No. 2383 contracting the boundaries of the West Washington-Chapin Development Area

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• Field Reconnaissance Surveys and Analysis The consultant team used base materials prepared by the City and conducted field reconnaissance surveys to ascertain the land-use relationships and locations of vacant parcels and buildings within the study area. Also, an urban design analysis and an analysis of land-use conflicts and zoning conflicts were undertaken. The results of these analyses are recorded on a set of presentation maps used in working sessions with the study committee. They depicted graphically the area's physical strengths, which include a number of rehabilitated houses and offices and its excellent street network, along with its weaknesses, which include the number of deteriorating structures, vacant structures and lots and incompatible land- uses, such as where industry abuts a block ofsingle-family houses. (See Figure 2, Existing Land-Use). A summary of reconnaissance survey and analysis findings is as follows: Residential Areas Residential areas extend from Scott and Taylor Streets on the east to Cherry and Birdsell Streets on the west and include the residential properties west of Birdsell and north of Washington Street. The area is predominantly single-family in character with two-family residential uses distributed throughout the area. Multi-family residential buildings exist in scattered locations. The residential area includes and is well served by several churches, the Hansel Community Center, and by other public and semi-public uses. Recreational facilities within the neighborhood are limited to two small tot lots. The Natatorium located on Washington Street was once the premier recreational facility for the City, but it has been closed for several years. Recent surveys indicate that the area contains a total of 656 residential buildings. Of these, 154 are basically sound and well maintained, 276 are deteriorating and in need of minor repair, 173 are deteriorating and in need of major repair, 35 are structurally sub-standard and rehabilitation may nor be economically feasible, and 20 are vacant and boarded-up. Although a limited number of scattered vacant parcels exist within the Historic District, a large number of vacant sites ranging in size from single lots to one-quarter and one-half block areas are distributed throughout the remainder of the area. Significant public and private investment will be required to improve building and environmental conditions in the area. 2. Mixed-Use Residential and Commercial Area The area located at the eastern end of the neighborhood between Scott and Williams Streets serves as a transition area between the intensely developed downtown area to the east and the predominantly low-density residential conservation area to the west. This area currently contains a wide range or residential, commercial, public and institutional uses. Growth and development of downtown related uses may lead to replacement of lower intensity uses within this area in the future. Historic District guidelines should be prepared to control the use and design of new development. Commercial Areas Commercial areas on Washington Street and on Chapin Street should be strengthened as retail and service centers serving the day-to-day needs of neighborhood residents. These areas are