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Home My WebLink About2019-11-18 Sally Reynolds Position Statement1 Charlene Way From:Sally Reynolds <sally_a_reynolds@hotmail.com> Sent:Sunday, November 17, 2019 9:36 PM To:mayortammy; Anne Little Roberts; Genesis Milam; Joe Borton; Luke Cavener; Ty Palmer; Treg Bernt; Meridian City Clerk Subject:Comprehensive Plan Statement Attachments:COMP PLAN POSITION STATEMENT 11.17.19.docx External Sender - Please use caution with links or attachments. Mayor Tammy and Meridian City Council Members, Thank you for the opportunity to serve Meridian City as members of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. While the new Comprehensive Plan addresses many different aspects of our growing city, we are concerned that some critical components are missing in order for this plan to be a truly useful planning document. Please read the attached document and use it as a resource as you consider potential conditions, alterations, and/or changes to it. We look forward to discussing the plan with you Tuesday evening. Respectfully, Sally Reynolds MYMERIDIAN DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Submitted by steering committee members Denise LaFever, Susan Karnes and Sally Reynolds November 11, 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 2 Executive Summary Page 4 Goal: A Stakeholder-Driven Comprehensive Plan Page 5 Experts Weigh in on Community Design A. A Distinctive Identity = Economic Development B. Open Space Page 6 Building a Sustainable Community A. Proposal for Comprehensive Plan text changes B. Proposal for Future Land Use Map (FLUM) 1. Issues, Discrepancies and Conflicts 2. Recommendations for FLUM C. Proposal for Open Space Policies and UDC D. Proposal for Amenities Policies E. Recommended Policy Changes F. Recommended Process Changes Page 9 Conclusion Page 10 Sources Page 10 Addendum A: Elements of Sustainable Neighborhoods Page 11 Addendum B: Public Spaces in which people invest meaning Page 11 Addendum C: Design Streets as Places Page 13 Addendum D: Promote Stewardship of Natural Resources Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY We wish to thank the Mayor and Staff for the honor and privilege of serving on the Comprehensive Plan steering committee. Through the process we strived to help create a planning document and Future Land Use Map (FLUM) that would articulate a compelling vision for our community’s future, effectively address the values and wishes of our stakeholders, and provide a well-defined guide for Staff, our Planning & Zoning commissioners and City Council. Certainly, we did not expect a perfect result, given the diverse perspectives of the steering committee. However, we believe the City of Meridian promised its stakeholders a Comprehensive Plan that would be driven by their feedback and values, and from that vantage point we believe the draft still demands critical refinement. In fact, we believe that certain deficits threaten the integrity of the Plan. Specifically: The draft Comprehensive Plan does not adequately protect existing neighborhood identities, correct glaring weaknesses in the UDC, or provide adequate assurance of appropriate transitions and compatible uses. The Future Land Use Map is not a fully formed vision or planning document due to discrepancies in the determination of land uses, sizeable areas the steering committee did not address, ambiguities, and conflicts that will be created by incompatible uses. The current UDC does not support the intent of the draft Plan, which aims to elevate open space, amenities, development standards and to protect existing district identities. Given the 2+-year time lapse between the adoption of the 2002 Comprehensive Plan and its companion UDC amendments, it is imperative the City Council adopt appropriate interim UDC amendments. Therefore, we recommend that City Council approve the Comprehensive Plan with the following conditions attached: Comprehensive Plan 1. Stronger policy language protecting existing district or neighborhood identities and the value and enjoyment of existing properties through compatible uses. 2. Clear policy language requiring orderly development of the city through land uses that are in the best interest of its citizens, provide adequate infrastructure and level of emergency services, and offer respectful and sensitive buffers, berms, and transitions. 3. Creation of a Rural/Very Low residential density designation to protect, preserve and enrich Meridian’s rural properties and character. Explore setting an appropriate utility rate structure for larger lots. FLUM and UDC 4. Immediate interim UDC ordinances to elevate the city’s minimum open space standard to 15% in R-4 districts and additional set aside in higher density districts; allow up to a 25% discount for developments within 1/4 mile of public parks. 