A stretch of Roosevelt Street between Central and Third Street recently got a new look. Wider sidewalks, new LED lighting and landscaping were just some of the improvements. The idea was to make that stretch more pedestrian and biker friendly. The City of Phoenix plans to continue its efforts to change the way Phoenicians get around town.

Roosevelt Row is an example of what the city is calling a Complete Street. The city has several similar projects in the works, though not all of them are technically Complete Streets. According to Mark Melnychenko with the City of Phoenix, the plan for many streets is to incorporate elements of the complete street model, like shade, street furniture, wider sidewalks and bike lanes. However, the scope and availability of resources means retrofitting many Valley roadways will take time. 

"It’s a city with 510 square miles," Melnychenko said. "It’s difficult. But I think what we’re trying to do is look at major corridors that provide connectivity north-south through our core and east-west."

According to Melnychenko, the city has plans to improve stretches along 32^nd street, 3^rd Street and along east Van Buren Street.