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HomeMy WebLinkAboutKennedy Park Neighborhood Plan (2022)Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan Adopted September 2022 Table of Contents Acknowledgments James Mueller, Mayor, City of South BendCanneth Lee, City Council Member, 1st District Henry Davis Jr., City Council Member, 2nd District Special thanks to all the residents, area organizations, and institutions that shared their thoughts and vision for the future of the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. Department of Community InvestmentTim Corcoran, Director of Planning and Community ResourcesMichael Divita, Principal Planner Chris Dressel, Senior PlannerAndrew Netter, Senior PlannerAngela Rose, Senior Planner Planning ConsultantsMcNicholas Architects | MGLM 03 What is a Plan? 04 Neighborhood Background 08 Planning Process & Engagement 10 What We Heard 12 Neighborhood Planning Principles 13 Scale of Development 14 Neighborhood Plan 22 Streets & Transportation 26 Housing 28 Preserve Historic Character 29 Sustainability 30 Built Form & Zoning 36 Implementation Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 3 What is a Plan? What is a Plan? A neighborhood plan is a shared statement about the desired long-term future for that area and a strategy to reach those goals. Developed through a public engagement process, a plan is a guide for: • Making decisions about what kind of development and services are appropriate, • How resources should be allocated, and • How issues residents, business and property owners, and others in the neighborhood are concerned about should be addressed. Created in the context of the needs and priorities of the larger region, a neighborhood plan focuses on assets and challenges unique to that specific area. Neighborhood plans seek to create a more livable urban place that is attractive, healthy, equitable, and sustainable for current and future generations. Once adopted, a neighborhood plan becomes official city policy as an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Neighborhood plans typically identify strategies to be implemented over the next 20+ years for the following topics: • Public facilities and infrastructure (including parks, streets, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, lighting, and utilities), • Housing (types, condition, and affordability), • Zoning (building types and design, density, and locations for residential, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development), and • Other matters important to the neighborhood. What does it include?Who is it for? • Neighborhood residents will use the plan to understand proposed initiatives in the short, medium, and long terms. • Developers, builders, and other individuals will use the plan to help determine the type, scale, intensity, and location of projects. • Public officials and community leaders will use the plan to direct funding and to make decisions on zoning issues. • City staff will use the plan to understand key neighborhood issues and as a guide to implementing priority projects and initiatives. How is it used? A neighborhood plan provides a broad framework for future initiatives, and it serves as a starting point for more detailed planning and public engagement as individual projects are pursued. A plan will continually evolve to meet the changing needs and context of the community. The maps, diagrams, photographs, and other graphics presented within a neighborhood plan are illustrations of its key features. These images are not intended to represent the exact results expected from the implementation of the plan, but they provide a general representation of development principles, desired building types, land use, infrastructure, and other elements that the plan establishes. The specific scope, final form, and timing of neighborhood plan initiatives will depend on market demand, the interest of private organizations and individuals, available resources, and direction from further public engagement. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 4 The Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan area is roughly bounded by Westmoor Street and Lincoln Way West on the north, City Cemetery on the east, Washington Street on the south, and Bendix Drive on the west. Plan Area Boundaries Kennedy ParkPlan Area Linco l n W a y W e s t Washington Street Linden Avenue Westmoor Street La P o r t e A v e n u eCollege StreetOrange StreetMeade StreetNeighborhood Background Kennedy Park Neighborhood Boundary Map.Kennedy Park Neighborhood Context Map.Bendix DriveNeighborhood Background Olive Street Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 5 Neighborhood Background Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center: Community center serves the neighborhood and beyond Kennedy Park: Popular park with equipment nearing end of life; lacks master plan for amenities Existing Conditions Kennedy Academy: Desirable magnet school; School traffic creates issues during peak times of drop-off and pick-up Washington Street Orange Street Westmoor Street Linco l n W a y W e s t La P o r t e A v e n u eOlive Street College StreetWilber StreetWalnut StreetLinden AvenueBendix DriveFassnacht Avenue Coal Line Trail Terminus: Existing southern end of Coal Line Trail Lincoln Way - Wilber Street: Concentration of underutilized neighborhood-scale commercial structures Kennedy Kennedy AcademyAcademy South Bend South Bend Animal Resource Animal Resource CenterCenter City CemeteryCity CemeteryMLK CenterMLK Center St. Stanislaus St. Stanislaus ChurchChurch South Bend Fire South Bend Fire Station 4Station 4 Johnson StreetLongley Avenue Fredrickson Street Fremont StreetHousing: Large number of vacant lots in parts of the neighborhood that were historically redlined Industrial: Pocket of small-scale industrial uses Linden Avenue: Scattered commercial sites and civic amenities Meade StreetColfax AvenueIndustrial: Concentration of industrial uses Circle Avenue/West Washington Street: Street width contributes to higher vehicle speeds; awkward street alignment Lincoln Way West-Olive Street: Commercial/mixed use business node. Minor StreetMajor Street Former Railroad CorridorPark Landmark High Vacancy Area Bendix Drive: Underutilized parking lots for Honeywell Kennedy ParkKennedy Park Housing: Large number of vacant lots in parts of the neighborhood that were historically redlined Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 6 Neighborhood Background Top Row (left to right): St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Linden Avenue. Studebaker Street. Middle Row (left to right): Johnson Street, Frankie’s BBQ, Kennedy Park, Fire Station Number 4. Bottom Row (left to right): Kennedy Academy, Longley Avenue, Sancome Avenue, Mixed-use building on Olive Street. Neighborhood