5. Direction to staff to expedite a revised FLUM in the central downtown, Fields, Southwest and Southern Rim districts to reflect existing uses and provide greater specificity for future land uses through subplans. 6. Direction to staff to provide City Council a list of FLUM land uses that reflect the requests of individual property owners rather than direction of the steering committee. Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 3 Policies and Processes 7. Require all application files to be complete at least two weeks prior to public hearings, and include the current number of approved to-be-built housing units in each school district, and within the ACHD traffic report boundaries. 8. All Comprehensive Plan amendments and land use changes requested through MDAs or FLUM amendments be restricted to biannual review in March and September. We believe the above conditions reflect stakeholder feedback and the values of our community, and further support our request through the studies and rationale cited within this position statement. We further believe this Comprehensive Plan could be deeply enriched by the infusion of community design guidelines as described in the attached addenda, and ask that our city leaders employ these visionary ideas for sustainable growth, public spaces in which people invest meaning, streets as public spaces, and responsible land stewardship. Respectfully submitted, Denise LaFever Susan Karnes Sally Reynolds Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 4 GOAL : A STAKEHOLDER -DRIVEN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MYMERIDIAN SURVEY RESULTS (Pertaining to community design) The goal of MyMeridian is to create a stakeholder-driven Comprehensive Plan. It is our responsibility to translate our stakeholder survey results into a thriving city utilizing today’s best land use practices and expertise. Critical to the success of our new Comprehensive Plan is how we directly fulfill our stakeholder vision statements (emphasis our own): • Create safe neighborhoods with diverse and premier housing , open space , and amenities that provide varied lifestyle choices. • Plan for a multi-generational city with social, educational and recreational opportunities or all age groups. • Connect pathways, trails, greenways and bike routes to create safe and walkable neighborhoods. • Provide innovatively designed parks, preserved open spaces, and diverse recreational opportunities. • Build on Meridian’s cultural visibility, identity, and capacity by promoting the local arts, and cultural assets. • Manage growth that … complements or enhances the quality and character of Meridian’s neighborhoods . • Promote responsible land use and stewardship through sustainable water reduction, energy efficiency, and transportation choices that reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. • Accommodate appropriate modes of transportation by planning, designing, and building facilities for pedestrians, bicycles, public transit, motor vehicles and freight. • Create vibrant places and gathering spaces with distinct, engaging identities. • Promote Ten Mile, Downtown, and The Village as centers of activity and growth (Note: This leaves The Fields and South Meridian particularly lacking) • Support a downtown renaissance as City’s premier destination through the creation of an attractive shopping, entertainment, and cultural center. • Protect, preserve, and enrich Meridian’s strong historic character and charm . Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 5 THE EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON COMMUNITY DESIGN MyMeridian stakeholders demanded a vibrant, evolving, premier community that honors its historic charm, responsible land stewardship, open spaces and pathways through distinctive, sustainable development. What assets do experts believe create an economically vibrant, premier community? A distinctive identity. Open space. Amenities. A DISTINCTIVE COMMUNITY IDENTITY = ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Distinctive communities are critical to economic development. MyMeridian stakeholders value open space, amenities, connected pathways and our community’s historic charm. “Communities and regions are in a global competition to attract and retain a talented workforce. Increasingly these talented workers are choosing where they want to live first and figuring out their job situations later.” Source: CEOs for Cities, Segmentation Study, 2006 “The unique characteristics of place may be the only truly defensible source of competitive advantage for cities & towns.” Source: Joe Cortright, CEO’s for Cities “If you can’t differentiate your community, you will have no competitive advantage.” “Sameness