PITTSFIELD

BETTER BLOCK
BUILD PLAN

TEAMBETTERBLOCK.COM/PITTSIELD
1
 What is a Better Block?
To city makers, Team Better Block are the urban planning experts who unlock the interest and
creativity of the public with a process that designs for community, connection, and commerce
from the ground up. They specialize in rapid transformation of public and private places using
the open-sourced Better Block process developed by its founders.

The Pittsfield Better Block will take place in partnership with MassDevelopment, Tyler Street
Business Group, the Funky Phoenix, and the Berkshire Community College.

The August 26th experience will transform a walkable block of Tyler St. into fully occupied district,
Copyright 2017 complete with pop-up businesses in vacant storefronts, a family community space, outdoor
amenities, public art, streetscaping and improved transportation options for biking and transit.
Team Better Block
On June 7th and 8th, Team Better Block surveyed the study area as illustrated below for
TeamBetterBlock.com opportunities to enliven it. A community walk and talk identified the core elements of identity for
the area includes a sense of community, cultural diversity, historical residential and commercial
buildings, close proximity to the largest city park, strong social services, and local businesses.

For a list of any errors or omissions found subsequent to printing, please see the website.

All rights are reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without prior permission of Team Better Block.

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pittsfield better block

Table of Content Master Schedule

-BUILD WEEK- -BUILD WEEK- -BUILD WEEK-
Concept Plan Map.............................................................6 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd THURSDAY, AUGUST 24th FRIDAY, AUGUST 25th
Concept Elements.............................................................8
8:00 AM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 AM 10:00 AM
Traffic Plan Map.................................................................10 Port o johns arrive Build Workshop #3 Build Workshop #5
Parking Plan Map..............................................................12 Traffic control is setup Pop up shop setup Strip cycle track
Roll of trash bin arrives Build stage Build street median
Maintenance Plan Map....................................................14 Build generator arrives Build parklet
10:00 AM 12:00 PM
Staging Plan Map...............................................................16
5:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM Build Workshop #6
Transit Plan Map................................................................18 Build Workshop #1 Build Workshop #4 Strip crosswalks and
Clean storefronts Pop up shop setup paint bulbouts
Parklet Plan Map...............................................................20 Setup wayfinding Build biergarten fence
Comprehensive Plan Map...............................................22 Add murals Build mini-golf and 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
lemonade stand Build Workshop #7
Teams and Workshop Schedule....................................24 7:00 PM 9:00 PM Transit stops and ramp
Public Streets & Spaces..................................................26 Build Workshop #2
Build planter boxes 3:00 PM 5:00 PM
Cycle Track...........................................................30 Update store front Build Workshop #8
facades Bike sharrows and bike
Parklet...................................................................34
parking
Color Crosswalks................................................36
6:00 PM 8:00 PM
Bulbouts...............................................................38 Build Workshop #9
Transit Stop..........................................................40 Pop Up Shops

Mini-golf Family Plaza.......................................42 8:00 PM 10:00 PM

Biergarten and Performance Stage...............44 Build Workshop #10
Pop Up Signage
Pop Up Programs ...............................................................46
Facade Upgrade....................................................48
-EVENT DAY- -POST EVENT-
Pop Up Shops........................................................50
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26th MONDAY, AUGUST 28th
Art & Beauty...........................................................................52
Street Furniture.....................................................54 8:00 AM
8:00 AM
Volunteers arrive
Organizers and Sponsors...................................................56 Port o johns picked up
Setup all generators
Roll of trash bin picked up
Appendix.................................................................................58 Remove traffic control

10:00 AM
Vendors arrive
Trash cans are setup

12:00 PM 7:00 PM
Event begins/ends

7:00 PM
Take down
Streetscape is removed
Trash picked up
Vendors pack up
Biergarten taken down
Pick up generators

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pittsfield better block

.01

Concept Plan

Ave
ure
Pleas

l
and P
l
Court
Tyler
Street
t
Stree
Smith

Burba
nk Str
eet

CYCLETRACK COLOR BUL BOUT TRANSIT PUBLIC POP-UP PARKLET PROG RAMMING BIERG ARTEN
S H A R E D / PR OT ECT E D CROS S WAL K SPACE SHOP

