Natick Launches Tool To Help Residents Complete Town Streets

NATICK, MA — Now's your chance to become a junior city planner.

Natick recently launched a new tool to gather suggestions from residents for future projects as the town updates its complete streets plan. The "complete streets" concept envisions corridors that are designed to accommodate all modes of transportation — from walking and biking to driving and public transit.

The new "Complete Streets Prioritization Tool" went live on Friday following a safer streets presentation. Inside the tool, you'll be able to view a map of Natick and add details about what type of complete-streets project you would like to see. For example, if you want a bike lane along Speen Street, you could click on the road in the map and add that detail.

The prioritization tool is part of an update to the town complete streets plan. The first version was completed in 2016, and state officials recommend upgrades every five years.

Natick has received significant state funds for previous complete streets projects. In 2019, Natick got $204,000 for a slate of complete streets upgrades, including pedestrian and bike improvements along Campus and West streets. That project improved access for students and residents traveling between Natick High School, Dug Pond and beyond.