Downpatrick is piloting a new Living High Streets Initiative to reimagine our town. Learn more here and have your say.


Downpatrick Living High Street Initiative

Have your say on the Newry, Mourne & Down Draft Performance Improvement Objectives for 2024-25

Newry, Mourne & Down District Council Header

NMD Draft Performance Improvement Objectives 2024-25 Consultation

Have your say on Newry, Mourne &amp; Down District Council&#39;s Draft Performance Improvement Objectives for 2024-2025.

Living High Street Framework

Downpatrick Living High Street Framework Launch

The Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework was successfully launched on Tuesday 12 September.

Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group in conjunction with The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment, Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council co-produced the Framework with the help of businesses, residents and stakeholders, to develop a vision for the town and put it in the best possible position for funding opportunities.&nbsp;In the vision for Downpatrick outlined in the Framework, five key objectives are outlined: Sustainability, Town Centre First Approach, Valuing Heritage, Improving Connectivity, and Welcoming Place for Everyone.The Action Plan section of the framework, five strategies are outlined: Communications and Marketing, Making the Most of Existing Assets, Activating and Connecting Streets and Spaces, Improving Image &ndash; Tackle Vacancy, Frontages and Gateways, and Community Needs and Wants.Speaking after the launch, Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group Chair, Malachy McGrady said,&nbsp;&ldquo;We have welcomed considerable interest in the launch of the Downpatrick Living High Street Framework and I would like to thank everyone who came along to our well attended Down Arts Centre launch on Tuesday evening.&ldquo;The passion for Downpatrick and its future potential has been made very clear. We have shared the responses from those who engaged with us in the&nbsp;series of workshops, meetings and surveys to ensure that this document represents the vision that all stakeholders in Downpatrick wish to see for the future.&ldquo;We have a vision for a vibrant Downpatrick and the Framework outlines our significant wish list for Downpatrick and the next steps. The work that has taken place to produce the Framework puts us in the best possible position for funding opportunities. But as I have indicated, the hard work of delivery starts now. We need to identify and secure funding to bring about the change we all want and I encourage our stakeholders, residents and businesses to stay with us on the journey.&rdquo;The details outlined in the Downpatrick Living High Streets Framework can be viewed online here:&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" href="http://www.newrymournedown.org/downpatrick-regeneration" id="isPasted" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.newrymournedown.org/downpatrick-regeneration</a>

MMRT are seeking to gather the views of the community on the need for a new
facility. Your response will ensure MMRT continue offer the best
service possible to the local community.

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team - New Search & Rescue Base Proposal

Mountain Rescue Base Proposed for Newcastle

Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) established in 1962, is the team which comes to the aid of persons injured or in danger of injury in the area of the Mourne Mountains, Slieve Croob and Slieve Gullion. The team is made up entirely of volunteers who are on call 24 hours per day every day of the year.The Mourne Mountain Rescue Team (MMRT) is currently based in temporary premises in Newcastle. Due to continued growth and development the team now need to secure a new base that will cater for all aspects of their operations. The team are proposing to construct a new purpose built base in Newcastle that would further support rescue coordination, volunteer training and education of the public in the safe use of the Mournes. The new base would include storage of all vehicles and equipment indoors and space outdoors for parking for team members vehicles. having such a facility will ensure the volunteer services provided by MMRT can continue for many more years to come

MMRT are seeking to gather the views of the community on the need for such a facility and would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to answer the following questions. Your response will ensure MMRT continue offer the best service possible to the local community.

MMRT currently have use of small temporary premises in Newcastle as a base for their operations. Due to a number of prevailing factors, the team are now looking to establish a new permanent base within Newcastle to be used as a new Mountain Rescue Base and Community Education Centre. The proposed facility will be a permanent structure consisting of the following:&nbsp;<ul><li>Garages to house the rescue vehicles and equipment</li><li>Control room and office</li><li>Training rooms for staff training and debriefing&nbsp;</li><li>Storage and drying facilities for equipment&nbsp;</li><li>Refuge room for relatives/friends awaiting news of a loved one</li></ul>

Have your say on Pepper Johns Memorial Community Centre development plans.

Pepper Johns Memorial Community Centre Survey

Pepper Johns Memorial Community Association have ambitious plans to expand on our current provision of services for the benefit of the wider Downpatrick community. We plan on bringing a significant part of the former Down Recorder Offices under our jurisdiction and developing further community programmes to be delivered from the space on a full-time basis.&nbsp;

This survey will gauge the views of the wider Downpatrick community on the need for this plan and types of activities that we should deliver, ensuring that we maximise the long term benefits of this project.&nbsp; The questions will take around 7 minutes to answer so don&#39;t hesitate to have your say!