STREET INTERVENTIONS POP-UP INTERVENTIONS P U B L I C S PA C E I N T E R V E N T I O N S

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pittsfield better block

.01

Concept Elements

PUBLIC PARKLET
CYCLETRACK BULBOUT
SHARED/PROTECTED SPACE

POP- UP TRANSIT COLOR

BIKE
8 SHOP CROSSWALK 9
SHARROW
pittsfield better block

.01

Traffic Plan
Start Date: 12 PM, August 23rd // End Date: 7 AM, August 26th

re Ave
Pleasu

nd Pl
la
Court
Tyler S
t reet
Street
Smith

Burba
nk Stre
et

PITTSFIELD, MA
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pittsfield better block

.02

Parking Plan
Start Date: 12 PM, August 23rd // End Date: 7 AM, August 26th

e Ave
r
Pleasu
P

Plland
NO
PARKING

Court
Tyler S
treet

P
Street

P
Smith

NO
PA RKING
NO
P
PA RKING NO
PARKING
Burba
nk Stre
et

PITTSFIELD, MA
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pittsfield better block

.02

Maintenance Plan
Start Date: 8 AM, August 23rd // End Date: 7 PM, August 26th

Trash Bin

re Ave
ADA Generators
3-4

Pleasu
Port-O-Potties
3/1 ADA

Roll Off Trash Bin

nd Pl
la
Court
Tyler S
t reet
Street
Smith

Burba
nk Stre
et

SCHEDULE
Port o Johns - 8/23-28
Rolling Trash Bin - 8/23-28
Generators - 8/23, 8/26
Trash Recepticals - 8/26

14
PITTSFIELD, MA 15
pittsfield better block

.02

Transit Plan
Start Date: 12PM-7PM, August 26th

Avere
Pleasu

nd Pl
la
Court
Tyler S
t reet
Street
Smith

Burba
nk Stre
et

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pittsfield better block

.02

Staging Plan
Start Date: 8 AM, August 23rd // End Date: 7 PM, August 26th

re Ave
Pleasu

nd Pl
la
Court
Tyler S
t reet
Street
Smith

Burba
nk Stre
et
STORAGE FOR:
Supplies, Equipment, and Building Materials

Build Week HQ, Volunteer Check In

Volunteer Parking

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pittsfield better block

.02

Parklet Plan
Start Date: 5 PM, August 24th // End Date: 7 PM, August 26th

re Ave
Pleasu

nd Pl
la
Court
Tyler S
t reet
Street
Smith

Burba
nk Stre
et

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pittsfield better block

.02

Comprehensive Plan
Start Date: 8 PM, August 23rd // End Date: 7 PM, August 26th

re Ave
Pleasu
P

Pl
NO

land
PA RKING

Court
Tyler S
treet

P
Street

P
Smith

NO
PA RKING
NO
P
PA RKING NO
PA RKING
Burba
nk Stre
et

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pittsfield better block pittsfield better block

.03 .03

Teams
The community was asked to sign up as a project volunteer and choose a team they were most interested in.
Workshop Schedule
Over 50 volunteers have signed up since the July 11th Concept Workshop. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23rd FRIDAY, AUGUST 25th
Build Workshop #5
Build Workshop #1 8:00 AM 10:00 AM
5:00 PM 7:00 PM
Public Streets & Space Clean storefronts


Strip cycle track
Build street median
Cycle Track Setup wayfinding
Add murals
Parklets Build Workshop #6
Crosswalks Build Workshop #2 10:00 AM 12:00 PM
Bulbouts 7:00 PM 9:00 PM Strip crosswalks and paint bulbouts
Transit Build planter boxes
Update store front fascades
Build Workshop #7
1:00 PM 3:00 PM
Pop Up Programs THURSDAY, AUGUST 24th Transit stops and ramp
Shops Build Workshop #3
Facade Upgrade 5:00 PM 7:00 PM Build Workshop #8
Pop up shop setup 3:00 PM 5:00 PM
Food & Beverage Bike sharrows and bike parking
Build stage
Entertainment
Build parklet
Music Build Workshop #9
Games 6:00 PM 8:00 PM
Build Workshop #4 Pop Up Shops
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
Art & Beauty

