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71 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Mt. Airy USA Stakeholder Interviews Elizabeth Moselle, Th e Avenue Project - Program Manager, Project Lead Tyson Boles, Germantown Avenue Homeowner Cicely Peterson-Mangum, Th e Avenue Project - Director David Fellner, Commercial Property-Owner Farah Jimenez, Executive Director Sheila Green, Germantown Avenue Business-Owner John Kahler & Th eresa Youngblut, Lutheran Th eological Seminary Steering Committee La-Shainnia Peaker & Paul Sachs, Northwest Human Services Phillip Seitz, Cliveden of the National Trust Jennifer Barr, Philadelphia City Planning Commission Mary Small, Sacred Heart Manor Susan Bushu, Commercial Property-Owner Marilyn Wells, Century 21 Wells Real Estate Jocie Dye,* Infusion Coff ee & Tea Gallery David Fellner,* Commercial Property-Owner Brenda Foster,* Au Revoir Travel Consultant Team Elan Gepner, Building Blocks, Germantown Community Th eater Project Brown & Keener Bressi, Lead Consultant Andrew Gerson,* Building Blocks, Germantown Community Th eater Project Lager Raabe Skaft e Landscape Architects Judie Gilmore, Mural Arts Program Pennoni Associates Inc. Jason Huber,* Infusion Coff ee & Tea Gallery Cloud Gehshan Associates Carolyn Johnson* Yvonne McCalla, Mt. Airy USA & Freelance Artist Additional Acknowledgements Dan Muroff ,* Mt. Airy USA Board Member & EMAN President Steven Preiss,* Steven Preiss Design We are grateful to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) for Kurt Raymond,* CICADA Architects awarding us with the funding and dedicated staff support that made the successful David Schaaf,* Philadelphia City Planning Commission development of this plan possible. Our deepest appreciation is extended to Carolyn Wallis, Nicole Seitz, Society Created to Reduce Urban Blight (S.C.R.U.B.) formerly of the PA Environmental Council and Patrick Starr of the PA Environmental Shirley Simmons, Mayor’s Business Action Team (MBAT) Council who, thanks to the William Penn Foundation, developed the original concept Lisa Salley,* Heritage Capital and proposal for this project. Many thanks to Mary Tracy & Nicole Seitz (S.C.R.U.B.), Nicole Tomassi, Northwest Artists Collective, Philadelphia Open Studios Tour Judie Gilmore (Mural Arts Program), Jennifer Barr (Planning Commission), Susan Bushu Carolene Wood,* Jones Beauty Supply (commercial property owner), David Fellner (local resident and commercial property Julie Zahn,* Northwest Artists Collective, Philadelphia Open Studios Tour owner), and Morrie Zimmerman (architect & local resident) for the countless hours they dedicated to reviewing and scoring proposal submissions and interviewing consultants.
* denotes resident of Mt. Airy
2
Mt. Airy Germantown Ave Germantown PHILADELPHIA will be investing be will more than $3million into Avenue. the Councilwoman Miller, Donna Reed and City the of Philadelphia Commerce Department, Mt. USA Airy Pennsylvaniathe Department of Transportation, Delaware the Valley Regional Planning Commission, Cresheim Valley Road.ThCongressman anks to Chaka Fattah,the DepartmentU.S. of Transportation, ofa series improvements to physical the infrastructure of Avenue the Washington between and Lane supports and enhances Germantown Avenue’s recent resurgence. Th eplan the lays groundwork for Th ePlacemaking &Streetscape Mt. Airy ImprovementPlan—TAP’s latestrevitalizationlocal ort— eff commercialthe district. daily cleaning program inNovember 2007and continues to roll out additional programming to benefit Business Improvement (MABID). Offi District sanctionedcially in May MABID 2007,the initiated a and immediately the surrounding side streets. TAP eff the spearheaded also ort to create Mt. the Airy Avenue.the In past inthe two years, fact, businesses 25new have opened up along Germantown Avenue which increased business at Mt. establishments Airy and helped attract businesses new to locate along retail promotions such as First Friday. In 2006,it published the grants, designand technical assistance and—together with Mt. the Business Association—special Airy and commercial property owners, including business recruitment, marketing, façadeimprovement (TAP). Th rough TAP, been USA ablehas to Mt. offAiry merchantswide rangeer a to local services of role recent inthe renaissance through its comprehensive revitalization program, Th e Avenue Project works to foster development that is responsive to Mt. the community’s Airy has needs, played apivotal andgalleries, community events. Mt. USA,anon-profi Airy t community development corporation that years, pastthe several Germantown Avenue inMt. has come alive Airy stores, with new restaurants, tostarted emerge into avibrant, retail and eclectic dining destination and point. acivic focal Over For residents the of Mt. the neighborhood, located inNorthwest Airy Philadelphia, Avenue the has day-to-day shopping street, as well to as link their other of parts Philadelphia and region. the fi documentary well as several lms. For many Philadelphians, Germantown Avenue as main, their serves G the mostthe affluent. Th e Avenue famousalso is for its historic Belgian blocks buildings, its northwestern boundary, connecting poorest the urban neighborhoods to some of slices through adiverse cross-section of neighborhoods from Philadelphia’s center to ermantown Avenue is one of Philadelphia’s most storied thoroughfares. Th e Avenue and trolley tracks. It subject the of has been many articles media and photo essays—as Mt. Airy Restaurant and Retail Guide Introduction ,
3 Introduction Mt. Airy Placemaking & Streetscape Improvement Plan
During the past year, Mt. Airy USA and a team of consultants—guided by a Steering Committee comprised of local residents, property owners, local non-profi ts, and City offi cials—have worked on this project. Th is plan represents a long-term master plan for improving Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy, as well as a strategic blueprint for allocating the initial $3.78 million in funding that Mt. Airy USA has already received from City, State, and Federal sources to plan for and make improvements to the Avenue. For more details on the funding currently allocated for this eff ort, its sources, and its potential uses, please refer to the table on the next page.
Th is plan has four main components:
Th e Cresheim Cottage, the fi rst house built along Germantown STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS. To plan for and prioritize improvements to the Avenue’s streetscape, Avenue (in 1748), is one of many beautiful and historic buildings including sidewalks, street lights, trees, and furnishings such as bike racks, benches, trash receptacles, on the Avenue in the Mt. Airy neighborhood. and bus shelters.
SPECIAL PROJECTS. To imagine, conceptualize, and set paramaters for creative projects that will enhance the appearance, identity, and quality-of-life along Germantown Avenue and in Mt. Airy.
MOBILITY & TRAFFIC. To identify and devise solutions to the vehicular and pedestrian circulation problems along the Avenue in order to make the Avenue more safe and appealing.
NAVIGATION & WAYFINDING. To devise a new sign system to help people navigate to Mt. Airy and its major attractions and institutions, including the Germantown Avenue Business District and SEPTA Regional Rail stations. Th e Belgian blocks and trolley tracks are among the characteristic features of Germantown Avenue
Placemaking Placemaking is a process of rethinking and redesigning places to make them more interesting, more attractive, more lively, more identifi able, and more compatible with the people who use them. Placemaking can have civic objectives, such as to create new public open spaces for residents to enjoy, as well as economic objectives, such as attracting more customers for local businesses. “Placemaking” is the theme that unifi es the four components of this plan. Th e fi rst major section of this plan is devoted to the topic of placemaking in Mt. Airy.
4 Neighborhood Transformation Initiative (NTI)/ Transportation &CommunityDevelopment ReStore PhiladelphiaCorridors SAFE-TEA LU Appropriation Hometown Streets FUNDING SOURCE Initiative (TCDI) Capital Budget Capital 2005 2007 2005 2005 2005 YEAR Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission U.S. Department of U.S. Department City ofPhiladelphia City ofPhiladelphia Transportation TOTAL FUNDING= PennDOT SOURCE (DVRPC) $3,881,000 $1,850,000 $936,000 $500,000 $500,000 AMOUNT $95,000 up to Washington Lane and Cresheim Valley Road. Th e planning area for this project Germantown is Avenue between Implementation ofstreetscape improvements remediation services Design, engineering,andenvironmental Streetscape Improvement Plan) Placemaking& Conceptual planning(Mt.Airy Flexible streetscape improvement dollars Implementation ofstreetscape improvements ALLOWABLE USES
5 Introduction Community Engagement Engaging the Mt. Airy community has been a vital part of the planning process, from start to fi nish. Th e following represents the various ways Mt. Airy USA and the consultant team reached out to the community:
• Stakeholder Interviews. At the beginning of the process, the consultants held individual conversations with various stakeholders along the Avenue ranging from a resident who lives along the Avenue to the seminary that educates hundreds of students from across the globe. Th ese conversations provided the consultants with a broad array of opinions and ideas about Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy.
• Steering Committee. Th e Steering Committee met seven times during the planning process. Neil Desai of Brown & Keener Bressi leads a discussion on Following the kickoff meeting on April 26, 2007, the next three meetings were organized into wayfi nding in Mt. Airy during the May 22 workshop titled: “Navigation, Pedestrian Experience, and Mobility” workshops that focused specifi cally on each of the major components of the plan (Mobility and Navigation were combined into one workshop). Another meeting was devoted to planning for the Community Open House (described below), while an additional workshop was devoted to brainstorming about the “image” of Mt. Airy and how it might be refl ected in streetscape elements, colors, and typefaces. Th e fi nal meeting was devoted to reviewing a draft of the writtten plan and refi ning concepts for placemaking projects. Working boards from the September 19 workshop focusing on the “image” of Mt. Airy • Online Community Survey. To get more input from Mt. Airy residents about potential locations, ideas, and principles for special projects along the Avenue, an online survey was administered. E- mails advertising the survey were sent out to the Steering Committee members as well as to people who receive messages from the West and East Mt. Airy Neighbors organizations. More than 160 people responded to the survey.
• Community Open House. An open house was held at Lovett Library on Saturday, October 13 to present initial concepts for each of the four components of this plan. Approximately 50 people attended this event. Written feedback from the open house is included within this report.
Th at this master plan is complete does not mean that the community engagement process is over. Many of the recommendations and projects presented in this plan represent broad ideas that need to be refi ned through further community engagement. While reviewing this document, if you are interested in becoming involved in the implementation of any aspect of the plan, please contact Mt. Airy USA.
6 results from the online community survey Community House Open participants review the board showcasing comprising the “Streetscape Station” Community House Open participants examine the boards A screenshot of the Online Community Survey
7 Introduction
Germantown Avenue and Mount Pleasant Avenue, highest the point of corridor. this and tallest the to most be ornate building Th section. in this ends isdistrict the at busy intersection of a rhythm that unifies place. this Th Anchoring is grand the district Sedgwick this eater, which appears colorfulthe facades,people, the changing the slope of street, the and continuous the car traffic create strongest of sense having arrived downtown-like inadistinct, place. Th e continuous “wall of buildings,” From standpoint, asensory area the Allensand Lane between Mount Pleasant Avenue may evoke the from Washington changes Lane many times. through length the of Avenue. the Th efeeling one gets as he or travels she Germantown up Avenue unappealing, disorganized, and even unsafe. Moreover, of asense not place does have uniform to be toward of asense place. Thlevel e of maintenance and care leadmay to assumptions the of Avenue being trees are or dead dying. Th elements, ese though notbeautiful necessarily or interesting, contributedo Germantown Avenue’s and are curbs sidewalks condition inpoor inmany and sections, anumber of Not haspleasing aesthetically to be to contribute everything of to asense place. For example, many of businesses the add excitement to streetscape, the as colorful do the murals and mosaics. some large sections, trees create apleasant canopy over street the Th and sidewalk. e unique facades of buildings are fronted by generous lawns, oft en surrounded by elegant fencing of stone and/or metal. In and architecture of Avenue’s the homes and buildings are beautiful, interesting, and memorable. Some of Avenue the itself are unmistakable elements that contribute toward of asense place. Th e materials What gives Germantown Avenue inMt. its “sense Airy of place”? Th Belgian blocks e tracksand trolley ofPlace:GermantownSense Avenue inMt. Airy Avenue and understanding how people interpret andplaces. these use groundworkthe for placemaking by exploring “sense the of place” inMt. and along Airy Germantown encompasses avariety of elements ranging from streetscape furnishings to traffic fl ow. Thlays section is P Avenue inMt. Airy, and overarching the is goal to support ongoing the revitalization Th them. peoplethe use who e “place” that thefocus is this of plan Germantown is interesting, more attractive, more lively, more identifiable, and more compatible with lacemaking is aprocess of rethinking and redesigning places to make more them of corridor. this Th is placemaking endeavor forthe Avenue is multifaceted; it PLACEMAKING
9 PLACEMAKING In contrast, the blocks between Mount Pleasant Avenue and Gorgas Lane feel more spacious and quiet. Th e continuous “wall of buildings” gives way to retaining walls, grassy slopes, and various types of fencing. Th e Mt. Airy Playground occupies the north side of the street, while facing the south side of the Avenue is the ACME supermarket, which sits back quite a distance from the street. Completing this “triangle” of civic amenities is Lovett Library, a landmark whose modern, transparent facade and angular roofl ine make it stand out among the other buildings in this section of the Avenue.
Th e Vocabulary of Mt. Airy & Germantown Avenue Given the considerable variation of the character along Germantown Avenue, how might the people who live and work in Mt. Airy describe its “sense of place?” From interacting with the Steering Committee for the project and through an online survey of residents, we learned that physical features are only part of what contributes to a sense of place in this area. “Downtown” Mt. Airy
Th e people of Mt. Airy seem to share a general consensus about the identity of their beloved neighborhood. When the question “What’s the fi rst thing that comes to mind when you think of Mt. Airy?” was posed to the Steering Committee, the resulting vocabulary gravitated primarily around the neighborhood’s social attributes:
“diverse” “inviting” “welcoming” “accepting”
Th e second “tier” of responses centered around the neighborhood’s heritage and physical attributes:
“history” “beautiful homes” “trees”
Th e responses to the question: “What comes to mind when you think of Germantown Avenue?” refl ect that the Avenue is a busy, linear commercial corridor rather than a neighborhood where people live. As a result, the physical characteristics of the Avenue seem to have primacy in people’s minds. Th e Between Mt. Pleasant Ave and Sedgwick St vocabulary used to describe Germantown Avenue centered around the following words:
“cobblestones” “traffi c” “inconsistent” “edgy”
Th ese terms also convey a sense that the Avenue is not necessarily a vibrant, appealing place in which to spend time.
