Project team

Head: W. 117th Streetscape Committee

Partners: Westown Development Corporation, the Mortimer Block Club, the Kensington Block Club, the Brighton Block Club

Project description and goals

A park is proposed on the corner of a busy intersection, allowing for the creation of a pedestrian path and sitting place to help balance the auto-oriented W. 117th. The goals—outside of beautification—include creating an entryway into the Mortimer Ave. neighborhood, while allowing for a park within walking distance for the multiple number of individuals within the block that are physically constrained. The project also supplements a nearby existing community project called the Halloran Park Concert Series.

Existing conditions

The site (018-18-007) is located on the corner of W. 117th St. and Mortimer, and it once previously held a large, unappealing billboard. The surface is mostly dirt and grass, with worn patches providing evidence of an impromptu foot path that is currently in use.  The lot is within an area that has a pronounced level of car activity.

Proposed interventions

Using the current spontaneous foot path as a guide, a path will be created using crushed recycled brick. At the end of each path, arched wooden trellises will be constructed as gateways to each of the intersecting streets.  Shrubs, trees, and other native plantings will dot the path, and a wooden fence will edge the park from the W. 117th St. sidewalk. Benches will be placed strategically at three points near the path as well. Also included will be a shed on the rear of the property anchoring two rain barrels, and trash bins near the archways.

Site maintenance

Maintenance schedules will be developed to coordinate the efforts between the participating block clubs.  Supplementing these efforts will be services offered by the Westown CDC.  Watering will be provided by the rain barrels as well as a nearby fire hydrant.