Pop up shop setup
Build biergarten fence Build Workshop #10
Street Furniture Build mini-golf and lemonade stand 8:00 PM 10:00 PM
Murals Pop Up Signage
Flowers
Paint

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.03

Public Streets & Spaces

The street interventions on Tyler St. will include a two- way cycle track, colored crosswalks, bulb outs, transit stops and
a parklet as proven recipes for traffic calming and placemaking. Bicycle sharrows will also be added to Burbank St. &
Smith St., as well as a shared path through the Hess Station, forming a loop connection back to Tyler St. In addition,
public spaces will be created in the form of a family plaza at the vacant Hess gas station and a biergarten in front of
the city firehouse. Combining all of these elements will create the neighborhoods vision of a vibrant and energetic
Tyler St. block for the day.

C YCLE TR ACK BULBOUTS

Description:
A two-way cycle tracks (also known as protected bike lanes,
separated bikeways, and on-street bike paths) are physically
separated cycle tracks that allow bicycle movement in both
directions on one side of the road.
Description:
Bulbouts extend the sidewalk into the parking lane to narrow
the roadway and provide additional pedestrian space at key
locations. It is an effective traffic calming tool that shortens
distance across the intersection for pedestrians and improves
visibility of pedestrians by drivers.

Estimated Cost: Estimated Cost:

PARKLE T TR ANSIT STOP

Description: Description:
Parklets are public seating platforms that convert curbside For many residents of Morningside, public transit is a
parking spaces into vibrant community spaces. necessity, however the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority
doesnt have transit stops along Tyler St. The Better Block
project is working with BRTA to install 2 temporary stops
within the focus area.
Estimated Cost:
Estimated Cost:

CR OSSWALK
Description:
Crosswalks have historically followed the rules of the Manual
for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, but many cities across the
US are taking exception to the rules.

Estimated Cost: $50

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pittsfield better block

4 8 8 13 13 7 8 6
Sidewalk Planting Strip Parking Lane Drive lane Drive lane Parking Lane Planting Strip Sidewalk

CURRENT STREET VIEW

4 8 8 11
12 2 11
12 1 4 4 8 6
Planting Strip Parklet Drive
Drivelane
Lane Drive
Drivelane
Lane Bike Bike Planting Strip Sidewalk
Lane Lane

PROPOSED STREET VIEW

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PLAC E MA KING RE C I P ES

C YC L E T R AC K 1 2

Use push brooms to remove debris. Measure 8 from curb
and mark with chalk spray. Following the outside edge, mark
every 15 ft and then use a chalk line to snap an edge.
Using your water source, 5 gallon buckets, stir sticks, and
tempera green paint, dissolve one gallon of water with 2 lbs
of tempera paint. Repeat this process until youve got 10 lbs
of paint mixed. Using the stripping machine, test the tip to
ensure an accurate application. Fine tips for latex paint work
well.

Description: Materials:
A two-way cycle tracks (also known as protected bike lanes, 3 4
separated bikeways, and on-street bike paths) are physically
separated cycle tracks that allow bicycle movement in both
directions on one side of the road. Its an exclusive bike
facility that combines the user experience of a separated
path with the on-street infrastructure of a conventional PUSH BROOMS TRAFFIC MEASURING
VEST TAPE
bike lane. A two-way cycle track is physically separated from
motor traffic and distinct from the sidewalk.

Estimated Cost:
$150/feet
TEMPERA PAINT PAINT BUCKET CHALK SPRAY
Tips & Recommendations:
Colored pavement can be utilized either as a corridor
treatment along the length of abike laneorcycle track,
or as a spot treatment, such as abike box, conflict area,
orintersection crossing marking. Color can be applied along
the entire length of bike lane or cycle track to increase the WALK BEHIND BIKE SHARROW DUCT TAPE
overall visibility of the facility. Consistent application of color STRIPING MACHINE
across a bikeway corridor is important to promote clear
understanding for all users.