is a minus , not a plus, in today’s world.” Source: The Economics of Uniqueness, The World Bank, Guido Licciardi and Rana Amirtahmasebi, ed. “New investment is increasingly seeking locations based on quality of place rather than utility of location ”. Source: Steve McKnight, Vice President Fourth Economy Consultants • People are willing to sacrifice salary for the ideal community   • Jobs follow people   • Community quality is a top priority for businesses & residents   • People on the move are looking for great places   Source: Place Value: How Communities Attract, Grow and Keep Jobs and Talent in the Rocky Mountain West. Survey of 1,000 business owners in Rocky Mountain States, Sonoran Institute, 2015 “Communities with the highest levels of attachment to place also have the strongest economies.” Source: The Economics of Place: The Value of Building Communities Around People. Knight Foundation. 2010 OPEN SPACE Open space is an essential asset in sustainable, thriving cities—and adds value to a city’s property tax base and individual property values. • Reduces the cost of public services   • Increases the value of real estate   • Generates jobs and revenue for business.   • Attracts tourists   • Helps foster economic development   • Contributes to improved public health   Source: The Case for Open Space: Why the Real Estate Industry Should Invest in Parks and Open Spaces. Center for Sustainability and Economic Performance, Urban Land Institute. “The relationship between rising property values and green spaces is well documented.”   “Some studies find as much as a 15% to 30% increase in the value of properties adjacent to parks and open space.”   Source: The Economic Value of Our Public Spaces. The Land Trust, February 2018. Residential properties realize a 10 to 25% gain in value the closer they are located to green space. Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 6 Source: National Association of Realtors and the National Homebuilders Association “Eighty-five percent of Americans consider high- quality park and recreation amenities important factors when choosing a new place to live.” Source: 2018 Americans Engagement with Parks, National Recreation and Parks Association Case Study: Tennessee River • “The initial segment of the Tennessee River Park has become the most loved and used park in Hamilton County.   • More than 1 million people of all ages, races and economic status use the park annually.”   • The 13 mile river park has generated almost $1 Billion in private development adjacent to the trail.”   Source: City of Chattanooga   “85% of U.S. residents identify proximity to parks, playgrounds, open space or recreation centers as an important factor in where to live.” “Americans’ Engagement with Parks Survey,” National Recreation and Park Association. 13 March 2018. “Many studies find significant increases—up to 40 percent—in the value of properties adjacent to parks and open space.” The Case for Open Space, Urban Land Institute “High-quality parks are one of the top factors that businesses cite in relocation decisions.” Why Parks and Recreation are Essential Public Services, National Recreation and Park Association. BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY Sustainable development relies on thoughtful development that creates a sense of social connection through vibrant amenities, distinctive identity and access to desirable gathering spaces and services. (See Addenda A, B and C for details.) Highlighted language in quoted content marks proposed language. PROPOSAL FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TEXT CHANGES 1. Page 3-10. Require “transition” in Medium and Medium High Residential paragraphs. 2. Page ii. Insert “ample” in second column: Emphasizes environmental stewardship and importance of ample parks and open spaces. 3. Page iv. R evise : “ Making Meridian a Premier Community means placing an emphasis on quality of life through creating safe neighborhoods with diverse housing, generous open spaces, and ample amenities that provide varied lifestyle choices, as well as planning for exceptional social, educational, and economic opportunities. ” 4. Page 2-2. Revise: As part of the City’s Vision, new neighborhoods should emphasize diverse and generous open spaces and amenities, distinct, engaging places and identities, and Meridian’s strong historic character and charm. As such, this section relates closely with the policies in Chapters 3, 4, and 5. 5. Page 3-13. Revise: In developments where multiple commercial and/or office buildings are proposed, the buildings should be arranged to create some form of common, usable area, such as a plaza or green space , with engaging amenities . Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 7 6. Page 3-13. Revise: Mixed use areas should be centered around spaces that are well-designed public and quasi-public centers of activity. Spaces should be activated  and incorporate permanent design elements and ample amenities that foster a wide variety of interests ranging from leisure to play. PROPOSED FLUM A. Issues, Discrepancies and Conflicts: 1. Incomplete and inconsistent assignment of FLUM designations. a. An estimated 180-200 land use changes; many dictated by developers or those with investment interests rather than the steering committee consensus. b. Community meetings focused on a few areas of interest instead of a comprehensive citywide plan. 2. Incongruent policies. E.g: 4.5.3 and 4.5.3A address preserving rural character; stakeholders requested the city “ Protect, preserve, and enrich Meridian’s strong historic character and charm.” However, a rural designation is not included in the FLUM. 3. Disregard for stakeholder vision as defined in survey result; e.g., Meridian is committed to providing a wide variety of types of housing options (Goal 2.2.1A-G), yet, as noted above, there is no ag/rural/estate designation. 4. Lack of comprehensive review. Although this process is called ‘Comprehensive Plan,’ several requests to include and update the downtown or Ten Mile districts weren’t considered. Experts, like the Urban Land Institute, state a vibrant downtown is essential to a vibrant city. 5. Troubling FLUM designation process. Although Open Houses were held to present concepts for special areas of interest, the draft FLUM does not, in our opinion, reflect feedback from the steering committee or attendees of the Open Houses. However, certain investors and landowners phoned the City and their FLUM requests are included in the proposed map. 6. Inaccurate portrayal of Steering Committee discussion. Significant changes to the FLUM did not reflect what was discussed during Steering Committee meetings. 7. Inadequate time for thoughtful review. 8. Poor FLUM designations; e.g., rural neighborhoods that are designated MDR. Impending C-C areas that are designated LRD. 9. Inadequate FLUM vision for South Meridian and The Fields areas. 10. Inadequate planning for parks and civic spaces in South Meridian. B. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FLUM 1. Clearly define the restriction of step ups, Comprehensive Plan amendments and land use changes through MDAs. 2. Direct committee members to submit all desired FLUM changes for further review. 3. Direct the steering committee to study and discuss the downtown plan with the Comprehensive Plan and FLUM to ensure a cohesive, integrated future plan. 4. Direct the steering committee to refine a vision for The Fields and South Meridian, including the Southwest and Southern Rim districts. 5. Create an Ag/Rural/Very Low Density residential designation to provide for large lots, support existing agricultural properties, and ensure appropriate transition between such properties and adjoining development. Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 8 PROPOSAL FOR OPEN SPACE POLICIES AND UDC In response to stakeholder survey results, and validated by numerous studies by the Urban Land Institute and other experts, Meridian should require an overall increase in percentage usable open space required in each FLUM designation, and generous, staggered open space and amenities requirements tied to housing density. 1. Increase required open space to a 15% minimum in R-4 districts with additional set aside in higher density districts. Allow up to a 25% discount for developments within 1/4 mile of public parks.* 2. Open space should be clearly defined in the Comprehensive Plan and specifically defined in the UDC. Goal 2.2.1B vaguely addresses this, but given that the specific percentage of open space is defined in the plan, "Open Space" and "Amenities" should be strictly defined. Consider removing reductions in open space requirements for berms, holding pond and other requirement identified elsewhere in the code. 3. 4. Gathering spaces and placemaking should be required and emphasized in commercial developments. 5. Integration of residential and commercial in multi-use projects should be emphasized. Segregated uses should be discouraged. 6. Increased requirement for berms, sound and light mitigation. 7. Develop maximum structure coverage percentage (See the City of Eagle). 8. Increase parking requirements for commercial and multi-family. 9. Adopt grading and drainage ordinance for all residential properties. Require roof eaves on all residential properties to aid in water damage mitigation and aesthetics. 10. Increase right of way standards for arterial roads to preserve neighborhood and district identities, and to provide ample space for pathways and plantings. 