Creating an Effective Downtown Revitalization PlanHeritage Ohio
Craig Gossman of Kinzelman, Kline, Gossman explains the ins and outs of downtown revitalization plans. This presentation was originally given at the April 2011 Heritage Ohio Webinar Series.
The document discusses strategic planning and provides examples of case studies. It defines strategic planning as developing achievable goals and action plans to achieve a desired future state. Case studies show examples of communities that did not plan strategically and faced issues, such as speculative buildings sitting empty or businesses relocating. Other cases show communities that planned but faced unintended consequences like declining sales tax revenue. Strategic planning is presented as key to shaping a community's future in a coherent way that balances goals with available resources.
Changes in teh way we view pets are creating a tremendous opportunity for pet retail, and for downtowns to position themselves as a pet-friendly destination.
- The retail sector is struggling significantly due to declining sales and a record number of store closings in 2008 and expected in 2009-2010. Over 500,000 retail jobs were lost in 2008.
- Vacancy rates are expected to rise substantially, with some analysts predicting rates as high as 17.3% for larger shopping centers. Rents are also expected to decline sharply.
- Communities will face negative impacts like job and business losses, reduced shopping options, struggling business districts, and lower sales and property tax revenues. The struggles may hinder downtown redevelopment programs.
Amman Downtown Plan & Revitalization Strategy | Amman InstituteAmman Institute
The document provides a framework and strategy for downtown Amman development over the next 20 years. It analyzes key issues like loss of authentic role and function, inadequate public realm, and traffic problems. The vision is for an inclusive, commercially and residentially diverse city with historical identity. The strategy focuses on revitalizing commercial areas, creating vibrant public spaces, and providing attractive housing options. It proposes interventions like improving pedestrian networks, developing new parks and plazas, and supporting social and economic development through affordable housing, markets enhancement, and office/accommodation development.
Creating an Effective Downtown Revitalization PlanHeritage Ohio
Craig Gossman of Kinzelman, Kline, Gossman explains the ins and outs of downtown revitalization plans. This presentation was originally given at the April 2011 Heritage Ohio Webinar Series.
The document discusses strategic planning and provides examples of case studies. It defines strategic planning as developing achievable goals and action plans to achieve a desired future state. Case studies show examples of communities that did not plan strategically and faced issues, such as speculative buildings sitting empty or businesses relocating. Other cases show communities that planned but faced unintended consequences like declining sales tax revenue. Strategic planning is presented as key to shaping a community's future in a coherent way that balances goals with available resources.
Changes in teh way we view pets are creating a tremendous opportunity for pet retail, and for downtowns to position themselves as a pet-friendly destination.
- The retail sector is struggling significantly due to declining sales and a record number of store closings in 2008 and expected in 2009-2010. Over 500,000 retail jobs were lost in 2008.
- Vacancy rates are expected to rise substantially, with some analysts predicting rates as high as 17.3% for larger shopping centers. Rents are also expected to decline sharply.
- Communities will face negative impacts like job and business losses, reduced shopping options, struggling business districts, and lower sales and property tax revenues. The struggles may hinder downtown redevelopment programs.
Amman Downtown Plan & Revitalization Strategy | Amman InstituteAmman Institute
The document provides a framework and strategy for downtown Amman development over the next 20 years. It analyzes key issues like loss of authentic role and function, inadequate public realm, and traffic problems. The vision is for an inclusive, commercially and residentially diverse city with historical identity. The strategy focuses on revitalizing commercial areas, creating vibrant public spaces, and providing attractive housing options. It proposes interventions like improving pedestrian networks, developing new parks and plazas, and supporting social and economic development through affordable housing, markets enhancement, and office/accommodation development.
Billboards: Bad for business, bad for communitiesScenicAlabama
This document discusses the debate around billboards and their impact on communities. It notes that while billboard companies claim they are essential for travelers, many argue that billboards overwhelm homes, landscapes, and historic areas, causing visual blight. The document presents examples of how communities have prospered by removing billboards and suggests that logo signs are a better way to provide information to travelers while preserving natural beauty.