Term: Using 4 people, one to push the machine, another to help Once its dried, two people can create the center- double
guide along the edge, one to watch for traffic, and another to line using white duct tape, and paint bike stencils with one
Temporary hold a piece of cardboard to shield against overspray as the holding stencil and the other using chalk white spray paint
machine is moving, paint the base green with a steady pass over the stencil.
TRAFFIC 2 PVC PIPE PLUNGER
CONES
until coverage is complete.
BUFFER ALTERNATIVE
Recipe supported by NACTO

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PL AC EMA K I N G R E C IPE S

C YC L E T R AC K
5 6 7 8

To create your buffer, begin by determining the total 4x4s

needed. If drive ways are present, measure and reduce the Cut 2 diameter PVC pipe into 3 sections. Insert into each 4x4 Secure PVC into place with a 3 deck screw or use silicon Paint each section with with exterior latex or oil based white
distance from the total length of the cycle track. Next take section compound and let dry. or yellow paint according to the direction of vehicular traffic
each 4x4x6 pressure treated lumber and drill 2 1/8 holes flow. Yellow paint is for contraflow.
to fit the 2 PVC in each section. For this you can either use a
spade bit(1 3/8) or hole saw (2) bit. They should be 12 apart
from each other when laid down together in a line.

9 10

Add reflective tape to each pvc delineator Lay down each section together forming a line along the
outer edge of the cycletrack. Secure into place using butyl
pads.

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P LACEMA K IN G RECIPE S

PARKL E T 1 2

Measure your curb height to ensure it
will be flush. Ideal curb height is 4
to 5. 1 person
Foundation: To build framing, place 2x4s on the ground. Lay each 2x4 16 on
center, to the length of your parklet. Double up each row of 2x4s. Secure them with
carpenter nails or 2 deck screws, depending on the longevity of the build. The
combined height with the 2x4s and the decking should be flush with the curb. Set
plywood on top of framing. No cutting plywood or pallets should be needed. Secure
plywood to framing with deck screws. 2-3 people

Description: Materials:
Parklets are public seating platforms that convert curbside
Railing and Canopy: Set and attach a 2x4 flat and along the edge of the top side of the foundation on all 3 sides facing the street.
parking spaces into vibrant community spaces. Also known as
Set pallets on their side and on top of the 2x4s, vertically, to create an outside boundary facing traffic. Attach using 2 deck
street seats or curbside seating, parklets are the product of a
screws. If using 2x4s to create a railing, follow the same steps above for creating a foundation to attach your vertical 2x4s. Cut
partnership between the city and local businesses, residents,
them to 3 height and frame to create your sides, and connect with a top railing. Leave sidewalk side open. For more embellished
or neighborhood associations.
parklets create a canopy using 2x4s as posts. Landscape fabric or burlap make great shade material. Use heavy duty stapler and
1x1 trim boards to create support structure for shade. 2-3 people
Estimated Cost:
$175

Tips & Recommendations:

Be sure to consider ADA access if needed, and take
careful consideration to make your transition from curb
to foundation seamless without any gaps. Add a piece of
corrugated metal if needed.

Term:
Semi-permanent or Seasonal

Paint: Pick our color pallet and paint
the foundation and exterior railings
using common household paint. 2-3
people
Recipe supported by NACTO
Buffer: Lay down a wheel-stopping element 4 feet from each end of the parklet.
Install a brightly colored vertical element, such as a bollard, traffic cone, or large
plant on the outside edge, 6 inches from the corners of the parklet facing the street.
2 people

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P LAC EMA K I N G RECI P E S

CO LORE D CR OS S WA L K S
1 2

Review traffic accident history and assess existing Use push brooms to remove debris. Measure and mark
businesses and identify potential crosswalk locations. the points where strips are going to be positioned.

Description: Materials:
3 4
Crosswalks have historically followed the rules of the Manual for
Uniform Traffic Control Devices, but many cities across the US are
taking exception to the rules. Santa Monicas Mobility Manager
Francie Stefan tells us that, Creating beautiful moments in our
public spaces and streets elevates the experience of walking and
place. When it is delightful to walk, people will choose to walk
and look forward to walking as a part of the day and a part of
their commute. Santa Monica is just one of the many cities using
crosswalks to improve walkability and add life to the city.

