village of north syracuse village center streetscape plan 2014

VILLAGE OF NORTH SYRACUSE VILLAGE CENTER STREETSCAPE PLAN

2014

Prepared by: CHA Consulting

Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTSPlan Overview ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Project Goals ………………………………………………………………………………………………………Issue Identification …………………………………………………………………………………………….. South Main Street Issues …………………………………………………………………......................North Main Street Issues .……………………………………………………………………………………Church Street Issues …………………………………………………………………………………………..Streetscape Plan Recommendations ………………………………………………….....................South Main Street Overview …………………………………………………………………………………South Main Street Recommendations …………………………………………………………………..North Main Street Overview ……………………………………………………………….....................North Main Street Recommendations …………………………………………............................Main Street Intersection Recommendations ……………………………………….....................Church Street Recommendations …………………………………………………………………………Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

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VILLAGE CENTER STREETSCAPE PLAN

Plan Overview

The purpose of the North Syracuse Village Center Streetscape Plan is to outline improvements to the Village Center’s public space that will create a vibrant, charming, walkable, shopping and business center.

This plan presents an in-depth, visual analysis of the function and appearance of Village Center from the pedestrian and vehicular perspective. Recommended design strategies and opportunities for additional street tree canopy and stormwater management features are presented in the last section of this plan.

1

Project GoalsThe project goals provided below for the Village’s streetscape and pedestrian and vehicular circulation guided the preparation of the Village Center Streetscape Plan. The recommended actions are defined as a means to realize each goal.

StreetscapeGoalMake each street a safe, pleasant, and attractive place to walk, shop and conduct business.Recommended Action- Add street trees,

decorative pavement, and pedestrian lighting.

- Add pedestrian amenities such as benches and trash cans.

- Consolidate and relocate utility poles.

Pedestrian Circulation GoalCreate a safe walking environment for pedestrians traveling within the Village Center.

Recommended Action- Provide safe street

crossings.- Provide a buffer between

pedestrians and moving vehicles.

- Reduce driveway widths.- Reduce curb cuts.- Ensure ADA-compliant curb

ramps are in place.

Vehicular CirculationGoalProvide a safe corridor for vehicle movement within an acceptable level of service and ease of travel.Recommended Action- Enforce existing speed

limit.- Synchronize traffic

signals.- Improve intersections

and crossings for safety and clarity.

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Chestnut St.

Church St.

Centerville Pl.

N. M

ain

St.

S. M

ain

St.

A review of the streetscape and circulation issues within the Village Center focused primarily on Main Street (Route 11), Church Street and the intersection of Chestnut Street, Main Street and Centerville Place.

The following pages provide photos with a description of issues noted in the following order:

I. South Main Street (Fergerson Ave.- Chestnut St./Centerville Pl.)

II. North Main Street (Chestnut St./Centerville Pl. to Gertrude St.)

III. Church Street

It was determined that an in-depth review of Centerville Place would not be necessary because of its recent improvements.

Issue Identification

Study Area

Fergerson Ave.

Singleton Ave.Gertrude St.

3

1

Centerville Pl.

Church St.

S. M

ain

St.

Parked cars back into moving traffic. No pedestrian walkway.

Damaged sidewalk/curbing. Does not support pedestrian safety. Damaged crosswalk, no ADA ramp, lacking streetscape qualities. No sense of arrival to Village Center.

Chestnut St.

Fergerson Ave.

1

2 2

1

4

South Main Street Issues

Driveway too wide and close to adjacent drive. Driveways interrupt pedestrian flow. Lack of buffer.

Prohibited parking in unused designated space. Inconsistent sidewalk width and material. Lacking streetscape qualities.

Chestnut St.

Fergerson Ave.

3

4

Centerville Pl.

Church St.

S. M

ain

St.3

4

5


Centerville Pl.

Church St.

S. M

ain

St.

Wide driveways, cars allowed to park in front of buildings, poor pavement conditions and lack of effective signage diminish streetscape appeal.

Crosswalk is faded and does little to accomplish its purpose. This area is not pedestrian safe and lacks streetscape qualities.


Chestnut St.

gerson Ave.

5

6

6

5

6

Centerville Pl.

Church St.

S. M

ain

St.

Excess overhead wires, lack of landscape treatment and streetscape qualities, inconsistent curbing/sidewalk widths and materials.

Utility poles located in street, shoulders are too wide, overall area lacks green space and aesthetic appeal.

Chestnut St.

Fergerson Ave.

7

8

7

8

7


Lacking curbs/buffer. Poor drainage, streetscape enhancements nonexistent.

Key intersection is too wide with high traffic volumes and speed on Main Street creating unsafe pedestrian crossings.

Centerville Pl.N.

Mai

n St

.

10

North Main Street Issues

9

9

10

Chestnut St.

Singleton Ave.

Gertrude St.

8

12

11

Unsafe pedestrian conditions, missing sidewalk/curb, lack of streetscape qualities.

Photo of auto repair shop.