The Danville/Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau issues this presentation as a guide to where the organization would like to see Danville go in terms of signage, greenspace, and streetscape!
This document contains a portfolio listing numerous assisted living and commercial projects completed by Ljubisa (Daba) Dabic. It lists over 20 assisted living facilities located across the United States and Canada that Dabic has worked on, including multiple projects for Sunrise and Kensington senior living brands. It also lists 5 commercial projects in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland.
The plan uses the upcycling concept and project design as a catalyst for an historic neighborhood resurgence to help redefine the essence and rebrand the St. Clair neighborhood and Cleveland region. The presentation identifies and showcases the best ways to leverage the structure and its surrounding area for redevelopment.
The East Baton Rouge Parish transit system is facing a crisis, with a $2.1 million deficit in 2012 and the risk of shutting down. A Blue Ribbon Commission proposed comprehensive reforms, including a dedicated funding source, and an election will be held on April 21st to decide this issue. Currently, traffic congestion in Baton Rouge is much worse than average cities due to the outdated transit system, but dedicated funding could help modernize routes and reduce congestion like other cities have done.
The East Baton Rouge Parish transit system is facing a crisis, with a $2.1 million deficit in 2012 and the risk of shutting down. A Blue Ribbon Commission proposed comprehensive reforms, including a dedicated funding source, which will be voted on in an April 21st election. Compared to other cities, Baton Rouge's per capita funding for transit is very low, and it relies heavily on rider fares instead of other funding sources used elsewhere. A dedicated property tax of 10.6 mills is proposed, which would cost the average homeowner $14-16 per month depending on the municipality.
The East Baton Rouge Parish transit system faces a funding crisis, with a projected $2.1 million deficit in 2012 that could force it to shut down. A Blue Ribbon Commission proposed comprehensive transit reform to address this, including dedicated funding, improved service, and governance changes. If voters approve the tax on April 21, it would provide $18.4 million annually for expanded routes, decreased wait times, new transfer centers, and improved accessibility including for paratransit services. Baker and Zachary would see new express routes and connectivity if the reform passes.
The document discusses the economic benefits that multi-use trails can provide to communities through tourism and trail-related businesses. It provides examples of trails where tourism increased and new businesses opened to serve the needs of trail users. The trail in Indian Head has the potential to boost the local economy by attracting visitors looking for a heritage experience and encouraging the growth of trail-side businesses catering to cyclists and tourists. Realizing this economic potential will require promoting the trail, creating a bike and visitor friendly atmosphere, and public-private partnerships supporting trail-related businesses.
The document summarizes the findings of a community design charrette held in Starkville, Mississippi in February/March 2011. It notes that the primary trade area population is expected to grow modestly by 2015 but is currently leaking $60.7 million in sales annually. Several recommendations are provided to better connect customers to downtown Starkville and capture more regional traffic, including launching an aggressive marketing strategy highlighting Starkville's successes. Key areas and districts are identified for potential development, along with infrastructure, civic, and branding strategies.
This document lists Ljubisa Dabic's portfolio of assisted living and commercial projects. It includes multiple Sunrise assisted living facilities located in Washington DC, New York, Virginia, Kansas, Michigan, Colorado, Canada, and California. It also lists commercial projects for Long & Foster Headhunters, Potomac Medical Building, MARLO Furniture Warehouse, and the Macedonian Embassy.
The document discusses strategic planning for economic development. It provides an overview of strategic planning, including that strategic planning involves choosing a future vision rather than accepting trends, and establishing goals and initiatives to achieve that vision. Additionally, it discusses organizing approaches to economic development strategies, the strategic planning process, stakeholder input, and developing a vision and situational assessment.
Planning & Development Issues In Rural AmericaMichael Stumpf
The document discusses many of the challenges and opportunities facing rural planning in the United States. It outlines issues relating to population decline or growth in rural areas. It also examines economic drivers in rural regions including higher education, federal labs, tourism, oil and gas exploration, biofuels production, wind energy, railroads, manufacturing, retail, tourism, agriculture, cattle ranching, housing, immigration, and conflicts over social changes. The document provides an overview of the diverse economic, demographic, and social issues impacting planning in rural communities across the country.