Estimated Cost:
$50

Durability:
Temporary

Person 1 holds end of one strip/tape, second person You can decorate the crossing with different patterns
holds the other end and ensure strip/tape is pulled and colors.
straight. Person 1 starts securing it to the road.

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P L AC E MA K I N G R E C IP ES

B U L B O U TS 1 2 3

Use push brooms to remove Create an arch from crosswalk Place under wattles to keep
debris to curb line down

Place the three gallon plants

4
inside the perimeter.

Description: Materials:
Bulbouts extend the sidewalk into the parking lane to narrow
the roadway and provide additional pedestrian space at key
locations. It is an effective traffic calming tool that shortens
distance across the intersection for pedestrians and improves
visibility of pedestrians by drivers.

Estimated Cost: Person 1 holds stencil to

5
ground and person 2 sprays
Tips & Recommendations: chalk spray paint. At least 30
feet prior to island.
When using straw waddles, dont unroll them until youre
ready to put them in place. They will tend to fall apart.

Duration:
Temporary

Recipe supported by NACTO

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P L AC E MA K I N G R E C IP ES

T R A N S IT S TO P

Description:
For many residents of Morningside, public transit is a
necessity, however the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority
doesnt have transit stops along Tyler St. The Better Block
project is working with BRTA to install 2 temporary stops
within the focus area. They will include 2 signs and posts
from BRTA, and seating built by volunteers.

Estimated Cost:
$40

Tips & Recommendations:

Add a comfortable place to sit with shade is ideal for any
transit stop.

Duration:
Semi-permanent

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P L AC E MA K I N G R E C IP ES

M I N I G O L F - FAM I LY P L A Z A

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P L AC E MA K I N G R E C IP ES

BI ER GA R T E N
The old Morningside Firestation could be imagined into many things, with a variety of different size spaces,
and central location within the community. We will re-imagine it into a performing arts, food, and biergarten
space for a day complete with stage, seating, lighting, fencing, bicycle parking, food vendors, and games to keep
everyone talking, laughing, and enjoying the day.

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pittsfield better block

Tyler Welding
.03

Pop Up Programs
//Fresh Market

Its a key ingredient of placemaking, and provides the energy people feed from while interacting, walking, and talking.
The Better Block will program the Tyler Welding building with a fresh market benefiting the Dream Center. The former
Caf Reva and J&J Locke spaces will become caf and retail, and an art gallery and community workshop space for the
day. Furthermore, Randalls Trophy will be turned into a realtors office run by the local National Realtors Association
chapter. In addition to creating pop up shops, there will be a Kids Zone with mini-golf and fun activities, a biergarten
and live performances from local musicians, comedians, and dancers.

J&J Lock

FAC ADE UPGR ADE

//Art Gallery and
Community Space

Description:
Creating an attractive product display can draw the customer
in, promote a slow-moving item, announce a sale, or highlight
new arrivals.

Estimated Cost: $100

Randalls Trophies
POP UP SHOPS //Realty Office

Description:
Vacant spaces can be cleaned and dressed up to test a
missing product or service suggested from the community.
Working with property owners who are willing to allow you
access and offer them incentive to prepare their properties
for viewing is key to making a successful project.

Estimated Cost: $250-$500

Cafe Reva
//Cafe and Retail

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PLACEMAK ING REC I PE S

FAC ADE UPGR ADE

1 2

Create images for murals or find one on web. Project onto plywood.

Description: Materials:
Creating an attractive product display can draw the customer 3 4
in, promote a slow-moving item, announce a sale, or highlight
new arrivals. Window displays are one of the most proven
(and least expensive) forms of advertising at your disposal.
To often, storefronts get cluttered with signs, storage and
outdated product.

Remember people attract other people, so less is often more

on window displays as you want people to be able to see in
and see people. This is especially true in restaurants.

Estimated Cost:
$75 (Average cost per Better Block facade)

Tips & Recommendations:

Concentrate on drawing your customers eye to your product
through any exterior windows. Use vibrant colors and
creative displays to appeal to your target market.

