Near-Northwest-Neighborhood-Plan-Final-Strategic-Plan-2019

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24 Leeper Park Traffic Calming Leeper Park is a neighborhood asset that attracts many people from the neighborhood and broader community. The improvements occurring in 2019 & 2020 will invite people to engage with the park in new ways – with increased walking paths through and around the park, an updated playground, and a new river overlook. Leeper Park is unique in that it is has streets within it, dividing the park into three distinct sections. The increased use brings greater attention to the need to slow traffic down, improve the user experience, and improve the connection between the different sec- tions. Improvements at the Lafayette Boulevard and Riverside Drive intersection will incorporate traffic calming measures to slow traffic – including reduc- ing the crossing distance across Lafayette Blvd. and reducing pavement width along Riverside Drive. In addition, as part of the new river overlook improve- ment there will be a raised intersection at Riverside Drive and the sidewalks at the overlook, this will help slow traffic and improve the pedestrian connection to the river. Although Michigan Street at Leeper Park is owned by the State of Indiana, the City is exploring opportunities to create a safe pedestrian and bike connection across it. California Avenue Connectivity Given the unique nature of the neighborhood’s street pattern, California Avenue (changing to Riverside Drive to the east) is the only east/west connection that extends through the entire neighborhood. Given its importance as an east/west connector, opportuni- ties should be taken to reinforce the street as part of the bike and pedestrian network. This could include a variety of approaches, as appropriate based on location, such as: connection with the Coal Line Trail, improved street crossings, adequate tree coverage, and sidewalk improvements. Bike & Pedestrian Connectivity with the Broader City While it is important for neighbors to be able to easily move around the neighborhood, it is also important for them to be able to access the broader communi- ty – whether to commute to work, to visit friends, run errands, or for leisure and exercise. Opportunities to provide connections to the broader region through the trail network, bike network, and bus routes should be taken, including connection points to the Coal Line Trail, Riverside Trail, and the East Bank Trail. Riverside Trail Network Connection Following the construction of Riverside Trail, north of Angela Blvd., the gap in the trail network along Riverside Drive has been apparent. Due to the limited right-of-way and space in the stretch between Leland and Hudson Avenues a traditional trail connection is not viable. However, in exploring the challenge there may be alternate approaches which could provide an improved level of connectivity. Approaches could include providing some enhancements to the seg- ment such as a separated path where able, safe street crossings, and clear connection points for those wish- ing to use the trail network. A preliminary concept has been developed (see next page) but will need further exploration to make a final decision on the path for- ward. Riverside Drive Traffic Calming There is a recognition of traffic concerns along Riv- erside Drive. Recently, the city installed a temporary traffic circle at Hudson Avenue to test and adjust the concept prior to a permanent installation. It is antici- pated that a final design and permanent solution will be installed in 2020/2021. Another location of concern is the intersection of California Ave., Leland Ave., and Riverside Drive. The City also used a temporary traffic control installation in this location in order to test possible solutions to improve the intersection. Additional options for intersection modification continue to be explored. The goal of any improvements would be to clarify the appropriate movements for intersection users and help reduce pavement. In addition, there are concerns about slowing traf- fic along Riverside Drive between Angela Blvd. and Michigan Street. Work in Leeper Park as well as trail network connection work should explore opportuni- ties to assist with slowing traffic in the area. W V A S S A R A V E W C A L I F O R N I A A V ENLAWNDALEAVENDIAMONDAVE NCLEVELANDAVENBLAINEAVEMuessel School Muessel Grove Park Coal Line TrailConnection between Muessel Grove Park and Muessel School along Vassar Ave. East / West connection across Near Northwest Neighborhood (Coal Line Trail to Riverside Dr.) Implement traffic calming measures at intersection for safe access to Muessel School by students and faculty. Improve connection between the parking lot and school entrance. California Ave. access point to the Coal Line Trail. Implement traffic calming measures along streets for safety of pedestrians and vehicles. Implement traffic calming measures at intersection for safe access to Muessel Grove Park and the Coal Line Trail. Repair / replace sidewalk and pedestrian ramps for improved connection along Vassar Ave. Muessel Elementary School connectivity and circulation improvements overview NORTH