The document compares demographics and housing statistics between Wisconsin and the United States, finding that Wisconsin has a lower population growth rate and is less racially diverse than the nation overall. It also notes that Wisconsin is projected to gain 850,000 new residents by 2030, with its population becoming older and more racially diverse. The document discusses housing permits in Wisconsin metropolitan areas and counties from 2005. It questions whether there is a deficiency in housing options in Wisconsin to meet future demand and changing demographics, or if alternative housing approaches are simply not desired by the market.
This is a presentation to a Wisconsin regional land use forum, that offers an assessment of the successes and failures of growth control measures in Boulder, Colorado.
Experience Premier Urban Lifestyle at Kohinoor Satori, Mahalungegraphicparadice786
Experience a harmonious blend of luxury and tranquility at Kohinoor Satori Apartments, situated in the rapidly developing locality of Mahalunge, Pune. These thoughtfully designed residences are crafted to offer a premium living experience, merging modern aesthetics with functional elegance.
Our mail-id-directsite369@gmail.com
Our Website- https://kohinoor.directsite.in/pune/kohinoor-satori-mahalunge/
Listing Turkey - Piyalepasa Istanbul CatalogListing Turkey
We are working around the clock to transform a long-time dream into reality. As a result, Piyalepasa Istanbul will be the largest privately developed urban regeneration project in Turkey.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD WE HAVE BEEN LONGING FOR IS COMING TO LIFE
The good old days of the Piyalepasa neighborhood are being brought back to life with Piyalepasa Istanbul houses, residences, offices, hotels and a pedestrianized shopping avenue.
The wide streets of this 82.000 square meter development conveniently face the main boulevard in a prime Beyoglu location. “Piyalepaşa İstanbul” stands out as the only project designed to offer a neighborhood lifestyle, complete with its grocers, bagel sellers and greengrocer. Piyalepasa Istanbul has all the values to make it an authentic neighborhood, our very own community.
A NEIGHBORHOOD FULL OF LIFE, IN THE HEART OF THE CITY!
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” is a “mixed-use” concept containing all the elements for a vibrant social life with houses, residences, offices, hotels and high street shopping.
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” will take the liveliness of Istanbul into its heart. The elegant sparkle of Nisantasi, the young and colorful Besiktas, the variety and multicultural heritage of Istiklal Street will all be contained within the streets of this neighborhood.
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” bears traces of the most beautiful examples of Turkish architecture from the Seljuks to the Ottomans and from Anatolia to Rumelia. With its graded facades, wide eaves, bay windows, pools, and interior courtyard systems, it offers a new living space without disrupting the city’s silhouette and neighborhood.
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” is the new attraction of this splendid city.
TO BE AT THE CENTER OF ISTANBUL… THIS IS REAL LUXURY!
With its proximity to D-100 highway, connecting roads and tunnels, “Piyalepaşa İstanbul” is only minutes away from Kabatas, Besiktas, the Golden Horn and Karakoy.
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” is close to the prestigious new Istanbul Court House, a major hospital, the Perpa trade center and the city’s most lively neighborhoods. With its shuttle service to Okmeydani Metrobus station, Sishane and the Court House subway stations, “Piyalepaşa İstanbul” will provide you with the most convenient transport connections.
https://listingturkey.com/property/piyalepasa-istanbul/
Gianluigi Torzi | Managing Director and Head of Capital MarketsGianluigi Torzi
Gianluigi Torzi is a prominent figure in the financial industry, known for his strategic leadership as Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets for the Middle East and Africa. Gianluigi Torzi extensive experience in investment banking equips him with the skills to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver exceptional results for clients
Billboards: Bad for business, bad for communitiesScenicAlabama
This document discusses the debate around billboards and their impact on communities. It notes that while billboard companies claim they are essential for travelers, many argue that billboards overwhelm homes, landscapes, and historic areas, causing visual blight. The document presents examples of how communities have prospered by removing billboards and suggests that logo signs are a better way to provide information to travelers while preserving natural beauty.
The Danville/Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau issues this presentation as a guide to where the organization would like to see Danville go in terms of signage, greenspace, and streetscape!