Duration:
Temporary, Semi-permanent Outline and paint Screw to wall or fence

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P LACEMAK ING RECI PE S

POP UP SHOPS

Description: Materials:
Vacant spaces can be cleaned and dressed up to test a
missing product or service suggested from the community.
Working with property owners who are willing to allow you
access and offer them incentive to prepare their properties
for viewing is key to making a successful project.

Estimated Cost:
$250-$500 (Cost per unit)

Tips & Recommendations:

Partnering with other entrepreneurs and like-minded
individuals with complimentary services will enhance a pop
up shop. For example, a record store and a coffee shop or
book store and creative writing workshop.

Duration:
Temporary

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.03

Art & Beauty

These are the icing on the cake projects that will bring the whole space alive. Local residents are busy cleaning up
the Hess Station, planning murals, and bringing in color to brighten up the block. Murals will be placed on the Tyler
Welding building as well as new signage along the entire block of buildings being used for pop up shops. Furthermore,
potted plants will be borrowed and placed strategically to dress up storefronts and public spaces. Seating will be built
to provide a respite while enjoying the days activities.

STREE T FU RN ITU RE
Description:
Pallet building is best done in a workshop setting. Promote
the workshop in advance and have an online signup form. On
workshop day assemble volunteers and break them up into
teams depending on skillsets. Establish 3 stations cutting
station, assembly station and paint station. Create at least
one model item in advance of workshop for furniture to be
based on. Many design options are available online.

Estimated Cost: $45-$55

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PLACEMAKING RECI PES

STR EE T FURNITURE
Limit access to circular saw to
1 dedicated users. Cut pallets into
necessary dimensions

Assemble pallet pieces into furniture

using drill and screws 2

Description: Materials:
Pallet building is best done in a workshop setting. Promote
the workshop in advance and have an online signup form. On
workshop day assemble volunteers and break them up into
teams depending on skillsets. Establish 3 stations cutting
station, assembly station and paint station. Create at least
one model item in advance of workshop for furniture to be
based on. Many design options are available online.
Sand & Paint finished furniture
Estimated Cost: 3
$45-$55 (Cost per unit)

Tips & Recommendations:

Pallets are easy to work with and provide great foundation
for seating. For added comfort, add pillows or a foam mat if
seating is under a cover.

Duration:
Temporary and Semi-permanent

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.04 .04

Organizers Community Partners

Mary Jane Amewusika Sedzro

Dunlop

William
Richard Katelynn
Declose, Jr. Miner

THE FUNKY PHOENIX

Kristina Nicholas
Cardot Russo

Learn more about the Pittsfield organizers leading the project

at teambetterblock.com/pittsfield/#organizers
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.05

Appendix
Picnic tables
SUPPLY LIST
Plywood sheathing - PT #1
Curb stops - white plastic
Plywood sheathing - PT #2 Police detail for street work
2500w generators
Port o johns 3/1 ADA & sanitation station
5000w generators
Push brooms
Air compressor
PVC Pipe
Artist fund
Rental truck
Braid nailer
Roll off trash can for area clean up
Buckets
Roller naps
Butyl roll
Roller poles
Cafe lighting
Roller trays
Cafe table, 2 chairs - blue
Rollers - full
Cafe table, 2 chairs - orange
Rollers - trim
Circular saw
Sanitation station
Cordless drill
Saw horse set
Deck screws #1
Scissor lift
Deck screws #2
Shrubs
Drop cloth
Shrubs
Event posters
Signs - Transit schedule
Extensions chords
Sound equipment
Framing gun
Stencil - man riding bicycle w/ arrow
Framing gun nails
Stencil - pedestrian pavement
Ladder
Street solar lighting
Lumber #1
Street sweep and crew
Lumber #2
Stripping machine and crew
Lumber #5
Traffic control
Measuring tape
Traffic vests
PA system
Trash bins and bags
Paint - green tempera
Work gloves
Paint - peach tempera
Plywood sheathing - #3
Paint - purple tempera
Reflective tape
Paint - white chalk spray
Flexible Delineator Posts - white
Paint - white tempera
Lumber #6
Paint brushes
Paint - Wood, Yellow
Pallets
Pennant - blue and white

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60