City of Norwood Young America: 2003 Sidewalks, Trails, and Thoroughfare Plan

City of Norwood Young America
Sidewalk, Trails, and Thoroughfare Plan
“Promoting parks,
environmental
recreation and
connecting trail
systems”
City of Norwood
Young America
Thoroughfare Sidewalks
Sidewalks & Trails
Thoroughfare Sidewalks
Sidewalks
Future Sidewalks
Trails
City Limit s
Property Parcels
CBD's & Schools
N
400
0
400 800 1200 Feet
Prepared By: City of Norwood Young America Community Development May 2002
Adopted
April 14, 2003
PLAN CONTENTS
PURPOSE
3
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
4
Review of Sidewalk Policies and Ordinances
Assessment of Existing Sidewalk and Trails System
Criteria for Placement of Sidewalks and Trails
The Plan
FUTURE POLICIES AND GOALS
THOROUGHFARE PLAN
Assessment of Existing Thoroughfare System
Thoroughfare Policies
Thoroughfare Design Standards
Accessories: Lighting
Furniture
Landscaping
APPENDIX A: MAPS
4
4
5
5
9
17
17
17
18
19
20
21
22
Existing Sidewalk Conditions Map
Sidewalk and Trails Plan
Sidewalk and Trails Implementation Plan
Sidewalk Removal Plan
Thoroughfare Map
APPENDIX B: COST ESTIMATES
23
APPENDIX C: SIDEWALK, TRAILS, AND THOROUGHFARES
CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN STANDARDS
26
Standard Details:
Bituminous Walkway and Concrete Sidewalk Along Street
Design Standards:
Typical Thoroughfare in a Downtown Business District Plan
Typical Thoroughfare in a Downtown Business District Section
Decorative Elements in a Downtown Business District
Typical Residential Collector Street Plan
Typical Residential Collector Street Section
2
PURPOSE OF THE SIDEWALK AND TRAILS PLAN
Norwood Young America Comprehensive Plan
Adopted September 10, 1998
(Parks and Trail Policies, pg. 46)
The plan will “provide an interconnected park and open space system that utilizes
trails to link neighborhoods, commercial services, and recreation
areas”.
The purpose of the Comprehensive Sidewalk, Trails, and Thoroughfare Plan is as
follows:





