Code Compliance & Education

Equal-Sized Sidewalks Along Broadway 

Northwood Pines seeks a new positive identity. Mandating equal-sized sidewalks on both the east and west sides of Broadway (US 1) in West Palm Beach—particularly bordering the Northwood Pines neighborhood—is founded on the principles of equity, safety, economic necessity, and compliance with modern planning standards.

The current or potential disparity in sidewalk width is a clear issue of social equity.

• Serving the Workforce: The West side of Broadway is bordered by neighborhoods like Northwood Pines, which contain a large percentage of the city’s essential, working families, many of whom are transit-dependent and rely on walking to access jobs, schools, groceries, and bus stops. Unequal sidewalks suggest that the access and safety of these residents are less important than those on the East side (often bordering more affluent or developed areas).
• Discrimination in Design: Sidewalk width is a reflection of value. Narrower, obstructed, or poorly maintained sidewalks signal a lower investment priority for the residents on the west side, reinforcing the historic marginalization of these communities. Equal width ensures fair access to the public right-of-way for all residents, regardless of the socio-economic status of their neighborhood.

Safety is paramount, especially on a high-speed arterial like Broadway.

• Protecting Pedestrians: A standard, wide sidewalk acts as a critical buffer between pedestrians and heavy, high-speed vehicular traffic. Narrow sidewalks force walkers, children, and those with mobility issues closer to the travel lanes, dramatically increasing the risk of accidents.
• ADA Compliance: To properly accommodate wheelchairs, scooters, and families with strollers, sidewalks must meet minimum width requirements, typically around 5 to 6 feet clear width, often requiring more space to account for street furniture or utility poles. Implementing unequal widths risks creating non-compliant, unsafe bottlenecks on the west side, impacting the mobility of the most vulnerable residents.

Investing in the west side's streetscape is an investment in the entire city's economic health.

• Encouraging Walking: High-quality, wide sidewalks encourage walking, which is a key measure of a neighborhood’s livability and desirability. Safe sidewalks can encourage home ownership and private investment in the Northwood Pines area, combating blight and stabilizing the tax base.
• Supporting Local Business: Wide sidewalks along the Broadway corridor create a more appealing, slower-paced pedestrian environment, which is proven to support local retail and commerce. A pedestrian-friendly West Broadway means more foot traffic for local businesses.

The City of West Palm Beach has committed to "Complete Streets" principles, and the mandate for equal sidewalks directly supports this policy.

• Complete Streets: This policy requires streets to be designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders. Unequal sidewalks violate the spirit of "completeness" by prioritizing one side or one mode of transportation over others based on location.
• Infrastructure Consistency: Mandating uniform design standards across the entire corridor ensures a consistent, high-quality public space, making the entire Broadway area more cohesive and navigable.

When a neighborhood like Old Northwood implements traffic calming or closures to create a quieter, more exclusive residential feel, it often re-routes non-local traffic to adjacent streets (like those in Northwood Pines) or effectively seals off the adjacent neighborhood.

• Perceived Isolation: The restricted access can give the impression that Northwood Pines is less connected and less accessible, leading to a reduction in its perceived desirability to new homeowners.
• Homeowner Exodus: As desirability wanes and the community lacks investment, long-term homeowners may sell, often to investors who convert properties into rental units. 80% rental occupancy suggests this dynamic has played out dramatically, fundamentally changing the community's stake in local governance and maintenance.

The lack of political influence (due to low voter turnout among renters) combined with the neighborhood's marginalized traffic status directly impacts municipal investment.

• Low Political Priority: Neighborhoods that are perceived as transit cut-throughs or primarily rental properties often become lower priorities for capital improvements like road paving, sidewalk replacement, and street lighting, streetscape.
• Code Enforcement Issues: The transition to rental dominance often correlates with deferred maintenance by absentee landlords, contributing to the poor condition of properties and infrastructure.

Crime tends to follow patterns of neglect and lack of positive activity.

• Forgotten Spaces: The lack of investment in streetscaping and lighting, and the neglect of spaces like alleyways, creates environments that are conducive to illicit and criminal activity.
• Reduced Natural Surveillance: Poor pedestrian infrastructure means fewer residents are out walking, which reduces the number of "eyes on the street"—a key factor in deterring crime.

 Traffic Calming, Pedestrian Infrastructure, Lighting, and Green Space.  

The key to improving Pinewood Avenue is to reduce vehicle speed and discourage its use as a cut-through route.

• Speed Humps/Tables: Install appropriately spaced speed tables(often preferred over full speed humps as they allow emergency vehicles to pass easily) along the entire length of Pinewood Avenue. This is the most effective way to immediately reduce speeds.
• Intersection Redesign (Chicanes): Implement small curb extensions (chicanes) or staggered parking where feasible. These visually narrow the street and force drivers to slow down and weave slightly, effectively disrupting high-speed transit.
• "Local Traffic Only" Signage: Clearly post signs at the entrances to Pinewood Avenue (and connecting streets) restricting through-traffic, reinforcing its identity as a residential street.

The current lack of safe, continuous pathways must be rectified to serve families and children walking to school.

• Continuous, Standardized Sidewalks: Install or repair continuous sidewalks on both sides of Pinewood Avenue that meet current ADA compliance standards (typically 5 to 6 feet wide). This is a fundamental equity and safety measure.
• Accessible Crossings: Ensure all intersecting streets have fully accessible curb ramps and high-visibility crosswalk markings (e.g., ladder-style) where appropriate, especially near major pedestrian generators.

Improved lighting is essential for safety, crime deterrence, and increasing the sense of well-being after dark.

• Pedestrian-Level Lighting: Install decorative, pedestrian-scale streetlights (e.g., 10-14 feet tall) rather than relying solely on high-mast utility poles. This lighting creates a safe, inviting glow on the sidewalk and street, directly contributing to crime prevention.
• Uniform Aesthetic: Ensure the style of the new lighting fixtures is uniform and aesthetically pleasing, reinforcing the neighborhood's positive identity.

Adding trees and landscaping enhances the visual appeal, manages stormwater runoff, and provides much-needed shade.

• Street Tree Planting: Establish street tree planting areas between the curb and the new sidewalks where space permits. Select durable, native tree species that provide a substantial canopy. This investment offers environmental benefits (cooling and air quality) and improves property values.
• Alley Surveillance: Install CCTV cameras to deter illegal dumping and illicit activity.

Regular multifamily rental inspection

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