To confi rm these fi ndings with a broader base of people, these same questions were posed on an online survey of Mt. Airy residents. Th e results, summarized on the table on the following page, generally mirror the responses of the Steering Committee. Virtually all of the responses to the question: “What
10 more representative of Mt. Airy? question:raise acritical How can Germantown Avenue be along Germantown Avenue inMt. Airy. Specifically, they respondents has important implications for placemaking Steering Committee members and online survey Mt. and about those Airy Germantown Avenue among Th ediffdistinct sentiments the between erences about neighborhood atthe large. intrinsic it not does of part feel Mt. representative Airy; of Mt. Airy, it not does yet resonate inpeople’s minds as an Germantownwhile Avenue physically slices through environment of Mt. neighborhood. the As aresult, Airy Avenue clearly contrasts with green, the well-maintained quality of physical the environment along Germantown responses two to places these is important. Thpoor e different of types places, contrast the the between While “Mt. and “Germantown Airy” Avenue” are two recent years. restaurants that have opened up along Avenue the in can probably attributed be to unique the stores and mentioned sentiment about Germantown Avenue. Th is “Improving,” or “getting better,” was most the frequently witnessedactually it improving over past the few years. for Germantown Avenue better, to be but have they also Despite result, this people not only recognize potential the of Germantown Avenue?” had negative connotations. is fi the rst thing that comes to mind you when think hand, 60percent of responses to question: the “What frequently cited attribute, followed by “trees.” other On the Mt. were positive, Airy” and “diversity” was most the is fi the rst thing that comes to mind you when of think Mt. Airy theNeighborhood Mt. Airy Rank +/- #5 #4 #3 #2 #1 The words areranked by how frequently they were mentionedinthesurvey results.Related words are 98% ofresponseswere positive 2% ofresponseswere negative “diverse” or“diversity” (43) ... Mt. Airy? What the is first thing that comes “community” (22) “integrated” (8) to mind whenyou think of ... “green” (14) “trees” (30) 164 peoplerespondedto thesurvey grouped together. Germantown Avenue inMt. Airy ... Germantown Ave? “crowded,” “congested,” or“traffi c” (14) “dirty” or“litter” (11)“dirty” |“needs...”(11) “improving” or“getting better” (20) 60% orresponseswere negative 40% ofresponseswere positive “cobblestones” (10) “potential” (15) 11 PLACEMAKING Th e distinctions between Mt. Airy and Germantown Avenue, however, lose their signifi cance when the conversation turns to Chestnut Hill. Mt. Airy residents on the Steering Committee seem united in the sentiment that the Mt. Airy section of the Avenue remain unique from Chestnut Hill. While the section of Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy can “borrow” from Chestnut Hill, they do not want it to “become like” Chestnut Hill. Chestnut Hill conjures up feelings of exclusivity and homogeneity, two attributes that Mt. Airy residents consciously defy.
What Germantown Avenue is “All About” To get a deeper sense of Germantown Avenue, the Steering Committee was asked: “Where would you take visitors to show them what Germantown Avenue is all about?” Th eir responses fell into one of two categories: 1) a historic place, such as Cliveden or the Johnson House, and/or 2) a store or restaurant, the most frequently cited of which was McMeniman’s. McMeniman’s Tavern
First, this suggests that residents are conscious of and take pride in the great historical events and movements that occurred along Germantown Avenue. People can look at or go into places such as How can Germantown Johnson House and Cliveden to reconnect with or showcase this history. While these historic places are available to remind people of their heritage, the Belgian blocks, or “cobblestones,” are constant visual Avenue be more reminders of the past, having embedded history into the public consciousness. Th ese Belgian blocks, representative of Mt. Airy? along with the trolley tracks, are the signature features of Germantown Avenue. Th erefore, residents’ anger about the paving over of a section of the Avenue in Mt. Airy a few years ago is understandable.
Second, that residents cited specifi c businesses as representing “what Germantown Avenue is all about” is very signifi cant, especially considering many of the establishments people mentioned have only become neighborhood attractions within the past ten years. How can they so quickly become “what Germantown Avenue is all about?” Th at’s because these businesses have incrementally brought life back to the buildings and sidewalks along Germantown Avenue. Furthermore, the businesses refl ect—in their proprietors, their products, and the designs of their facades—the diversity of Mt. Airy. Foremost, businesses such as McMeniman’s have become profoundly more than just places in which to buy something. Th ey have become civic venues where people can interact with their friends and neighbors and get a feel for who the people of Mt. Airy are and what they are like. Th rough the character and clientele of these businesses, from boutiques and art galleries to pubs and restaurants, Germantown Avenue is already becoming more refl ective of the best qualities of Mt. Airy. Th is is one answer to the question: How can Germantown Avenue be more representative of Mt. Airy?
A New Restaurant along the Avenue 12 Th e previous discussionbegins setvocabulary ofthe on to upastrong Mt. Airy visual image of Mt. Airy “Imaging” Workshop into environment visual the of Germantown Avenue. more like Mt. Th Airy? e answersbegin with an exploration the of image of translating and Mt. Airy it How can Germantown Avenue more be representative of Mt. How Airy? can it made to be the Capturing “Image” ofMt. Airy that emerged: ofstyles streetscape elements were presented to participants. Th e following are some sentiments the of Th e discussion then turned towardspecifi c visual markers:Several diffstreetscape furnishings. erent New of VisualQualities All Markers furnishings, etc.) (i.e., signs, banners, streetscape discussion:the environment along Germantown Avenue. Th e following are some sentiments the of that emerged from even people. Th e resulting discussion centered around ways translate to details these into the visual imagethe of aplace: textures, patterns, colors, unique buildings, architectural and details, typefaces, affi itemsxed these onto one ofboards (pictured several on left ), representingthat aspects make up and felt they objects represented image, the or essence, of Mt. Airy. At workshop, the participants essence of Mt. Airy. Prior to of start the workshop, the participants were asked to bring inphotographs SteeringA special Committee workshop was explore held to further details the that make up the plant trees along Avenue. the would to introduce be textures “leafy” these and colors along street—the the most obvious way beingto as aleafy, green place. One step toward making Germantown Avenue more representative of Mt. Airy • • • • • Should appeal to ayounger demographic (i.e., 25 to 40year-old group) appear frequently, suggest awelcoming place. Refl architectural inthe curves the detailsneighborhood.ect inthe and Curves circles, which Have alighter, more “airy,” amodular, look; shiny, “edgy” quality. historicthe architecture. progressive the Embody culture of people the of neighborhood, the honor yet still and respect with shiny of specks mica. materials. For example, Wissahickon local the schist is characterized by dull browns and grays Refl neighborhood’s the ect natural resources and green space through similar colors, shapes, look andlook feel 13 PLACEMAKING Qualities of Streetscape Furnishings
• Remember practical considerations. Street furnishings should be comfortable and have back support. Th ey should also be low-maintenance and durable. • Should be more consistent in design than artistic elements such as banners. • Do not provide the best opportunity for community engagement projects as they are part of the permanent infrastructure, although there is room for more creative individual eff orts.
• To help people select among the various styles, the streetscape elements should be organized into three categories: Traditional, Contemporary/Simple, and Modern/Whimsical. Benches, trash receptacles, and bicycle racks within each category should be grouped together so people can see how these elements look and function together.
Next, participants shift ed their discussion toward banners and other identity elements along Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy
Qualities of Banners/Identity Elements
• Th e preference is for unique sets of banners all along the Avenue that are unifi ed by similar themes, rather than having all of the banners be the same. » Consider a mix of time periods and styles. » Select concepts that show the depth of our local culture, diverse ethnicities, and our more recent history from the 1960s onward rather than just from the Colonial period. » Use fabrics such as mudcloth, batik, Indian cotton patterns (paisley), or tie-dye. Th e patterns and colors on these fabrics bleed into each other, which has nice symbolism. Th e fabric could be placed between two sheets of acrylic for banners or identity markers. • Th e idea of Mt. Airy as a unique, artistic, and progressive place could be evoked in the streetscape by creating opportunities for local artists and students to design elements of banners and other identity elements, which could be changed periodically. Th ere are several ways to accomplish this: » Create a standard framework for such an element, which would give the community engagement opportunities parameters within which to work. » Form partnerships with other organizations, groups, and schools to provide the pieces and help manage the changing and maintenance. » Make room within this framework for individual eff orts.
14 definitive. As plan this moves toward implementation, choices revisited. to these need be will markers should progressive embodythe culture of people the of neighborhood, the honor yet still and historic the respect architecture. Th ese results, however, are not numbersequal Contemporary/Simple the choice and Modern/Whimsical the choice. Th ese results seem to mirror sentimentthe from the Imaging Workshopthat visual preferred colorful the banners that illustrate Contemporary/Simple the style. Participants tended toward also anon-traditional of style bicycle rack, preferring inalmost to gravitate toward choosing specific streetscape furnishings. Participants almost unanimously Traditional the selected bench and style trash receptacle, they while House.Open Participants were given colored dots to place underneath broad the category preferred. they Ratherthanamong choose categories, these people tended havetypefaces, grouped been into three categories: Traditional, Contemporary/Simple, and Modern/Whimsical. Thgraphic is was displayedCommunity 13 October the at Th e various sentiments expressed and choices made the at Imaging Workshop weresynthesized graphicinto the shownabove. All the of elements, from furnishings to &BeginningtoSynthesizing Make theOptions Choices 15 PLACEMAKING Using & Navigating Place: Germantown Avenue
We now have a better idea of how people interpret and think about Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy and have explored with residents and stakeholders ways to make Germantown Avenue more representative of Mt. Airy. But how do people actually use GermantownGermantown AAvenue?venue? Th ee cconsultants,onsultants, aalonglong with some Steering Committee members and Mt. Airy USA staff , spent time observing people along the Avenue several times throughout the project. Th e purpose was to get a sense of how people were using—or not using—the corridor and to consider, along with input from the Steering Committee, placemaking eff orts that would help create new activity or complement existing activity along and on Germantown Avenue. Th e following are some key observations:
Light Pedestrian Traffi c / People Presence An “Unintended” Public Space Overall, pedestrian traffi c appears light relative to other commercial corridors in Philadelphia. Pedestrian traffi c appears most brisk during lunch hour and school dismissal time when schoolchildren walk together along the street. “Downtown,” located between Mount Pleasant Avenue and Allens Lane, appears to have the most consistent amount of pedestrian activity (i.e., walking, gathering, waiting, crossing). Pedestrians frequently cross the street at unmarked locations, based more on the sort of How do people use (or business activity present on the other side of the street rather than the presence of a formal crossing not use) Germantown point. Th ere is also notable pedestrian traffi c in front of the supermarket. However, overall, there’s not much of a “people presence” on the Avenue, except on weekends during some evening hours and Avenue in Mt. Airy? around the playground during sporting events. Restaurants do not yet off er sidewalk seating, and the people who are on the Avenue appear to be on their way to another place. Strategic investments in streetscape elements and special projects might help generate more of a “people presence” along the Avenue. Investments in amenities for pedestrians such as pedestrian-scale streetlights, midblock crossings, and marked crosswalks could help improve pedestrian safety and comfort.
Active Places & Unused Spaces “Formal” public spaces, such as the garden to the right of Lovett Library and the plaza to the left of the library, appear to be used only sporadically. On the other hand, people seem to use “unintended” public spaces, such as the grounds of the church at Phil Ellena Street and the sidewalks at the intersection of Mount Pleasant Avenue and Germantown Avenue, where two bus lines intersect. Th ese observations suggest the need to more carefully program “formal” public spaces and provide amenities to better accommodate people at “unintended” public spaces.
“Downtown” at Night: No People 16 ACTIVE PLACES Walking Route “Downtown” Basketball Courts WaWa Ledge Church Grounds Mt. PleasantIntersection Cliveden (Mt. Airy Day) Cliveden (Mt.Airy Johnson House ACME Intersection
Space Next toSEPTA Depot Wedge atCarpenter Lane Library “Garden” Library UNUSED SPACES UNUSED 17 PLACEMAKING Pent-Up Demand for Benches Th ere are only two benches along the Avenue: 1) in front of the Sedgwick Th eater, and 2) in front of the Johnson House. Th ey are usually occupied. In “downtown” people were frequently observed standing on the sidewalk talking with people or smoking. At bus stops, people were oft en observed standing in groups or sitting wherever they could (e.g., on steps) while waiting for the bus. Adding benches might not only provide a much-needed accommodation for people, but it also could help improve “people presence” along the Avenue.
An Inactive Formal Public Space
A Place to Sit
18 Mt. USAinproceeding along Airy into designand the construction phases. Th section isprovides answers these to questions and presents a streetscapeconcept plan to help guide streetscape. One of of planning this purposes the process was to consider of questions: aseries critical State, and Federal sources to plan for making andimprovements begin to Germantown Avenue’s and attractive environment. Fortunately, Mt. USAwas awarded Airy up to $3.78million from City, conditionpoor inmany places, but it lacks basic amenities that are essential for creating acomfortable Th estreetscape Germantown of Avenue in hasbeen not refreshedMt. Airy inyears. It notonly isin streetscape elements help can also also project aneighborhood’s image. S • • • • • • available for streetscape improvements? What are goals and the priorities? What are some options for spending initial funds the currently Avenue inMt. Airy? How much it recommended the cost will toall undertake streetscape improvements along the Airy? What or types of styles trees, lights, and other elements would for best be Avenue the and for Mt. What investments should made to be address deficits and problems streetscape? inthe In what condition are existing the streetscape elements? What streetscape improvements is PennDOT alreadyalong undertaking Avenue? the properly-maintained—promote an attractive, safe, and comfortable environment placemakingcritical tools. In business elements—when these districts, present and among many others, are important features of astreetscape and, together, taken are trees, lights, curbs, trash receptacles,idewalks, benches, bike racks. Th elements, ese for people to shop, stroll, socialize, relax, and work. Unique or styles designs of Streetscape Elements Streetscape 19 Streetscape Elements Two Streetscape Projects In Mt. Airy, between Cresheim Valley Road and Nippon Street, PennDOT is currently undertaking a complete restoration of Germantown Avenue. Th is is a $16 million project that will involve everything from replacing underground utility systems, repairing road surfaces, and reinstating the trolley tracks to installing traffi c signals and new trees. Th e PennDOT project, however, does not include benches, bicycle racks, and trash receptacles. Th e planning process being led by Mt. Airy USA focuses on the streetscape between Nippon Street and Washington Lane.