To guide residents and decision makers in planning for future growth and
development within the community
To plan for the interconnecting of neighborhoods, schools, commercial services,
recreational facilities, and parks making these uses easily accessible by
residents
To ensure public safety and quality of life for the residents of Norwood Young
America
To provide residents with another transportation option, reducing the reliance
upon the automobile
To provide residents with outdoor recreational activities, such as: hiking, biking,
walking, running, and in-line skating
The City of Norwood Young America Comprehensive Plan, adopted in September 1998,
contains a brief discussion on pedestrian policies, trails, thoroughfares and sidewalks
that are located throughout the city. The Comprehensive Plan does not provide detail on
the rehabilitation or repair of existing sidewalks or the installation of future sidewalks and
trails. The Comprehensive Plan does not establish any subdivision design standards
with regards to sidewalks and trails, even though the plan calls for the provision of
sidewalks within the community to provide easy access and cohesive developments for
city residents. In addition, the plan does not include implementation strategies for the
provision of an effective sidewalk, trails, and thoroughfare program.
The items listed below were identified as essential pieces to be included within the
Comprehensive Sidewalk, Trails, and Thoroughfare Plan. This plan will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Review current sidewalk policies and ordinances
Inventory the existing sidewalk system
Develop a list of criteria for the location of new sidewalks and trails
Develop a Master Sidewalk and Trails Plan
Develop Subdivision Design Standards
Develop a Sidewalk Removal Plan
Develop a “Thoroughfare” Plan
Develop an Implementation Plan
Develop an Inspection and Maintenance Program
3
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
AND
THE PLANNING PROCESS
REVIEW OF SIDEWALK POLICIES AND ORDINANCES
In 1995, the City of Norwood developed and adopted a sidewalk plan. The plan included
policies regarding the maintenance of sidewalks. It also contained a policy for the
removal of all other sidewalks not included within the master sidewalk plan. However,
the plan did not contain any implementation policy. Even though, a plan was adopted,
the policy recommendations were never carried out.
In 1999, the City began to receive increasing comments from the community regarding
the deterioration of the current sidewalk system and its discontinuous pattern. The City
Council directed staff to work with the Planning Commission to devise a plan for the
sidewalks, trails, and thoroughfares within the City. The purpose of the plan was to
create a comprehensive plan, including policy recommendations and an implementation
program that would improve upon the current system, as well as, propose options for the
future system that would be connected with the city’s continued growth.
The City of Norwood Young America Comprehensive Plan Pedestrian Policies require
the development of a pedestrian trail system that provides access to jobs, housing,
services, and recreation as means to promote non-motorized forms of transportation, as
well as requiring all new developments to include pedestrian connections to adjacent
neighborhoods and services. A Comprehensive Sidewalk, Trails, and Thoroughfare
Plan shall establish a framework in which to accomplish these broad goals specified
within the Comprehensive Plan. The plan will also enable the City to reach the many
other goals identified within this plan that are associated with providing a safe,
continuous, and easily accessible sidewalk, trails, and thoroughfare system for the City’s
residents now and into the future.
ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING SIDEWALK AND TRAILS SYSTEM
The City assessed the current sidewalk policies and ordinances, as well as reviewed the
Comprehensive Plan and former City of Norwood Sidewalk Plan. The City also
examined several other plans recently adopted in neighboring communities. This
enabled the City to lay the foundation for the preparation of their own plan and
established the elements that would be required in order to establish an effective and
efficient master plan.
The assessment of these documents provided a framework for the City. The Public
Works Department inventoried all existing sidewalks located throughout the community.
The sidewalks were classified as either “good” or “poor” depending upon their condition.
Sidewalk segments considered to be “good” were in an acceptable state, meaning they
4
did not require replacement or repair. Sidewalk segments considered to be “poor’ were
cracked or heaved, requiring removal, replacement, or significant repairs. These
segments were classified based upon the conditions of the worst section of sidewalk
located within each segment. At the time the inventory was completed, it was
determined that the majority of the City’s sidewalks would require repair, replacement, or
removal. The question that then arose was which segments should be repaired,
replaced, or removed and how should this be determined.
CRITERIA FOR PLACEMENT OF SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS
Sidewalk segments would be repaired, replaced or removed, based upon a list of
criteria. Each sidewalk segment was evaluated against the criteria, in order to determine
the location of sidewalks, trails, and thoroughfares to be included within the master plan.
This list of criteria provided the City with a rational basis for determining the location of
new sidewalks and the renovation of current sidewalks considered necessary to a
continuous sidewalk system. Following is a list of the established criteria:




Sidewalks and trails should be located to coincide with established pedestrian
patterns.
Sidewalks located along collector streets or streets that serve as major
pedestrian ways and carry a higher level of vehicular traffic need to be included
in the plan.
Newly proposed sidewalks should be located to connect and make the best use
of existing sidewalks.
Trails should be located in areas where there is a perceived need to facilitate and
provide links for pedestrian traffic and sidewalks, as well as, in areas where their
provision would be considered feasible or cost effective.
Once criteria had been established, the City developed a preliminary plan proposing the
final location of all sidewalks and trails to be included within the system.
THE PLAN
In order to create a sidewalk, trails, and thoroughfare plan, all sidewalk segments were
compared against the established criteria. Segments that did not meet the criteria were
placed on the list for removal. Sidewalks that did meet the established criteria were
allowed to remain within the sidewalk, trails, and thoroughfare system.
After segments had been identified as essential to a continuous sidewalk and trail
system, the City moved on to the next step in the process. It was then determined that a
policy and implementation strategy should be included within the Comprehensive
Sidewalk, Trails, and Thoroughfare Plan in an effort to address these issues. Following
is a description of each of the plan recommendations.
5
RECOMMENDATION ONE:
DEVELOP SUBDIVISION DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS
The City of Norwood Young America Subdivision Ordinance does not include or require
sidewalks in the design standards for new subdivisions. In order to ensure that future
developments include sidewalks, trails, and thoroughfares within their designs, the City
should amend the subdivision ordinance to require and include design standards for
sidewalks and trails. Developers would be responsible for the cost of new sidewalks
proposed for new subdivisions and developments, which could be assessed to the
property owner as a special assessment, or could be incorporated in the project costs.
However, the cost to repair or replace existing sidewalk segments would be the
responsibility of the City.
Developers would be required to establish sidewalks upon arterial, major collector, and
local streets deemed appropriate due to estimated traffic volumes. Streets that served
as major pedestrian travel ways would also need to include sidewalks, trails, and
thoroughfares. Developers would also be required to maintain a consistent width and
size for both the boulevard area and the sidewalk with adjoining developments.
Landscaping within the boulevard area would also need to be consistent. Additionally,
developers would be required to provide appropriate lighting systems, providing
pedestrians with well-lit, safe passageways during evening hours.
RECOMMENDATION TWO:
DEVELOP A SIDEWALK REMOVAL PLAN
The sidewalks not included within the plan are in various states of repair and may
constitute a liability and maintenance burden for the City. The City shall plan for the
removal of the existing sidewalks not included within the proposed plan. The
homeowner can remove the section of sidewalk himself or herself, however, the resident
can wait for the City to come and remove the section. Sidewalks would be removed in
the following order, with high liability areas and special requests being placed first on the
removal list. Homeowners may petition to keep the sidewalk in front of their home, but
the homeowner would be required to maintain and repair the sidewalk segment in
accordance with standards established by the City. The City would relinquish all
responsibility for these sidewalk segments.
RECOMMENDATION THREE:
DEVELOP A MASTER SIDEWALK AND TRAILS PLAN
This plan would help to guide the City in the establishment of new sidewalks, trails, and
thoroughfares. The plan would also focus on areas that would need to be scheduled for
repair or rehabilitation within the upcoming years.
6
RECOMMENDATION FOUR:
DEVELOP A SIDEWALK CLASSIFICATION PLAN
City sidewalks would be placed into one of two categories, Class One sidewalks and
Class Two sidewalks. Class One sidewalks are those sidewalks that are adjacent to
major arterial and collector streets. These areas receive the most vehicular and
pedestrian traffic. Sidewalks classified, as Class One would be maintained, repaired,
replaced, and cleared of snow during the winter months by the City. Class Two
sidewalks would be maintained and repaired by the City; however, snow would not be
removed during the winter months.
RECOMMENDATION FIVE:
DEVELOP SIDEWALK INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Inspections of City sidewalks, trails, and thoroughfares would be conducted on a yearly
basis. This would allow the City to maintain the investment that it has made within the
sidewalk, trails, and thoroughfare system. Segments that were in need of repair or
replacement would be recognized in advance, so funds would be put into place before
the repairs were needed. An annual inspection would also allow the City to space out
the costs of repairing these segments.
A maintenance program would define City responsibilities with regards to snow removal
and repair of existing sidewalks. The plan would also discuss sidewalk reconstruction
and installation policies. The costs involved for each of these issues would also be
addressed within the plan.
RECOMMENDATION SIX:
DEVELOP A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
OF HIGHWAY 212
Highway 212 has been recognized as a “barrier”, not only for motorists, but for
pedestrians as well. In order to address this issue, a grade-separated pedestrian
crossing has been recommended for the safe passage of pedestrians. Such a
passageway would provide a pedestrian friendly connection between the northern and
southern areas of the city. A study should be completed regarding the feasibility of
constructing a pedestrian crossing structure.
7
CONCLUSION
All of these items produced during the planning process by both the Planning
Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission have been used to create the
policies and issues that are discussed within this document. The planning process
helped to determine a number of policy issues and have established the goals, which the
City feels can be met through the establishment of a Comprehensive Sidewalk, Trails,
and Thoroughfare Plan.
8
FUTURE POLICIES
AND
GOALS
GOAL ONE
To provide city residents with a wide range of transportation options, especially
non-motorized forms of transportation, including, but not limited to, biking or
walking that would reduce dependence upon the automobile.
POLICIES




