The Regional Lakefront Connectivity Study, taking place in Northeast Ohio, is working to find ways to connect people with Lake Erie and engage with them when they get to the lakefront. The effort is led by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA).

The goals of the Regional Lakefront Connectivity Study include:

• Present a plan to make it easier to walk, bike, or drive to lakefront destinations
• Provide support for economic development in Lake Erie lakefront communities
• Lay out strategies to turn lakefront destinations into places where communities can feel connected

ms is proud to be the primary consultant leading this multi-year planning effort and looks forward to seeing how the Lake Erie lakefront transforms after this study is complete.

ms is a firm believer that details matter, even in regional planning.

So whether the lakefront plan calls for addressing a 30-foot gap in a sidewalk or recommends a new cross-county trail, ms is ensuring that the connectivity recommendations are realistic and align with funding eligibility.

The team is also engaging local leaders and stakeholders throughout the entire study of the Lake Erie lakefront.

The entire project team works around three guiding principles that will help ensure the final plan is connected, equitable, and sustainable.

The guiding principles include:

• Planning by the People
• User-Centered Transportation
• Many Plans, One Lakefront

Planning by the people references the project team’s community engagement efforts in this study of the Lake Erie lakefront. The team is working closely with residents and business owners who live in the area to understand the needs and priorities of the lakefront region thoroughly.

User-centered transportation refers to the team’s understanding of how most people currently access the lakefront region. By understanding how people access the Lake Erie lakefront, the team will be able to provide equitable solutions for all.

For many plans, one lakefront refers to aligning with past and current planning efforts in the region. Aligning the lakefront plan is critical to its success and smooth implementation.

If you want to learn more about the Regional Lakefront Connectivity Study or to stay up to date on the study’s progress, visit lakeerieconnect.com.

You can also check out one of the spin-off projects from the Regional Lakefront Connectivity Study, Chagrin Connect. Chagrin Connect focuses on connecting Western Lake County communities to the Chagrin River and Lake Erie.