equity-led lens.

I am excited to announce that I am celebrating my 3rd anniversary with the City of Center Point, Iowa! Here are some of our key accomplishments: Infrastructure Improvements New Fire Station: Enhanced emergency response capabilities for our community. Waste Water Treatment Plant and Forced Main Project: A state-of-the-art facility that improves our environmental sustainability. Water Main Replacement on Lewis Access/Franklin Street: Upgraded water infrastructure to ensure reliable service. Washington Street Storm Sewer Replacement and Improvement: Enhanced stormwater management for better drainage and flood prevention. Economic Development Negotiated and implemented the Mustang Lane Commercial Development Project which includes: Assisted Living Facility with 39 residential apartments Lewis Access Outdoors: Expansion of our retail offerings to benefit the community. A First for Center Point Apartment Complex with 42 units and a tentative plan for Phase 2 waiting for the proper funding channels. 2 Lots remain in the Mustang Lane Development for future Commercial Growth Water Quality Projects Bio Retention Cells in Fross Park: Implemented to improve stormwater management and enhance local water quality. Permeable Pavers in Fross Park: Added to further reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality through natural filtration. 3.5 Acre Wetland in Mustang Lane Development: A project designed to promote biodiversity and manage stormwater effectively. Community Enhancement Downtown Revitalization: Initiated and spearheading the beginning of a downtown revitalization to create a more vibrant city center. Increased County-City Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships for more efficient governance. This is done so with 28E agreements for property maintenance code inspections, rental inspections program and building permits/ inspections emhancement. Nuisance Abatement Procedure Improvement: Signed an agreement with ECICOG to provide Nuisance Abatement to enhance the desired impact of the City Code. City Personnel Growth and Development: Focused on enhancing the skills and capabilities of our city staff through additional training and emphasis on work-life balance and competitive pay through enhanced market studies of salaries and benefits. New Fire Station Planning and Governance: New Comprehensive Plan: Created a roadmap for the city's future development and growth. New Capital Improvement Plan: Established a structured approach to prioritizing and funding essential infrastructure projects. Recodification of City Code of Ordinances and Zoning Code: Updated and streamlined our city's regulations for improved clarity and efficiency. Expansion City Limits Expansion: Added approximately 125 acres of developable land, paving the way for future growth and opportunities. As we celebrate this milestone, I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated city staff, City Council, engaged residents, and supportive community partners and my family.

Even though Vancouver back lanes now house laneway houses, and new legislation means that detached housing lots can accommodate 4 to 6 units a lot, the City of Vancouver continues viewing the city's extensive laneway system in a contractual way. Even though an ecologically performing "country" lane can provide more green space in a densifying city if well designed, residents will be 100% on the hook for thousands of dollars "lane improvements" including green infrastructure to "offset" with SURPRISE! No public consultation. The City will no longer cost share. It won't be building developers densifying laneways that will pay for lane improvements but residents, tenants, and strata owners. What could possibly go wrong? #lanewayhousing #vancouverplanning #noconsultation #vancouverlaneways https://lnkd.in/gw4pjPgG

Some things to consider when doing #highwayremoval in your cities, i.e., the rest of the Inner Loop in #ROC and I-81 in #SYR. These include #affordablehousing, #publicspace, and being aware of #gentrification. City of Rochester https://lnkd.in/gRc2amH2

With proposals to redesign I-10 by maintaining its current boundaries but enhancing its community integration, #Houston is setting a precedent for sustainable urban development. What are your insights on balancing #infrastructure needs with community development? #SustainableInfrastructure #SustainableDevelopment #HoustonBusiness #HoustonInfrastructure #engineering #CommunityEngagement https://lnkd.in/gFqMnP-v

Well-conceived social infrastructure projects can address the alienation caused by extensive infrastructure, foster community reconnection, serve as cultural and economic hubs, and even spur further economic redevelopment, as in Hudson Yards. https://lnkd.in/ejJZ9h4E

Houston’s innovative proposal for I-10 could set new standards in sustainable urban development, merging transportation with green spaces and public amenities. What insights can you share from similar initiatives? How do we best balance modern #infrastructure with community needs? #LeadershipInSustainability #Engineering #SustainableDevelopment #CivicEngagement #transportation #Houston #HoustonBusiness

Revitalizing a once-marginalized neighborhood with massive infrastructure and mixed-use projects

Regional developments look to change the mobility narrative 3 min read February 2024 — In a stride towards enhancing urban connectivity and addressing the challenges of rapid population growth, #Houston is undertaking #infrastructure projects that promise to reshape the city’s landscape. The commitment to #urban connectivity is reinforced by projects aimed at improving #walkability across the city, as recently reported by the Greater Houston Partnership. Writer Andrea Terán READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/e9F6SVp3

🌍 Building Walkable Communities: Why It Matters & What’s Next 🌍 Did you know that only 11% of Americans live in highly walkable areas? Walkability impacts our health, environment, and community connectivity—making it essential for thriving neighborhoods. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $6.1 billion is now available to create walkable communities across the U.S., encouraging safer, more accessible places to walk, bike, and connect. Key funding initiatives include ✅ Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) - $5 billion in grants for projects that improve pedestrian safety with sidewalks, crosswalks, and more. ✅ Reconnecting Communities Pilot - $1 billion to remove or modify barriers and reconnect communities separated by past infrastructure. ✅ Complete Streets - Formula grants to support multimodal planning at state and metro levels. Walkability is more than sidewalks; it’s about connecting people to daily destinations, improving health, and boosting local economies. At the Partnership, we’re excited to support and promote these transformative initiatives. Together, let’s step forward toward more walkable communities! 🏙️ #Walkability #Infrastructure #CommunitySafety #UrbanPlanning #HealthyCommunities #SaferCleveland