Encourage newly developed areas to provide for a range of different
uses, thus allowing residents to live within closer proximity to goods and
services and allowing them the opportunity to be more accessible by
various modes of transportation
Create sidewalks and trails that cater to more than one particular nonmotorized mode of transportation, through the establishment of both
paved and unpaved trails and sidewalks
Design sidewalk systems most beneficial to the needs and desires of the
community that have the capacity for the amount of anticipated users
Encourage the use of sidewalks within mixed-use areas, where the uses
could very well be accessible by the residents of the surrounding area.
These mixed-use areas should then be interconnected to the whole
surrounding community
IMPLEMENTATION




Require that developers connect residential areas to nearby schools,
commercial and central business districts through the use of sidewalks
and trails
Educate city residents on the advantages of using alternative modes of
transportation and the provision of mixed-use developments
Promote the development of live/work units and developments
Enforce the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act, providing
access to sidewalks and trails for all residents
9
GOAL TWO
To develop a pedestrian sidewalk and trails system that would provide access to
jobs, housing, services, and recreational activities for city residents.
POLICIES


Create sidewalks and trails in areas where jobs, housing, services, and
recreational activities are within close proximity to one another and could
be easily reached by the pedestrian and other non-motorized modes of
transportation
Encourage the establishment of mixed-use developments or districts,
which provide all of these items within close proximity for city residents
and could be easily tied to one another by a sidewalk and trail system
IMPLEMENTATION



Encourage developers to provide mixed-use developments and increased
densities
City may provide incentives to developers for the provision of mixed-use
developments and increased densities
A sidewalk and trails system shall link a variety of uses to one another
and these uses shall be easily accessed by the system
10
GOALTHREE
To require all new subdivisions and developments to include pedestrian
connections, not only to adjacent neighborhoods, but also to goods and services
located within close proximity to the newly established area.
POLICIES



Develop a subdivision design standards guide, addressing what is
required of developers for the provision of sidewalks and trails
Connect new developments to existing sidewalk and trail systems already
established within adjacent neighborhoods, thus re-enforcing the idea of
creating a continuous pedestrian system
Developments shall be interconnected to other developments in some
fashion, tying them into the community as a whole
IMPLEMENTATION







In new developments, require developers to establish sidewalks upon
arterial, major collector, and local streets deemed appropriate due to
traffic volumes
In existing developments, provide sidewalks along major collector streets
and those streets that serve as major pedestrian travel ways
In new developments, require developers to maintain a consistent width
and size for both the boulevard area and the sidewalk with adjoining
developments, landscaping must also remain consistent throughout the
developments within the boulevard area
In new developments, require developers to submit a sidewalk and trails
plan for review as part of the development process
In new developments, require developers to connect new developments
to existing sidewalk and trail systems already established within adjacent
neighborhoods, thus creating a continuous pedestrian system
Require developments to be interconnected to other developments, tying
them into the community as a whole
In new developments, require developers to connect to adjacent trail
systems
11
GOAL FOUR
To provide increased public safety for city residents through the provision of
sidewalks and trails running adjacent to public streets and to improve the quality
of life for city residents.
POLICIES



Provide sidewalks along major collector streets and those streets that
serve as major pedestrian travel ways, increasing the level of safety for
those utilizing alternative modes of transportation
Provide sidewalks along city streets, which carry a higher traffic volume,
providing, not only a buffer between the pedestrian and vehicular traffic,
but a safe passageway for those whom choose to use alternative modes
of non-motorized transportation to reach destinations located along major
vehicular thoroughfares
Provide appropriate lighting along all pedestrian corridors, giving
pedestrians a feeling of safety and security even during nighttime hours
IMPLEMENTATION



