Issues & Opportunities
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Section 4 View looking south down 2nd Avenue, First Congregational Church on right ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES Rock River Riverfront The Riverfront’s unique, historic buildings are Public accessibility to the Riverfront is currently Portions of the area are located within the threatened by age, obsolescence, deferred impaired. A number of issues currently affect public Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Zone AE Issues & Multiple sites along the Rock River have fallen maintenance and deterioration. Community accessibility to the riverfront, including the Union floodplain. The Federal Emergency Management into disuse and disrepair after manufacturing outreach efforts have indicated that preservation of Pacific Railroad; a lack of at-grade crossings; a lack Agency (FEMA) has recently completed the Flood Opportunities businesses closed or declined in recent years. historic structures is desirable along the riverfront, of pedestrian connections; and, privately-owned Insurance Study (FIS) and modernization of Whiteside Preliminary issues and opportunities were identified These sites are highly visible from the 1st Avenue but this may not be possible. Repurposing buildings, property along the riverfront. Currently there are no County’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) which throughout the course of the existing conditions Bridge and function as the key gateway for people whether deemed historic or not, is a sustainable public trails planned along the riverfront within the becomes effective on February 18th, 2011. The analysis. These issues and opportunities have the entering the City from the south. The vacant buildings measure that represents a responsible policy a project study area, and two nearby dams prohibit new FIRM has established the 100-year Based potential to impact future plans and recommendations detract from the community’s character and evoke a community can do to protect its past. However, the movement upstream and downstream on the Rock Flood Elevation (BFE) along Rock River. Should any for Sterling’s riverfront and the rest of the Downtown. sense of blight that is unattractive to the surrounding size, past use, and current conditions may limit the River. Overgrown vegetation, uneven shorelines and redevelopment along the riverfront place fill below The issues and opportunities presented in this section area. Furthermore, these vacancies do not contribute feasibility of preservation of all most of the structures. inconsistent retaining walls also prohibit residents and the BFE, compensatory storage for 1.5 times the are based upon consultant observations; discussions to the City’s tax base and affect the City’s ability with the community leaders; and, concerns voiced visitors from utilizing the riverfront as an amenity. fill volume below the base flood elevation would be to provide valuable community services and fund Future redevelopment along the Riverfront will by local residents and business persons. They are required. New building construction within the 100- important capital improvements. compete with new development on the City’s organized by topic in this section of the report. year floodplain must be elevated at least one foot periphery. Sterling’s Downtown and Riverfront above the BFE. Chapter 11 of the County’s Code for Some of the vacant industrial sites may be areas are being challenged by new developments on contaminated and will require remediation Floodplain and Stormwater Regulation will govern any the City’s along Illinois Route 2 to the east as well as prior to redevelopment. As a result of previous proposed developments within regulatory floodplain other locations in the area. Some existing businesses manufacturing operations, suspected environmental and detention requirements. Downtown have been displaced as “big box” stores issues exist relative to both soil and groundwater that have located in outlying areas and as shopping on some of the sites along the Rock River. The City and dining uses continue to develop in the City’s has actively pursued grants and other funding for periphery it may impact the future potential of the assessment activities on riverfront sites contaminated Riverfront . by hazardous substances, pollutants or other contaminates. To date, the City has been awarded multiple grants for site cleanup and plans to achieve regulatory closure of sites under the Illinois Site Remediation Program (SRP) and develop Remedial Action Plans (RAP) for affected sites. City of Sterling Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Plan • Interim Document Section 4: Issues & Opportunities 51 prepared by Houseal Lavigne Associates First Avenue Bridge mural • West 2nd Street The depth of the Rock River near the Riverfront The Riverfront Redevelopment Sites have The Rock River is both a local and regional Opportunities for recreational tourism on the The potential for a vibrant riverwalk connecting Redevelopment Sites may limit boating and significant potential for redevelopment and amenity. The Rock River is the defining characteristic Rock River should be explored. The Rock River the river to the community and larger regional recreation potential. Though the Rock River recreational opportunities. Totaling over 35 of the riverfront area and the community. It functions provides opportunities for recreational activities trail system. The recent completion of the provides opportunities for recreational activities, acres in size and occupying nearly one mile of the as an important natural resource and provides including canoeing, kayaking, fishing and weekend Sinnissippi Dam Walkway has created a connection shallow water in the project study area may limit Rock River riverfront, the Riverfront Redevelopment opportunities for recreation and pleasant views and trips. Shallow water in the project study area limits between Sterling and the region’s Hennepin Canal boating/recreation potential. Non-motorized boats Sites provide a large, consolidated area. Much of the settings. Though the river never became the major motorized boating potential, but other activities can trail system to the east of the Riverfront area. To such as canoes, kayaks and paddle boats can be used area is vacant, or anticipated to be so in the future. navigational water route as was once hoped, it has still be enjoyed and attract “weekenders.” Community the west, Whiteside County has proposed a riverfront in the area, but motorized boating is best on other These sites may significantly impact the appearance historical ties to the City of Sterling. Previously, the residents and business owners generally felt that linking Lawrence Park to Downtown Rock Falls. segments of the river where water is deeper. and economic health of the City as they undergo river provided power for saw and grist mills and later attracting seasonal users would be a positive for Creating a riverwalk in the Riverfront area, running redevelopment and improvement. provided power to the City’s booming industrial base. the community and add a sense of vibrancy to the between Lawrence Park and Martin’s Landing could As a defining amenity of the community, the City Downtown and riverfront. help establish a full circuit of dedicated trails and should maximize the potential of the Rock River as walkways on both side of the Rock River as it passes both an economic and natural resource. through Sterling and Rock Falls. Furthermore, an active riverwalk along the Rock River would provide a tremendous community amenity and provide the desired public access to the waterfront. 52 Section 4: Issues & Opportunities City of Sterling Downtown Riverfront Redevelopment Plan • Interim Document prepared by Houseal Lavigne Associates Existing welcome sign near the 1st Avenue bridge Community Image & Identity Getting the word out – The City of Sterling is a The existing City leadership is progressive. Opportunities to expand streetscape Opportunities to enhance Lawrence Park exist. friendly community with “small town charm”. Residents and business owners in the Sterling improvements and improve gateways exist Lawrence Park is identified as a community amenity The City lacks a distinct identity and gateway As a friendly community with a traditional downtown, community believe the City has strong and progressive within the project study area. Local residents by residents and business owners. Its location on the features at its primary southern entry point. excellent community services and an abundance of governmental leadership in place. The City and business owners feel that recent streetscape Rock River is highly visible to both Sterling and Rock Vacant buildings near 1st Avenue Bridge evoke a sense recreation opportunities, many believe that this is not government will play an important role in guiding the enhancements Downtown have been successful in Falls, and convenient access from Avenue G makes of blight that is not attractive to the community and the image portrayed beyond City limits to perspective long-term improvement of the riverfront area. beautifying the public realm. Momentum from the the park significant to the Riverfront Redevelopment the existing gateway sign is understated. Coordinated residents or potential visitors. Instead, it is believed streetscaping project can be carried into the riverfront Plan. Currently, the park features fishing areas, boat street and wayfinding signage would be desirable to that a poor community image and lack of identity A chance to build new from old – a more area. Additionally, the community believes that launches, picnic areas and more. The Sterling