PENNDOT PROJECT AREA
MT. AIRY USA STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AREA
Cresheim Nippon Washington Valley Street Lane Road
Inhibiting Factors: Fixed Constraints Mt. Airy USA is leading the planning
PennDOT design criteria process that will refresh the streetscape between Nippon Street This photo simulation depicts what and Washington Lane. a section of Germantown Avenue between Cresheim Valley Road and Nippon Street might look like after PennDOT completes its street/ streetscape reconstruction project. Pedestrian-scale streetlights, similar to those in Center City, will be installed. (Courtesy of Pennoni Associates)
20 Based onVisualObser CONDITION OFSIDEW GERMANTO WN A VENUE INMT ALKS &CURBS v ations |July200 . AIR Y 7 Sidewalks condition, from healthy, mature trees to sick and trees. dead Approximately 80%of Avenue the either in fair or condition, poor which makes candidates them for replacement. Trees signifi vary cantly in approximately and 50%of Washington 70%of sidewalks between curbs and Lane Nippon Street are that and commercial inthe curbs sidewalks of sections Avenue the are inrough shape. Overall, information about condition the of of existing the conditions streetscape. survey Avisual reveals Before embarking on amulti-million dollar streetscape improvement effort, it is essential to gather Existing Conditions coming up with scenariosfor spending initial round the of funds that Mt. USAhas secured. Airy inform process the of prioritizing various of types and locations for streetscape improvements and notdoes have trees at or all has trees that are infair tocondition. poor Th observations ese helped EXCELLENT GOOD POOR FAIR Curbs Trees 21 Streetscape Elements Streetscape Elements and Their Costs Gathering information on the existing conditions of the Germantown Avenue streetscape helps inform the process of understanding the magnitude of the costs of a streetscape improvement projects. Streetscape improvements represent an investment in the physical infrastructure of the Avenue. How much investment will this project require? Th is graphic showcases the unit costs of various streetscape elements as well as the total cost of investing in the “full package” of streetscape improvements along Germantown Avenue between Washington Lane and Nippon Street. $10,000/light $3,200 per tree, planting $15/square foot of sidewalk $1,000-$3,000 ea. | $10,000/shelter UNIT COST strip, concrete pavers $45/linear foot of curb benches, bike racks, receptacles (installed) Th e spreadsheet on the left was used to calculate the cost Similar to Honey Locust, To Be Determined STYLE Concrete of purchasing and installing all of the streetscape elements Center City type Red Maple (must meet Streets Dept. specs) along the entire Avenue from Washington Lane to Nippon STREETSCAPE ELEMENT UNIT COSTS (includes installation costs) Street. Th e cost amounts to approximately $6.5 million.
GERMANTOWN AVENUE - MT. AIRY | COST INFORMATION Average Length of One Side of a Block (lf) 342 Median Length of One Side of a Block (lf) 312 Total Length of Both Sides of Blocks (lf) 12,303 Avge Sidewalk Area of One Side of a Block (sf) 3,759 Approx. Average Width of Sidewalk(ft) 11 Total Sidewalk Area of Both Sides of Blocks (sf) 135,333 KEY DIMENSIONS Total Number of Sides of Blocks 36 WHOLE AVE
Aprx. % of Quantity per Total Dimension Dimension Unit Cost Side of Dimensions / Needing Needing Aprx. Cost Installed Block Quantity Unit Upgrade Upgrade Installed The “% of Dimensions Needing Upgrade” for Streetscape A STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS: BASIC IMPROVEMENTS Improvements is an approximate percentage based 1 Concrete Sidewalks (demolition and construction 11' wide) $15 n/a 135,333 sf 75% 101,500 $1,522,496 2 Concrete Vehicular Curbs (includes demo + restoration) $105 n/a 12,303 lf 75% 9,227 $968,861 on visual observations of streetscape conditions. For 3 Street Lights: CCD Standard (Acorn) $10,000 7 252 ea 100% 252 $2,520,000 Streetscape Amenities, the “% of Dimensions Needing 4a Tree (15'x4' long trench, soil, conc pavers on conc slab) $3,200 14 504 ea 80% 403 $1,290,240 Subtotal (Items 1, 2, 3, 4a) $6,301,598 Upgrade” refl ects the fact that certain sections of the Avenue—for example residential sections—do not need B STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS: AMENITIES 1 Benches $2,000 1 36 ea 60% 22 $43,200 amenities such as bicycle racks. For bus shelters, while 2 Bicycle Racks $1,000 1 36 ea 60% 22 $21,600 every block has a bus stop, rather than placing bus shelters 3 Bus Shelters w/Seats $10,000 1 36 ea 38% 16 $160,000 4 Trash Receptacles $1,200 1 36 ea 90% 32 $38,880 at every block, place shelters at the busiest bus stops. The 5 Allowance for Amenities bet. Cresheim Valley Rd & Nippon St n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a $20,000 “Dimensions Needing Upgrade” column represents the Subtotal $283,680 actual quantity that is recommended. 22 blocks along Germantown Avenue inMt. Airy. shown below represents average the length of of all the calculating cost information. Th e length the of block approximatevisualize quantities of trees and lights for proper aeration and hydration. Th isdiagram helped It provides also details on planting street trees to ensure streetlights might along spaced be one side of ablock. Thdiagram e this illustratespage on how trees and Block Diagram � � � � � � � � � ������ � ��� � � � � � � ������ ������ � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ����� � � � � � � ���� ������ ����� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � ������������ � � � � � � � � ��� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
� ����� �� � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � �� � � �� � � � � � � � � � � ���� ���������� � � � � � � ��� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � ����� � � � � � � � � � � � �������� � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ���� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ������ ���� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ��� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � ����� � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � ��� ��� � � � � � � � � � � � � � ���� � � ������ � ������ ���� ������� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � ���� � � � � �� � � � � � ��� � � � � � � � ����� � � � � �
�
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �
� � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 23 Streetscape Elements A Typical Block Th e drawing on this page illustrates a typical block along Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy aft er undergoing streetscape improvements. Also shown on this page are the recommendations for tree species along the Avenue and the method for planting these trees.
Mt. Airy USA - Plant Recommendations
Plant Character: Deciduous, long-lived canopy trees that grow 30'-0" to 75'-0" tall. Spacing/grouping: Plant in groups of 2 or 3 in min. 4' wide planting strip. Planting strip shall be a continuous pit of planting soil topped with unit pavers. The spacing between trees should be even at 10'-0" minimum and 30'-0" maximum. Size: 2-1/2" to 3" caliper minimum
Required Species: • Acer rubrum "Red Sunset" -- Red Sunset Red Maple (mature height over 45') OR • Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis -- Thornless Honeylocust (mature height 30' to 40')
Thornless Honeylocust
"Red Sunset" Red Maple Typical Street Tree Planting Strip Planting – Street Trees Planting – Street
Page – 1
24 installed inlaterinstalled phases funding when is secured. benches and other streetscape amenities would be Street and Washington Lane. Trees, curbs, sidewalks, entire stretch of Germantown Avenue Nippon between Thscenarioillustrates is an aggressive eff to lightort the 2 Scenario improvements inlater phases funding when is secured. andEllena Johnson Street would receive streetscape closer to Carpenter Lane. Th e between Phil- area with playground, the library, and businesses the and Street Phil-Ellena to help connect “downtown” the lighting recommended Mt. between Pleasant Avenue commercial areas at either end of Avenue, the with streetscape improvements concentrated be on two the Thscenario is suggeststhat the rst phase of fi 1(Preferred)Scenario other chapters of this plan. Mobility and Wayfinding investments, in described the scenarios leaves available funds to undertake various of Avenue. the targeting streetscape improvements inspecifi c sections 1illustratesScenario amore strategic approach, street lights were along installed entire the Avenue. how much would spent be ifonly pedestrian-scale two “first phase” 2demonstrates scenarios.Scenario improvements? Th graphics e this illustratepage on fundsspend available the to implement planned of Avenue the inMt. Airy, how might Mt. USA Airy of streetscape improvements along entire the length Given estimated the $6.5million for “full the package” Scenarios Note that the total cost of both of these 2 1 GERMANTOWN AVENUE INMT. AIRY IMPROVEMENT |STREETSCAPE GERMANTOWN AVENUE INMT. AIRY IMPROVEMENT |STREETSCAPE SCENARIO 2: SCENARIO 1:TARGETED ZONES
LIGHT THEWHOLEAVENUE sidewalk/curb conditions good to excellent good condition to poor condition to fair 25 Streetscape Elements R C E S
Streetscape Element Specifi cations V - 3 . Benches Streetlights 1 8 A 356 ALUMINUM CASTING 17.75 4 6
Th e following are specifi cations sheets for the 15.00 A DR. ACRYLIC FOR UP LIGHT SEALED TO ALUMINUM BAND 10.00 streetscape elements that, based on responses from A 356 ALUMINUM CASTING
HINGED CAST ALUMINUM HOOD HOUSES SEGMENTED the Steering Committee and from participants ALUMINUM REFLECTOR (TYPE III LIGHT DISTRIBUTION) REFLECTOR IS FIELD ROTATABLE at the Community Open House, seem to be the IN 90º INCREMENTS LAMPHOLDER - PORCELAIN, NICKEL PLATED BRASS SCREW SHELL MEDIUM BASE FOR M.H. preferred styles for Germantown Avenue in Mt. MOGUL BASE FOR H.P.S.
ONE PIECE HOUSING ASSEMBLY Airy. Th ese specifi cations are included in the plan to CONSTRUCTED FROM 38.75 A 356 ALUMINUM
DR. ACRYLIC DIFFUSER 14.50 PROVIDED WITH VERTICAL provide more detail beyond the photographs. Th at ELONGATED STIPPLING
TOOL-LESS BALLAST they are included here on this page does not mean ACCESS FROM TOP
they are the fi nal selections. A 356 ALUMINUM CASTING FITTER PROVIDED WITH REMOVABLE COVER 12.00
TWIST LOCK PHOTO CONTROL ALR 5190 - RP2.6 PHL SUPPLIED ON REMOVABLE ASSEMBLY 4" I.D.
LAMP HOLDER: MOGUL BASE PORCELAIN
LAMP: 200 W. H.P.S. (BY OTHERS)
BALLAST: REACTOR, HIGH POWER FACTOR. -40° STARTING TEMPERATURE. SUPPLIED ON REMOVABLE BALLAST HOLDER. TOOLESS ACCESS WITH QUICK DISCONNECT. (240 V.) (PULSE START SUPPLIED FOR METAL HALIDE BALLAST)
WIRING: 16'-0" (14 GA.) WIRE LEADS PROVIDED, POLE AND LUMINAIRE TO BE PREWIRED.
FINISH: FIVE STAGE FINISH, ELECTROSTATICALLY APPLIED BAKED ONACRYLIC ENAMEL. (SPECIFY COLOR)
SCALE: 1 ½" = 12"
660 W. AVENUE O, PALMDALE, CA. 93551 (661) 233-2000 FAX NO. (661) 233-2001 www.sunvalleylighting.com R C E S V - 3 . 1 3
Bicycle Racks 8 6
Trash Receptacles B
WIRE CLAMPS PROVIDED INSIDE POLE POLE TO BE PREWIRED
4" DIA. EXTRUDED ALUMINUM .250 WALL THICKNESS - 6061 T6 MAT'L
14'-0"
ONE PIECE BASE CONSTRUCTED FROM A 356 ALUMINUM
1/4"-20 X 3/4" HX. HD. BOLT (2) PROVIDED W/COLOR TO MATCH
FIBER GLASS ACCESS DOOR PROVIDED WITH 18" PLASTIC SHEATH KEEPER CHAIN 48"
15" TERMINAL BLOCK PROVIDED INSIDE BASE ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF FIBER GLASS ACCESS DOOR
NOTE: LOWER HAND HOLE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED AT OWNER'S REQUEST. MANUFACTURER FEELS LOWER HAND HOLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED FOR EASE IN ACCESSING 18" ANCHORAGE.
11�" DIA. BOLT CIRCLE SCALE: 1/2" = 12"
ANCHORAGE: (4) 1"X36"X4" FULLY GALVANIZED ANCHOR BOLTS. EACH BOLT SUPPLIED WITH TWO NUTS AND TWO WASHERS
26 660 W. AVENUE O, PALMDALE, CA. 93551 (661) 233-2000 FAX NO. (661) 233-2001 www.sunvalleylighting.com
PROPOSED LOCATIONS FOR BUSSHELTERS CRESHEIM VALLEY CRESHEIM COMMUNITY SERVICE /SENIORHOME COMMUNITY EXISTING TRAFFICSIGNAL Lutheran Theological Seminary
SCHOOL /RECREATION Mount Airy GOWEN Parkway School Northwest
Houston School
MOUNT AIRY MOUNT ALLENS Holy Cross School EXISTING BUSSHELTER
NHS NIPPON Sedgwick NEW BUSSHELTER
Islamic Day School MOUNT AIRY MOUNT
Allens Lane
Mt. Airy PlaygroundMt. Airy
DURHAM MOUNT PLEASANT MOUNT
bus shelters. Thlocations e several factors, on based were includingselected the should more be user-friendly (e.g., higherand wider).Th e belowmap suggestslocations for installing of asteel frame with clear panels. Th type isof shelter is appropriate to replicate,althoughseats the Th e one bus shelter along Germantown Avenue in has a domedroof,seats,Mt. Airy and is constructed Bus Shelters presence of transit connections bus near stop. aparticular intersection,signalized the SEDGWICK Grocery StoreGrocery
Lovett Library GORGAS
Germantown Home
MEEHAN
PLEASANT
SLOCUM CARPENTER offrequency of use bus the stop on observations), visual and (based the Cecilian Academy Carpenter Lane
Carson ValleyCarson School
PHIL ELLENA PHIL WESTVIEW
Project Learn
HORTTER
SHARPNACK
UPSAL
CLIVEDEN WEAVER
Sacred Heart Manor Sacred Heart JOHNSON
Blair Christian Academy DUVAL Roosevelt School presence of afour-way
0 WASHINGTON
250 POMONA 500 1,000 Feet 27 Streetscape Elements Community Open House Feedback To the left is written feedback on the streetscape concepts presented to residents who attended the October 13, 2007 Community Open House. Below are responses to some of this feedback.
