During 4 – 6th of April, City of Warsaw organized the Peer Review and Project Management Group Meeting.
Four experts from the Netherlands, Portugal and Italy shared the ideas of how Warsaw City Council may improve city center. First, experts explored the city center to understand the topic of the meeting better. Then the representatives from Warsaw institutions such as Public Road Authority, Public Transport Authority, Architecture and Spatial Planning Department of The City of Warsaw, Mobility Policy & Public Transport Department of The City of Warsaw presented the ideas about sustainable mobility policy, parking policy, public transport, urban structure of the city and the new possibilities for public space, municipal greenery, revitalization and cultural activities on the streets.
The further discussion was focused on two main theme: a liaising with stakeholders and a parking policy. The experts explain the importance of high quality debate with all groups of interests especially with citizens and retailers. They should be included from the very beginning of the project process. Moreover, the experts highlighted that changing streets is not an aim by itself. It's a tool to reach goals such as better turnover in the stores.
Due to parking policy, experts advised to take into account the needs of the residents, as they are the most important group of car drivers and owners in the area of interest. Some of the parking place ought to be given only for residents. It will cause a reduction in the number of parking place for non-residents. Experts were aware of a limitation of maximum price (the price is fixed of the national level) but they suggest to find a way to minimize this constrain.
The Peer Review in Warsaw was a successful meeting. The experts showed the City Council different, external and broad perspective which was really valuable for all participants. Secondly, the meeting was a perfect opportunity to meet representatives from different departments of the City Council and to share the ideas about the city center.
