A tree in front of your house or not? Share your thoughts in the MapTalk app!
A physical residents' evening was not an option in March 2020 due to Covid-19. So, the municipality of Deventer decided to gather online feedback for the planned reconstruction of De Braam. "By using the MapTalk-app, we received more responses from residents. Particularly from the younger demographic, the input was remarkably high. It's a very pleasant medium, especially in these times," says Judith Meekes, project manager at the City of Deventer.
Multi-Year Maintenance Program
The Reconfiguration of De Braam project is part of the multi-year maintenance program initiated by the City of Deventer. De Braam road, which cuts through the Colmschate district, is in dire need of renovation. For instance, the road is too wide for a 30 km/h zone, leading to frequent speeding. Moreover, residents are troubled by the massive trees whose roots are pushing up the asphalt and sidewalks in various places.
Reconfiguration
To address these issues, a reconfiguration plan has been set into motion. It includes narrowing the road, laying new asphalt, constructing new sidewalks, and planting new trees. "The current plane trees lining the road are actually too large for the road's design," explains Judith. "After 40 years, the tree roots have grown so large that they're pushing up the tiles and asphalt. In addition to the root pressure, residents also face considerable nuisance from leaf litter."
“With MapTalk, we’re tapping into a broader spectrum of voices. Young families, especially, are chiming in more than ever.”
Using MapTalk
In March 2020, it was time to involve residents in thinking about the future layout. "Of course, a live in-person information session for residents was not an option. That's why we used the MapTalk-app to ask residents online for their opinion on various topics. Do people actually want a tree in front of their house? And one more or one less parking space? A wider sidewalk?"