Kyle Priestley’s Post

The Center for an Urban Future has just issued a superb commentary about specific steps NYC could take to support neighborhood parks partners. The problems and solutions it identifies mirror those for small BIDs in NYC, which I wrote about with @RPA last year in Go Local! Help Us Help You. The through line, not just in NYC but in many cities, is the need for proactive and positive policies to make place-centered partnerships more empowered and equitable, through Trusted Partner programs and other innovations. NYC has made very good progress under its new Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu, but there's still much more to be done. Finding solutions to these issues across sectors and across cities is my focus at the Sustaining Places Initiative at NYU Marron Institute of Urban Management. https://lnkd.in/eW78_-8R Go Local Report: https://lnkd.in/eHUKcM6T Sustaining Places: https://lnkd.in/ePFEpsJr.

One building can spark positive change in an entire neighborhood! Thank you, Seth Kaplan for advocating for the neighborhood perspective, our engaging dialogue, and for sharing our thoughts. For us, #NeighborhoodMaking is an approach, rather than scale. It’s about seeing every element—whether a building, park, or street—as contributing to the neighborhood’s sense of belonging and identity. When these elements work together, they create social value that truly impacts where it matters most: our #neighborhoods, where we #live, raise our #children, and build our lives. #NeighborhoodMaking #SocialValue #NeighborhoodStrategies

"Gentle Density" is our vision for sustainable, community-focused housing. Instead of overcrowded high-rises, we believe in creating low-rise, high-density affordable housing that fits seamlessly within suburban neighborhoods. Our approach? Placing 6-8 prefabricated studio units on standard suburban lots, allowing for thoughtful growth that encourages neighborhood integration. By scattering these units every few blocks, communities expand sustainably, welcoming new neighbors without disrupting the fabric of single-family tracts. It’s a model that supports affordable living, neighborhood cohesion, and long-term community building. Let’s rethink density, together.

Considering a move to Mesa, Arizona? Let’s dive into one potential drawback: the lack of a true downtown nucleus. While Mesa has a small downtown district along Main Street with unique charm, it currently lacks the vibrant central hub many suburban cities boast. 🌆🌄 City events and community gatherings often revolve around a downtown area, creating a lively focal point for residents. While Mesa is working on revitalizing its downtown, it’s not yet a standout feature. Is this a dealbreaker for you? Explore the pros and cons before deciding if Mesa is your perfect match! Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/ggm28Pii #MesaArizona #RelocationTips #LivingInMesa #ArizonaRealEstate #CommunityLiving

Today, Brandon M. Scott released Downtown RISE: A 10-Year Vision, a comprehensive long-term outlook for downtown that builds on Mayor Scott’s Downtown RISE: Strategic Action Plan, launched last month. This 10-Year Vision, a collaboration between Mayor Scott’s Administration, Gov. Wes Moore’s Administration, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Baltimore Development Corporation and a diverse downtown stakeholder group, serves as a framework to make #Baltimore’s #Downtown more livable, pedestrian friendly, and vibrant. Congrats to Shelonda Stokes and team on its release! Full Website: https://lnkd.in/eptritHd Downtown RISE: A Strategic Action Plan provides strategies across key four focus areas: 1) economic development, 2) infrastructure development, 3) arts, culture, and entertainment, and 4) public safety and cleanliness. The full plan can be found at https://lnkd.in/eg_cGtBn. Downtown RISE: A 10-Year Vision is a framework for a more livable and inclusive downtown, and the release kicks off 6 months of community engagement. Direct link to the pdf version can be found at https://lnkd.in/efB5Kp_r.

The transformation of Hillel Plaza into a pedestrian-friendly space has significantly boosted local businesses at Flatbush Junction. This redesign has increased foot traffic, making the area a thriving community hub and vital economic corridor. Key Impacts Increased Foot Traffic and Economic Growth: The pedestrianization of Hillel Plaza has turned it into a destination for locals and visitors. The improved walkability and safety have increased foot traffic, resulting in substantial benefits for businesses along this corridor. Cultural Significance: Hillel Plaza serves as a venue for community events and cultural exchange, such as the annual Dancing on the Plaza. These events draw diverse audiences, fostering connections and boosting patronage for nearby establishments. Community Engagement: Designing welcoming spaces for social interaction and cultural activities strengthens community ties while supporting the local economy. Hillel Plaza’s accessibility, high visibility, and versatility make it an invaluable multi-use asset for Flatbush Junction A Revitalized Destination: The redesign of Hillel Plaza is helping to transform Flatbush Junction into a dynamic commercial and cultural hub. Its increased safety and walkability breathed new life into the area. “Kenneth Mbonu, the Executive Director of the Flatbush Junction Business Improvement District (BID), has emphasized the importance of the Flatbush area as a vibrant and diverse community. He has described its unique assets, including Brooklyn College with its significant student population, a strong local transportation network, and a mix of large and small businesses, as key drivers for economic and cultural growth. Mbonu has also highlighted Flatbush Junction as a distinctive area where diverse communities interact, making it an essential hub for residents and visitors alike”. #powerofartsandculture #communityconversations #beheard #communitydevelopment #revitalization #neighborhoodhealth #equity #inclusion #artsandculture Image of Kenneth Mbonu Fall Edition, Community Arts Impact Breakfast 2024