Bus shelters with benches are recommended at busy bus stops and bus stops located next to institutions that provide services to seniors. Th e Streets Department only picks up trash from receptacles in commercial districts. However, providing recycling receptacles and arranging for their pick up is a project the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District might consider undertaking.
Th e $3200 per tree represents not just the cost for the tree, but also the cost for the pavers, aeration system, and the cost of installing the aeration system. Th e aeration system is an important investment toward keeping the trees healthy. However, Mt. Airy USA is aware of opportunities to purchase trees at reduced prices.
Scenario 2, described in this chapter, does focus a “full package” of streetscape investments in two relatively small sections of the Avenue as a fi rst phase.
Ginkgo trees are not recommended along Germantown Avenue.
28 Avenue, including projects three principal special for which conceptual designs have craft been ed. onpart results the of an online community identifi survey—and projects ofes aseries special along the Th section ispresentsthe criteria forprojectsalong special Germantown Avenue in in Mt. Airy—based creating open spaces new to installing works of art. O installing streetscape elements, and improving safety. pedestrian Th ese projects are infrastructure of Avenue the that go beyond replacing and curbs, sidewalks “special projects” along Germantown Avenue—investments physical inthe ne of key placemaking the objectives of plan this is to imagine and conceptualize specifi targetedc, investments public inthe realm that can involve from everything Special Projects Special 29 Special Projects Germantown Avenue: Developing Criteria for Special Projects Special placemaking projects must be linked to the aspirations of the community in which they are undertaken. Recording observations of people (see “Placemaking” chapter) has helped pinpoint active and inactive places along the Avenue. Th ese observations alone, however, do not provide enough details to make informed choices about placemaking projects. Th e online survey included a series of questions about placemaking in order to start collecting more details. Th e term “placemaking projects,” which was used in the survey, is synonymous with “special projects.”
• QUALITIES. What are the most important qualities that should be refl ected in special projects along Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy? Th ee ppurposeurpose ooff tthishis qquestionuestion iiss ttoo hhoneone inin oonn tthehe general purposes for investing in special projects. Should special projects be thought of in terms of economic development? Should the focus be on interpreting and celebrating the history of Mt. Airy? • AMENITIES. What are some activities/amenities that Mt. Airy residents and visitors need or would enjoy that could have a place on Germantown Avenue? Th ee ppurposeurpose ooff tthishis qquestionuestion iiss ttoo learn about the kinds of amenities, accommodations, and activities Mt. Airy residents would like to see along the Avenue. Perhaps residents go outside of the neighborhood to meet certain needs. Th is presents opportunities to create spaces along the Avenue within Mt. Airy to meet these needs. • PLACES. What do you think are the most important locations for investing in special projects along Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy? Th ee ppurposeurpose ooff tthishis qquestionuestion iiss ttoo hhaveave ppeopleeople iidentifydentify specifi c places that, in their minds, deserve placemaking attention the most.
People were asked to rank their responses from “1” (i.e., least important) to “5” (i.e., most important). Th e following pages summarize and illustrate the responses to these questions. A total of 164 people responded to the survey.
30 Overgrown Lot atPomona Street in 6300Block Projects should inspire and provoke thought and discussion. Projects shouldreveal, celebrate, of and honor thehistory Projects shouldcelebrate and reflect thecharacter ofthe Behind theJohnson House(vacant lawn/lot) Grounds ofSt.Lutheran Michael's Church Projects should attract visitors to local historic sites. Cresheim Valley Train Trestle (Gateway) Projects shoulddraw morepeopleto theAvenue. Projects should make Mt. Airy more identifiable.Projects shouldmake Mt.Airy MOST IMPORTANTMOST QUALITIES FOR PLACEMAKING Intersection at Mt.Pleasant Ave MOST IMPORTANTMOST PLACES FOR PLACEMAKING Projects should begeared toward children. Between Pet Store and Bitar's Corner Lot atCarpenter Lane Seating Area next to Library Space next to SEPTA Depot Lawn next to Lovett Library Edge ofWawa Parking Lot Corner Lot atGood Street Lawn in front ofUpsala Germantown Avenue and Mt.Airy. Lawn in front ofACME Municipal Parking Lot Projects shouldincorporate art. Mt. Airy PlaygroundMt. Airy people ofMt.Airy. 1 3 4 5 4 23 1 not important not important 3 4 5 4 3 2 1 AVERAGE RANKING AVERAGE RANKING 2.99 3.15 3.29 3.36 3.38 3.46 3.46 3.54 3.60 3.75 3.77 3.92 3.86 3.87 4.03 3.93 4.13 3.99 4.14 4.02 4.05 4.23 4.10 4.67 very important very very important very remind people that are they unique inthe neighborhood of Mt. Airy. to make Germantown Avenue feel more of apart Mt. and to inform Airy and more identifiable” is second the most important quality underscores need the fundamental one: to draw more people to Avenue. the Th at “make Mt. Airy residents feel should incorporated be into placemaking projects is a Qualities rail the trestle nearaccording Cresheim Valley to survey: the Road. for agateway are already works inthe at second the most important place Two bus lines at meet point, this and four all corners have bus stops. Plans placemaking investment is busy the intersection at Mount Pleasant Avenue. Places. 1 1 3 3 Mt. PleasantIntersection Draw MorePeopletotheAve Corner Lot atCarpenter Ln Th suggests that ethe survey most importantplace to target for Incorporate Art . Th results e survey indicate that the most importantquality 2 2 Cresheim Valley Trestle More Identifiable proposed designbyHowardCoaleandStacyLevy. 31
Special Projects MOST IMPORTANT AMENITIES NEEDED
sidewalk dining 4.23
farmer's market 4.05 town square/park 3.82 1 interpretive signs/exhibits 3.63
pocket parks 3.61 children's playground 3.57 2 Sidewalk Dining outdoor performance space 3.55 community garden 3.44 3 sculpture garden 3.09 dog park 3.01 Farmers Market fountain 2.97 outdoor game tables (checkers/chess) 2.95 Town Square/Park picnic area 2.87
visitor's center 2.83 Amenities. Sidewalk dining topped the list of amenities that people are outdoor skating rink 2.48 1 2 3 4 5 looking for along Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy, followed by a farmer’s not important very important AVERAGE RANKING market. In May 2007, City Council passed an ordinance permitting sidewalk dining along Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy. “Town Square/Park” was the third most important amenity, suggesting the need to consider a central public open space that “belongs” to and is representative of Mt. Airy.
32 projects—along with brief descriptions of them—that may pursued be future. inthe placemaking projects along Avenue. the Following sketches these is alist of other potential special in Mt. Airy. Th sketches ese represent only a rst step ina processfi conceivingof of selecting and conversation about future the of places and these how can positively they impact Germantown Avenue Th section ispresents preliminaryconcepts design foreach these places of to help generate a private property, places are these largely all on public property. and onlineonthe ownership survey the of site. the While one of places the includes of sections small amenities for Mt. residents Airy and visitors. Th the places ese based on werepart, selected, in results of to Avenue, the improve appearance the of street, the enhance Mt. Airy’s identity, and provide new Mt. USA and consultants the Airy three places that selected have potential best the to draw more people Projects Principal Special Mt. Airy PlaygroundMt. Airy at MountPleasantAveIntersection &Germantown Ave Lovett MemorialLibrary 33 Special Projects Special Project #1: Mount Pleasant Avenue Intersection Project Current Conditions & Attributes • Identifi ed in online survey as the #1 most important place in which to focus placemaking investments. • Highest point of the Avenue in Mt. Airy;
convergence of two major roadways. MT. AIRY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH • Two major bus routes intersect here, and bus stops Northwest Corner are located at all four corners. • Sidewalks are major gathering/waiting place for schoolchildren and transit riders. • Entry point into “downtown” Mt. Airy.
Th e Opportunities • Present an attractive, identifi able entry into “downtown” Mt. Airy. • Create formal gathering spaces. • Provide amenities such as bus shelters and trash receptacles; incorporate art into bus shelters. • Replace sidewalk and curb as they “turn the corner” along Mount Pleasant Avenue. • Bring life to the southeast corner with an eatery that features a sidewalk patio.
Implementation • Cost of improvements could be approximately $150,000. Costs might include: » Bus shelters with benches, trash receptacles Southwest Corner » Distinctive pedestrian crosswalk treatment Southeast Corner » Traffi c signals with mast arms over Mt. Pleasant Ave » Sidewalk and curb replacement along Mt. Pleasant Avenue; ramps » Creation of landscaped seating/gathering areas along Mt. Pleasant Avenue • Would require partnership with propertyowners and private investment. 34 Current Conditions &Attributes Mt. Airy Playground Interface Project Special Project #2: Implementation Th e Opportunities • • • • • • • • • • • fencing. attractive, alternatives artistic to chain-link the perimeter organization such as Th eArts Mural Program, to include Consider expanding project, inconjunction with an Council, with an interest inimproving playground. the entities, such as Department the of Recreation and City with other partner Public organizations property; and might$250,000. Costs include: As drawn, cost of project approximately could be activity to continue down Avenue. the “downtown” and Lovett to encourage Library pedestrian Create abetter transition along Avenue the between and public as asmall that space canitself. serve of amethod accessConstruct that is attractive, inviting, Germantown Avenue sidewalk. possible direct access to playground the from the Encourage more of use playground the by making from “downtown.” Referred to as “ped-dead zone” abruptLittle activity; transition pedestrian incharacter Unattractive chain fencing. link fromaccessed sidewalk. the Recreation area is elevated and cannot or seen easily- be Germantown Avenue. atLocated area of Mt. Playground Airy fronting places inwhich to placemaking focus investment. top inthe online fi via survey Ranked ve most important » » » Lighting, signage, benches Materials/construction of stairs Study/demolition/preparation of site 35 Special Projects Special Project #3: Mt. Airy Village Square Project Current Conditions & Attributes
• Located at the green space next to Lovett Library; located at the geographic center of Mt. Airy, near convergence of the supermarket, library, and playground. • Spacious, fl at, unprogrammed area that is almost always unoccupied.
Th e Opportunities
• Provide a “town square” for Mt. Airy; a gathering space that unites East and West Mt. Airy • Promote more activity in and around the library; provide outdoor reading/cafe opportunities. • Create performance space, temporary or permanent. • Commission a signature piece of art to be a centerpiece of the square.
Implementation
• As drawn, cost of project could be approximately $250,000. Costs might include: » Study/demolition/preparation of site » Construction of trails » Lighting, signage, benches, and trash receptacles » Creation of outdoor seating area around library • Public property. • Partner with Free Library of Philadelphia, Friends of Lovett Library, and other interested organizations.
36 this feedback.this presented at event. this Below are responses to some of and illustrateddescribed on previous the pages were House.Open Th three e principal special projects residents attended who 13,2007Community October the To left the writtenis feedback fromon Projects Special HouseCommunity Feedback Open of the next phase of implementing this plan. placemaking projects along Germantown Avenue. Thwill is be part Thwill is be key in conceiving of, designing, and implementing efforts. Thwill ey be consulted about including local artists in placemaking Mural Arts Program are on the Steering Committee for this project. Representatives from the Northwest Artists Collective and Th e a suitable tenant. requires negotiation with the propertyowner and the recruitment of as a community-serving space with an outdoor patio. However, this Placemaking Project #1does show this building being reactivated 37 Special Projects All Potential Special Projects
POTENTIAL PLACEMAKING PROJECTS ALONG GERMANTOWN AVE IN MT. AIRY
Magnitude of # Project Name Description & Purpose Investment Principal Projects 1 Mount Pleasant Ave Intersection See project profi le $$$ 2 Mt. Airy Playground Interface See project profi le $$$$ 3 Mt. Airy Village Square See project profi le $$$$ 4 Cresheim Valley Trestle Gateway Convert the rail trestle into a gateway for Mt. Airy. Concept design complete. $$$ Public Space Activation Projects This notch next to the SEPTA depot ranked in the top fi ve on the online survey as deserving placemaking 5 SEPTA Wedge Reactivation $$ investment. The purpose of this project would be to convert this “wedge” into an active space. This overgrown wedge at the corner of Carpenter Lane ranked third on the online survey in terms of its importance for placemaking. The purpose of this project would be to activate this space so it becomes 6 Carpenter Lane Corner $$ an asset to this node of businesses. It could be converted into an outdoor seating area for the existing restaurant or for the public. The grounds of Upsala are well-suited for hosting a farmer’s market. This project would involve working with 7 Farmer’s Market at Upsala Upsala and The Food Trust to bring a farmer’s market to Mt. Airy. This would bring a much-desired amenity $$ to neighborhood residents and add more activity to this otherwise quiet section of the Avenue. In conjunction with the renovation of the municipal parking lot in “downtown” Mt. Airy, the gated alley in 8 Parking Lot to Avenue Link the 7100 block of Germantown Avenue should be opened up and converted into a pleasant landscaped $$$ walkway from the parking lot to the Avenue. Repeating Elements & Art Projects 9 Banner System The Avenue would be refreshed with colorful, new banners designed through a community process. $ Art can make an “ordinary” bus shelter extraordinary. This project would involve converting the bus shelters 10 Bus Shelter Art $$ recommended in this plan into extraordinary works of art created by neighborhood residents. Heritage Projects “Interpretive Signs/Exhibits” were in the top fi ve most important amenities needed along the Avenue, according to the online survey. There’s a rich story to tell and interpret. The story involves history, culture, 11 Interpretive Sign System $$$ race, and community. This sign system would bring out these stories of Mt. Airy to both residents and visitors. Transform the inactive green area next to the Johnson House into a space that celebrates the history of Mt. 12 Mt. Airy / Germantown Heritage Garden $$$$ Airy and draws more people to this part of the Avenue.