Have your say on the Newry, Mourne & Down district Biodiversity Strategy for 2024-2030.

Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2030 Public Consultation 

Biodiversity Strategy 2024 - 2030 Public Consultation

The Biodiversity Strategy continues with the aims of our previous Local Diversity Action Plans, and includes three main aims.

Strategy Aims

Find the full Bioversity Strategy Draft here

Theme 1 - Trees & Woodlands

Theme 2 - Pollinators & Other Invertebrates

Theme 3 - Invasive Alien Species

Theme 4 - Raising Awareness & Education

Theme 5 - Working with Partners

Take a few minutes to add your thoughts. We are conducting research to develop our services to meet the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of our local community.

Crossfire Trust Community Hub Survey

Crossfire Trust Community Hub Crossmaglen

Crossfire is a charitable organisation operating for over 40 years on a cross community and cross border basis within the South Armagh area. We run a wide range of community support and good relations projects, provide supported accommodation and bring communities together to nurture cohesiveness across all divides.

We are conducting research to develop our services to meet the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of our local community. The services will be based in a new Community Hub in The Square in Crossmaglen.&nbsp;Take a few minutes to add your thoughts and join the conversation!

Newcastle Football Club are seeking your valuable input on the potential development of a community-owned sports asset in the Newcastle area. Your feedback will help us better understand the needs and preferences of our community.

Newcastle Football Club Community Survey

Newcastle Football Club are seeking your valuable input on the potential development of a community-owned sports asset in the Newcastle area. Your feedback will help us better understand the needs and preferences of our community. Newcastle Football Club have&nbsp;Full Planning Approval to develop new community facilities, specifically, a new intermediate grass football pitch with associated fencing, changing facilities, a youth grass pitch and a 3G MUGA that will be accessible to all. The Club have prioritised the development of the intermediate grass football pitch with associated fencing and changing facilities for the first stage of the new development which will be accessible to all. The information gathered will be used to develop future projects that will benefit the community. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time in completing this survey. We appreciate your help.

If you would like to provide a letter of support please remember to complete the details page and provide an email at the end of the survey

The draft Irish Language Strategy 2023-2027 sets out the Council’s Mission, Vision, Strategic Objectives and Positive Actions for the next four years.

Newry, Mourne & Down District Council’s draft Irish Language Strategy 2023-2027 (English) 

<h2 id="isPasted">Newry, Mourne &amp; Down District Council&rsquo;s draft Irish Language Strategy 2023-2027 (English)&nbsp;</h2>The draft Irish Language Strategy 2023-2027 sets out the Council&rsquo;s Mission, Vision, Strategic Objectives and Positive Actions for the next four years.&nbsp;Council welcomes your views and comments and would be grateful for your response to the following questions.Please note that your responses will be shared publicly, although your personal details will not.<h3>If you wish to answer in Irish click <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://speaknmd.commonplace.is/proposals/irish-language-strategy-irish/step1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here&nbsp;</a></h3><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1678970616/projects/634e90df772974be303b2bbe/ei8fq6eak4hktnzjch7l.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 286px;" alt="English Language Version"><h3 id="isPasted">The Mission&nbsp;</h3>The Irish Language Strategy 2023-2027 mission is twofold:<ol><li>To mainstream the use of Irish Language in the internal administration of Council, and in its dealings with other public bodies and the community.</li><li>&nbsp;To embed equality of opportunity standards, address barriers of access to information and services, promote the development of the Irish Language, and to give leadership in meeting the evidenced needs of existing and emerging Irish language communities within the District.&nbsp;</li></ol>

<h3 id="isPasted">Vision </h3>The Irish Language Strategy 2023-2027 vision is:<ul><li> To establish a sustainable environment which supports and enables the use and development of the Irish language in public, personal, economic and community life. &nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>

<h3>Strategic Objectives&nbsp;</h3>Two strategic objectives are proposed.Do you think each of these two strategic objectives are the right ones for the next four years?

