March 11, 2010

Downtown Traffic Analysis and Pedestrian - Streetscape Master Plan

To view the plan in its entirety, please download the following PDF:
Downtown Traffic Analysis and Pedestrian - Streetscape Master Plan

The results of a recent public meeting regarding the plan follows:

PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING - January 31, 2008
Summary of "Key Enhancement Area" Exercise

Highest Rated Areas:

• Cherry Street (10)
• Third Street from Washington to Spring (8)
• Pine Street (2)
• Washington Street
• Prendergast Avenue

Cherry Street and Third Street between Washington and Spring Street received the highest ratings for their existing conditions with regards to character, pedestrian experience, connectivity, and public spaces.

Lowest Rated Areas:

• Second Street (7)
• Washington Street (5)
• First Street (4)
• South Main (2)
• Lafayette Street
• Prendergast Avenue
• Jefferson Street

Second Street and Washington Street received the lowest ratings for their existing conditions with regards to character, pedestrian experience, connectivity, and public spaces. First Street and South Main Street were also rated the lowest by more than one person. These roadway segments have been identified by the public as being in most need for further detailed study and recommendation.

Comments:

Jefferson Street

• Bad sidewalks
• Not safe feeling at night
• Park needs amenities to attract people - a gazebo, music
• Needs attention
• Park needs a separate design plan

Lafayette Street

• Recent drive by shootings
• Looks better the closer you get to the ice rink
• Needs trees and more green
• Lower half is nice, upper half needs work

Washington Street

• With faster traffic, it isn't always comfortable to cross
• Unfriendly to pedestrians
• Needs more green
• Major thoroughfare

Cherry Street

• Low traffic flow - easy to cross between lights
• Needs more attractions around the “park”
• Nice street

Main Street

• Not as inviting near the river - old buildings
• Needs more trees
• Grade of street makes it hard to walk down
• Walking under bridge is scary - it doesn't feel safe
• Not bad for a major street
• Lacks character

South Main Street

• Away from downtown
• Dumps into Brooklyn Square traffic
• Nature of stores is unappealing
• Wide sidewalk could be inviting
• No connection to river walk
• Crossing road is difficult
• River walk helps but is hard to find

Pine Street

• Goes into Third Street opportunities
• Needs sculpture
• No crosswalk at Pine and Fourth Street
• Nice for a side street

Prendergast Street

• Needs trees
• Nothing special

First Street

• Not used or well known by most people
• Avoided as part of typical traffic flow
• Walking use
• Lots of potential
• Needs shops
• Needs trees
• Never occurred to go down this street, much less walk it
• A work in progress

Second Street

• Emphasis on new BWB building and ice rink
• Not as comfortable from Main to Spring
• Used more for parking and business uses
• Murals
• Needs benches and sculptures
• Good shops needed near high school
• Crossing Washington Street is dangerous but between Washington and Main feels safer
• Still not connected
• Needs attention

Third Street

• Comfortable to walk
• Beautiful at night and at Christmas time
• Vast potential
• Gathering spaces and sculptures
• Could better develop park
• Should be designed for closing streets for special events
• Needs more trees
• Not very pretty west of Main, new building may make it prettier
• Washington to Spring is good but better signage is needed for what is near and sites to see
• Washington to Spring is best part of City
• Completion of BWB building will make a big difference

Fourth Street

• Traffic moves fast but its easier to cross because its only one-way
• Needs trees
• Only south side between Main and Pine looks nice
• Functions like a thoroughfare

Fifth Street

• Needs banners
• Public art
• There are some beautiful buildings
• Transitional street

General

• Signage is confusing and conflicting at times
• Aesthetics are very important - avoid doing anything “on the cheap”
• Pick-up and discharge of wheelchair bound passengers at hotel intersection, City Hall, post office and 120 Third Street is hard...no place for busses to pull over
• Old Train Station at Second Street is current bus junction
• CARTS would like to be involved in the planning of the “new transit center” on Second Street
• Need specific designated CART stops throughout the City
• Farmers market causes CART numerous safety problems - should be moved to other area of the City (such as Brooklyn Square)
• Delivery vehicles often double park on busy roads, creating safety and traffic problems
• Sidewalks not accessible for wheelchairs on 4th and 3rd
• Tracy Plaza needs to be opened up- visually and possibly physically
• Need to create consistency
• Curb extensions desirable in some locations
• Third Street from Main to Pine should function as an outdoor theatre in summer
• Integrate Art History trail
• 40’ setback for BWB building will create open space
• Alleys have pedestrian potential
• Improve walking surfaces in alleys (next to YMCA, between 2nd and 3rd)