No. 0908 expanding the boundaries of the WWCDA, expanding the allocation area for purposes of TIF, and amending the development plan

Home Browse Search

Washington Street Development Plan The Washington Street Development Project Area encompasses the north and south Washington Street block faces, extending back to their respective alleyways, between Chestnut Street on the west and North Elm Street on the east. The area presently includes numerous vacant and under utilized commercial structures near the intersection of Washington and Walnut. It also includes residential structures at each end, some of which have historical significance. The objective of this plan is to expand housing and condense the commercial area along this street. The development concept for the area, which is illustrated in Figure 4, calls for the develop- ment of approximately 20,000 square feet of neighborhood commercial space at the intersection of Walnut and Washington together with off - street parking. The remainder of the area would be developed with one and two family residential development. The market overview analysis indicates that growth in the residential population of the neighborhood is necessary before market support for commercial use may exist. Implementation alternatives to be considered in- clude reserving land or buildings for future commercial use, or expanding the area of new residential development to encompass the commercial site. Under the concept, the northeast corner of the Washington /Walnut intersection would be developed as a neighborhood commercial center. The center would include a 10,000 square foot anchor tenant such as a food store or drug store. The center would also include another 10,000 square feet devoted to neighborhood retail and service uses such as doctor's offices, community agencies, bakery, cleaners, ice cream shops, etc. Parking for almost sixty cars would be accom- modated on the site. The remainder of the redevelopment program would focus on the rehabilitation of existing commercial and residential structures and the development of new residential units. Ap- proximately 50 to 70 residential units would be constructed throughout the seven block faces. They would be either one or two - family units; they would occupy traditional 40 x 150 foot lots, or be constructed as attached units; and they would re- establish a neighborhood character and streetscape for the area through the introduction of elements found in traditional neighborhoods including elevated porches, fences, gates, windows and a distinction between public and private space. Property acquisition for purposes of rehabilitation and incorporation as part of new development is proposed for property located at the northwest and southwest corners of Washington and Wal- nut Streets, on the north side of Washington Street at the eastern end of the block between Spruce and Elm Streets, and on the south side of Washington Street encompassing land used for industrial purposes. If it is not feasible to rehabilitate existing buildings on these sites, or to in- corporate them with new development, the buildings should be demolished and the sites redeveloped for residential uses. Under this program entire blockfronts would be redeveloped, particularly the two blocks on the south side of Washington Street between Chestnut and Maple. The remaining eastern end of the block between Walnut and Elm Street on which the commercial center would be developed, could also be the site of new residential development. In addition to the plaza /park, other public improvements would be made in the area including sidewalk, curb and roadway reconstruction, parkway landscaping, pedestrian lighting and al- leyway resurfacing. 19