Newark's Cultural Renaissance: NJPAC's $336 Million Vision Exciting news for Newark's urban development! The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is embarking on an ambitious $336 million project that promises to transform the city's landscape and cultural scene. 🏙️🎭 As a real estate professional, I'm thrilled to see this kind of investment in our communities. Here's why this project is a game-changer: 1. Mixed-use development: Apartments, retail spaces, and a community center will create a vibrant, livable neighborhood. 2. Economic boost: This project will attract new residents and businesses, stimulating local economy. 3. Cultural hub: Enhancing NJPAC's mission by integrating arts into daily life. 4. Urban revitalization: Breathing new life into a previously dilapidated business district. What impresses me most is NJPAC's innovative approach to sustainability. By generating profit from real estate, they're securing their financial future and reinvesting in arts programming. It's a win-win for culture and commerce! 🎨💼 This project showcases the power of public-private partnerships and the impact of state tax incentives in driving urban development. It's a model that other cities could learn from. What are your thoughts on arts organizations diversifying into real estate? Could this be a trend we'll see more of in other cities? #UrbanDevelopment #ArtsAndCulture #NewarkRenaissance #RealEstateTrends #TheAceTeam #RealBrokerLLC

🚀 Shaping the Future of Seattle: One Vision, One Plan Seattle’s One Seattle Comprehensive Plan Update is setting the stage for sustainable growth, equitable housing, and connected communities. This initiative aims to balance urban expansion with environmental preservation while ensuring that every neighborhood benefits from thoughtful infrastructure and planning. As someone deeply involved in the development space, it's clear that successful urban growth is not just about adding buildings—it’s about crafting spaces that foster community, accessibility, and long-term sustainability. With bold steps in transit-oriented development, mixed-use neighborhoods, and affordable housing strategies, this plan will redefine how we live and engage with the city. Seattle’s approach can serve as a model for other cities: smart development today ensures a thriving, inclusive tomorrow. #DevelopmentExpert #UrbanPlanning #SeattleGrowth #SmartCities #SustainableDevelopment #OneSeattle #EquitableHousing #MixedUseDevelopment #TransitOrientedDevelopment

Downtown Coldwater is taking big steps to revitalize its historic downtown and create a place for families and residents of all ages. The Downtown Coldwater Main Street program is working to support a dynamic environment that consistently demonstrates collective energy and synergy. They strive to foster entrepreneurial investment and growth and encourage a vibrant, multi-cultural, family-oriented downtown that is enjoyed by its community. Learn more about what the Coldwater Main Street program is doing to support their community in the 2024 edition of their Impact Report at https://lnkd.in/gZG5b-Qp. Here are a few key highlights: 💵 Downtown Coldwater Main Street saw nearly $1.5 million worth of private investment in the district between 2022-2023, totaling $2,023644 since the program's inception in 2021. 🏛 Downtown Coldwater celebrated 7 new businesses between 2022-2023, and 6 renovations to facades & building upgrades took place just in 2022-2023, bringing the grand total 11 new businesses and 10 facade & building rehabs since the program's launch. 🙋♀️ Downtown Coldwater Main Street welcomed 23,000 folks into the community for events and gatherings, bolstered by 318 volunteer hours at the value of $9,588 for the year. Their programmatic goals are to provide family-friendly experiences with a focus on arts and culture; to revitalize buildings and public spaces to enhance an authentic sense of community that is attractive to all ages; and to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports existing and new, experience-based, and multicultural businesses. Each year, Michigan Main Street supports local communities in compiling its annual Impact Report to demonstrate the power of Main Street programming. From transformations of commercial districts to community revitalizations across the state, Michigan Main Street’s dedicated economic efforts over the decades have been leading economic growth in downtowns across the state. Read the compilation of their efforts for the past 20 years in the report recently published, detailing Michigan Main Street’s economic, fiscal and community impact: https://lnkd.in/gespseip

I joined KPIX | CBS San Francisco/Bay Area this week to talk about efforts to revitalize downtown San Francisco. The road to recovery is already starting, but it’s going to take a while, as the city is dealing with three simultaneous crises: the impact from a once-in-a generation pandemic, the rise of fentanyl, and a chronic housing shortage. With flexible work here to stay, San Francisco needs to be flexible itself. We need to be thinking big and taking an "all of the above" approach. Part of that is making downtown a mixed-use neighborhood, rather than a 9-5 office center. The Housing Action Coalition was a big supporter of Prop C which passed in March. The ballot measure will help incentivize office to housing conversions, and bring more full time residents to the economic center of the Bay Area. It's an important piece of the puzzle to revitalize and reimagine downtown San Francisco. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/gZdDsF4x