Driveway openings are too wide, vegetation is overgrown. Highly visible utility poles and lines are unappealing, lack of streetscape qualities.

Centerville Pl.

N. M

ain

St.

11

11

12

Chestnut St.

Singleton Ave.

Gertrude St.

9


13

Missing pedestrian crosswalk interrupts circulation. Intersection is good location for enhanced village identity.

Driveway openings are too wide, vegetation is overgrown. Buildings are not well maintained and detract from visual appeal of area.

Centerville Pl.N.

Mai

n St

.14

13

14Chestnut St.

Singleton Ave.

Gertrude St.

10


No pedestrian safety or gathering zone, excess parking, lack of curbs and missing green space.

Lacks buffering, tree lawn, green infrastructure and curbing.

Centerville PlaceS.

Mai

n St

reet

15

15

16

16

Chestnut St.

Singleton Ave.

Gertrude St.

11


Centerville Place

Church Street

S. M

ain

Stre

et

Street is narrow and lacks buffering, tree lawn, curbing and green infrastructure.

Barrier blocks vehicular circulation keeping Church Street underutilized.

Church Street Issues

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Strategic recommendations were identified to upgrade the current pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and create opportunities for streetscape enhancements.Implementing these recommendations contribute to creating an overall cohesive and unified identity for the Village Center. The recommendations include green infrastructure improvements, sidewalk enhancements and associated amenities that will promote safer pedestrian circulation routes, gathering zones, and encourage new development.Sidewalks, crosswalks, curbing, street furniture, street trees, signage, and on-street parking make up the Village streetscape qualities.

It is within the Village Center that the identity of the Village should be celebrated, creating a unified connection that extends from one end of the Village to the other. The aesthetics of the Village Center streetscape is classified as “urban,” where sidewalks are uniform and utilized for signage and seating. Elements such as building materials, vegetation, colors, awnings, screening and lighting will be systematic and compatible. Street trees, not only provide screening and shade, but also soften the hardscape and enclose the space. Highlighting green infrastructure as a core component of new development will ensure that future growth does its part in contributing towards a sustainable community.

Streetscape Plan Recommendations

13

Conceptual Streetscape Plan

This concept plan presents an overview of all improvements recommended for improving vehicular and pedestrian circulation as well as enhancing the publically- owned space along Village Center streets.

The following pages provide specific details for:

I. South Main StreetII. North Main StreetIII. Church Street

N. M

ain

St.

S. M

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St.

Centerville Pl.

Chestnut St.

Church St.

Gertrude Ave.

Singleton Ave.

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South Main Street Overview

Improvements to the streetscape within this section of Main Street will be achieved by aligning sidewalk widths, decreasing curb cuts, planting trees, and implementing decorative lights along the street to encourage nighttime pedestrian movement.

Installing brick treatment between the edge of the street and sidewalk will provide consistency and uniformity both sides of the street.

S. M

ain

St.

Centerville Pl.

Church St.

Chestnut St.

Fergerson Ave.

15

Reducing multiple driveways per property to one is recommended to lengthen pedestrian zones and green spaces.

These treatments and the recommendations to follow all contribute towards shaping the Village’s identity.

As noted on page 6, Wilson Farms has a curb cut approximately 24’ wide on S. Main Street for patrons to enter and exit their store. It is recommended that the width of this curb cut be reduced to approximately 12’ wide to limit traffic to a “right-turn in only.” North bound traffic would enter and exit the property from Chestnut Street.

Centerville Pl.

Chestnut St.

S. M

ain

St.

S. M

ain

St.

Centerville Pl.Fergerson Ave.

S. M

ain S

t.

Chestnut St.

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South Main Street Recommendations

This recommendation will reduce the disruption in pedestrian flow and ease traffic congestion at the Main Street intersection north of the property.

Areas currently used for excessive parking should be transformed into pedestrian zones. Within these zones, a brick treatment should installed to edge the road, and sidewalks should be added. Decorative lighting and landscaping should be implemented along with street trees.

S. M

ain S

t.

S. M

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t.

Fergerson Ave.

Fergerson Ave.

Church St.

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The parking spaces next to the Syracuse Reality Group building should be converted into public green space as noted in the graphic to the left. Doing so, reduces traffic congestion by keeping cars from backing into oncoming vehicles. It also enhances this area marks that marks the entrance into the Village Center.

Street trees, hanging baskets will help to screen utility poles. Installing decorative light fixtures, reducing excess parking and expanding the pedestrian zone and sidewalk will help enhance Village identity and encourage pedestrian use.

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North Main Street Overview

In this section of Main Street, streetscape improvement can be achieved by aligning sidewalk and sidewalk widths, decreasing curb cuts, and planting trees within grassed areas located between the edge of the street and the sidewalk. In addition, decorative lighting along the street would encourage pedestrian movement.

Businesses with multiple driveways are reduced to one, and tree lawns are expanded in an effort to enclose and create a safer pedestrian zone/vehicular buffer.

N. M

ain

St.

S. M

ain

St.