This document contains a portfolio listing numerous assisted living and commercial projects completed by Ljubisa (Daba) Dabic. It lists over 20 assisted living facilities located across the United States and Canada that Dabic has worked on, including multiple projects for Sunrise and Kensington senior living brands. It also lists 5 commercial projects in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland.
The plan uses the upcycling concept and project design as a catalyst for an historic neighborhood resurgence to help redefine the essence and rebrand the St. Clair neighborhood and Cleveland region. The presentation identifies and showcases the best ways to leverage the structure and its surrounding area for redevelopment.
The East Baton Rouge Parish transit system is facing a crisis, with a $2.1 million deficit in 2012 and the risk of shutting down. A Blue Ribbon Commission proposed comprehensive reforms, including a dedicated funding source, and an election will be held on April 21st to decide this issue. Currently, traffic congestion in Baton Rouge is much worse than average cities due to the outdated transit system, but dedicated funding could help modernize routes and reduce congestion like other cities have done.
The East Baton Rouge Parish transit system is facing a crisis, with a $2.1 million deficit in 2012 and the risk of shutting down. A Blue Ribbon Commission proposed comprehensive reforms, including a dedicated funding source, which will be voted on in an April 21st election. Compared to other cities, Baton Rouge's per capita funding for transit is very low, and it relies heavily on rider fares instead of other funding sources used elsewhere. A dedicated property tax of 10.6 mills is proposed, which would cost the average homeowner $14-16 per month depending on the municipality.
The East Baton Rouge Parish transit system faces a funding crisis, with a projected $2.1 million deficit in 2012 that could force it to shut down. A Blue Ribbon Commission proposed comprehensive transit reform to address this, including dedicated funding, improved service, and governance changes. If voters approve the tax on April 21, it would provide $18.4 million annually for expanded routes, decreased wait times, new transfer centers, and improved accessibility including for paratransit services. Baker and Zachary would see new express routes and connectivity if the reform passes.
The document discusses the economic benefits that multi-use trails can provide to communities through tourism and trail-related businesses. It provides examples of trails where tourism increased and new businesses opened to serve the needs of trail users. The trail in Indian Head has the potential to boost the local economy by attracting visitors looking for a heritage experience and encouraging the growth of trail-side businesses catering to cyclists and tourists. Realizing this economic potential will require promoting the trail, creating a bike and visitor friendly atmosphere, and public-private partnerships supporting trail-related businesses.
The document summarizes the findings of a community design charrette held in Starkville, Mississippi in February/March 2011. It notes that the primary trade area population is expected to grow modestly by 2015 but is currently leaking $60.7 million in sales annually. Several recommendations are provided to better connect customers to downtown Starkville and capture more regional traffic, including launching an aggressive marketing strategy highlighting Starkville's successes. Key areas and districts are identified for potential development, along with infrastructure, civic, and branding strategies.
This document lists Ljubisa Dabic's portfolio of assisted living and commercial projects. It includes multiple Sunrise assisted living facilities located in Washington DC, New York, Virginia, Kansas, Michigan, Colorado, Canada, and California. It also lists commercial projects for Long & Foster Headhunters, Potomac Medical Building, MARLO Furniture Warehouse, and the Macedonian Embassy.
The document discusses strategic planning for economic development. It provides an overview of strategic planning, including that strategic planning involves choosing a future vision rather than accepting trends, and establishing goals and initiatives to achieve that vision. Additionally, it discusses organizing approaches to economic development strategies, the strategic planning process, stakeholder input, and developing a vision and situational assessment.
Planning & Development Issues In Rural AmericaMichael Stumpf
The document discusses many of the challenges and opportunities facing rural planning in the United States. It outlines issues relating to population decline or growth in rural areas. It also examines economic drivers in rural regions including higher education, federal labs, tourism, oil and gas exploration, biofuels production, wind energy, railroads, manufacturing, retail, tourism, agriculture, cattle ranching, housing, immigration, and conflicts over social changes. The document provides an overview of the diverse economic, demographic, and social issues impacting planning in rural communities across the country.