Establish buffer requirements, through the use of a boulevard containing
landscaping, separating the pedestrian utilizing the sidewalk from the
vehicular traffic upon busy collector streets
Require crosswalks and pedestrian signage in areas heavily used by nonmotorized forms of transportation, where the crossing of busy streets is
necessary in order to continue upon the sidewalk system; thus providing
motorists with a warning to slow down and watch for pedestrians
Require developers to implement an appropriate lighting system,
providing pedestrians with a well-lit and safe passageway even during
evening hours
12
GOAL FIVE
To provide city residents and visitors to the community with more outdoor
recreational activities and opportunities and providing access from these
sidewalks and trails to city parks.
POLICIES



Establish sidewalks and trails that interconnect all of the city parks,
allowing easy access to any park from any area of the city by residents
and visitors
Provide a sidewalk and trail system that caters to a variety of different
recreational activities such as biking, hiking, running, walking, cross
country skiing, and rollerblading
Establish the connection of city trails to County and Regional trail
systems, which would not only cater to city residents, but would also,
bring visitors to the community
IMPLEMENTATION




Develop a pedestrian wayfinding system, providing directions to city
parks, amenities, and businesses for residents and visitors via the
sidewalk and trails system
Provide kiosks, rest stops, and benches along the system for those using
the system
Cooperate with other governmental units to determine if efforts can be
made for county or regional trail development
Require developers to construct sidewalks and trails that provide access
to natural amenities located within close proximity to the new
development
13
GOAL SIX
To establish new sidewalks and trails where they make best use of the current
existing systems located within the area, providing a continuous sidewalk and
trail system.
POLICIES


Encourage the construction of sidewalks and trails in areas of the city
where current systems are already in place and are utilized by the
community
Continue to encourage a continuous sidewalk and trail system throughout
the city, keeping in mind that any point of the city should be accessible by
the sidewalk and trail system when using a non-motorized mode of
transportation
IMPLEMENTATION





Develop a Master Sidewalk and Trails Improvements Plan
Develop and implement a plan indicating the general location of future
sidewalk and trails that would provide for a continuous system
Conduct project feasibility reports and/or user studies of current sidewalk
systems, indicating where new segments would be most utilized and
which locations would be developable as trails or sidewalks
Seek outside sources such as grants, to obtain funding for proposed
sidewalks and trails
Construct sidewalks and trails in conjunction with the master Sidewalk
and Trails Improvements Plan
14
GOAL SEVEN
To ensure that the investment made by the city for sidewalks and trails included
within the plan are maintained through regular inspections by the city and the
timely rehabilitation practices when segments are found to be deteriorating or in
“poor” condition.
POLICIES


Implement a program providing standards and procedures that focus on
sidewalk inspection practices and maintenance on a regular basis
Provide a sidewalk classification plan, which would be used to determine
policy for many issues, such as snow removal
IMPLEMENTATION






Develop a sidewalk maintenance plan, requiring annual inspections of city
sidewalks and trails. Issues such as trail surface type, resurfacing,
plowing, rehabilitation, and city responsibilities in regards to these issues
also shall be addressed within the plan
Enforce the Public Improvement Cost Allocation Guidelines adopted by
the City Council
Prepare an annual budget for anticipated repairs or rehabilitation of
existing sidewalks and trails, and the construction of new sidewalks and
trails
Repair and rehabilitate sidewalks based upon priority, with segments
presenting the greatest liability risk to the city or special requests
completed first
Develop a sidewalk thoroughfares plan
The City shall within twenty-four (24) hours after snow fall or after snow
has accumulated to two (2”) inches upon any sidewalk designated by
resolution of the City Council as a part of the sidewalk thoroughfare
program in front of or adjoining such lot or parcel of land, remove or
cause the snow to be removed from the sidewalk
15
GOAL EIGHT
To provide city residents with a plan for the removal of sidewalk segments, which
are not included within the sidewalk and trails plan
POLICIES