$= <50K $$=50-99K $$$=100-249K $$$$=250-399K $$$$$= >400K 38 Special Projects: Examples and Inspiration from Other Places ExamplesandInspiration from Other Projects: Special Gateway Arch Leading to Pedestrian Walkway Interpretive System Sign - Philadelphia Artful Banners- VancouverArtful
Tom Crane Photography Bus Shelter Art -Seattle Art Bus Shelter Heritage -Staten Garden Island 39 Special Projects 40 be signifibe cant by use people traveling to neighborhood for the commercial or entertainment purposes. in Mt. Airy. Th e linesrail residentsprimarily serve commuting Centertheredoes to not City; appear to street on either side, and have both multiple station stops within afew blocks of Germantown Avenue Th e Avenue by mass transit. is well-served SEPTA R7Rail Regional and R8lines the parallel roughly hour,rush but is relatively free-flowing during of other day. the periods vehicles, much of that volume is concentrated hours. inpeak Traffic oft gridlocks during AM en and PM athroughwayas both and acenter of activity. While street the an carries average daily volume of 10,200 City Philadelphia. It is considered an and urban arterial by is utilized vehicles, buses, and pedestrians is located of Mt. inthe section Philadelphia and Airy surrounding the links neighborhoods to Center Th estretch Germantown of between Avenue 4007) Cresheim (S.R. Drive Valley and Washington Lane Germantown Avenue for roadway this use who those and its sidewalks. recommendations, ifimplemented, result will inamore efficient, safe—and even inviting—experience that inhibit vehicular both and mobility pedestrian along Germantown the Avenue corridor. Th ese of plansection the identifies and recommends improvements for physical and operational confl icts is asafe and pleasant place to drive and It walk. should revitalization the toperspective, further of Avenue, the people should have impression the that it Germantown Avenue inMt. inanegative Airy light of because traffic congestion. From aplacemaking As results the of online the community indicate people view Placemaking section), survey (see safely and efficiently. careful design of street the can facilitate that groups user so balance afunctional all may travel street the traveling at different and speeds moving indifferent directions must share same the space. However, urban corridor, some level of confl groups user between ict is inevitable, volumes as high of users G neighborhoods of Chestnut Hill and Germantown, and it is one of few roadways the neighborhood. It forms spine primary the connecting Mt. with adjacent the Airy Itpedestrians. is one of principal the roadway through arterials Mt. the Airy ermantown Avenue is aheavily-used urban corridor shared by cars, buses, and that neighborhood with the Center directly links City Philadelphia. In any dense be be a pleasant place to drive and Th walk. is Mobility & Traffic 41 Mobility & Traffi c Th e Avenue is also served by the Route 23 bus, which has the highest ridership of any bus route in the SEPTA system (averaging 20,113 passengers per day). Th e route is also one of the longest in the city, connecting Chestnut Hill with South Philadelphia. During peak periods, the route operates on a 6.5 minute frequency.
In order to establish the existing conditions, an inventory was taken at each of the intersections falling within the project area. An inventory of traffi c and pedestrian conditions was conducted in order to establish a baseline existing condition from which to work in developing recommendations. Th e following data was collected as part of the fi eld inventory conducted along Germantown Avenue:
• Pedestrian/bicyclist activity and behavior • Passenger car traffi c operations • Bus operations • Parking operations • Sight distance estimates • Intersection clear zone assessments • Traffi c signal equipment assessment • Pedestrian facility assessments
Based on this fi eld inventory, the following observations were recorded and recommendations are suggested.
42 Illegal parking impacting busoperations andblockingIllegal parking traffi impacting c “Dogleg” at Phil EllenaSt intersection potentially unsafe condition and/or inhibits efficient traffi c operations. For example, traffiThc safety and ere are locationsalong Germantown Avenuewhere the layoutgeometric of intersections presents a 1. Physical Layout of Streets mobilityunnecessary confl as wellicts as unsafe driving conditions. among Chief are: these Various factors on street the effi the degrade ofciency vehicular traffi c fl ow and contribute to Vehicular MobilityProblems of to time dissipate. near-side use Buses also stops at locations all along corridor. the At some locations vehicular traffic tends buses behind the and to gridlock resulting the queues asignifi take cant amount chose to board passengers stopped while travel inthe lane. When buses are stopped travel inthe lane, atwhile other locations buses appeared to have ample opportunity to but pull to curb the nevertheless duecurb to location the of metered parking or parked illegally passenger vehicles picture (see at left ), to performoperation. this curb At some locations, buses the are physically unable to pull closeto the boarding and alighting of passengers stopped while travel inthe lane rather than pulling off to the Bus operations appear to significantly impact traffi c fl ow through corridor. the Buses tend to allow 2. Bus Operations driver’s of view traffi by heads isc signal obstructed trees or other street signage insome locations. In general, pavement markings along corridor the appear worn to be or non-existent. In addition, the sight distance clearance from side streets. delineations, wires leading electric to amalfunctioning head, traffi signal aerial c poles, and turning missing head, signal missing hand, signal pedestrian missing ramps, curb missing crosswalk paths of other vehicles. Afield visit at location this on July following the 24, 2007revealed deficiencies: oft en unsure whereof to stop and, as a result, oft en stop too aheadfar and block crosswalks the and marked crosswalks at pedestrian “dogleg” this intersection exacerbates safety issues drivers because are discourages usage of even for such roads. reverse Furthermore, local curves, lack of stop bars and notePlease that American the Association of State Highway and Transportation Offi (AASHTO)cials Germantown Avenue from side the streets at intersection this are vulnerable especially to accidents. makes an unsafe movement reverse curve to cross Germantown Ave. Cars making aleft turn onto Side street traffic at currently the Street Phil Ellena signalized and Germantown Avenue intersection picture at left ). off fromset each other (i.e. “dogleg” the intersection), such as at Mt. and Street Phil Ellena Airy (see operations along Avenue the appear signifi to be cantly impacted where side the street centerlines are 43 Mobility & Traffi c the near-side stop, combined with the buses stopping in the travel lane, signifi cantly impacts traffi c operations and safety. Th e near-side stop essentially blocks the view of the traffi c signals from the drivers behind the bus, so drivers who wish to maneuver around the bus do so at a risk of colliding with opposing traffi c. Buses also appear to make unnecessarily-frequent stops along Germantown Avenue.
3. Obstructions to Sight Lines Post mounted signs, trees, light poles, and signal posts are dotted throughout this project area along both sides of the road. Signal heads are all post-mounted as opposed to mast arm-mounted. Overgrown trees along with commercial and regulatory signs obstruct many of these signal heads (see picture at right). Furthermore, designated metered parking in some places extends too close to intersection corners and driveways along the corridor which inhibits sight distance from side streets and driveways (see picture at right).
4. Parking Confl icts and Supply A post-mounted signal almost obscured by a tree Th ere appears to be ample parking along Germantown Avenue during daytime hours, as many metered spots are vacant during the peak hours of vehicular travel. Th e exception to this is certain evening periods, where demand for parking in proximity to certain bars and restaurants results in a scarcity of on-street parking. Th e municipal lot located off Germantown Avenue in the 7100 block appears to be heavily-utilized. Drivers in the lot frequently park in areas of the lot where parking is restricted, such as the access driveways internal and external to the lot. Despite the presence of this municipal lot and the availability of on-street parking spaces, merchants, institutions, and customers frequently report a lack of adequate parking, specifi cally within “downtown” Mt. Airy.
Designated on-street parking blocking sight lines
44 Long stretches withoutsignalized intersections Undelineated crosswalks around specifi orc nodes destinations. Th ere not does appearbe to travel pedestrian much up and down stationsRail inMt. Airy. In general, field suggests observation that activity is concentrated pedestrian noted, however, as major that locations these serve bus also stops or access points to SEPTA Regional and Mount Avenue, Airy Mount Pleasant Avenue, Street, and Allens Lane. It Sedgwick should be hours,peak with some isolated exceptions, namely around intersections the of Germantown Avenue Relative to level the of vehicular traffi traffi pedestrian c, c is light to moderate during vehicular the Pedestrian MobilityProblems likely—cross street the at own their risk across oncoming traffic from two directions. maystreet signals inbetween considerable to need walk distances out of way, their or—much more intersections wherecrossings pedestrian are protected by timings. signal Thwishing ose to crossthe and there Phil Ellena, area, are such Sedgwick four as between or more signalized blocks between intersectionsSignalized are irregularly along spaced Avenue. the In some places within project the 3. Signal locations bicyclists. elderly. ThBelgian additionblock surface—in is thelack to of marked bikelane—is a detrimentalso to is arelatively surface, and walking poor may diffi particularly be cult to navigate for disabled the or Th Belgian block e paving treatment thestreet, in while historically valuable and visually distinctive, 2. Roadway paving surface street, are largely also absent within project the area. commonly inurban areas acknowledgement used as afurther of of of use the legitimacy the pedestrian zonefriendly” established by such markings is absent. Pedestrian (“hand-man”) warning signals, bars and other common pavement markings contributes to imbalance, the since usual“pedestrian- the since implicit the message is that vehicles precedence take roadway. inthe Also, lack the of traffic stop Th e lackgeneral of pedestrian marked crosswalks be psychologicallymay intimidatingpedestrians, for 1. Undelineated crosswalks mobility free the of on pedestrians street the and that overall the degrade experience. pedestrian Avenuethe for sustained distances. Th is maybe due the to physicalconditions the on thatstreet inhibit 45 Mobility & Traffi c Vehicular Mobility Recommendations
Apply Pavement Markings Provide stop bars at all signalized intersections along Germantown Avenue. Place stop bars on the side streets in a manner which allows for heavy vehicle turning movements to and from Germantown Avenue (i.e. set stop bars back an appropriate distance from the opposing curb line). Furthermore, double yellow lines should be applied to separate opposing traffi c. Since the center of the roadway is concrete (as opposed to granite blocks) the pavement markings will hold. Striping granite blocks is not advisable as marking on these blocks will only last for a short time. Moisture and heavy traffi c volume will destroy these markings during the fi rst major rain.
Remove Obstructions to Sight Lines; Install Mast Arms to Traffi c Signals Obstructing trees and commercial signage should be cleared to enhance motorists’ views of traffi c signals and signs. Consider using mast arms (see picture at right) to extend traffi c signals to a position Install mast arms to traffi c signals more conspicuous to drivers. Short arms of approximately ten feet in length may need to be used to avoid confl ict with overhead trolley wires. Two mast arms (one on left corner, one on right corner) may need to be used at each intersection to provide two signal heads per approach as required by MUTCD).
Fix Dogleg Intersections As mentioned before, AASHTO discourages reverse curves even for local roads. AASHTO encourages alternative traffi c solutions if geometric solutions are not attainable. Th e intersection of Germantown Avenue and Phil-Ellena Street is a doglegged intersection. As physical realignment of this intersection could be diffi cult if not impossible, one of the following two solutions might be implemented to improve this intersection:
• Eliminate dogleg intersections by choosing one side street and reversing its direction to depart from Germantown Avenue only. As pictured on the right, Phil Ellena Street could become one way, heading away from Germantown Avenue—instead of fl owing towards Germantown Avenue as it is currently—thus eliminating confl icting turning movements at that location. Make “dogleg” intersections safer • Change traffi c signal phase timing for Germantown Avenue and side streets. At this location an actuated traffi c signal with video or loop detector is an ideal candidate. Traffi c volume on West Phil Ellena Street is relatively low compared to other legs. Th erefore, installing a video or loop detector at this leg (West Phil Ellena Street) can make this intersection effi cient and relatively safer.
46 Create clearzones X Improve SEPTA busoperations Establish aclear zone along egress and ingress and along side street all locations along corridor this for Create Clear Zones regulations are unclear and develop appropriate regulations for areas. those prohibit parking limits. within examine these Also locations along corridor the where parking Establish at at least 60’setback corners for used to be bus stops along Germantown Avenue, and Create Metered Parking Setbacks available spaces for short-term parkers. Prohibit parking along driveways the to and from municipal the is and free has no restrictions. time Th isinvitesfull-dayparking, and as a resultthere are oft en no Parking policies and practices at municipal the lot should thoroughly be evaluated. Currently lot the Reexamine Municipal Parking Parking Downtown Lot &Conduct Study side streets at intersections signalized the corridor inthe to optimize traffic fl ow. Consider converting pre-timed traffi toc signals vehicular-actuated by signals using detection of video Install Video Signals Detection Incorporate No Turn locations at On Red signalized all to enhancesafety. pedestrian Install No Turn on Red Signs stops along Germantown Avenue explored should be also with SEPTA. stop locations. Also, possibility the of consolidating bus certain stop locations to reduce number the of stops along Germantown Avenue might to place need take of as part acity-wide reexamination of bus signal. SEPTA currently not does permitfar-side stops inPhiladelphia, reconsidering so location the of Avenue and Mount Avenue Airy (currently intersection) adogleg to afar-side stop location past the with direct connections toSpecifi Regional Rail. cally, move bus the stop at southbound Germantown atespecially Allens Lane, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Mount Avenue, Airy Street, and locations Sedgwick boarding and alighting. Also, far-side bus stops should established be at key locations corridor, inthe Encourage SEPTA and bus operators to pull up and to curb the out of travel lanes passengers while are Improve SEPTA Bus Operations Replace defective, worn, or outdated traffic signs and equipment. signal Upgrade Equipment of municipal the parking lot, as pictured on left the . safe operations of vehicular mobility. For example, aclear zone should created be next to driveway the
47 Mobility & Traffi c lot and at least 20 feet from both sides of the driveways along Germantown Avenue. Reexamining the municipal parking lot could be incorporated into a broader downtown parking study. Such a study would provide a baseline of data on the supply, location, and utilization of parking in “downtown” Mt. Airy. It would provide details on who is using the parking spaces, at what time of day, and for how long. Finally, it would recommend ways to effi ciently manage the municipal parking lot, on-street parking spaces, and even private lots. For a more detailed look at parking in “downtown” Mt. Airy see page 50.