<h3 id="isPasted">Positive Actions &nbsp;</h3>In the table, pages <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1678969125/projects/634e90df772974be303b2bbe/media-upload/Draft%20Irish%20Language%20Strategy%202023-2027.pdf/qxwl6bri4aydaxlrp3ht.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5 to 11</a> contains the proposed positive actions for 2023-2027. &nbsp;

Check out the following documents

<h3 id="isPasted">Equality of opportunity, good relations and rural needs</h3>To help ensure that we have fully understood any equality of opportunity and good relations implications or rural needs, we would appreciate your feedback.

This is Survey Two for Downpatrick Living Highstreet Initiative. 

Survey Two 

<h2>Survey Two</h2>This is the second Survey for Downpatrick Living Highstreet Initiative. &nbsp;Below you will see the map of Downpatrick broken down into three zones.&nbsp;Within each Zone there is a list of ideas that are shown on the Maps. &nbsp;Please choose one idea from the lists that you&#39;d like to see Now, one idea you would like to see Soon and one idea you would like to see Later.&nbsp;

Download the full map here 

<table border="1" data-tablelook="1184" data-tablestyle="MsoTableGrid" id="isPasted" style="margin-right: calc(8%); width: 82%; margin-left: calc(11%);"><thead><tr><th><div style="text-align: center;">Zone 1 Ideas</div></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="[Basic Paragraph]" data-ccp-parastyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"49d7c6e6-2b0a-4c62-936c-29b54e7fad72|115","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"[Basic Paragraph]",201340122,"2",134233614,"true",469778129,"BasicParagraph",335572020,"99",201342448,"1",469777841,"MinionPro-Regular",469777842,"MinionPro-Regular",469777843,"Calibri",469777844,"MinionPro-Regular",469769226,"MinionPro-Regular,Calibri",335551500,"0",268442635,"24",335559740,"288",201341983,"0",335559739,"0",335551550,"1",335551620,"1",469778324,"Normal"]}' style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improve St Patrick&rsquo;s Square as a public&nbsp;space&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Increase events and activities in St Patrick&rsquo;s Square&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Enhance access to + community uses in St Patrick Centre&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="null"><ul><li>&lsquo;The Cutts&rsquo; needs to more promoted, visible and accessible to visitors</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Improve De Courcy Square for residents and local&nbsp;community&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Improve De Courcy Square for residents and local&nbsp;community&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Improve English Street as high-quality events space for range of&nbsp;activities&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Better maintenance of buildings, especially enforcement for listed buildings&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Address vacant buildings and sites in this&nbsp;area&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Increase &nbsp;Down Museum opening hours and weekend opening&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Improve access to green and natural spaces to engage with nature for wellbeing and&nbsp;recreation&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Improve the whole of Church Street as gateway into&nbsp;Downpatrick&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Make Scotch Street a car free focal point&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Have consistent signage and shopfronts that reflect the heritage&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="256"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Increase use of Arts Centre as a social hub&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="fr-alternate-rows" id="isPasted" style="margin-left: calc(11%); width: 86%; margin-right: calc(4%);"><thead><tr><th>Zone 2 Ideas&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give more priority to people, not cars on Market Street</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improve management, maintenance and cleaning in this area</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Address vacant units, buildings and sites in this area</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><ul><li>Need less charity shops&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Promote Downpatrick heritage and culture with public art</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enhance Irish Street as a key heritage street</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make triangular space on Irish Street into a green focal point</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Transform former PSNI site/ Irish Street car park</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Create an event space on the Irish Street car park</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">&nbsp;Improve entrances to Lynn Doyle Place</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shopfront improvements on St Patrick&rsquo;s Avenue</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Improve signage and footpaths along all of St Patrick&rsquo;s Avenue</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top" width="100%"><ul><li style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Relocate public toilets with better facilities</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><ul><li>Address vacant prominent corners on Market Street and St Patrick&#39;s Avenue</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

