The city is working on establishing a new vision for 2nd Street in Jackson Ward. There's a strategic document with recommended improvements that is now open for public comment.

The historic area was the focus of the 2nd Street Summit, which took place over the summer. The event brought together residents, business owners, and community leaders to identify specific strategies to reinvigorate the section of the neighborhood.

The result is the 2nd Street Strategies document, which is open for comments from the public through Monday, Oct. 14.

Read about each goal below and leave your thoughts on the interactive online platform.

2nd Street will be filled with music, food, arts + vendors during this free festival. | Photo by RICtoday

Improve the streetscape and public realm

The plan indicates a mixed-use future for 2nd Street, which means walkability, pedestrian safety, and social street life would be prioritized.

It suggests widening sidewalks, adding traffic calming elements, limiting on-street parking, and installing elements like tree wells and street furniture. There's also a mention of incentivizing flexible greenspace and small neighborhood parks.

Reduce the number of storefront vacancies

This section also mentions cutting down on the amount of vacant land in the area. The suggestions include expanding financial programs for prospective business owners, encouraging mixed-use and mixed-income development, and coordinating shared parking efforts to take advantage of nearby facilities.

The 2nd Street Festival fills the streets of Jackson Ward with art, vendors, and music. | Photo by RICtoday

Uplift culture and history

The summit had a particular focus on 2nd Street's place in the rich history of Jackson Ward, known as the Harlem of the South.

In the document, plans include establishing a body to make 2nd Street an event destination year-round. It also suggests adding a Jackson Ward visitor's center on 2nd Street.

Want to get involved? Check out the full document and leave your comments. You can also take this quick survey from the Jackson Ward Community Plan to help the planning process.