11. Increase setbacks between residential houses in appropriate districts and lower density neighborhoods. 12. Increase Design standards and create a qualified architectural review committee of experts. * Dimensions of ULI Case Study Open Spaces 1. Hunter’s Point, NYC: 11-acre park serves 925 units (.01189 acre/unit) 2. Levy Park, Houston TX. 5.9-acre park in multi-use development with 270 units (.02185 acre/unit) PROPOSAL FOR AMENITIES 1. An increase in amenities standards for all residential and commercial zones. 2. Amenities should be clearly defined in the Comprehensive Plan and strictly defined in the UDC. 3. Amenities should be varied and appropriate to the projected demographic for each community. 4. Requirement adjustments may be made for high quality amenities such as clubhouses that meet minimal requirements. 5. 6. The “Power of Ten” should be required in placemaking, whether in commercial or civic spaces. 7. Increase setbacks for higher use from the roadways. 8. PROPOSAL FOR POLICY CHANGES 1. The city should not consider land use applications without a complete application file, nor should staff write a staff report, until all information from partner agencies that will be affected by that decision is submitted. Recognizing that the city has limited control over these agencies, goal 6.1.2F needs use stronger language, such as: "The city will require applicants or agency to submit all ACHD, ITD, VRT, COMPASS, reports concerning transportation issues to the city planning department before the city will begin drafting a staff report. The public transportation hearings are to take place and Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 9 feedback to be received prior to hearing application. These comments, including other school and transportation agency comments, will be submitted with adequate time to allow for review by the City staff before the staff report is written. 2. The staff report with agency comments should be available at least 2 weeks prior to the application's Planning & Zoning public hearing. 3. City Council should no longer approve conceptual plans, but only final plats. 4. Commercial plats need to have an expiration just like subdivisions. Failure to develop can result in de-annexation after a determined time. 5. Approved applications should not be substantively altered in the DA, or MDAs, CUPs, PUDs or alternative compliance. E.g: Bainbridge application, which was altered prior to execution of DA to an additional 13-14 rooftops. 6. We discussed putting parameters around how designations can be "floated" across several parcels. On page 1-6, the last paragraph says that the plan will be used "in earnest" as a roadmap. If staff reports continue to float designations across parcels, that practice should be emphasized and highlighted in the document, so residents understand that a "Mixed-Use" area could actually end up with far fewer uses than what it looks like on the FLUM. Without that disclosure, the FLUM is misleading, if not dishonest. It could be included somewhere in pages 3-12 to 3-16 and/or as a disclaimer on the FLUM itself. (need to set much tighter parameters on how the floating process will be administered, so it isn’t misused. For example float one property over to a road or lateral which- ever is closer.) Process Changes 1. Ample review time for residents (no more last minute changes or staff reports). 2. Equal or increased public testimony time during application hearings for regional projects or large developments. 3. Provide public the opportunity to correct applicant’s rebuttal with source records. 4. Require expert testimony/data to support zoning and UDC changes. 5. Require preliminary plats with all applications. No more conceptual plans. 6. Require draft Development Agreement to be available prior to the public hearing process. 7. On previous annexed properties or zoned properties, show a side-by-side review of the plats and summary of changes. 8. Create an online portal for public testimony and communication following neighborhood meetings, to be included in the public record. CONCLUSION In reviewing the 2019 Comprehensive Plan draft, we ask that City Council considers the following: 1. Where is the vision for our preserving and enriching our strong historic character and charm? 2. Does this draft ensure vibrant gathering spaces? 3. Does this plan clearly elevate our minimum standards for pathways, open spaces and amenities? 4. Have we ensured adequate protection of our rural properties? Our cherished rural identity? 5. Does this plan challenge our development community to deliver distinctive projects that will enhance our community? 6. Does this plan prioritize creating a sense of community attachment? Require ample amenities to create engaging civic and gathering spaces? 