Centerville Pl.

Chestnut St.

Gertrude St.

Singleton Ave.

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There is consistency in vegetation, sidewalk improvements, colors, and material. These treatments are the core elements of the Village’s identity.

North Main Street Recommendations

Reducing oversized driveways like the one pictured above for Park Lane Apartments while introducing granite curbing, additional vegetation for screening and decorative purposes and decorative light fixtures will enhance curb appeal and pedestrian use.

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Specific recommendations were developed for three properties in this area.

1. Gary’s Auto Repair should have one driveway removed and the front grass strip expanded and planted. Granite curbing should be installed. Additional parking can be situated next to existing spaces.

2. Domino’s Pizza should have driveway width reduced and the grass strip enhanced with street trees and landscape. Traffic should be redirected as one-way with a new outlet onto Singleton Avenue to reduce traffic congestion on Main Street. Sidewalk and granite curbing should also be installed.

1

23

N. M

ain

St.

Gertrude St.

N. M

ain

St.

Gertrude St..

Singleton Ave.

Singleton Ave.

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3. Parking in front of Big Dip should be removed and the grass strip should be expanded between the sidewalk and granite curb allowing space for gathering and safe pedestrian circulation.

By removing the three parking spaces in front of the Big Dip, a popular destination in the Village, pedestrians are able to safely gather in front. Customers can enjoy ice cream while conversing with neighbors and friends surrounded by seating and plantings.

To compensate for lost parking, the existing parking spaces can be designed at a 45 degree angle which would allow for additional spaces to be added.

Curb cuts, new sidewalks and expanding the tree lawn are all aspects of this recommendation.

This enhancement also fits into the overall connective network and allows for pedestrians to safely pass through without the danger of moving traffic.

22


Main Street Intersection Recommendations

Improving the four corners intersection will enhance Village identity. Using consistent treatment, pavers, colors and plantings will establish character.

N. M

ain

St.

S. M

ain

St.

Centerville Pl.

Chestnut St.

Centerville Pl.

N. M

ain

St.

Chestnut St.

S. M

ain

St.

Singleton Ave.

Gertrude St.

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Improving pedestrian conditions will encourage circulation and promote safety. The texturized crosswalk will act as a calming element for vehicles as it brings awareness to the driver.

S. M

ain

St.

Currently, Church Street is a narrow street that dead ends at the parking lot of the Community Center with large concrete barriers. There is no curbing and inconsistent sidewalks which makes the street unfriendly for pedestrian use. Two options were designed as alternatives to the current state of Church Street. Alternative 1 featured below illustrates Church Street extending and intersecting with Centerville Place aligning up with Trolley Barn Lane. For safety purposes, a right turn only is recommended for exiting onto S. Main Street. The streetscape treatment recommended for S. Main Street would continue building upon the Village character and unifying the Village Center’s identity along Church Street.

Centerville Pl.

Church St.

Baum

Ave

.

Sout

h Ba

y Ro

ad

S. M

ain

St.

Alternative 1

Trol

ley

Barn

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Church Street Recommendations

N. Syr. Community Center

In Alternative 2, Church Street is extended to connect to South Bay Road. This would follow in the footsteps of the historic Church Street. For safety purposes, a right turn only is recommended for exiting onto S. Main Street and South Bay Road. The streetscape treatment recommended for S. Main Street would continue building upon the Village character and unifying the Village Center’s identity along Church Street.

Centerville Pl.

Church St.

Baum

Ave

.

Sout

h Ba

y Ro

ad

S. M

ain

St.

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Alternative 2

Church Street Recommendations

N. Syr. Community Center

ConclusionThe North Syracuse Village Center Master Plan prepared in 2013, presented a clearly documented vision for the future of the Village Center which stated: The vision as stated in the plan, is for the Village Center to become “a distinct and vibrant social gathering place that provides centralized government services, entertaining venues, civic spaces and a wide variety of mixed-use residential-above retail shopping opportunities all within a pedestrian-friendly environment.”

This Village Center Streetscape Plan was prepared as a recommendation of the Village Center Master Plan. Other recommendations included in the Master Plan involved revisions to the Village’s land use and zoning regulations, parking standards and design guidelines for property redevelopment. With the Village Center Master Plan and this Streetscape Plan in hand, Village officials have all of the tools necessary to realize the vision as stated above.It should be noted, the Village of North Syracuse received funding in 2013 from Onondaga County through its Suburban Green Infrastructure Program (SGIP) to offset some to the costs needed to implement this Streetscape Plan. The SGIP was established by the county to support the development of green infrastructure and stormwater mitigation techniques on public property within the Onondaga County sanitary sewer district but outside of the City of Syracuse. Green infrastructure techniques are the cornerstone of the streetscape improvements recommended in the Streetscape Plan. The Village of North Syracuse will complete the prescribed streetscape improvements and thus take one step closer to creating the Village Center as a distinct and vibrant social gathering place for Village residents and visitors to the area.

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village of north syracuse village center streetscape plan 2014

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