Develop an outlined plan for the removal of sidewalks not included within
the plan
Allow homeowners the option of keeping the sidewalk area outside of
their homes
Develop standards for homeowners wanting to maintain sidewalk
segments congruent to their property that are not included within the plan
City shall remove non-included sidewalk segments
IMPLEMENTATION





Develop a sidewalk removal plan that removes sidewalk segments with
priority given to those segments with the highest liability risks or by
special request
Develop and implement a program for the removal of abandoned
sidewalks
Develop and implement a program that removes sidewalk segments with
the highest liabilities and special requests being removed first
Develop a process whereby property owners may petition to keep the
sidewalk segment abutting their property
Note: All sidewalks kept by property owners shall be maintained by the
property owner and shall meet city standards
Budget city monies for the removal of sidewalks not included within the
plan
16
THOROUGHFARE PLAN
Norwood Young America Comprehensive Plan
Adopted September 10, 1998
(pg. 37)
“The general thoroughfare concept is to create better connections between the
north and south parts of Norwood Young America through a series of roadway
networks which provide direct access to each of the core areas.”
ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING THOROUGHFARE SYSTEM
There are two clearly defined boulevards, which are intended to be the main north/south
connections within the city. Morse Street and 2nd Avenue SE provide direct access to
each of the two town centers. Central Avenue and Faxon Road serve as a connection to
both the north and south areas within the community. In order to identify this main
boulevard, visual linkages such as: signs, landscaping, entry markers, and low walls
could be utilized. Roads within developing areas should be constructed in a grid street
pattern, except where the topography and wetlands would be negatively impacted. In
maintaining this grid street pattern, the connection of new areas with existing areas will
allow for the increased accessibility of future neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Highway 212 is the most notable barrier to achieving a safe and efficient north/south
connection. Devices should be employed by the city to slow traffic down on the
highway and encourage travelers to come into the community. Several devices are:
locating buildings within close proximity to the roadway, orienting buildings in an effort to
allow for maximum visibility, provide identifications signs, and low walls. Pedestrian
scale lighting, sidewalks, and benches will entice the passerby to stop and stroll the
community. The community should be considered “pedestrian friendly”. Streets should
be easily accessible to all modes of transportation, including pedestrians and bicycles.
The street area should be attractive, safe, and comfortable.
THOROUGHFARE POLICIES
In order to provide a roadway network, which allows easier and more direct access
throughout the community and the region, while providing safe and comfortable
pedestrian mobility; the following policies should be utilized by the city.




Plantings, lighting, and sidewalks should be utilized to identify major roadways.
City street planning and design should be coordinated with County, Metropolitan,
State, and Federal agencies.
Direct driveway accesses from individual commercial, residential, and industrial
properties onto arterial and collector streets should be discouraged.
Non-local funding for arterial street and County Road improvements should be
sought when possible.
17
THOROUGHFARE DESIGN STANDARDS
In establishing design principles, the community is making a commitment to improve the
quality of life within the community, as well as, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual
image of the community. Streetscape design along major city thoroughfares provides
the community with a strong sense of place. Landscaping and streetscape design give
neighborhoods and established districts a uniquely identifiable atmosphere, which brings
value to the local community and encourages pedestrian activity along the street.
In order to ensure that these qualities are established throughout the community, the
City must establish design standards for a number of components associated with
enhancing the streetscape. Such items include: construction standards, lighting, street
furniture, and landscaping.
18
ACCESSORIES
Accessories such as lighting and street
furniture are necessary elements used
to enhance the public space. These
accessories encourage pedestrian
activity along the street and provide the
streetscape with its own identity.
Lighting
The type and quality of light selected
should consider the types of uses within
the area. While too much light can
create an environment that may
discourage use along the street, too little
light can create an environment that is
unsafe to both motorists and
pedestrians. The size and scale of
lights should reflect the character of the
area.