The document compares demographics and housing statistics between Wisconsin and the United States, finding that Wisconsin has a lower population growth rate and is less racially diverse than the nation overall. It also notes that Wisconsin is projected to gain 850,000 new residents by 2030, with its population becoming older and more racially diverse. The document discusses housing permits in Wisconsin metropolitan areas and counties from 2005. It questions whether there is a deficiency in housing options in Wisconsin to meet future demand and changing demographics, or if alternative housing approaches are simply not desired by the market.
This is a presentation to a Wisconsin regional land use forum, that offers an assessment of the successes and failures of growth control measures in Boulder, Colorado.
Experience Premier Urban Lifestyle at Kohinoor Satori, Mahalungegraphicparadice786
Experience a harmonious blend of luxury and tranquility at Kohinoor Satori Apartments, situated in the rapidly developing locality of Mahalunge, Pune. These thoughtfully designed residences are crafted to offer a premium living experience, merging modern aesthetics with functional elegance.
Our mail-id-directsite369@gmail.com
Our Website- https://kohinoor.directsite.in/pune/kohinoor-satori-mahalunge/
Listing Turkey - Piyalepasa Istanbul CatalogListing Turkey
We are working around the clock to transform a long-time dream into reality. As a result, Piyalepasa Istanbul will be the largest privately developed urban regeneration project in Turkey.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD WE HAVE BEEN LONGING FOR IS COMING TO LIFE
The good old days of the Piyalepasa neighborhood are being brought back to life with Piyalepasa Istanbul houses, residences, offices, hotels and a pedestrianized shopping avenue.
The wide streets of this 82.000 square meter development conveniently face the main boulevard in a prime Beyoglu location. “Piyalepaşa İstanbul” stands out as the only project designed to offer a neighborhood lifestyle, complete with its grocers, bagel sellers and greengrocer. Piyalepasa Istanbul has all the values to make it an authentic neighborhood, our very own community.
A NEIGHBORHOOD FULL OF LIFE, IN THE HEART OF THE CITY!
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” is a “mixed-use” concept containing all the elements for a vibrant social life with houses, residences, offices, hotels and high street shopping.
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” will take the liveliness of Istanbul into its heart. The elegant sparkle of Nisantasi, the young and colorful Besiktas, the variety and multicultural heritage of Istiklal Street will all be contained within the streets of this neighborhood.
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” bears traces of the most beautiful examples of Turkish architecture from the Seljuks to the Ottomans and from Anatolia to Rumelia. With its graded facades, wide eaves, bay windows, pools, and interior courtyard systems, it offers a new living space without disrupting the city’s silhouette and neighborhood.
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” is the new attraction of this splendid city.
TO BE AT THE CENTER OF ISTANBUL… THIS IS REAL LUXURY!
With its proximity to D-100 highway, connecting roads and tunnels, “Piyalepaşa İstanbul” is only minutes away from Kabatas, Besiktas, the Golden Horn and Karakoy.
“Piyalepaşa İstanbul” is close to the prestigious new Istanbul Court House, a major hospital, the Perpa trade center and the city’s most lively neighborhoods. With its shuttle service to Okmeydani Metrobus station, Sishane and the Court House subway stations, “Piyalepaşa İstanbul” will provide you with the most convenient transport connections.
https://listingturkey.com/property/piyalepasa-istanbul/
Gianluigi Torzi | Managing Director and Head of Capital MarketsGianluigi Torzi
Gianluigi Torzi is a prominent figure in the financial industry, known for his strategic leadership as Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets for the Middle East and Africa. Gianluigi Torzi extensive experience in investment banking equips him with the skills to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver exceptional results for clients
🌟 Find Your Balance with Oree Reality
Happy International Yoga Day! 🌿 At Oree Reality, we believe in the harmony of mind, body, and home. Just as yoga brings balance and peace, finding the perfect home can do the same for your life.
Anilesh Ahuja Pioneering a Paradigm Shift in Real Estate Success.pptxneilahuja668
Anilesh Ahuja journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and unwavering determination. As a visionary leader, he continues to inspire and empower others to dream big and challenge the status quo. His legacy extends far beyond the realm of real estate, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the world at large.