Character Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 7 40% 27% 31%$50,000 - $100,000 < $25,000 $25,000 - $50,000 $100,000 - $200,000 2% Average Household Income: $38,135 21%24%24%31% Number of Households: 1,105 Under 5 5-19 20-39 40-64 65+ 6% 33% 24% 25% 12% Median Age: 31.4 Years Old2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 4,000 6,000 8,000 7,000 5,000 3,000 7,378 2,9632,854 3,913 3,981 4,429 6,183 YearPopulation Two or More Races9% Other Race7% White20% Black62% 2,963 People Percentage of households within each household income range Average Household Size: 2.68 people All figures are from the 2020 Census and are based on Census Tracts 5 and 21, which approximate the Kennedy Park Neighborhood, unless otherwise noted. Neighborhood Data 15%Hispanic or Latino Source: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates. 1,317 Total Housing Units Renter Occupied558 Housing Units Vacant180 Housing Units Owner Occupied574 Housing Units Vacant14% Renter Occupied42% Owner Occupied44% Household IncomeHousing Race and Hispanic OriginPopulationAge Household Size Neighborhood Background Source: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates.Source: 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimates. Native American1% Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 8 Planning Process & Engagement Overview March - June AprilMarch 2021 Planning Process & Engagement Outreach Methods The City used a series of outreach methods throughout the planning process to encourage participation. These methods included mailings to over 3,500 residents and property owners, e-mail lists, press releases, water bill announcements, posters, yard signs, door hangers, presentations to neighborhood associations, and attendance at other community events. Together South Bend The City created an online engagement platform called Together South Bend that allowed residents to participate in the planning process from anywhere and at any time by using interactive mapping tools and surveys. Together South Bend mirrored the methods of collecting feedback traditionally seen at public meetings. The platform included an overview of the process and planning exercises about infrastructure, housing, open space, and quality of life topics, all available in both English and Spanish. Stakeholder Meetings The City’s Planning staff conducted over 13 virtual meetings with neighborhood stakeholders. Stakeholders included neighborhood associations, community and nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, businesses, developers, City departments, and City Council representatives. These conversations began to outline general themes and potential focus areas for the neighborhood plan. The City of South Bend developed this plan through a process that engaged residents, businesses, institutions, government agencies, and other neighborhood stakeholders. The planning process included online surveys, key stakeholder interviews, in-person and virtual workshops that gathered critical information about the Kennedy Park Neighborhood’s existing conditions, needs, and opportunities. This engagement provided the basis for this plan. During the planning process, the City provided updates to the neighborhood organization and Common Council. Kennedy Park Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 9 Planning Process & Engagement SOUTH BEN D P LAN COM M I S SI ON- ESTABLISHED 2 0 2 0 -SEAL October July 2022 August Visioning Workshop AdoptionPriorities Workshop Open House Two identical visioning workshops, each held in person and virtually, focused on understanding the neighborhood and its vision for the future. Participants were asked big-picture questions and completed exercises on topics such as housing, infrastructure, land use and building form, neighborhood amenities, and neighborhood specific issues. At the neighborhood priorities workshop, participants confirmed that the data gathered from the online engagement platform and the visioning workshops were complete and represented their ideas. The community was then asked to prioritize potential neighborhood initiatives. This helped prepare the framework and priorities outlined in this plan. After a draft neighborhood plan document was created, the City held an open house to present it to neighborhood stakeholders and ask for feedback. Following public hearings, the Plan Commission and Common Council adopted the Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. This Plan now serves as the City’s official policy for the area. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 10 What We Heard Following are the main ideas expressed during the public engagement process for the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. The items in bold were identified as priority projects at the public workshops. Calm traffic along the following streets: • Linden Avenue • Olive Street • Orange Street/ Colfax Avenue • Johnson Street • College Street Create consistent lighting of streets Repair curbs and sidewalks Add more protected and shared use trails Plant street trees where possible Repair and restore brick streets where possible Enhance connectivity to Kennedy Park green space Connect MLK Jr. Community Center to Coal Line Trail Improve MLK Jr. Center and Park Improve Kennedy Park Improve to City Cemetery Encourage development of neighborhood businesses Promote and build neighborhood identity Address food insecurity Address litter and illegal dumping in neighborhood Update zoning map to allow for wider variety of housing types Promote neighborhood scale (corner store) businesses on Linden Avenue Promote interim use of vacant lots as gardens or green spaces Promote and expand home repair program Preserve and expand affordable housing options Identify homes needing repair through code enforcement Promote development of infill housing on vacant lots Streets & Transportation Housing Built Form & Zoning Other Amenities What We Heard Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 11 Individuals complete the Priority Rating Exercise at one of the Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan Workshops. What We Heard Some of the input provided at the Priorities Workshop. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 12 The characteristics described below serve as the guiding principles for the development of the Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan. These principles were formed through the neighborhood planning process. Urban Attractive Healthy Equitable Sustainable12345 Neighborhood Planning Principles Kennedy Park.Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Neighborhood Planning Principles The neighborhood’s physical environment is thoughtfully managed to make it desirable, competitive, and vibrant. The neighborhood features well maintained buildings and properties, safe streets for all users, quality public spaces, and a memorable, unique identity. The neighborhood encourages an active lifestyle for residents and visitors, regardless of age or ability, through engaging open spaces and comfortable transportation options. Access to nutritious, fresh, and affordable food. The neighborhood is free of pollution that would notably impact its residents. The neighborhood’s housing accommodates the unique needs, desires, and income levels of all households. Historic disinvestment is addressed through zoning reform and increased private and public investment promoting recovery. The neighborhood fully uses its existing infrastructure, preserves and reuses structures of historical and/or architectural significance, implements sensible environmental policies, and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. The neighborhood is resilient, including by being prepared for the effects of climate change. The neighborhood is walkable, has a network of well-connected streets and blocks, and a variety of public spaces. It contains a range of housing types that draws people from all economic levels. Amenities such as stores, schools, healthcare, entertainment, parks, cultural institutions, and places of worship are within a convenient distance. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 13 Scale of Development This plan refers to low-, medium-, and high-density development. Below are illustrations of the scale of each for the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. Each scale of development incorporates and builds upon the scale below to help create a diversity of housing options. Low-Density Medium-Density High-Density Medium-density areas would include buildings of this scale, plus ones in the low-density category. High-density areas would include buildings of this scale, plus ones in the medium-density category. Scale of Development Olive MU Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 14 Neighborhood Plan The following is a list of Kennedy Park Neighborhood project ideas which may be pursued by the City, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector over the next 20 years. More information on the concepts listed below can be found on the following pages. Intersection Improvements Orange Street - Olive Street College Street - Orange Street Liston Street - Circle Avenue Colfax Avenue - Walnut Street LaPorte Avenue - Walnut Street Traffic Calming & Streetscape Improvements Bendix Drive Westmoor Street Olive Street Johnson Street College Street Birdsell Street Walnut Street LaPorte Avenue Orange Street/Colfax Avenue Linden Avenue Coal Line TrailExtension of the Coal Line Trail InfrastructureLinden Avenue Create a “Main Street” environment on Linden Avenue; complete streetscape improvements and provide pedestrian access to the City Cemetery per City Cemetery Master Plan; rehabilitate commercial facades on Linden Avenue; fill vacant and underutilized lots with medium-density residential, commercial, or mixed-use development. 7 5 College Gardens Explore creating a linear green space along west side of the future Coal Line Trail, including a westward connection to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. 6 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center & Park Enhance amenities at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center following a more detailed master plan process; renovate or build a new community center building promoting Linden Avenue as a “Main Street”; add features to the park grounds. 8 Infill Housing Fill vacant lots west of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center with low- to medium-density residential development. 1 Bendix Trail Create a shared use path along Bendix Drive; fill vacant lots and underutilized parking lots with low- to medium-density residential development or native vegetation and pollinator plants. 2 Kennedy Park Enhance amenities at park following a more detailed park master plan process; analyze reestablishing Meade Street and Longley Avenue through park and creating a dog park near the South Bend Animal Resource Center. 3 Lincoln Way West - Wilber Street Area Revitalize existing buildings per the West Side Main Streets Plan; redevelop underutilized lots for unique industrial/retail opportunities. 4 Coal Line Trail Extension Extend trail to Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, using College Street; extend to Washington Street in a future phase. Shared Use PathsBendix DriveOrange Street / Colfax Avenue Liston Street Realign Liston Street intersection with Washington Street; fill vacant and underutilized lots with medium-density residential development. 9 10 Orange Street - Colfax Avenue Complete streetscape improvements, including a shared use path connecting Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to Downtown. Promote Neighborhood Identity Opportunity for placemaking element such as cultural art at the end of Linden Avenue as well as neighborhood identification signage promoting neighborhood. 11 12 Grade Separation of Railroad Crossings Olive Street Meade Street 13 Circle Avenue Reconstruct historic alignment and include cultural placemaking element at the intersection of Washington Street and Circle Avenue. Circle AvenueReestablish alignment 14 City Cemetery Continue implementation of City Cemetery Master Plan. Walnut Street and Colfax Avenue Green Spaces Expand green space along west and south edges of the City Cemetery as properties become available. Reestablish Street ConnectionMeade Street Neighborhood Plan Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 15 12 6 8 7 1 2 5 4 9 11 13Orange Street Colfax Avenue Linden Avenue Westmoor Street LaPorte AvenueBendix DriveJohnson StreetOlive StreetBirdsell StreetCollege StreetLinco l n W a y W e s t Roger Street 10 14Walnut StreetMeade StreetWashington Street Fredrickson Street Fassnacht Avenue Medium Density Medium Density ResidentialResidential Low Density Low Density ResidentialResidential West S i d e M a i n S t r e e t s P l a n A r e a West S i d e M a i n S t r e e t s P l a n A r e a Medium Medium Density Density ResidentialResidential City CemeteryCity Cemetery Neighborhood Plan 3 13Meade Street Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 16 Neighborhood Plan Lincoln Way West - Wilber Street Area | Site 1 The area around Lincolnway West and Wilber Street can become a center for unique industrial/retail businesses. Grouped around public spaces and an extension of the Coal Line Trail, this revitalization should occur according to the principles of the West Side Main Streets Plan. A B C Current end of Coal Line Trail Plaza Industrial/maker space opportunities Linco l n W a y W e s t College StreetRupel Street Werwinski StreetBrookfield StreetL a P o r t e A v e n u e A D C B E D E Potential industrial infill