WORCESTER, Mass. — A number of Worcester roadways built in the 1950s were designed to meet state highways specifications at the time.

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce said while it made sense back then, it doesn't anymore.

The Chamber created a plan they say will help link neighborhoods back to downtown.

CEO Tim Murray said it's an opportunity to enhance the quality of life while creating jobs and economic activity, while focusing on housing.

“We think there's opportunities for property owners, for residents, for institutions and organizations in that neighborhood to rethink and work with the city about shrinking those roads making them two-way, adding sidewalks, bike lanes, adding pocket parks, tree plantings, and really kind of creating the opportunity to connect those neighbors with the downtown, build new housing and hopefully kind of create some cross pollination between those neighborhoods and downtown” said Murray.

The plan addresses the Crown Hill, Lower Chandler, Pleasant Street, Elm Park and Highland Street neighborhoods along with Lancaster, Harvard and Irving Streets.