11-01-95 Planning Comm. Workshop Minutes

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The committee made the following comments regarding possible streetscape elements: • Angle parking on the streets was considered, but thought to require too wide of a street to create the desired environment. • Parallel parking was considered more desirable, in that convenient parking to some shops was critical, but a minimization of the street width was equally important. • The curb line of the street should permit recessed parallel parking bays, with the non-recessed areas treated with streetscape elements including plantings and/or street furnishings. • Off-street parking should be broken up into smaller units to avoid expansive areas of asphalt or parked automobiles. • Parking lots should be limited in scope and size so as to avoid parking areas which are too far from the shopping areas. • The presentation of the rears of buildings to the parking lots should be treated as second fronts to improve aesthetics. • Street sidewalks should be wide, (a minimum of 12 feet) and have room to include ample walking area, planting areas along the street, and seating areas in adjacent to the storefronts. • The streetscape should encourage pedestrian interaction between the retailers. • Open spaces should accommodate a variety of uses and group sizes, including small areas for outdoor seating, as well as larger use. Open spaces may also be used for breaking up the building massing and providing access between the rear parking areas and the street. • A primary open space area which can accommodate an outdoor market area is desirable. • streetscape design should discourage illicit use of the private and public areas. • Road pavement materials should be durable, and asphalt is acceptable for the majority of the roadway areas. • Sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian pavement areas should be of an alternative material, such as brick or stone, and not be boring. • Paving should be cost-effective and maintainable. • The publics areas should be well lit, and invite evening use. • A traditional lighting style is necessary to complement the architecture and streetscape. • There should be pockets of street furniture scattered along the sidewalk areas to encourage convenient use and congregation of pedestrians. • An outdoor area which can accommodate lunchtime crowds should be included • Outdoor dining should be encouraged. • Flags and banners reflecting the character of the district should be encouraged. • Both at-grade and raised planters should be considered for green areas. • Decorative fencing may be considered as unifying element in the district. Materials should be consistent with other architectural and streetscape elements.