Signature Global TITANIUM SPR | 3.5 & 4.5BHK High rise Apartments in Gurgaonglobalsignature2022
Signature Global TITANIUM SPR launched a high rise apartments in Gurgaon . In this project Signature Global offers 3.5 & 4.5 BHK high rise Apartment at sector 71 Gurgaon SPR Road. Signature Global Titanium SPR is IGBC Gold certified, a testament to our commitment to sustainability.
Expressways of India: A Comprehensive Guidenarinav14
India’s expressway network is a testament to the nation’s dedication to improving infrastructure and connectivity. These high-speed corridors facilitate seamless travel across vast distances, reducing travel time and fuel consumption
Selling your home can be easy. Our team helps make it happen.Eric B. Slifkin, PA
Why hire one realtor when you can hire a team for the exact cost? Our team ensures better service, communication, and efficiency, which can make all the difference in finding your perfect home or securing the right buyer. See how we market homes for sellers.
Why is Revit MEP Outsourcing considered an as good option for construction pr...MarsBIM1
Outsourcing MEP modeling services require effective collaboration and coordination amongst multiple engineering trades. The engineers and the designers often change the details of the MEP projects, but the work of Revit MEP drafting services is having the master plan and model of the complete project. To have proper coordination and installation, there is a need to execute the project effectively. Hence, the work of Revit family creation facilitates the MEP engineers.
The SVN® organization shares a portion of their new weekly listings via their SVN Live® Weekly Property Broadcast. Visit https://svn.com/svn-live/ if you would like to attend our weekly call, which we open up to the brokerage community.
Andhra Pradesh, known for its strategic location on the southeastern coast of India, has emerged as a key player in India’s industrial landscape. Over the decades, the state has witnessed significant growth across various sectors,
36,778 sq. ft. building; Zoning: SE (Suburban Employment): The (SE) District allows numerous commercial site uses; Passenger elevator; Private and common restrooms; Fully sprinkled; Data center with a grounded floor and a specialized HVAC system; 60 KVA back-up generator; Building/pylon signage; Potential to purchase adjacent parcels; Sale Price: $4,413,360
Eco Green Builders in Sydney By Marvel HomesMarvel Homes
Marvel Homes is dedicated to revolutionizing the construction industry with cutting-edge, eco-friendly practices. We specialize in designing and building energy-efficient, sustainable homes and commercial spaces that minimize environmental impact. Our projects feature renewable energy solutions, superior insulation, and innovative green technologies. Committed to reducing carbon footprints, Eco Green Builders combines expertise, innovation, and a passion for sustainability to create spaces that are as environmentally responsible as they are beautifully crafted. Join us in building a greener, more sustainable future.
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4. Economics and Aesthetics: Not always opposed to each other
5. Industrial Arts Jerome, AZ Estes Park, CO Are activities such as glass blowing or ornamental iron work an industrial use?
6. Where do we place the city’s anchors? Aberdeen, SD Beloit, KS Kearney, NE
7. The bad side of public spaces Jamestown, ND Cincinnati, OH Large public buildings can suck the life out of the street, even when designed by a famous architect.
17. Projecting, Pole, and Rooftop Signs We have created exceptions for ‘historic’ signs because they have become iconic. Will anybody ever describe the signs we allow today as iconic? Tucson, AZ Salina, KS Williston, ND
18. Neon and Moving Signs Salida, CO Jackson, WY Ocean Springs, MS
19. ‘ A’ Frame Signs and Menu Boards Idaho Falls, ID Buena Vista, CO
21. Street Banners Manhattan, KS Aberdeen, SD Often the bane of transportation departments, suspended banners can help to create a festive environment and inform the public of upcoming events.
22. Advertising on Public Property Russell, KS Hot Springs, SD Top: Ocean Springs, MS Bottom: Marshfield, WI
23. Outdoor Merchandise Displays San Francisco, CA Toronto, ON Placing merchandise on the sidewalk blurs the line between public and private space. It encourages people to take their time, stroll, view the merchants’ wares, and enter the shops.
