Downtown Revitalization, Historic Preservation, Community Appearance and Neighborhood Conservation
Many cities and towns are looking within existing neighborhoods and downtowns to capitalize on assets that provide for a sense of place and make the community unique. Those assets include downtown buildings, historic properties and districts, “main street” corridors, and older neighborhoods. They also require protection, enhancement, or redevelopment to ensure the long-term viability of the community. DCA planners have worked closely with towns to develop small area plans that graphically illustrate preservation and redevelopment opportunities for downtowns and neighborhoods. The appearance of a town, neighborhood, or corridor also impacts the sense of community, safety, and attractiveness of the town to residents and visitors alike. DCA planners have assisted communities in developing and implementing signage and landscaping ordinances that support the preservation and enhancement of the community’s image.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Hertford Corridor Project: The Town of Hertford Corridor Project Committee studied land use, transportation facilities, development ordinances, existing appearance and future development potential along the US 17 corridor near Hertford, including entranceways into to the town from US 17 . After holding a public open house and gathering results from a visual preference survey with assistance from the Northeastern Regional Office, the Committee identified the following guiding principles for the corridor project area: 1) the image from the corridor should be one of quality development and a community that takes pride in its appearance; 2) uses in the corridor should be appropriate, project a positive impression, and efficiently utilize the land area; 3) the project area should be accessible to all pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists with safe locations to cross US 17; and 4) one senses from the US 17 corridor that historic Hertford is convenient and has an inviting charm. The plan recommends transportation improvements including new multi-modal facilities, an overlay district for the entire project area, conditional uses, a neighborhood corridor district that provides for integrated development with a mix of residential and business uses, and signage guidelines.
Churton Street Corridor Plan, Hillsborough: The Raleigh Regional Office worked closely with the Town of Hillsborough and the Hillsborough Tourism Board to create a plan that identifies future design and development options for the Churton Street corridor in Hillsborough. With increasing development taking place along the corridor, traffic congestion, site access, and corridor aesthetics have become key concerns or the town and residents. Furthermore, the Churton Street corridor provides access to Hillsborough’s quaint historic district located at the center of town, making corridor revitalization critical to the success of the downtown. The plan breaks the corridor into four planning areas and identifies transportation, signage, and corridor improvements for each area. Redesign recommendations for the corridor incorporate boulevard treatments and roundabouts that facilitate better traffic flow. The plan was approved by the Hillsborough Town Board in the summer of 2006. As a first step in implementation of the plan, the Town Board designated funds for signage improvements and local developers have incorporated the plan’s design guidelines into new development projects.
Walnut Cove Downtown Plan: Piedmont Regional Office staff provided assistance on the development of a downtown strategic plan for the Town of Walnut Cove. The planning process involved monthly meetings with a downtown task force and the public over a twelve-month period. It culminated with the plan’s adoption in the summer of 2005. The plan served as a catalyst for the town’s acceptance into DCA’s Small Town Main Street Program.