<table border="1" data-tablelook="1696" data-tablestyle="MsoTableGrid" id="isPasted" style="margin-right: calc(8%); width: 80%; margin-left: calc(13%);"><thead><tr><th>Zone 3 Ideas&nbsp;</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: bold;"><span data-ccp-parastyle="[Basic Paragraph]" data-ccp-parastyle-defn='{"ObjectId":"76d9342b-581e-49ab-acd2-174ec357502a|119","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"[Basic Paragraph]",201340122,"2",134233614,"true",469778129,"BasicParagraph",335572020,"99",201342448,"1",469777841,"MinionPro-Regular",469777842,"MinionPro-Regular",469777843,"Calibri",469777844,"MinionPro-Regular",469769226,"MinionPro-Regular,Calibri",335551500,"0",268442635,"24",335559740,"288",201341983,"0",335559739,"0",335551550,"1",335551620,"1",469778324,"Normal"]}'>Improve&nbsp;Market Street as the gateway into Downpatrick&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Widen footpaths and create places on Market Street for all ages to gather, sit, chat, eat</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Address vacant units, buildings and sites in this area&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Reconfigure cluster of empty units, library and vacant&nbsp;South Eastern&nbsp;Trust building&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">&nbsp;Create an accessible Transport Hub&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Make car park areas, rear of Grove Shopping Centre and Grove Park attractive, safe and accessible for everyone&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Rationalise car parks and signage to show number of spaces available&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td style="null"><ul><li>Increase activity and overlooking along improved links between Grove Park, St Patrick&#39;s Square, Bus Station, Railway and Retail Park </li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Brand the area around DCD Railway and car parks as &lsquo;Railway Quarter&rsquo; and make access road &lsquo;Railway Street&rsquo;&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Use local heritage materials and street art/ sculptures to improve the environment - fences, bin stores etc.&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Make pay and display car park an event space and move public toilets here&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Provide facilities and open spaces for evening functions / activities&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Improve Grove Park as a beautiful landscape for everyone to enjoy, spend time in and be safe&nbsp;</li><li lang="EN-GB">&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Better connect DCD Railway (physical, signage, marketing) and open more hours and days&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Strengthen railway experience &ndash; extend lines, improve rolling stock and arrival&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB">Increase links and synergies between businesses, SERC, customers and the public&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td data-celllook="0"><ul><li lang="EN-GB" style="font-weight: bold;">Improve&nbsp;Dunleath&nbsp;Park for all&nbsp;</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table>

<h3>Overall Map of Ideas:</h3><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1679483751/projects/634e90df772974be303b2bbe/c0wtcahdixjkropv8scp.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Overall map">

<h1 data-uw-rm-heading="level" id="isPasted"><span class="data-uw-rm-autofix-hide" data-uw-rm-ignore="" style="color: #ffffff;background: #000000;clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);clip-path: inset(50%);height: 1px;width: 1px;margin: -1px;overflow: hidden;padding: 0;position: absolute;">Empty headin</h1><h1 data-uw-rm-heading="level">Downpatrick Living High Streets Initiative <span class="data-uw-rm-autofix-hide" data-uw-rm-ignore="" style="color: #ffffff;background: #000000;clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);clip-path: inset(50%);height: 1px;width: 1px;margin: -1px;overflow: hidden;padding: 0;position: absolute;">Empty heading</h1><h1 data-uw-rm-heading="level"><span class="data-uw-rm-autofix-hide" data-uw-rm-ignore="" style="color: #ffffff;background: #000000;clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);clip-path: inset(50%);height: 1px;width: 1px;margin: -1px;overflow: hidden;padding: 0;position: absolute;">g</h1>Downpatrick is piloting a new Living High Streets Initiative aimed at reimagining our town centre. Learn more about the Initiative, play your part and have your say.The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Architecture and the Built Environment for Northern Ireland has co-designed a Living High Streets Craft Kit. Downpatrick will be one of the first places to put it into practice.The Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group are working with MAG, Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. &nbsp;They are using the Craft Kit to co-design a community-led Framework that will reimagine the town centre in Downpatrick. &nbsp;Your contribution through this survey will be valuable in shaping the future of Downpatrick.&nbsp;<h3>Approach to Living High Streets</h3>This is a fresh approach to placemaking that&nbsp;empowers local communities to:<ul><li>Understand their collective needs</li><li>Identify the unique qualities of their place</li><li>Share their aspirations</li><li>Reimagine their high street neighbourhoods&nbsp;</li><li>Translate ideas into practical actions &nbsp;</li><li>Co-design their Living High Streets Framework</li></ul><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1674122110/projects/634e90df772974be303b2bbe/n4vwzorwypx8b3qe3ms2.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" data-uw-rm-ima="ai-w"> You can access the Living High Streets Craft Kit via the media library below ⬇️

Downpatrick Living High Street Initiative

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Downpatrick Living High Streets Initiative
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Approach to Living High Streets

Check out the following documents

This engagement phase has finished

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Downpatrick Living High Street Initiative

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Downpatrick Living High Streets InitiativeEmpty heading

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Approach to Living High Streets

Check out the following documents

This engagement phase has finished

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Downpatrick Living High Streets Initiative
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