27. Do roads really need to follow a straight path? A jog in the road can create visual interest and slow traffic, which is as good for business as it is for pedestrians. Trinidad, CO Columbia, MS
31. Bypassing Downtown Chadron, NE Hazen, ND We are often told that bypasses divert truck traffic which only detracts from the experience of visiting downtown. In reality, it diverts much more.
32. Streets – One Way Parallels When does the width of the right-of-way and the volume of traffic justify removing half of the potential customers from in front of a downtown’s businesses? Toronto, ON Jackson, MS
The intent of this presentation is to get people to think about how we encourage or discourage good design and practices in our downtowns, to perhaps give people a few ideas, and to begin a discussion about our roles as planners in downtown revitalization.
Is there anyone who cannot see that this is a mere shell? The sort of contrived diversity, false history, and rigid rules governing a dressed-up shopping center cannot create the essence of a true downtown with all of its good, bad, and even ugly. When we begin to impose rules on a downtown district, are we forcing it to become monotonous or indistinguishable from any other place?
What makes a downtown great? Can experiences such as these be planned, or to what extent are they random?
If we are going to define what makes a downtown successful then we need to acknowledge that success is economic as much, if not more than aesthetic. As planners we often fail to understand the economic side of the equation. This holds true both for the economics of property ownership as well as commerce.
Zoning codes – especially older ones – sought to remove industrial uses from downtowns. In many cases these are defined in a way that prevents artisans from setting up shop just where we would like them to be.
Activities such as the post office, city hall, the county courthouse, and other government offices are terrific traffic generators. Visitors to these places will often add other stops to their trips, generating sales for downtown businesses. Why do some places move these activities to the edge of town?
Signature attractions like conference centers and museums may contribute by bringing people into the downtown, but often fail to maintain the rhythm and flow of the street. Their unbroken expanses turn off shoppers and are seldom successfully mitigated. These buildings do not belong in the best locations for retail to locate.
Activities such as the post office, city hall, the county courthouse, and other government offices are terrific traffic generators. Visitors to these places will often add other stops to their trips, generating sales for downtown businesses. Why do some places move these activities to the edge of town?
Pocket parks are a wonderful feature where there are people to use them, where other park space may not be available, or where they are regularly programmed with activities. Parks built as an afterthought, with no plans for maintenance, or simply because the city thinks that a good downtown requires having a pocket park are seldom of much value.
Activities such as these are often regarded as a poor use of downtown space. On the other hand, they generate customers for downtown stores and restaurants.
Any other building of the same vintage might be considered a candidate for historic preservation.
Balconies add a vertical dimension to the street. Is the hazard a real one?
Build-to lines may be good at encouraging people to place buildings on the street, but there may be merit to some variation in setbacks.
Regulations vary from allowing only a certain material to prohibiting other materials like metal or EIFS. In reality, any material can look good when done well, or look bad when the underlying design is bad.
What is the purpose of prohibiting some colors or requiring only “muted shades?”
Is there a process in the community to allow a building owner to construct a covered arcade or project a marquee over the sidewalk?
Signs are informative. Signs can be fun.
Are these an eyesore or do they add life to the district?
People find these signs useful. Objectors often cite a safety danger. Even when real, it is possible to design around this concern.
“Somebody could lose an eye.”
Pennants hanging from light poles? What is this, a used car dealership? DOT’s hate this sort of thing.
Why not liven up the sidewalk?
Help the merchants increase sales, slow down traffic, and encourage people to stroll.
Street vendors add life. They can make up for the storefronts not filled with retailers. They increase the drawing power of the district. It is also an excellent way to incubate new businesses.
Traffic needs to slow down when the road is narrow and shared with people.
There are many ways to fill the voids when a wide street is made narrow.
What do we want to put first, the car or the built environment?
Besides slowing down traffic, they add visual interest.
Lighting professionals know that the amount of light and the way it is directed can create a mood. As planners we often fail to understand this and merely use formulas as a guide.
Angled parking adds stalls where they count the most – in front of businesses.
Traditional downtowns are made up of many small buildings. Large-scale redevelopment, sometimes favored by economic developers, will often stick out like a sore thumb.
By right, simple application process, administrative review, low/no charge. Is a process really necessary?