Facade improvements per West Side Main Streets Plan Lincolnway West and Wilber Street Area concept. Kennedy Park | Sites 2, 3 Kennedy Park can be a cherished, amenity-rich place. The park can support a combination of active and passive uses within it, though the specific amenities would be determined through a public master planning process led by the South Bend Department of Venues, Parks, and Arts. A new water park can be constructed at the northwest corner, while a new dog park can be installed at the southwest corner near the South Bend Animal Resource Center. New paths can be built along Bendix Drive, around the park’s perimeter, connecting west to Longley Avenue, and through the wooded portion of the park. Near the park’s east edge, extensions of Meade Street at its north and south ends can provide better connectivity and ease traffic congestion around Kennedy Academy. A B C Bendix Drive shared use trail Low- to medium-density housing as market supports Improved trail network Kennedy Park concept. D E F Re-established street network grid to ease school traffic Linear pedestrian connection to park with pavilion Public dog park G Publicly accessible pool with pool house Westmoor Street Olive StreetBendix DriveMeade StreetA D C B F E G G Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 17 Neighborhood Plan Kennedy Park, looking northwest towards the water park. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 18 Neighborhood Plan College AvenueBrookfield StreetWilber StreetSibley Avenue Fassnacht Avenue Florence Avenue Longley Avenue Orange Street Linden Avenue C B Coal Line Trail / College Gardens concept for College Street. Coal Line Trail & College Gardens | Sites 4, 5 The center of the Kennedy Park neighborhood can feature a new bicycle/pedestrian trail and expanded green space. Starting at the Coal Line Trail’s existing southern end at Lincolnway West and Wilber Street, a shared use trail can be extended down College Street to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, then to Washington Street. Using existing vacant lots, a linear green space could be formed along the west side of the Coal Line Trail extension. This green space, which can include a westward connection to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, could be publicly or privately owned and include a combination of food and flower gardens, native vegetation and pollinator plants, and lawn for passive recreational uses. New residential structures of one to four units could be built overlooking the green space. A B C Coal Line Trail shared use path Linear Green Space New Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Building Coal Line Trail on College Street looking north. A Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 19 Neighborhood Plan Linden Avenue - MLK Center Area | Sites 6, 7, 8 By enhancing its “Main Street” environment, Linden Avenue can be reestablished as a center for the Kennedy Park neighborhood. Streetscape improvements can be made to calm traffic, improve pedestrian safety, upgrade lighting, and create a place that could host special events. A showpiece of Linden Avenue would be a new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and surrounding park space. Immediately across Linden Avenue could be new and renovated one- and two-story mixed-use buildings with businesses serving the neighborhood. Residential buildings can fill nearby vacant lots. Small apartment buildings or townhouses of 2-3 stories could be constructed immediately north of the King Center, while buildings of 1-4 units could be found west of it. A B CCommercial and residential infill along Linden Avenue Improve programming and facilities of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Linden Avenue & College Street. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center & Park and Linden Avenue concept. A C B Mixture of residential development as market demands Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 20 Neighborhood Plan The Circle Avenue area can be transformed to serve the needs of residents. Neighborhood-scale retail development, apartment buildings of 2-3 stories, and green space can fill the large vacant lot along Washington Street. Smaller residential dwellings can fill other vacant parcels to the north. Circle Avenue can be redesigned to calm traffic, better support pedestrian use, and provide access to industrial areas to the west. Property owners can work with governmental agencies to assess and address environmental conditions on brownfield sites. A monument or other cultural placemaking element could be placed at the intersection of Circle Avenue and Washington Street to terminate the view of Washington Street. Circle Avenue Area | Sites 9, 10 D C B A E I H G F Orange Street Washington StreetCollege StreetListon StreetCircle Avenue and 1500 Block of Washington Street concept. Circle Avenue looking northeast. A B C Realign Liston Street with Circle Avenue New industrial infill / expansion Placemaking opportunity D E F Retail / mixed-use space Parking in rear Apartment buildings G H I Park / open space Parking screened from street Low-density residential infill Birdsell StreetCircle AvenueWashington S t r e e t Listo n Str e et College Street Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 21 Neighborhood Plan Orange Street - Colfax Avenue | Site 11 The Orange Street - Colfax Avenue corridor can be transformed from a place for speeding cars to a comfortable, complete street. Streetscape improvements can narrow the pavement width to calm traffic and allow for the planting of street trees. A shared use path or protected bike lanes could be added to connect the Bendix Drive area to the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to downtown.City Cemetery Area | Sites 12, 13, 14 The City Cemetery area can continue to be strengthened as a neighborhood asset, including by fully implementing the City Cemetery Master Plan. As properties become available, green space can be expanded along the south and west edges of the cemetery. A placemaking element, such as cultural art, could be placed at the east end of Linden Avenue, also a potential spot for improved pedestrian access to City Cemetery. A B Placemaking element or cultural art Potential green space expansion area B A Linden Avenue and City Cemetery concepts. Orange Street/Colfax Avenue concept. A B Shared use path Improved crossings B A C C Narrowing of street Orange Street C o l f a x A v e n u eCollege StreetBirdsell StreetB La P o r t e A v e n u e Walnut StreetColfax Avenue Linden Avenue Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 22 Streets & Transportation Throughout the planning process, participants frequently noted the need to address the condition of streets, alleys, sidewalks, and lighting within the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. As