Pedestrian Mobility Recommendations
Mark Pedestrian Crosswalks at Signalized Intersections Provide crosswalks at all signalized intersections, with proper pavement markings and signage. Pavement markings should not be applied to the granite blocks. While preservation of the existing granite block paving design is desired, removal of the blocks in isolated areas for the installation of marked concrete crosswalks has proven to be acceptable to PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), whose approval will be required. On side streets intersecting Germantown Avenue, thermoplastic white pavement markings can be utilized over the concrete surface to mark pedestrian crosswalk locations. An appropriate style and color of pavers could also be considered instead of white stripes, but would cost more to install. Pavers may be more durable than the thermoplastic markings. Mark pedestrian crossings at unsignalized intersections
Mark Pedestrian Crossings at Unsignalized Intersections Unsignalized intersections should be clearly marked with crosswalks and appropriate signage (see photos at right). Unsignalized intersections with signifi cant pedestrian volumes (i.e. near a bus stop/ school/other destination) should be studied for signal warrants, particularly for a pedestrian fl asher. Create pedestrian bump-outs Th is also reduces the distance between intersections, which would provide at least some protection to pedestrians.
Install Pedestrian “Push-Button” and “Hand-Man” Signals Allow for pedestrian-actuated “push-button” signals at all signalized intersections. Install pedestrian “hand-man” signals at these intersections as well. At intersections with signifi cant pedestrian crossings, such as those at Germantown Avenue at Sedgwick Street and Mount Pleasant Avenue, consider installing “countdown” signals and re-timing the signals to provide pedestrians with more lead time. Create a mid-bock crossing in “downtown” 48
PRIORITY MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG GERMANTOWN AVENUE MOBILITY PRIORITY CRESHEIM VALLEY CRESHEIM COMMUNITY SERVICE /SENIORHOME COMMUNITY ����������������������������� EXISTING TRAFFICSIGNAL Lutheran Theological Seminary SCHOOL /RECREATION
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DURHAM MOUNT PLEASANT MOUNT Create aMid-Block Crossing in “Downtown” crossing times. can help increating abus loading zone (ifnear-side stops are retained) and reduce they pedestrian picture activity (see pedestrian on previous page). Th ese bump-outs,known also as extensions,”“curb Upon determining counts pedestrian area, inthe consider bump-outs at corners with significant Create Pedestrian Bump-Outs suitable point intersections. these between Mount Pleasant Avenue, rather than at intersections. signalized the Consider amid-block crossing at a Pedestrians frequently cross, albeit precariously, Germantown Avenue Mount between Avenue Airy and
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SLOCUM CARPENTER Cecilian Academy Carpenter Lane
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250 POMONA 500 ������� ��������������� ������������� �������������� 1,000 Feet 49 Mobility & Traffi c Parking in “Downtown” Mt. Airy Parking is a precious commodity in business districts. Th is is especially true for Mt. Airy, which boasts a revitalizing business district with shopping and entertainment off erings that depend on a steady stream of customers to survive. Ample parking within a comfortable walking distance of shops is essential for these businesses. Mt. Airy’s “downtown” is fortunate to have a free municipal parking lot with approximately 75 spaces, half of which are unmarked. Despite this amenity, merchants, patrons, and local residents report a shortage of parking. Th ey also report that some people park their cars in the lot for the duration of the day, occupying spaces that could be available for customers.
Th e Municipal Parking Lot Part of the solution to the parking shortage in this section of Germantown Avenue involves reexamining the design and function of the existing municipal parking lot. Th e following issues need to be addressed:
• Th e high cost of free parking. Free parking and parking without time restrictions means that Entrance to the municipal parking lot drivers have no incentive to move their cars once they’ve parked. Th is results in low turnover rates and less parking for potential customers. Th is is a major problem for urban areas, where space is limited. • Precarious ingress and egress. First, signage is inadequate in announcing the lot and helping motorists distinguish between the entrance and exit. Second, sight lines are blocked when exiting the lot because of cars parked along the driveway and along Germantown Avenue and because of the obtuse angle at which the driveway meets the Avenue (see photos at right).
If, working with the Philadephia Parking Authority, a community entity such as Mt. Airy USA or the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District were to convert the municipal parking lot to a paid lot, either with a fl at rate, hourly charges, or timed meters, it could use the revenues to fi nance improvements to the commercial corridor as well as pay for maintenance of the lot. Charging for parking—through fl at rates, hourly charges, or meters—would make drivers less likely to leave their cars in the lot for extended periods of time, thus freeing up more spaces for shoppers and visitors when they need them. Municipal parking lot exit (sight line blocked by truck) Following the model of Manayunk’s paid parking lots, the municipal lot in Mt. Airy could use an automated system to collect fees for parking. In this system, each of the parking spaces would be marked with a number. Customers would then input the number of their space into a machine that is positioned in a central location in the lot and pay for the amount of time they anticipate staying.
Th e lot could be further improved by making changes to its design. First, reversing the entrance and 50 ACME’s parking lot Alley that couldbeusedaswalkway to parking lot with owner the 7150and between 7152Germantown of alley the Avenue to convert it into apedestrian to Germantown Avenue and create amore comfortable realm, Mt. USAshould pedestrian work Airy thataccess lot the sidewalks border via entrance the and exit driveways. To better connect pedestrians drivers from parking inspaces that impede fl the ow of traffi c throughout lot. the Pedestrians currently within lot, the parking parallel the around of perimeter the lot the should Th striped. be keep will is reversed spaces to nose-in be the refl direction new the ofect traffi c within lot. the To formalize parking exit would improve fl the ow of traffi c going into lot. the Th is switch would requirethat the orientation of (i.e., usually evenings and weekends.) have own their parking lots along Avenue the to make available them to visitors during non-work hours Another strategyto increase supply the of parking spaces is to encourage businesses and institutions that appears to have asurplus of parking spaces, to devote some of spaces for these employee parking. parking spaces. One possibility is to work out an agreement with abusiness such as ACME, which consider creating satellite parking lots for employees that so customers and clients available can the use However, employees of businesses these oftoccupy en these spaces. Businesses and institutions should Ideally, parking the spaces located closest to stores and restaurants should occupied by be customers. Employee Satellite Lots &Lot Sharing concept plan on page 52). as aclear walkwaythis and could welcoming serve access point to Mt. Airy’s commercial corridor (see walkway to parking the picture lot (see at left ). landscaping, rough paving, lighting, and signage, Th 51 Mobility & Traffi c ������������
MOUNT AIRY AVE ����������������������������������
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DETAIL OF MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN “DOWNTOWN” 52 signs to promote Mt. the Airy’s rail stations). Wayfinding of plan section this includes details on using visitors as an alternative to driving Navigation (the & rail stations should promoted be to residents both and car traffic and parking challenges—one or of both these Stations to Germantown Avenue—and considerable the Given proximity the of and Lane Allen Mount Airy comprise majority the of riders on rail lines. these times and hourlypeak on off times. Commuters-peak On weekdays, trains about both run an twice hour during morning.the travel to work by bus or car and return home by train in of atrip. For example, riders working night shift s might travel inan alternate of mode transportation for one part more alightings than boardings may indicate that people Th at WashingtonLane Germantownand Avenue have trainthe than alighting train the at station. aparticular positive number indicates that more people are boarding boardingsbetween and alightings at each station. A Th e chart the on bottom right shows the diff erence or closure.reduced service figure of 75.Stations with figures below 75are indanger of figures that are higherthan SEPTA’s minimum-accepted ofall stations the within Mt. have Airy average boarding board train the at each station on weekdays. Fortunately, topthe left indicatesthe average number peoplethatof within ashortof walk Germantown Avenue. Th e chart on through neighborhood and the three stations are located neighborhoods city. inthe Two lines run Regional Rail Mt. is technically one of Airy most the transit-accessible Promoting RegionalRailinMt. Airy Average Number Average Number on Weekdays on Weekdays (by Station) (by Station) Boardings& Boardings& of People of People between the between the Boarding Boarding (by Station) (by Station) Number of Number of 2006 Data 2006 Data Difference Difference Alightings Alightings Weekday Weekday Average Average Chestnut Hill C h ------2 3 4 5 6 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 5 8 6 4 2 2 4 e 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 W s 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 E t e n a s u s t t R8 t
R7
Chestnut Hill Chestnut Hill H i
West l
East l
Highland Gravers Highland Gravers
St. Martins Wyndmoor St. Martins Wyndmoor
Allen Lane Mount Airy Allen Lane Mount Airy
Carpenter Sedgwick Carpenter Lane Sedgwick Lane
Upsal Stenton Upsal Stenton
Washington Tulpehocken Tulpehocken Washington Lane Lane
Chelten Ave Germantown Chelten Ave Germantown
Queen Lane Wister Queen Lane Wister 75 75 2004 2005 2004 2005 53 Mobility & Traffi c FIRST AND LAST TRAINS TO AND FROM MT. AIRY AND CENTER CITY Steering Committee members suggested promoting the Stations Day First Train Leaves Last Train Leaves Mount Airy Station because it bears the neighborhood’s Weekdays 6:15 am 10:54 pm R8 Allen Lane to Suburban Station name and is located closest to Germantown Avenue. Saturday 7:19 am 10:58 pm (Mt. Airy to Center City) Sunday 7:49 am 10:58 pm Another strategy is to promote rail access to Germantown R7 Mount Airy to Suburban Station Weekdays 6:02 am 12:23 am Avenue businesses and organizations through their (Mt. Airy to Center City) Sat/Sun 6:37 am 10:37 pm websites. Th e website of the Amoeba Art Shop and the Weekdays 5:55 am 11:52 pm R8 Suburban Station to Allen Lane Lutheran Th eological Seminary, for example, already Saturday 7:20 am 10:10 pm (Center City to Mt. Airy) include the R7 and R8 train lines as a method for reaching Sunday 6:50 am 9:50 pm their Germantown Avenue locations. Also included are R7 Suburban Station to Mount Airy Weekdays 6:41 am 12:59 pm (Center City to Mount Airy Sat/Sun 7:38 am 11:38 pm direct links to the train schedules on the SEPTA website.
54 Cost Information for ImplementingPriorityMobilityRecommendations [new pavement markings, sidewalk repair, pay station, landscaping, lighting] landscaping, Study station, pay Parking repair, Downtown sidewalk Conduct Lot markings, Parking pavement Municipal [new system] Reexamine/Redesign $200/sign] $17,600/signal Lane, Signals Allens [at signs/intersection, Detection 2 Video Install intersections, Signs signalized 8 Red” [at on zone] Turn “No $400/clear Install sign, Operations Bus Parking” SEPTA “No Improve install meter, Equipment parking Upgrade remove downtown; in [3 direction] Zones other in Clear Create one-way Phil-Ellena [make Intersections arms/intersection, Setbacks Dogleg mast 2 Fix Ave, Parking Metered Pleasant Mount Create Lane, bar] arm] Allens $50/stop Ave, $4500/mast Airy Signals c Mount bars/signal, Traffi to [at stop 4 Arms Mast Install interesections, Bars) (Stop signalized 8 signage] [at plus Markings Pavement Apply $9600/crosswalk, crosswalk, 1 = Interval “Downtown” crossing in Pedestrian mid-block $2000/signal] Crossing [1 Leading for signals, Mid-Block a Retime countdown $1770/signal] and Create 2 Ave: Signals Sedgwick Countdown [at signals/intersection, 4 $9600/crosswalk] Signals Pedestrian “Hand-Man” Install intersections, and crosswalks/signal, 2 signalized St., 8 “Push-Button” [at Duval at Pedestrian Intersections intersection Install $9600/crosswalk] Unsignalized at unsignalized 1 [at Crosswalks crosswalks/signal, 2 Pedestrian Intersections Mark intersections, Signalized at signalized 8 [at Crosswalks Pedestrian Mark PRIORITY RECOMMENDATIONS PRIORITY VEHICULAR SAFETY & FLOW & SAFETY VEHICULAR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PEDESTRIAN TOTAL PROJECTS COST FOR FOR COST $578,700 $250,000 $173,000 PRIORITY PRIORITY $15,000 $17,600 $27,000 $57,000 $19,200 $9,600 $4,000 $3200 $1200 $1600 $300 N/A N/A $0 55 Mobility & Traffi c Community Open House Feedback To the left is written feedback on the Mobility & Traffi c recommendations from residents who attended the October 13, 2007 Community Open House. Below are responses to some of this feedback.
Pedestrian crossing signs have already been installed at the Duval Street intersection. Th is plan recommends a marked pedestrian crosswalk at this location. Adding a traffi c signal might not be permitted due to signal spacing requirements. Th e signal at Johnson Street might be too close to the intersection at Duval Street.
“Transit & Attractions” Panels are recommended at bus stops. See Wayfi nding section of the plan for more details.
Th is is something to consider during the implementation of this plan. Paving may last longer than the applied white stripes, but could cost more to install.
A four-way stop, or “exclusive pedestrian phasing” is most appropriate in locations with high pedestrian volumes—volumes that exceed vehicle volumes. “Leading pedestrian interval” timing is recommended for the intersections at Mount Pleasant Ave and at Sedgwick Street, which allows pedestrians an advance walk signal before motorists get a green light, giving the pedestrian a several second head start.
56 planned, comprehensive wayfinding system. about places along Avenue the (interpretive signs). However, signs are these not of part acarefully- signs that direct people to various destinations (directional signs), and signs that several tell astory Mt. have does anumber Airy of signs that mark destinations (destination signs), arrival ahandful of and reach its many off along those Germantownerings, especially Avenue. arrangement, visitors—and even residents—oft en nd it diffifi cult to navigate through the neighborhood and Stenton Avenue, not of all connect them directly with Germantown Avenue. Given oblique this slice through network grid-like this at various angles. While many streets intersect with Lincoln Drive Germantown Avenue, three the major roadways that connect Mt. with rest the of Airy region, the Th estreets of arearrangedMt. Airy grid-like network. ina LincolnDrive, Stenton Avenue, and Navigating through Mt. Airy maps, landmarks, and unique landscape features. W environment, and of set the architectural and/or designelements that aids is: “the of experience user orientation and choosing apath within built the space and navigate from place to place.” Another definition of wayfi nding ayfinding refers to “the ways inwhich people orient themselves inphysical orientation.” Elements of awayfinding system might include signs, banners, Navigation & Wayfinding 57 Navigation & Wayfi nding DirectionPhiladelphia Most of the destination arrival and directional signs in Mt. Airy today are part of a wayfi nding sign system called DirectionPhiladelphia, which was developed by the now-defunct Foundation for Architecture. Center City relies heavily on this sign system, while other parts of Philadelphia use only pieces of the system. DirectionPhiladelphia includes designs for signs for diff erent scales of places (e.g., downtown vs. neighborhoods). It also includes graphic standards, placement guidelines, design drawings, construction details, and technical specifi cations—a complete “kit of parts” for implementing a sign plan.
