Milton

Town announces 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grant

The Town of Milton is pleased to announce that we are a 2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee!

With this quick-action Challenge Grant the Town of Milton will expand on its very well-received Art Crosswalk-ing Tour by adding two additional art crosswalks that promote walking and pedestrian safety and by providing driver education on the location of two highly utilized pedestrian crossings.

“We are trying to maintain our small-town feel in the face of rapid population growth and land development. This can be achieved in part through traffic-calming measures that showcase a desire for safe multi-modal traffic, through the expansion of Milton’s reputation as an arts and artisans’ community, and by reminding drivers that because Milton has narrow, 18th century streets, there is a need to adopt driving behaviors that place safety at the forefront when navigating our historic small town environment,” stated Councilwoman Randi Meredith.

This is the third AARP Community Challenge Grant for Milton in as many years. By completing AARP Walk Audits in 2021 led by the Milton Traffic Calming Ad Hoc under Councilwoman Meredith’s leadership, over 50 community volunteers identified challenges and areas for improvement for pedestrians. One of their findings was that drivers were infrequently yielding to pedestrians though required to by state law. The Town then applied for and was awarded its first AARP Community Challenge Grant to create an Art Crosswalk-ing Tour that features 12 art crosswalks throughout the Town of Milton.

In 2023, Milton was awarded its second AARP Community Challenge Grant to purchase and install some much-needed seating in high foot-traffic areas. Through those same AARP Walk Audits, a need had been identified to provide comfortable, safe, well-lit seating areas in which people can rest or wait for their ride. Councilwoman Meredith said that need arises in large part because, “Parking is sporadic throughout town, so often a spot is farther from the Town Center than perhaps an elderly or disabled person would be comfortable walking in one stretch. Having a seat available may encourage more people to be active, to feel less isolated, and to generally feel more comfortable in seeking out socialization knowing that their needs are both recognized as important and are equally well met.”

True to the program’s quick-action nature, the artist selection process, final design turnaround time and installation must be completed before the streets get too cold this Fall.

How to Apply:

Two artists will be selected to design art crosswalks at the intersection of Federal Street and Mulberry Street. One crossing Federal St and the other crossing Mulberry Street.

This is not an art contest, we are soliciting portfolios—show us the style of art that you make. The selected artists will be given a specific, limited color palette along with design parameters for creating their crosswalk design. The artists will work with Councilwoman Meredith to format their art for compatibility with street painting. Each selected artist will receive a $500 commission for their design. Selected artists are not required to paint the crosswalk, only design it. Though they are totally welcome to participate on painting day to get their art on the ground.

Portfolio submissions must be sent by Friday, JULY 19 to Councilwoman Meredith. Please include the subject line “Art Crosswalk Portfolio” and send either a link to your online portfolio or up to 5 small images of your work to:

CouncilWomanMeredith@ci.milton.de.us

The AARP Community Challenge is a grant program to make tangible improvements in communities that jump-start long-term change. It is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. To learn more, visit aarp.org/Livable.