Standards are graphically
depicted and have been placed
in Appendix C.
Figure 1: Streetlights are scaled to the
environment and are consistent throughout
the area. (www.cnu.org)
Figure 2: Lighting is located along an area
most heavily used by pedestrians and
emphasizes the path area. (www.cnu.org)
Figure 3: The well-lit sidewalk provides a safe
and enjoyable atmosphere to pedestrians.
(www.cnu.org)
19
Furniture
Streetscape amenities help to enhance
and enliven the public space. Street
furniture should be compatible with the
surrounding environment and should be
uniform from one block or street to
another. Maintenance of such
furnishings, as well as, environmental
affects should be taken into
consideration when choosing street
furniture.





Street furniture such as:
benches, trash receptacles,
telephones, news stands, bike
racks, planters, water fountains,
kiosks, etc should be provided
where appropriate.
All street furniture should be
affixed to the sidewalk to prevent
accidents, theft, or vandalism.
Benches should be placed in
areas where they will be most
utilized by pedestrians.
Trash receptacles should be
provided to prevent litter,
especially in areas where
garbage is most likely to
accumulate.
Street furniture design should
reflect the character of the area.
Figure 4: Street furniture such as tables and
benches has been provided, enhancing the
atmosphere. The furniture design reflects the
character of the area. (www.cnu.org)
Figure 5: Benches and bike racks help to
provide a pedestrian friendly environment.
20
LANDSCAPING
The provision of trees, bushes, shrubs,
and planters can enhance the quality of
life within a community. Landscaping
enhances the public space and provides
a visually unique atmosphere in which
residents and visitors can identify.
Additionally, landscaping is beneficial for
a number of other reasons.
Landscaping has been found to improve
air quality, increase property values,
reduce the negative effects of storm
water runoff, and decrease the effects of
urban heat islands.





Trees should be provided along
all streets identified within the
thoroughfare plan.
Sufficient room should be
provided for the growth of tree
canopies.
Plants species should be
selected that are tolerant to city
conditions, drought, and are free
of pests and disease.
Plants should be of an
appropriate size and should be
scaled to the surroundings.
Landscaping should not
encroach within the motorists’ or
pedestrians’ line of sight,
especially at street intersections.
Figure 6: A line of trees stand along the side
of a one-way street, providing a more
aesthetically pleasing corridor.
(www.walkinginfo.com)
Figure 7: Planter boxes and trees enhance the
visual appeal of this sidewalk area.
(www.walkinginfo.com)
Figure 8: Landscaping is scaled appropriately
to its surroundings. (www.walkinginfo.com)
Figure 9: Landscaping provides a buffer
between the pedestrian and the street.
(www.walkinginfo.com)
21
Appendix A:
Maps
22
Appendix B:
Cost Estimates
23
PROJECT COST APPORTIONMENT
FOR
SIDEWALK, TRAILS, AND THOROUGHFARE PLAN
YEAR ONE
Union Street Reconstruction
$24,749
Hill Street Reconstruction
$55,786
Central Avenue Reconstruction
$20,227
Central Avenue S Sidewalk
$206,600
Total
$307,362
YEAR THREE
Second Avenue SE Sidewalk
$247,453
Main Street Sidewalk
(Central to 1st Avenue)
$48,741
Main Street (1st to 2nd)
And
First Street Sidewalk
$65,969
Friendship Park Trail
$31,044
Industrial Blvd. Sidewalk
$69,849
Total
$463,056
YEAR FIVE
Railroad Street/Morse Street Sidewalk
$249,012
C.R. 134 Trail
$205,980
Total
$454,992
24
YEAR SIX
Faxon (Elm to Oak)
And
Main Street (2nd to 3rd) Sidewalk
$153,805
Seventh Street SW Sidewalk
(West End/Overlay Area)
$112,236
Total
$266,041
YEAR SEVEN
Seventh Street SW Sidewalk
(East End/Reconstruction Area)
Total
$116,165
$116,165
YEAR NINE
Hazel/Park Sidewalk
$184,353
Total
$184,353
25
Appendix C:
Sidewalk, Trails, and Thoroughfare
Construction and Design Standards
26
27