these types of infrastructure improvements are important to every neighborhood in South Bend, they should be addressed on a citywide scale according to condition, funding, and current priorities. Yet, this plan does identify places to receive improvements beyond general maintenance. The project list that follows was developed based on input gathered at neighborhood workshops, from 311 calls to the City of South Bend, and planning and engineering considerations. Changes to streets in the Kennedy Park Neighborhood should be improved in accordance with South Bend’s Complete Streets policy. The use of streets by people on foot and bicycle is prioritized over high-speed vehicle travel. Street improvements should support the use of the Transpo bus system, including by improving the comfort of bus stops. Streetscape Improvements & Traffic Calming Intersection improvements are projects to improve safety, often by reducing excessive pavement widths and enhancing pedestrian crossings. Priority Areas During the planning process, participants were asked a series of questions about streets, bicycle infrastructure, and other infrastructure topics. Intersection Improvements Westmoor Street Johnson Street Birdsell Street LaPorte Avenue Priority Areas Traffic Calming Bendix Drive Olive Street College Street Walnut Street Orange Street/Colfax Avenue Linden Avenue Circle Avenue Meade Street Priority Areas Streetscape Improvements Orange Street - Olive Street College Street - Orange Street Liston Street - Circle Avenue Colfax Avenue - Walnut Street LaPorte Avenue - Walnut Street Streets & Transportation stated improved lighting would encourage them to walk more. stated improved sidewalks would encourage them to walk more. Streetscape improvements are large-scale projects that may: • have significant traffic and aesthetic impacts; • include changes to street pavement width, the full replacement of driveway approaches, curbs, and sidewalks; • upgrade street trees and lighting; and • include traffic calming elements. 62%71% Traffic calming involves small-scale interventions to alter the physical design of a street to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 23 Streets & Transportation Washington Street Orange Street / Colfax Avenue Westmoor Street Linco l n W a y W e s t La P o r t e A v e n u eOlive Street College StreetWalnut StreetLinden AvenueBendix DriveJohnson StreetMeade StreetBirdsell StreetRoger Street Fredrickson Street Fassnacht Avenue College Street looking north. Bendix Drive looking north. Streetscape Improvements Intersection Improvements Traffic Calming Streets Map Key Map showing infrastructure improvements. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 24 Streets & Transportation Bicycle Infrastructure Following is a list of bicycle-related projects, including shared bicycle-pedestrian paths, proposed for the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. Shared Use Path (Trail) Bendix Drive Orange Street / Colfax Avenue Coal Line Trail / College Street Washington Street Circle Drive Westmoor Street - Orange Street Bendix Drive - LaSalle Avenue Lincolnway - Washington Street Circle Avenue - Walnut Street College Street - Washington Street Route Extent Shared On-Street Route Extent Olive Street Lincolnway - Railroad Tracks stated designated bicycle infrastructure would encourage them to bike more. During the planning process, participants were asked a series of questions about bicycle infrastructure. stated improved lighting would encourage them to bike more. stated improved crossings would encourage them to bike more. Walk Score55 Bike Score90 Source: Walkscore.com; Score at the center of Kennedy Park on Longley Avenue. Walk Score & Bike Score 62%57%57% Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 25 Streets & Transportation Shared Use Path Protected Bike Lane Bike Lane Off-street facility shared by people on foot and bicycles Designated lane for bicyclists within the street normally marked with a painted line and cyclist symbol. Washington Street Orange Street / Colfax Avenue Westmoor Street Linco l n W a y W e s t La P o r t e A v e n u eOlive Street College StreetWalnut StreetLinden AvenueBendix DriveJohnson StreetBirdsell StreetRoger Street Fredrickson Street Fassnacht AvenueCoal Line TrailShared Use Path (Trail) Protected Bike Lane Bike Lane Shared On-Street Shared Use Path (Trail) Protected Bike Lane Bike Lane Shared On-StreetExistingProposedStreets Map Key Facility separated from motor vehicle traffic by a curb, planter, or other physical barriers for the exclusive use of people on bicycles Map showing bicycle infrastructure improvements. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 26 Housing Housing For much of the Kennedy Park neighborhood, the cost of constructing new housing is greater than the appraised value of the property once it is completed. This financial gap is a barrier to the financing and construction of new housing, especially market-rate units, in the area. Several tactics can be employed to help close the gap. Multi-unit housing can usually be built at a lower cost per unit than detached houses. Additionally, pre-approved building plans for residential structures, a detached accessory dwelling unit revolving loan fund, grants to replace sewer and water laterals, low-cost land through land banks, housing cooperatives, and building adjacent to stronger market areas are among the potential ways to make new construction of attainable housing units possible. Housing providers, both for-profit and nonprofit, can use tax credits, government grants, and other financing tools to rehabilitate or build new housing units for lower-income households. Market Challenges A range of housing strategies will help ensure the Kennedy Park Neighborhood as a successful, diverse, mixed-income area. Missing Middle A mix of housing types and price points can mean that housing is available for people of all means. One way to support this mix is through “missing middle” housing. Missing middle housing is a range of house-scale buildings with multiple units — compatible in scale and form with detached single-family houses — located in a walkable neighborhood. This housing is called “missing” because zoning regulations had made it difficult or impossible to build over the last half- century and “middle” because it sits in the middle of a spectrum between detached single-family houses and mid-rise to high-rise apartment buildings, in terms of form, scale, number of units, and often, affordability. Often seen in South Bend in the form of duplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings, missing middle housing was part of the historic development of portions of the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. Many of these types can still offer opportunities for ownership and for the amenities that can be found in detached houses or in large apartment buildings. The South Bend Zoning Ordinance has been reformed to promote missing middle housing, but changes to the zoning map for the neighborhood can further encourage these units. Housing repair assistance can allow neighborhood residents to stay in their homes as they age. Code Enforcement can ensure that houses and their yards are kept in acceptable condition; in particular, the City’s Rental Safety Verification Program Code can assure a level of quality for rental housing units. Housing Repair and Quality Vacant lots on Fassnacht Avenue looking southwest. 