Quiet Suburban Neighborhoods
40% of engagement participants strongly agree and 40% somewhat agree with the vision of a Far Southwest that blends its quiet suburban neighborhoods with vibrant social and commercial spaces, fostering a strong sense of connection among neighbors.
Many residents express a preference for maintaining low-density, quiet, and family-oriented neighborhoods, noting concerns about potential impacts from higher-density development such as increased traffic, noise, and changes to neighborhood character. While there is support for introducing more affordable housing and a wider range of housing types—including duplexes, co-ops, and senior-friendly units—many emphasize the importance of careful planning to ensure compatibility with existing surroundings. Comments reflect interest in public realm improvements like additional trees, bike lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure, alongside varied perspectives on how these features affect traffic flow and street character. Opinions differ on models like Wash Park, with some viewing it as a positive example of walkability and others citing congestion concerns. There is general support for small-scale commercial spaces that contribute to a sense of community, and suggestions include measures to reduce noise from nearby roadways. Overall, the feedback highlights a desire to balance growth and housing diversity with neighborhood stability and livability.
59% of engagement participants strongly agree and 26% somewhat agree with having public plazas, open spaces, and local businesses that are central to Far Southwest’s culture, serving as vital gathering spots where community ties are strengthened and celebrated.
Residents emphasize the importance of safe, accessible, and inclusive public spaces that foster community connection. There is interest in more walkable amenities such as dog parks, picnic areas, and nature-based spaces, as well as indoor and outdoor areas that support year-round activities for people of all ages, including seniors. Suggestions include adding benches, meditation spaces, sidewalks, and community centers that promote culture, health, and social engagement. Safety—both in public spaces and while traveling—is a recurring theme, with calls for improved transportation options, traffic safety, and cleaner, more inviting environments. Respondents also express support for environmental stewardship efforts, such as river cleanups, and for expanding partnerships with nonprofit organizations to increase equitable access to resources like tree planting and healthcare support. Overall, the comments reflect a desire for vibrant, connected, and welcoming neighborhoods that serve diverse community needs.
Complete Commercial Centers
51% of engagement participants strongly agree and 32% somewhat agree with bringing thoughtful growth and improved design to Far Southwest, especially in key areas on Federal Boulevard, Evans Avenue, Sheridan Boulevard, and Wadsworth Boulevard, ensuring they are well-connected to surrounding residential areas.
Respondents generally support improving walkability and connectivity between housing and commercial areas, with particular emphasis on corridors like Sheridan, Evans, and Federal Blvd. Suggestions include limiting driveways along busy streets by placing parking lots behind buildings, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure with better signage, street trees, plazas, and safe bike parking—including secure options to address bike theft. There is interest in adding more small gathering spaces such as coffee shops and community centers, as well as more parks and recreational facilities like basketball courts. Several comments call for improvements to street conditions, pothole repairs, and clearer mapping and communication about proposed projects. Opinions on development pace vary, with some advocating for slowing growth to focus on maintenance and safety concerns. Safety within commercial centers and parking areas is a key consideration, alongside requests for improved transit options such as bus and rapid transit connections. Overall, the feedback reflects a desire for safer, more vibrant, and accessible streets and commercial areas that support community engagement and active transportation.
58% of engagement participants strongly agree and 28% somewhat agree with protecting existing businesses from being pushed out and creating a welcoming environment for new, locally-owned businesses to thrive.
66% of engagement participants strongly agree and 22% somewhat agree with having a Far Southwest with no serious traffic-related deaths or serious injuries, and climate impacts will have decreased as landscaping along streets will have improved.
63% of engagement participants strongly agree and 26% somewhat agree with creating a Far Southwest where people of all ages and abilities can move around the area comfortably on a network that enhances the multimodal experience with wider sidewalks, safer crosswalks, street trees, and sustainable landscaping.
Comments reflect a range of perspectives on transportation and infrastructure improvements. Many emphasize the need to maintain and expand flexible transit options, improve safety at intersections, enhance connections to trails and light rail, and provide reliable, frequent service to support workers. There is support for better bike parking, protected bike lanes, sidewalk improvements, and clearer multilingual signage. There is a shared interest in equitable responsibility for all transportation modes, with some advocating for licensing and taxes across the board. Community involvement in planning is seen as important, with a preference that local residents lead design decisions. Overall, views vary, with recognition of both the potential benefits of sustainable transportation and green spaces, and concerns about the impact on car traffic and transit reliability.