DirectionPhiladelphia has been implemented in Mt. Airy in a piecemeal fashion. Th e directional signs are useful in pointing out the route toward Chestnut Hill and Mt. Airy. However, they are in fair condition, and the ones located within Mt. Airy could be at a scale that complements the slower traffi c and tighter streets of this neighborhood.
Th e destination arrival signs that mark places such as Cliveden, Sedgwick Cultural Center, and Lovett Library are helpful in drawing attention to these landmarks. Ideally, these sites would have no need for destination arrival signs; they would have their own unique signs or facade treatments that make their presence obvious. Th e more signifi cant issue, however, is the lack of directional signs that lead people to these landmarks.
SEPTA Signs Several small signs attached to light poles direct people to the Regional Rail stations located on either side of Germantown Avenue. While these signs do indicate the route to the various rail stations, they are small and easy to 58 interpretive signage. Avenue in Mt. Airy, there is great potential for coordinated passersby. Given extensive the of history Germantown and rocks to provide historical information to curious Lovett applied Library plaques to features such as pillars Commission. Lutheran Th and Seminary eological administered by Pennsylvania the Historical &Museum are from Pennsylvania the Historical Marker Program briefly narrate historical the significance of sites, these at Cliveden and Johnson the House. Thwhich signs, ese Among only the interpretive signs along Avenue the are Interpretive Signs recent renovation. symbol into was embedded Gowen the Bridge during its of symbol this has expanded beyond gateway signs; the any meaningful impact on passing motorists. Thuse e recognizable symbol, but signs the are to small make too Th e gateway signs into consistMt. Airy ofa unique, Gateway Signs aware of amenity. this stations largely anonymous to people might who not be R7 or R8),but not name the of station. the Th is leavesthe miss. Furthermore, only they have rail the line listed (i.e., SEPTA DirectionPhiladelphia (Directional) DirectionPhiladelphia Gateway Interpretive (Destination Marker) DirectionPhiladelphia 59 Navigation & Wayfi nding �����������������
1 2 3 4 5 6
Germantown
Chestnut Hill
������������ �������������� �������������� ������������
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Existing Wayfi nding Signage
60 Wayfi manynding signs can serve diff erent goals, among them: While wayfinding systems can consist of many different elements, system this on focuses signs. Toward aComprehensive Wayfi Systemnding Sign for Mt. Airy wayfinding system sign should help achieve for Mt. Airy: investment that should yield a“return.” Th e following representspecifi c objectives and “returns” that a Most important, wayfinding signs should considered be an investment neighborhood—an inthe wayfinding system can help to achieve: Airy. Th e results stakeholderthe of severalspecifi suggest interviews c aspirations thatcoordinated a Th is planning process presentsthe opportunity considerbegin to to awayfi nding system sign for Mt. • • • • • • • • • • • Managing Traffic move through acommunity and, ultimately, to reach destination. their Navigating would abroadening be of constituencies their (e.g, members, donors, funders, etc.). retention, and attraction the of businesses. new For institutions and historic sites, “return” the and historic sites. Th e “return” for would, ideally,Mt. Airy bettersales, be increased business Promote awareness of and increase customer/visitor for businesses, base local institutions, Strengthen economy local the (by attracting more customers businesses). to local Reinforce Mt. as a“welcoming” Airy place. Improve access to and usage of public transit (and, conversely, to reduce dependence on cars). Avenue. Distribute more activity from “downtown” Mt. to blocks south farther along Airy Germantown Increase awareness of institutions the and historic places located along Avenue. the Interpreting within aspecific area or among distinctdistricts. Identity-Building offerings community. of aparticular broadly, signs can help unfamiliar give those people, with aplace, of especially asense the having listed) them that are important, interesting, and/or not conspicuous. visually More Attracting traffic fl ow and reduce congestion. . SignsS can help announce, advertise, draw attention to specific places (simply by . SignsS can help provide people with information to make decisions about how to . SignsS can help about tell astory and history the culture of aplace. ig ig ig n n s c n s c . Signs can lay out aspecific/preferred route places to certain inorder to control . Th rough designs andcolors, signscan help createcoherent a sense of identity s c a a n h
a n h n h r o e e ug l p a l e p l h d p t n r n e o e l o s v l as un ig i d n e p c t s a e o , a r e n y a o d d c p v b l e e w o o r l u t o i t i s r t e s, s h in h , dra e h ig f n o i w a s r s c t m o r t a a t y a n h e t i n o n t n t e i d c o l p cr n t o m u o s l t e ur a a k p t e ac e o e d e cifi f ap e
ci o c p h s i e l l o a r a n e c c n e s a e . t s s (s b e o n im u s t h e o p l y b o f i w t d y e o n t i t y 61 Navigation & Wayfi nding • Increase awareness of the Regional Rail stations and their locations, improve people’s ability to navigate
H CHEL through Mt. Airy to reach those stations, and RT TENHA promote the use of Regional Rail. Th is might, for SWO M AD example, make it more appealing for Center City W residents to visit Mt. Airy. Th e “return” for Mt. Airy GERMANT would, ideally, be increased ridership and more
L OWN MOUNT PLEASANT impetus for SEPTA to maintain the R7 and R8 rail UPSA lines and invest in the neighborhood’s rail stations. STENT
O N Quantitative Support for Signing Certain Routes
MOUNT AIRY Th e accompanying map shows available traffi c counts (from 2005) for certain streets in and around Mt. Airy. Mt. Airy Th is data is provided to help Mt. Airy USA consider ways
ON to prioritize certain routes for receiving wayfi nding signs. GT
S HIN S Th e data indicates that Lincoln Drive is the most heavily-
WA ALLEN traffi cked route directly into and out of Mt. Airy. Th e data also indicates that a relatively signifi cant number of
LINCOLN CHE motorists pass through Stenton Avenue. Th is suggests that W Stenton Avenue might be a priority route to consider for WISSAH BROAD installing wayfi nding signs.
IC KON
WA YN E
LTER Annual Average Daily Counts (AADT) TRAFFIC COUNTS U CO data from PennDOT and DVRPC 30,000+ 20,000 - 29,999 15,000 - 19,999 10,000 - 14,999 5,000 - 9,999 < 5,000
62 to better suitandrefl ect Mt.Airy. existsand fonts, to theopportunity tweak theseelements the standard DirectionPhiladelphiasignsystem colors SignDesign Standard
����� ���������� �� � �� ������������������� ��������������� �������� ������� . Whilethesignhereisshown with Greene Businesses Greene & Carpenter Way Weaver’s Businesses Ave Germantown R8 - Station Rail Lane Carpenter ����� ������ parameters and assumptions: signs inMt. Airy. Th eaccompanying map graphics and lay the out system.Th efollowing are some basic Th is plan recommends usingthe DirectionPhiladelphia system sign the as foundation for directional A Proposed Wayfinding System for Mt. Airy • • • • considers neighborhood as the awhole and within context the of adjacent neighborhoods. Context Sign ClutterSign Avenue, should community the wish to do so. engagement process should to undertaken identifyand be name of sections these Germantown subsumedcan be under more the general “Germantown Ave Business District.” Acommunity References are made to a“Midtown Mt. and a“Cliveden Airy” Historic District,” but all they Avenue that proposed this wayfinding system currently identifies is “Downtown Mt. Airy.” Avenue that motorists can reach from each connector street. Th esection only the of distinct signs within wayfi the nding system sign for Mt. should indicate Airy of section Germantown the not of streets all into these feed of same the section Germantown Avenue. Th erefore, certain streets, Germantown Avenue directly from “connector” accessed can be several streets. However, into Mt. are Lincoln Airy Drive, Stenton Avenue, and Easton Road.From three major these AvenueGermantown into neighborhood are the debatable. treatment at North the and Entries, East primarily precise the because locations of entries these at into South this Entry Mt. Airy. Th is proposed system not does recommendgrandequally and Johnson Street. Consideration should given be to designing agrand gateway treatment Chestnut Hill into Mt. Airy. Another clear threshold into is entry the Mt. at Lincoln Drive Airy an artist-designed gateway into neighborhood. the Th e trestle is clearly threshold a between developed to makebeen rail the trestle over Germantown Avenue near Cresheim Valley Road entries into Mt. are listed Airy below, two of which are more than others. the certain Plans have from Cartographic the Modeling at Lab University the of Pennsylvania. Th e fourprincipal Th eboundaries neighborhood and entries considered this in wayfi nding systemoriginate Gateways » » » » South Entry: Lincoln Drive at JohnsonSouth Entry: Street West Germantown Avenue Entry: at Cresheim Valley Road Germantown Avenue Entry: East at Johnson Street Easton Road/MountNorth Avenue Entry: Airy at Stenton Avenue . While project this on focuses Germantown Avenue, wayfi this nding system sign . Th e boundariesprecise of inneighborhoods Northwest Philadelphia are debatable. . Thneed e forbalanced signs be againstshould the potential fromfor detracting the . Besides Germantown. Besides Avenue, three the major streets that motorists feed 63 Navigation & Wayfi nding aesthetics of the street by installing too many signs. One way this system addresses this issue is by not including any destination marker signs. Each destination should have its own unique sign/ ����� banner/facade treatment to inform people of its presence. A good example of a unique, context- �� ������ sensitive treatment is the entrance to the Allens Lane Art Center. �� • Transit-Focused Signs. Signs within the proposed system that have only one message, one Carpenter Lane Rail Station - R8 that specifi cally directs people to Mt. Airy’s Regional Rail stations (or directs them from the Germantown Ave stations to Germantown Avenue) are envisioned to be a diff erent design than the standard Businesses DirectonPhiladelphia directional signs. Th e transit-focused signs recommended near the ���������� Weaver’s Way Mount Airy, Allen Lane, Carpenter Lane, and Upsal Rail Stations are aimed at directing visitors Carpenter & to Germantown Avenue, Mount Airy and Allen Lane being the stations most accessible to Greene Businesses “downtown,” and Upsal being the station closest to Cliveden and the Johnson House. • Priorities. Each sign is assigned a level of priority: LOW, MED, or HIGH. Th e following is the general criteria used to determine the level of priority of each proposed sign: » HIGH. High-priority signs are generally located along the major, high-traffi c routes into Mt. Airy (e.g., Lincoln Drive); they direct motorists into Mt. Airy and to Germantown Avenue. Th ese signs are a part of a system of signs that work together to help orient motorists. Th ese signs also will be seen by the greatest number of motorists, making them
more likely to attract the greatest volume of people to the Germantown Avenue business ����� district. » MED. Signs that help motorists navigate out of Mt. Airy and to routes such as Lincoln Drive are generally considered medium priority. Other medium priority signs are those that would be helpful in identifying approaching institutions, but are not necessarily �������� ������� critical for orienting motorists. » LOW. Gateway signs located at the less-precise entries into Mt. Airy are considered a low priority. Transit-focused signs that point to certain rail stations are also listed as low ��������������� � ������������������� priority; these signs may have a small constituency and, therefore, might not warrant the investment. “Context-Sensitive” Sign Design. Using some of the • Partners. Mt. Airy USA should consider partnering with institutions, CDCs, and other BIDs to colors and fonts preferred at the Imaging Workshop (see share the costs of signs that bear their names, or the names of the neighborhoods in which they Placemaking section of the plan), the above graphic work. suggests how the DirectionPhiladelphia sign design might be modifi ed to better refl ect Mt. Airy.
