Cortland in Bloom

🗺️ Site Location Map

Area: Cortland Avenue business district, Bernal Heights
Key Intersections: Cortland & Elsie, Cortland & Bonview, Cortland & Benington
Opportunity: Transform critical safety zones into beautiful community assets

Interactive map showing Cortland Avenue and surrounding Bernal Heights area where daylighting improvements will enhance safety and beautification.

🎯 Project Goals

• Intersection Visibility: Improve sightlines at key intersections through daylighting, reducing collision risk
• Community Beautification: Transform safety infrastructure into vibrant neighborhood features with flowers and greenery
• Community Building: Engage residents and merchants in stewardship, creating shared pride and connection
• Urban Heat Reduction: Cool the street environment through evapotranspiration from plants and increased shade
• Pollinator Habitat: Support bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects with flowering plants
• Stormwater Management: Reduce runoff and filter pollutants through soil absorption in potted plants, with potential to expand to rain gardens and bioswales
• Safe Streets: Support Vision Zero goals by making intersections safer for all road users

🌼 What is Light Green Infrastructure?

This project represents an accessible form of "light green infrastructure"—low-cost, flexible interventions that deliver meaningful environmental and safety benefits without major construction. Potted plants provide stormwater absorption, reduce urban heat through evapotranspiration, improve air quality, and create habitat for pollinators. They can be easily moved, maintained by community volunteers, and adapted over time as the neighborhood's needs evolve.

Light green infrastructure like Cortland in Bloom demonstrates how communities can take immediate action to green their streets while building momentum for larger permanent green infrastructure investments. It's a grassroots approach that empowers residents and merchants to become environmental stewards in their own neighborhood.

🚸 What is Daylighting?

Daylighting is the practice of keeping the curb space near intersections clear of visual obstructions like parked cars, making it easier for drivers and pedestrians to see each other. Studies show that daylighting significantly reduces collisions, particularly those involving pedestrians and cyclists. This proven safety measure helps prevent accidents by improving sightlines at the most critical locations where vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists intersect.

Cortland in Bloom uses potted plants as a beautiful and flexible approach to daylighting—creating clear sightlines while adding greenery and color to the neighborhood. Unlike traditional painted curbs or bollards, plants provide a welcoming aesthetic that builds community support for safety improvements. This approach combines proven safety measures with community beautification, turning necessary safety infrastructure into neighborhood assets that build community pride and connection.

📈 Current Status

Phase: Planning and Partnership Development
Next Steps: Working with partners to develop implementation schedule, coordinate with city agencies, and establish plant stewardship program
Timeline: Implementation schedule in development
Community Engagement: Building support among Cortland Avenue merchants and Bernal Heights residents