7. Is there a compelling vision for Southwest Meridian? The Fields? Downtown? The Southern Rim? Our neighbors are relying on us to deliver a plan that responds to their dreams and values with a clear vision and the requisite FLUM, UDC, policies and plan of work. We ask that this plan harness the best of urban planning expertise—and be a bold and definitive blueprint for Meridian’s best future. Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 10 SOURCES Experts: 1. “8 Neighborhood Amenities to Look For,” U.S. News. 25 May 2018 2. https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/8-neighborhood-amenities-to-look-for- even-if-you-dont-use-them “Americans’ Engagement with Parks Survey,” National Recreation and Park Association. 13 March 2018. 3. “Developing Urban Resilience,” Urban Land Institute. https://developingresilience.uli.org 4. My Meridian Vision Survey Results, 2018 5. “Neighborhood amenities make life more convenient, fun,” USA TODAY. 10 Oct 2018 6. Project for Public Spaces 7. Public Streets for Public Use , Anne Vernez Moudon, editor 8. “The Case for Open Space: Why the Real Estate Industry Should Invest in Parks and Open Spaces,” Urban Land Institute. Matt Norris. 19 October 2018 https://americas.uli.org/healthy- places/the-case-for-open-space-why-the-real-estate-industry-should-invest-in-parks-and-open- spaces/ 9. “How Commercial Real Estate is Changing Residential Housing,” U.S. News & World Report https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/how-commercial-real-estate-is- changing-residential-housing Comp Plan: 10. MyMeridian Vision survey results. https://www.meridiancompplan.com/1993/documents/5965 11. https://www.meridiancompplan.com/1993/documents/5966 12. Specific Area outreach summaries 13. https://www.meridiancompplan.com/1993/documents/4778 14. Menti poll 15. Comments and letters submitted through the MyMeridian website. 16. “Meridian is Slipping on Key Long-Term Goals to Keep Up with Growth,” Idaho Statesman. 27 February 2005. https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/community/west- ada/article236670658.html?fbclid=IwAR210BY1KA3rnJAsdwLWPhy-7Hw2kUFwKew1u- WpOr4ePJuy2uXKLc34a7k Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 11 ADDENDUM A Elements of Sustainable Neighborhoods 1. Subdivisions where residents can efficiently spend time 2. Neighborhoods where residents can build social networks i. Resort-like pools, splash pads ii. Fitness centers, sport courts iii. Walking/biking trails iv. Pocket parks v. Community clubhouse with gathering amenities (kitchens, grills, restrooms, WiFi work cafes, conference rooms, movie theaters, etc) vi. Porches, balconies vii. Shared green spaces (parks, dog parks, gardens, nature trails) viii. Walkability ix. Water features (lakes, ponds, waterways, fountains) x. Plazas, amphitheaters, large gathering spaces with moveable chairs, benches, shade, hometown feel (for events, entertainment, food trucks for Nat’l Night Out, HOA meetings) 3. Distinctive neighborhood identities 4. Access to shopping 5. Access to work 6. Fitness options (See 2, above) 7. Good schools 8. Multi-use developments inspired by small towns/Main St USA instead of urban/big box store centers. (tree-lined, parks, walkable, with low-rise condos, small businesses and big stores carefully sited) (See 350-acre Kentlands MD) ADDENDUM B Public Spaces in which people invest meaning 1. Draw people closer together a. Create safe space for expressions of affection b. The ability to sit close together with loved ones/friends i. Benches ii. Fountains with nearby seating iii. Lawns iv. Shade, water in summer; shelter in cold weather (fire pits, outdoor games) 2. Create a sense of comfort a. Warm, inviting, relaxing, nourishing b. Nice place to sit c. Well located d. Accessible e. Safe at night/good lighting 3. Embrace human instinct to improvise use of space (See Guthrie Green, 2.6-acre park in Tulsa OK that attracts 3,000 visitors each week—a former truck loading dock facility) a. Rich with “affordances”—things that beckon us to interact i. Moveable chairs instead of benches ii. Attractive view (fountain, buskers, music) iii. Access to nearby dining, drinks, pathways iv. Ample space to cultivate individual activities (yoga, chess matches, play dates) v. Ample seating so people can linger comfortably “Active open spaces are proven to deliver an excellent return on investment, often supplying far more in benefits than they cost to construct. These benefits accrue to private development while effectively strengthening Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 12 communities and opening opportunities for all.” Elizabeth Shreeve, Principal, SWA Group; Chair, ULI Sustainable Development Council ADDENDUM C Design Streets as Places Whenever possible, streets as multi-use spaces enhance a sense of community connection; this concept is especially pertinent to our Downtown, large raw parcels, future commercial and mixed use projects. 