88% of respondents stated that home repairs are the greatest housing need in Kennedy Park. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 27 Housing While new housing can be constructed throughout the neighborhood, focusing infill housing on a targeted geography can maximize the impact of new construction. Based on market conditions and input received during the neighborhood planning workshops, infill housing should be targeted in the areas close to neighborhood amenities, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Kennedy Academy, Kennedy Park, and City Cemetery. Areas of Priority Washington Street Orange Street / Colfax Avenue Westmoor Street Linco l n W a y W e s t La P o r t e A v e n u eOlive Street College StreetWalnut StreetLinden AvenueBendix DriveJohnson StreetWilber StreetRoger Street Fredrickson Street Fassnacht AvenueCoal Line TrailHousing Priority Areas Neighborhood Boundary Housing Priority AreasNeighborhood Amenities Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 28 Preserve Historic Character Preserve Historic Character The Kennedy Park Neighborhood has structures that reflect its diverse cultural history and various architectural building styles. To maintain the unique characteristics of the neighborhood, the following actions are recommended: • Preserve the historic character of individually designated local landmarks and other historic structures. • Use financial incentives of National Register designation to complete building rehabilitations. • Preserve the historic character of the City Cemetery. National Register Historic District Locally designated historic structures / sites Indiana Glass Bottling Building on College Avenue. Kennedy Park Neighborhood showing national landmarks and local landmarks. Neighborhood boundary Preserve Historic Character Key W OAK ST W LINDSEY AVEN ADAMS STW VAN BUREN ST N WALNUT STN ST. PAUL PLW VASSAR AVE SCHERRYSTN JOHNSON STN FREMONT STW CALIFORNIA AVE W COLFAX AVE NLAPORTEAVEN OLIVE STN O'BRIEN STW LINDEN AVE W HINE ST S WALNUT STN GRANT STN SHERMAN AVEN ELMER STS MAPLE STN ALLEN STN BLAINE AVEN WILBER STN CLEVELAND AVEN DIAMOND AVEN HUEY STN LAWNDALE AVEW BO N D S A V E N BROOKFIELD STW ORANGE STN ELLIOTT STN ECLIPSE PLN BIRDSELL STW SMITH ST W LISTON ST N MEADE STN MEADE STN KALEY STNO'BRIENSTN COLLEGE STW LASALLECONN GOODLAND AVEW PRAST BLVD W BERTRAND ST W LAWTON ST N ELM STW HOLLAND ST W FLORENCE ST W NEWCOME ST N SADIE STW LONGLEY AVE W RUPEL ST W KENWOOD AVE S CHESTNUT STW FREDERICKSON ST W ROGER ST N STUDEBAKER STW FASSNACHT ST W HARTZER ST N EUCLID AVEW SIBLEY ST W PARALLEL ST W WERWINSKI ST N ADAMS STW GREENE ST N SANCOME AVEW JEFFERSON BLVD WLINDENAVE W LONGLEYAVE W BIR N E R S T S IOWA STS CAMDEN STS DUNDEE STS LIBERTY STS BENDIX DRWCIRCLEAVES GRANT STS OLIVE STN PAGIN STNationally designated historic structures Ort House Adele Domke House O’Brien Priming Station Bottling House Alward House City Cemetery Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 29 Sustainability Sustainability Green Infrastructure • Allow an appropriate mixing of land uses to reduce the amount of travel required. • Add new bike lanes and improve walkability to allow more people to safely bike and walk, reducing vehicle-related emissions. • Increase the number of trees planted to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by lowering the energy needed to heat or cool a building. • Plant street trees to help extend the useful life of street pavement due to increased shading of pavement. Green infrastructure plays a central role in improving air, soil, and water quality, by reducing energy use in buildings, supporting the capturing and use of carbon, and improving stormwater filtration. • Rehabilitate existing structures to reduce carbon emissions and construction waste. • Reuse materials or select lower-carbon building materials when constructing new housing. • Reduce paved surfaces in the neighborhood to help lower stormwater run off, improve water quality, and reduce vulnerability to the urban heat island effect. • Seek to have water be absorbed where it falls instead of transferred off site for processing. South Bend is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, and each neighborhood has a role to play in reducing the community’s emissions. The projects put forward in the Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan support the City’s sustainability goals related to green infrastructure, built environment, and clean transportation. Built Environment Transportation Transportation represents one of the largest sources of emissions in our community, so making biking, walking, transit, and other forms of shared mobility more accessible to residents is critical. Reducing energy use in South Bend will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. • Encourage urban residential infill and the use of existing public utilities and infrastructure to reduce the need to extend services into rural areas. • Promote the use of solar panels for energy generation. • Construct shared use paths, which put less stress on the existing street infrastructure, ultimately reducing the frequency of street repair. • Promote public transportation, which compared to driving alone, reduces emissions and improves air quality. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 30 Built Form & Zoning Built Form & Zoning The S1 Suburban Neighborhood 1 District primarily supports single-unit residential development on larger lots with deep setbacks. The U1 Urban Neighborhood 1 District supports mostly single-unit detached dwellings, but well designed duplexes would also be appropriate. The U1 District features modest building setbacks and inviting frontages, such as porches and stoops. The S2 District supports a full range of housing types placed on large lots with deep setbacks. Overview The built form of the Kennedy Park Neighborhood is guided by the South Bend Zoning Ordinance, including its zoning map. The ordinance is a local law that governs the physical development of property, both the form and scale of buildings and the specific use of land. The future zoning map within this section proposes how each lot within the Kennedy Park Neighborhood should be zoned following adoption of this plan. Over time, property within the neighborhood should be allowed to proceed gradually to the next increment of development. Combined with the regulations found within the South Bend Zoning Ordinance, the aim of the future zoning map is to maintain and enhance the Kennedy Park Neighborhood’s pedestrian-oriented, urban environment. Vehicle access, parking, and garages should be from alleys when present. Vacating of alleys is discouraged as it hinders redevelopment of vacant lots. Drive-throughs are discouraged, and if they are present, they should be designed not to be visible from the street. New commercial development should occur according to the standards of the NC Neighborhood Center District. As properties are developed or reused, nonconforming conditions should be brought into conformance with the proposed zoning district shown, including landscaping, parking, lighting, and building standards. This plan seeks to allow a greater quantity and diversity in housing units; doing so will permit people to find housing within the neighborhood that meets their price and lifestyle needs. Ancillary dwelling units, such as garage apartments or backyard cottages, are encouraged for the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. The South Bend zoning map divides the city into twelve zoning districts. Seven of these districts are proposed for the Kennedy Park Neighborhood: U1, U2, U3, UF, NC, OS, and I. Suburban Neighborhood 1S1 Suburban Neighborhood 2S2 Urban Neighborhood 1U1 Where It Is Appropriate Due to its suburban nature, the S1 District is not appropriate anywhere in the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. Due to its suburban nature, the S2 District is not appropriate anywhere in the Kennedy Park Side Neighborhood. The U1 District is well suited for the area west of College Street. This plan would support special exceptions for new construction duplexes. Intent Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 31 The DT Downtown District supports the development of South Bend’s core into a high- intensity, mixed use urban area. The NC Neighborhood Center District supports higher intensity, mixed-use urban centers, often near the intersection of major streets. Buildings usually have small or no setbacks and can be up to four stories. In addition to having higher concentrations of housing units, these areas typically serve as the commercial centers for their neighborhood. The UF Urban Flex District supports a full range of housing types, together with limited small-scale commercial uses. Buildings typically have small setbacks and are two to four stories. The U3 Urban Neighborhood 3 District supports a full range of housing types, from single-unit dwellings to large multi-unit buildings, placed at small setbacks. Buildings in the U3 District may be built up to four stories in height. The U2 Urban Neighborhood 2 District provides for primarily detached houses and duplexes, but it allows for neighborhood-scale buildings of up to four units. Buildings have modest setbacks and inviting frontages, such as porches and stoops. Urban Neighborhood 2U2 Urban Neighborhood 3U3 Urban Neighborhood FlexUF Neighborhood CenterNC DowntownDT The DT District would not apply to any properties in the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. The area east of College Street and the area south of Linden Avenue are appropriate for the U2 District. The plan would support rezoning properties within the U1 District to the U2 District for sensitively designed buildings of up to four units built at a scale compatible with surrounding residential properties. Some scattered areas along Lincolnway West and Washington Street are well suited for the U3 District. Additional properties along intersections or major streets may be appropriate for U3 if limited to 6 units and 2.5 stories. The UF District is appropriate for scattered locations to support small-scale services and retail, especially at intersections. The NC District is well suited for areas along Lincolnway West near Wilber and Olive Streets, along Linden Avenue east of College Street, and at scattered locations along Olive Street. Lincolnway West should develop according to the nodal pattern proposed in the West Side Main Streets Plan. Built Form & Zoning Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 32 Open SpaceOS UniversityU CommercialC IndustrialI Intent The C Commercial District supports medium- to high-intensity commercial uses that are auto-oriented and found in suburban locations. The I Industrial District supports medium- to high-intensity industrial uses, typically grouped along highways and major streets and separated from residential uses. The U University District supports the development of university campuses. The OS Open Space District supports the development of public parks and other open spaces. Where It Is Appropriate Because of its suburban, automobile- oriented nature, the C District would not be inappropriate anywhere in the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. The OS District includes Kennedy Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center property, and the City Cemetery. Lots adjacent to City Cemetery along Walnut Street and Colfax Avenue can be incorporated into the OS District as appropriate. The U District is not currently proposed for the Kennedy Park Neighborhood. The I District is appropriate for existing industrial areas located along the southern edge of the neighborhood and areas near College and Rupel Streets. Over time these properties could be adapted to more sensitive land uses. If not changed to other districts over time, any further development in the I District should be sensitive to surrounding land uses. Built Form & Zoning Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 33 Built Form & Zoning ALLEN STN BLAINE AVE CLEVELAND AVE DIAMOND AVE OAK ST ADAMS ST COLLEGE ST WILBER ST BROOKFIELD ST JOHNSON STO'BRIEN ST ELMER ST HUEY ST OLIVE ST FREMONT ST WALNUT STKALEY ST ECLIPSE PLLINC O L N W A Y W E S T CHERRYST FREMONT ST ELLIOTT ST CHESTNUT STLAPORTEAVE VASSAR AVE CLEVELANDAVE LINDEN AVE HINE ST WALNUT ST MAPLE STCOLFAX AVE WASHINGTON ST GRANT ST WESTMOOR ST LAWNDALE AVE BON D S A V E GOODLAND AVE ORANGE ST ARDMORE TRL LINDSEY AVE BIRDSELL ST LAUREL ST VAN BUREN ST SMITH ST LISTON ST CALIFORNIA AVE MEADESTALLENST KALEY ST WASHINGTON ST KALEY STO'BRIENST SHERMAN AVE HUEY ST COLLEGE STMEADESTLASALLECON PRAST BLVD HUMBOLDT ST BERTRAND ST CALIFORNIA AVE WLAWTON ST FREDERICKSON ST ELM STJEFFERSON BLVD FLORENCE ST SADIE ST LONGLEY AVE RUPEL ST KENWOOD AVE IOWA ST THOMAS ST FREDERICKSON ST ROGER ST STUDEBAKER STW FASSNACHT STNECLIPSE PL HARTZER ST EUCLID AVE SIBLEY ST PARALLEL ST WERWINSKI ST W GREENE ST HARRISON AVE IOWA ST KENTUCKY ST SANCOME AVESDUNDEE ST OLIVE ST LIBERTY