The Reconnecting Neighborhoods study is funded through the Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) Community Planning Program (formerly known as the Regional Transportation Assistance Program, or RTAP). The Community Planning Program provides funding and planning assistance to communities for planning projects that benefit both local communities and the RTA transit system. To this end, the goal of the Reconnecting Neighborhoods study is to make recommendations on how the three selected study areas can be ‘reconnected’ to the City through improved access to public transportation, commercial services and an improved pedestrian environment.

The project draws upon past planning efforts addressing each study area. Completed plans in each of the Reconnecting Neighborhoods study areas were reviewed as preparation for this study, and the principles and strategies presented in this report build upon these previous recommendations.

Contents and Project Overview

Study Area Descriptions

Planning and Public Investment Recommendations

Mid-South Study Area

Near West Study Area

Near North Study Area