Acton OpenNeighborhood

In 2008, Tufts' Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP) partnered with the town of Acton, Massachusetts to develop a new way to involve residents in planning. Their OpenNeighborhood Project allows citizens to take an active role in envisioning the redevelopment of Kelley's Corner, the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Main Street. It features an online computer simulation and low-tech tools that enable residents create their own vision for the site.

Planners created a model of the site in the virtual reality program Second Life, allowing users to create their own 3D-version of how to improve the area in the future. Students helped citizens to sign up and get acquainted with the virtual neighborhood, and project leaders also created versions of the map and visioning process using paper and cardboard for those who didn't want to use computers. The variety of engagement tools and methods worked to engage hundreds of residents ages 4-80, including many students and school classes.

Tufts professor Justin Hollander said the project is about improving communication between those who plan cities and those who live in those areas. At the end of the process, there will be a number of different visions and plans for what the neighborhood could look like from residents. The Acton planning department will then take those plans into account when they create a new master plan for the site.