ST CAMDEN ST BENDIX DR MEADE STBENDIXDRW BERTRANDST O'BRIEN ST JEFFERSON BLVD LINDEN AVE LONGLEYAVE LINDEN AVE GRANT ST PAGIN ST ROGER ST U1: Urban Neighborhood 1 U2: Urban Neighborhood 2 U3: Urban Neighborhood 3 UF: Urban Flex NC: Neighborhood Center OS: Open Space I: Industrial Proposed Zoning Map for Kennedy Park Neighborhood. Zoning Districts Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 34 Built Form & Zoning Carriage House Detached House Cottage Court Duplex S1 S2 U1 U2 U3 UF NC DT Suburban Neighborhood 1 Suburban Neighborhood 2 Urban Neighborhood 1 Urban Neighborhood 2 Urban Neighborhood 3 Urban Neighborhood Flex Neighborhood Center Downtown The table on the following pages illustrates the character of different building types and shows in which zoning districts they are permitted. Building types do not apply to the OS, U, C, or I zoning districts, Building Types Cottage court photos (top to bottom): michaelwatkinsarchitect.com kerneyhomes.com cottagecourt.com S1S2U1 U2UFS1S1S2S2S2U1U2U2U2 U3U3U3U3 UFUFUFNCU1 Zoning Districts Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 35 Built Form & Zoning Townhouse Apartment House Stacked Flats Shop Mid-Rise / Tower U3 NC DTS2S2S2U2U2U3U3UFUFUFUFNCNCNCDTDTDTDT Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 36 Implementation Implementation 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Bendix Drive: Complete streetscape improvements including a shared use path on the east side of the street. College Street: Complete streetscape improvements including a shared use path on the west side of the street. Orange Street - Colfax Avenue: Complete streetscape improvements including a shared use path on the north side of the street. Linden Avenue: Complete streetscape improvements including widened sidewalks and a placemaking terminus on the east end of the street. Action 1-5 Years 5-10 Years 10+ Years Timeline City Partner Key PartnersLead Responsibility 1.6 1.7 Street Trees: Plant street trees where possible. Strategy 1: Complete neighborhood infrastructure improvements. This plan outlines potential projects and activities to occur in the neighborhood over the next 20 years. Major projects, especially those to be undertaken in the next 10 years, are highlighted in the implementation matrix below. 1.8 Olive Street: Complete streetscape improvements on Olive Street. 1.9 Walnut Street: Complete streetscape improvements on Walnut Street. 1.10 Meade Street: Add street connections to improve traffic circulation. Washington Street and Circle Avenue: Complete intersection improvements including shared use path. Promote Infrastructure Programs: Promote existing curb & sidewalk replacement program to assist with the cost of replacement. Property OwnersInfrastructure Maintenance: Complete regular maintenance on streets and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.1.11 Kennedy Park Neighborhood Association, Residents, Property Owners Traffic Calming: Complete high priority traffic calming on neighborhood streets.1.12 Residents, Property Owners Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 37 Implementation 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center: Complete facility and programming improvements following a park master planning process. City Cemetery: Implement City Cemetery Master Plan. College Gardens: Re-use vacant lots west of College Street for green space. Action 1-5 Years 5-10 Years 10+ Years Timeline City Partner Key PartnersLead Responsibility Strategy 2: Improve park spaces and access. Kennedy Park: Complete park improvements, including recreation trails, following a park master planning process. Action 1-5 Years 5-10 Years 10+ Years Timeline City Partner Key PartnersLead Responsibility Strategy 3: Develop and preserve housing in the neighborhood. Develop Housing: Support the production of a range of housing types including new construction and rehabilitation of market rate and affordable units for owner and rental housing. 3.1 Zoning: Update neighborhood zoning map.3.2 3.3 Developers, Local Nonprofit Housing Providers, City of South Bend Tools: Explore mechanisms that can assist with the financial gap that impacts housing development.3.4 Home Repair: Ensure housing is well maintained by offering owner-occupied housing repair assistance and using code enforcement tools as necessary. Property Owners, City of South Bend Kennedy Park Neighborhood Association Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 38 Implementation Action 1-5 Years 5-10 Years 10+ Years Timeline City Partner Key PartnersLead Responsibility Capacity Building: Build neighborhood capacity through engagement of all neighborhood residents.4.1 Neighborhood Events: Hold neighborhood events including celebrations of the neighborhood.4.2 4.3 Strategy 4: Develop sense of community through neighborhood engagement. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Association Kennedy Park Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Institutions Communication: Develop and maintain communication with neighbors including residents of rental housing.Kennedy Park Neighborhood Association 4.4 Relationships: Foster relationships among the City, neighborhood institutions, and the neighborhood organization. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Institutions Strategy 5: Address underutilized properties in the neighborhood. 5.1 5.2 5.3 Action Timeline City Partner Lead Responsibility Kennedy Park Neighborhood Association, Property Owners Facade Grants: Promote facade improvement program for Linden Avenue and Lincoln Way West properties.5.4 1-5 Years 5-10Years 10+ YearsPotential Partners City-Owned Lots: Promote the reuse of city-owned properties. Industrial Lots: Investigate ways to reuse industrial properties.Property Owners Interim Use: Find creative ways, including community gardens, to utilize vacant lots in the short term with ability to develop housing as market demands in the long term. Property Owners, Kennedy Park Neighborhood Institutions Brownfield: Work with federal, state, regional, and local governments to connect property owners with resources to assess and remediate brownfield sites.5.5 EPA, IDEM, MACOG, St. Joseph County, Property Owners Kennedy Park Neighborhood Plan 39 Implementation Action Timeline City Partner Lead Responsibility 6.1 Problem Properties: Utilize the Chronic Problem Properties regulations to reduce the negative impact of problem properties on the neighborhood. 6.2 6.3 Strategy 6: Increase feeling of neighborhood safety. Kennedy Park Neighborhood Association Kennedy Park Neighborhood AssociationCrime Stats Meeting: Attend Police monthly crime information meetings and report back to neighborhood. Property Owners 1-5 Years 5-10Years 10+ YearsPotential Partners Street Lighting: Improve level of street lighting and trim trees that block street lights.