A neighborhood-based group with hopes to improve access, safety and appearance at a busy Burlington intersection was selected in August to receive a Community Action Sponsorship from AARP Vermont.  The focus of the planning initiative is the intersection in Burlington's South End where five streets converge (at the corner of Howard and St. Paul Sts.). The group has already convened at the site and has begun discussions of how the area could be improved.

The $2,000 award is helping the grassroots organization hire a facilitator, organize neighborhood meetings and ultimately develop a work plan for agreed-upon improvements. Resident Scott Mapes submitted the application and is playing a key leadership role along with a group of neighbors as the process plays out over the next several months.

"This proposal presents a unique opportunity for AARP to be a catalyst for change which will be driven by active and motivated members of a particular neighborhood," said Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur of AARP Vermont.  "Our support has helped jump start a community development process that we hope will lead to some meaningful improvements in this very busy intersection that sits in the heart of a residential neighborhood. These sponsorships are intended to inspire and support grassroots groups that have a vision for their neighborhood or the city and how it can be improved. This project is an excellent example of what we hope to encourage."

AARP Vermont launched the Community Action Sponsorship Program in 2010 as a way to provide modest grant funds and technical support to community groups whose missions were consistent with those of the Burlington Livable Community Project. This citywide collaborative project seeks to prepare Burlington for the rapidly aging demographic shift - particularly in the areas of housing, mobility and community engagement.

As the "Five Corners Group" develops plans and identifies action steps, they will be reported in BLCP Connections.