If these streets could talk: Complete Streets in downtown Millburn is working!
The Millburn Complete Streets project is the result of more than two years of collaborative design, planning and engineering coordinated through public and stakeholder input, comprehensive participation of all township operational and services departments, municipal and county agency oversight, and cooperation between a myriad of third party utility, professional and services organizations.
Data-driven assessment of results is a primary focus of the Complete Streets program. Hard data and fact-based analysis is the most effective means by which the project can be evaluated. As project-related data has been produced, the results are clear: COMPLETE STREETS IS WORKING! Below are some key data points showing the results of the project in relationship to the initial key objectives of the project – pedestrian safety, traffic calming and enhanced vibrancy through downtown infrastructure improvements:
Dramatic reduction in pedestrian accidents in the downtown area where Complete Streets Phase I has been implemented
Dramatic reduction in accidents on every roadway and intersection in the downtown where Complete Streets has been implemented
Lower posted speed limit through downtown and lower actual average speed through the downtown corridor
Children walking safely through town from the Middle School and High School on wider sidewalks in the areas where Phase I has been implemented
New businesses have chosen Millburn as a place to invest in storefront retail, including Blue Mercury, Playa Bowls, Hills Tavern, EVOO and Lemon, The Book House and Original Sharp.
Existing businesses are expanding their operations in the heart of downtown Millburn, including the Millburn Deli and Umi Sushi
Millburn Complete Streets has won three distinguished awards from three renowned organizations for excellence in downtown design and implementation
Right turn onto Main Street from Millburn Avenue has proven to be safer with fewer incidents than prior to Complete Streets implementation
Traffic calming with minimal increased wait time through downtown on Millburn Avenue
Improved crosswalks, bump out corners and narrower road crossings have led to a vastly safer downtown pedestrian environment
Patrons and residents are actively utilizing the Parklets on a regular daily basis, with increased usage on the weekends
Parking transactions are up 7% from 2016 and 14% from 2015
Parking revenue is up 14% from 2016 and 24% from 2015 with the implementation of pay by plate parking system
Summonses are down to 1.9% of all transaction for 2017 (through September)
Mpay mobile parking app transactions for 2017 are up nearly 300% over 2016 transactions
Outdoor café dining has increased both in volume and in number of restaurants offering the service
New Jersey has the most adopted Complete Streets policies of any other State
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) gives points or “credits” to municipalities that adopt and implement Complete Streets policies, which are used to apply for and obtain infrastructure grants
Roadway fatalities in New Jersey are way above national levels, a fact that has led a wide range of New Jersey municipalities to adopt and implement Complete Streets programs to ensure that all users of streets, not just cars, are considered
The culture of downtown usage is undergoing a major shift to walkability and balance of uses, and Complete Streets supports that paradigm shift
Complete Streets Ahead will continue to provide updated data and results as information becomes available.