1. Desirable Activities and Destinations i. A reason to stay needs “Power of 10” things to do (not enough to have restaurants and shops) ii. Ability for activity to spill into the street (Special events/programming in the right-of- way) iii. Consider street as key element of a civic space (as restaurants on 8 th in Boise and Ogden’s historic 25 th Street do). Consider art crawls, bike races, movie nights, Christmas Village/market, live theater. 2. Safe i. Slow speed limit ii. “Eyes on the street” create safer neighborhoods (people spending time on porches, outdoor café, etc) iii. Wide pedestrian medians iv. Buffers between people and cars v. Pedestrian-only streets vi. “Right-sizing streets” (slow speed, reduce number of vehicle lanes, wide walkways) 3. Inviting and Rich in Detail i. Beautified roundabouts (landscaping, public art) (See Carmel IN, home to 90 roundabouts)) ii. Lighting designed for pedestrians (see Larimer Square, Denver CO) iii. Murals, public art iv. Diverse, attractive architecture v. High quality building materials (see Carmel IN’s campaign to vitalize and attract new business) vi. Wide pedestrian walkways vii. Active ground floor uses (studies show higher activity levels in front of open facades than closed off facades) viii. Human-scaled signage 4. Interactive and Social i. Designed for lingering (“The desire to go ‘through’ a place must be balanced with the desire to go ‘to’ a place.”) Melbourne, Australia, studied pedestrian traffic after a decade devoted to creating more open spaces and streets with “staying options”—the number of people lingering in the area had tripled. ii. Parklets—repurposed parking spaces that create varied pedestrian spaces (See Valencia St. in San Francisco CA) iii. Emphasis on social interaction (public art, water features, seating options, street entertainment, historic signage, mini library, community bulletin board, playscapes, food vendors, play elements, chalk wall) See Montreal’s 21 Swings, musical and colorful swings that compose music only through cooperation of those swinging; Paris’ Voies sur Berges, 1.4 mile river promenade. 5. Unique i. An identity all their own (winding lanes or grand boulevards) “’Anywhere, USA’ has the opposite effect—the same lighting, pavement, road signage, parking lots and chain stores lead to spaces where no one wants to linger. Source: Project for Public Spaces ii. An ability to communicate a place’s history, culture, values and assets. “A democratic street is one that reflects the history as well as the social and economic diversity of the Comprehensive Plan 2019 Position Statement 13 larger neighborhood.” Source: Mark Francis, Public Streets for Public Use “The problem is that people and cities rarely tap into that potential; instead of performing like a well- coordinated orchestra, street design is too often the result of a bunch of city agencies and individual property owners each playing their own instrument, out of sync and time, making no concerted effort to harmonize with each other.” Source: Project for Public Spaces See Michigan Ave in Chicago, 6 th Street in Austin TX, Camp Bowie Blvd (cobblestone) in Fort Worth TX. 6. Accessible i. Prioritize the pedestrian ii. Accessible to everyone’s needs, whether wheelchairs, strollers iii. Shorter street lengths are more inviting than long blocks iv. Frequent egress and ingress points v. Pedestrian refuge islands vi. “Art Stops”, or murals/public art, near bus/transit stops vii. Shuttles for convenient access to public space from nearby parking 7. Flexible i. Ability to adapt from weekday needs to weekend uses ii. Flexible street spaces designated by special appearances (stamped concrete, pavers, lighting. Streetscape amenities) See Temple Market in Hong Kong, converted from daytime vehicle use to evening pedestrian traffic; NW Davis Festival St in Portland, curbless like a piazza to maximize flexibility; granite bollards create distinction between road and sidewalk. ADDENDUM D Promote Stewardship of Natural Resources 1. Identify, protect and develop special guidelines for natural formations and assets (ridges, rims, rivers, old growth trees) i. Erosion control plantings and slope UDC ii. Defensible spaces when appropriate 2. Promote xeriscape and native planting materials 3. Incentivize LEED construction i. Lower permit fees ii. Cost sharing for lighting, benches, irrigation (See Caldwell ID Indian Creek) iii. Higher density? 4. Require low-impact development i. Capture condensation, runoff 5. Identify potential catalyst partners for funding special projects (See ITD funding for trail system that connected seven Caldwell schools to Indian Creek)