64 & Ft.Washington PA-309 &CheltenhamAve from/to PA Turnpike (276), & ChestnutHill Whitemarsh from/to 476 from/to
LEGEND PROPOSED LOCATIONS FORDIRECTIONAL SIGNSINMT. AIRY PRIMARY CONNECTOR ROAD N MAJOR ROADINTO MT. AIRY “DOWNTOWN” MT. AIRY
Chestnut Hill EASTON �� Mount Airy Signed Route � �� Cedarbrook � �
�
� � GOWEN � �� � �
� STENTON �� AIRY MOUNT
�� ALLENS � �
Sedgwick �� PLEASANT MOUNT � West OakLane � � Allen Lane �� SAMPLE DIRECTIONAL
� Vernon Mount Airy/Stenton Ave Series Lincoln DriveSeries Germantown Ave Series �� � McCallum ������������� Campus Covenant New Cottage Cresheim Airy Mt. Downtown �� Stenton � � ��
� CARPENTER from/to BroadStreet �� Carpenter Lane �� SAMPLE TRANSIT-FOCUSED �� Greene � Germantown Downtown Downtown 5 min. walk min. 5 Mt. Airy/ Mt. Transit-Focused Series
Ave HORTTER �
� Mount Airy Mount Station (R7) Station
��
Cliveden UPSAL �� Washington Lane � � Germantown � Upsal � � �
GATEWAY JOHNSON � ��
GERMANTOWN � �
LINCOLN City Center from/to Street Broad from/to 65 Navigation & Wayfi nding PROPOSED LOCATIONS AND MESSAGES FOR DIRECTIONAL SIGNS IN MT. AIRY Grey letters indicate that the precise message should be decided in a community process The color for each series corresponds with the colored squares on the "Proposed Locations for Directional Signs in Mt. Airy" map
TOTAL NUMBER OF SIGNS=44; Directional=32 Transit=12; High Priority=29 Med Priority=12 Low Priority=2 "Gateways" are not included in these numbers NO. LOCATION HEADING MESSAGE PRIORITY PARTNER LINCOLN DRIVE SERIES
1 Lincoln Drive at Johnson Street North MT. AIRY (GATEWAY) HIGH
>Cliveden Historic District >Germantown Ave Businesses 2 Lincoln Drive at Johnson Street North HIGH ^Downtown Mt. Airy >GERMANTOWN
>Upsal Rail Station - R8 4 Lincoln Drive at Hortter Street North >Germantown Ave Businesses HIGH LTS ^Lutheran Theological Seminary
>Carpenter Lane Rail Station - R8 >Germantown Ave Businesses 6 Lincoln Drive at Carpenter Lane North HIGH Weaver's Way >Midtown Mt. Airy 7 Carpenter Lane at Germantown Ave North >Cliveden Historic District MED >Mt. Airy Playground >Lovett Library 8 Lincoln Drive at Mount Pleasant Ave North HIGH LTS ^Lutheran Theo. Seminary ^Downtown Mt. Airy >Allen Lane Rail Station - R8 Chestnut Hill >Downtown Mt. Airy/Germantown Ave 10 Lincoln Drive at Allens Lane North HIGH Business >Lutheran Theo. Seminary Assoc./ LTS >CHESTNUT HILL GERMANTOWN AVENUE SERIES Germantown Ave at Cresheim Valley Road 1 South MT. AIRY (GATEWAY) HIGH (Trestle) >Allen Lane Rail Station - R8 3 Germantown Ave at Allens Lane South >Lincoln Drive / I-76 / Kelly Drive HIGH ^Public Parking 66 8AllensLaneatLincolnDrive 18 CarpenterLaneatLincolnDrive 17 9LincolnDriveatCarpenterLane 19 0Washington LaneatGermantownAve 20 6GermantownAveatGowen 16 5GermantownAveatAllensLane 15 4Gratw v tMutPesn v North GermantownAveatMountPleasant 14 3GermantownAveatSedgwickStreet 13 2GermantownAveatCarpenterLane 12 1GermantownAveatUpsalStreet 11 0Gratw vnea lvdnSre North GermantownAvenueatClivedenStreet 10 emnonAeu tJhsnSre South GermantownAvenueatJohnsonStreet 7 GermantownAveatUpsalStreet 6 GermantownAveatJohnsonStreet 8 GermantownAveatCarpenterLane 5 GermantownAveatWashingtonLane 9 emnonAea on laatAeSouth GermantownAveatMountPleasant 4 South South South South North North North North North North North North North ^Carpenter &GreeneBusinesses ^Weaver's WayCo-op 1 Mount Airy Ave at Stenton Ave South MT. AIRY (GATEWAY) LOW ^Downtown Mt. Airy/Germantown Ave ^Lutheran Theo. Seminary 2 Mount Airy Ave at Stenton Ave South HIGH OARC/LTS >Allens Lane / Lincoln Drive >Lutheran Theo. Seminary 3 Mount Airy Ave at Germantown Ave South HIGH >Downtown Mt. Airy/Germantown Ave 4 Stenton Ave at Mount Airy Ave South HIGH LTS >Lutheran Theological Seminary TRANSIT-FOCUSED SERIES >Downtown Mt. Airy/Germantown Ave 5 min 1 Cresheim Road at Allens Lane North HIGH walk 2 Greene Street at Upsal Street South 3 Devon Street at Gowen Ave South >Germantown Ave 4 min walk HIGH 4 Stenton Ave at Vernon Road South >Stenton Rail Station - R8 MED 5 Stenton Ave at Vernon Road North 6 Stenton Ave at Mount Pleasant Ave South >Sedgwick Rail Station - R7 MED 7 Stenton Ave at Mount Pleasant Ave North 8 Hortter Street at Greene Street North >Upsal Rail Station - R8 HIGH 9 Devon Street at Mount Pleasant Ave South >Germantown Ave 7 min walk LOW 10 Stenton Ave at Gowen Ave South >Mount Airy Rail Station - R7 HIGH 11 Stenton Ave at Gowen Ave North 12 Carpenter Lane at Station Exit South 68 information on bus the and rail routes neighborhood. the that serve normally transit, use there’s no way, easy piecing besides together details from Internet, the to find clear minute from walk Germantown Avenue. For people to new Mt. Airy, or for residents local don’t who bus through runs Mt. on Germantown Airy Avenue, and two rail stations are located within afive- Germantown Avenue inMt. is accessible by Airy SEPTA several bus and rail lines. Th e Route 23 Transit &Attractions Panels a wall, ora wall, free-standing. to designed be Panels are recommended at following the locations: panels.these Thpanels ese be installed could on bus shelterscurrently (which do not exist), mounted to locations on and near Germantown Avenue. Th e belowmap suggests potentiallocations for installing Mt. USAcouldasimilar project undertake to Airy Transit install &Attraction Panels at various of interest such as rail stations, parks, and historic sites. Thpanels ese includelarge a mapthat indicates all the of available bus routesthevicinity in pointsand issue and entice more people to transit use by installing panels on bus shelters along Walnut Street. In downtown Philadelphia, Center the an City recognized opportunity District to help address asimilar • • • • • • Streetscape Elements of plan section this for more details on bus shelters. along Avenue. the Th ese bus shelterscandidates be wouldgood for thereceiving panels. See Th eStreetscape Elements section this of plan recommends placing bus shelters atkey bus stops historic sites such as Johnson the House and to patrons of 6300Block the businesses. On Germantown Avenue near Cliveden &Upsala. Thpanel is be wouldgeared towardvisitors to Route the between Hand Route 23bus lines. congregate and wait for bus the area; inthis it represents is also amajor connection point At intersection the of Mount Pleasant Avenue and Germantown Avenue. Many people should located be next to pay the station. neighborhood. the If public the serve parking lot is renovated to include apay station, panel this parking the use who lot of attractions the inMt. Airy, inaddition to rail the and bus routes that At public the parking lot in“downtown” Mt. Airy. Thpanel is to inform serve visitorswould traffi Thc. ereforepanelthe potential thehas seen thebe people.by mostto Route 23bus lines area inthis meet and area this because probably has most the pedestrian In “downtown” Mt. near intersection the of Airy Mount Avenue, Airy Route the because Hand Germantown Avenue and “downtown” Mt. Airy. At Mount the Stations, and Rail Allen stations Airy these because are distance within walking of 69 Navigation & Wayfi nding Sedgwick WASHINGTON 8 min. walk GOWEN 15 min. walk MOUNT AIRY Route XH 15 min. walk Mount Airy PHIL ELLENA 4 min. walk Route H Bus Shelter Route 23 GERMANTOWN AVE 8 min. walk ALLENS MOUNT PLEASANT 11 min. walk JOHNSON CARPENTER 6 min. walk Allens Lane UPSAL Carpenter Lane PROPOSED LOCATIONS FOR TRANSIT & ATTRACTIONS PANELS IN MT. AIRY • At the Mount Airy Rail Station TRANSIT & ATTRACTIONS PANEL • At the Allen Lane Rail Station • In “Downtown” Mt. Airy near the intersection of Mount Airy Ave and Germantown Ave BUS ROUTES • At the public parking lot in “Downtown” Mt. Airy. WALKING ROUTE TO RAIL • At the intersection of Mount Pleasant Ave and Germantown Ave • On Germantown Ave near Cliveden & Upsala “DOWNTOWN” MT. AIRY • At targeted bus stops (attached to new shelters) Cost Information for Implementing the Wayfi nding System According to the Center City District, the total cost, installed, of each directional sign is approximately $3,700. Th e transit-focused signs will cost approximately $2,000 each. Each transit panel costs approximately $265. Given these amounts, and assuming all 44 proposed signs are installed, the approximate cost of implementing this wayfi nding system for Mt. Airy is $140,000. Th is sum does not include any allowance for designing and installing any special gateway signs or treatments. 70 continue to pursue other sources of funds. For other the investments plan, inthis including described Projects, Special the Mt. USAwill Airy Department of Environmental Protection. Commission, Philadelphia Historical Commission, Fairmount Park Commission, and Pennsylvania the Philadelphia Streets Department, SEPTA, Philadelphia Gas Works, Pennsylvania Historical &Museum involved inapproving various pieces of project, this including—but not limited to—PennDOT, regulatory process for approvals securing initiatives. tothese undertake Many public agencies are result indesignand construction documents. Th is process requires navigatingthrough thecomplex Skaftand Raabe Lager Landscape e Architects. In these January 2008, beganrmsthe processthat will fi To move some of initiatives these working forward, begin Mt. USAwill with Pennoni Airy Associates committedthe funds. Th is plan alreadyhas identifi several ed rst initiatives,phase fi many begin to draw which will downof organization.the T • • • Th e Navigation & Wayfisection details a nding wayfi nding system sign valued at$135,000. Th e Mobility & Traffisection lists package a c ofpriority recommendations valued at$578,000. improvements to Avenue’s the streetscape, valued at $2.6million. Th eStreetscape Elements section this of plan presentsscenario a allocating fundsfor toward undertaking moreundertaking community engagement, partnersto seeking implement specific multiple phases over years. next the be several time, this During Mt. USAwill Airy Avenue in Mt. Airy. Th e process of implementing theserecommendations will involve his master plan recommends more than $9million of investment along Germantown projects, and soliciting more funds beyond $3.78million the already committed to Implementation 71 Implementation GERMANTOWN AVENUE - MT. AIRY | COST INFORMATION Average Length of One Side of a Block (lf) 342 Median Length of One Side of a Block (lf) 312 Cost Information Total Length of Both Sides of Blocks (lf) 12,303 Avge Sidewalk Area of One Side of a Block (sf) 3,759 Approx. Average Width of Sidewalk(ft) 11 Th e spreadsheet presents preliminary cost information for all of Total Sidewalk Area of Both Sides of Blocks (sf) 135,333 KEY DIMENSIONS Total Number of Sides of Blocks 36 WHOLE AVE the investments recommended in the Mt. Airy Placemaking & Streetscape Improvement Plan. Th is information is provided for Aprx. % of budgetary, fundraising, and planning purposes. Quantity per Total Dimension Dimension Unit Cost Side of Dimensions / Needing Needing Aprx. Cost Installed Block Quantity Unit Upgrade Upgrade Installed A STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS: BASIC IMPROVEMENTS 1 Concrete Sidewalks (demolition and construction 11' wide) $15 n/a 135,333 sf 75% 101,500 $1,522,496 2 Concrete Vehicular Curbs (includes demo + restoration) $105 n/a 12,303 lf 75% 9,227 $968,861 3 Street Lights: CCD Standard (Acorn) $10,000 7 252 ea 100% 252 $2,520,000 4a Tree (15'x4' long trench, soil, conc pavers on conc slab) $3,200 14 504 ea 80% 403 $1,290,240 Subtotal (Items 1, 2, 3, 4a) $6,301,598 B STREETSCAPE ELEMENTS: AMENITIES 1 Benches $2,000 1 36 ea 60% 22 $43,200 2 Bicycle Racks $1,000 1 36 ea 60% 22 $21,600 3 Bus Shelters w/Seats $10,000 1 36 ea 38% 16 $160,000 4 Trash Receptacles $1,200 1 36 ea 90% 32 $38,880 5 Allowance for Amenities bet. Cresheim Valley Rd & Nippon St n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a $20,000 While this plan focuses on the area of Germantown Subtotal $283,680 Avenue between Washington Lane and Nippon C MOBILITY & TRAFFIC Street, this cost information includes an allowance 1 Clear Zones at Intersections $395 1 36 ea 50% 18 $7,110 for streetscape amenities between Nippon Street and 2 Crosswalks (thermoplastic white stripes) $9,604 n/a 18 ls 100% 18 $172,872 3 Downtown Parking Study $15,000 n/a n/a ea 100% n/a $15,000 Cresheim Valley Road that are not included in the 4 Mast Arms for Signals $18,100 n/a 10 ls 100% 10 $181,000 PennDOT project. 5 Mid-Block Crossings $13,392 n/a 5 ls 100% 5 $66,960 6 Optimize Bus Stop Locations $17,153 n/a 4 ls 50% 2 $34,306 7 Pavement Markings: Double Yellow Lines $380 n/a 167 lf 100% 167 $63,460 8 Pavement Markings: Stop Bars $5 n/a 570 lf 80% 456 $2,280 9 Pedestrian Bump-Outs $50,000 n/a 4 ea 100% 4 $200,000 10 Pedestrian Signals $1,771 n/a 33 ls 100% 33 $58,443 11 Traffic Signals $19,079 n/a 10 ls 100% 10 $190,790 Maintenance 12 Video Detection Signals $17,679 n/a 10 ls 100% 10 $176,790 13 Reexamine/Redesign Municipal Parking Lot $250,000 n/a n/a ea 100% n/a $250,000 A strategy for maintaining the hardware investments recommended Subtotal $1,419,011 in this plan is a crucial aspect that Mt. Airy USA and the Mt. D NAVIGATION & WAYFINDING 1 Wayfinding Sign System (Directional Sign) $3,700 n/a 32 ea n/a 32 $118,400 Airy Business Improvement District should consider together. 2 Wayfinding Sign System (Transit-Oriented Sign) $2,000 n/a 12 ea n/a 12 $24,000 3 Transit & Attraction Panels $265 n/a 15 ea n/a 15 $3,975 Maintenance could include everything from the watering and Subtotal $146,375 pruning of trees and the replacement of broken or damaged street SUBTOTAL (A, B, C, D) $8,150,664 furnishings to the emptying of trash receptacles and the removal of Design/Env. Clearance (20%) $1,630,133 TOTAL COST $9,780,796 graffi ti from wayfi nding signs. Maintenance is critical for sustaining E SPECIAL PROJECTS the long-term benefi ts of Mt. Airy’s extensive community eff ort 1 Mount Pleasant Avenue Intersection n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a $150,000 2 Mt. Airy Playground Interface n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a $250,000 and investments. Th e City might undertake some maintenance 3 Mt. Airy Village Square n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a $250,000 4 Cresheim Valley Rail Trestle Gateway n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a $209,000 activities, while others might require hiring of maintenance 5 SEPTA Wedge Reactivation n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a TBD 6 Carpenter Lane Corner n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a TBD contractors or partnering with organizations such as the Tree 7 Farmer's Market at Upsala n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a TBD 8 Parking Lot to Avenue Link n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a TBD Tenders and block associations. 9 Banner System n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a $40,000 10 Bus Shelter Art n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a TBD 11 Interpretive Sign System n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a TBD 72 12 Mt. Airy / Germantown Heritage Garden n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a TBD 73 Implementation 6703 Germantown Avenue Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19119 ph. 215-844-6021 www.mtairyusa.org