2020 Strategic Plan
Introduction • 1 CONTENTS
01 02 Acknowledgments | 6 Introduction | 18 Letter from the Mayor | 8 Existing Conditions | 20 Plan Purpose | 10 New Albany At-a-Glance | 24 Planning Principles | 12 Community Engagement | 26 New Albany Planning Timeline | 14 Process | 16 INTRODUCTION PLANNING CONTEXT
Cover image: Cory Klein Photography
2 • Engage New Albany 03 04 Introduction | 38 Introduction | 220 Land Use | 40 Summary Matrix | 222 Mobility | 88 Sustainability | 136 Parks & Recreation | 154 Community Wellbeing | 166 Focus Areas | 178 RECOMMENDATIONS IMPLEMENTATION
Strategic Plan • 3 01 INTRODUCTION Introduction • 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thank you to all who participated in the creation of the Engage New Albany Strategic Plan through community engagement—your input was invaluable. We would also like to specifically thank the following individuals for their support, guidance and direction throughout the planning process.
Mayor & City Steering Committee Council Abbey Brooks Jon Iten Sloan Spalding, Mayor Andrea Wiltrout Karl Billisits Colleen Briscoe, President Ben Collins Kate Lyaker Pro Tempore Benjamin Reid Katie Rooney Marlene Brisk Bill Barrett Kyle Sellers Mike Durik Bill Carleton Mark Neff Chip Fellows Charm London Michael Sawyers Kasey Kist Cherie Nelson Mike Platte Matt Shull Craig Mohre Naomi Maletz Dave Wharton Neil Collins City Staff David Goodman Pete Risch Dennis Keesee Phil Heit Joe Stefanov, City Manager Everett Gallagher Rob Verst Jr. Adrienne Joly, Director of Administrative Services Geoff Clark Sarah Underhill Jennifer Chrysler, Director Hans Schell Serena Shores of Community Development Holly Cush Sloan Spalding Stephen Mayer, Planning Jason Milburn Teresa Bowman Manager Jeff Wilcoxon Todd Brubaker Mike Barker, Deputy Jenny Maple Tom Rubey Director of Public Service Jill Beckett-Hill Yaromir Steiner Jackie Russell, Development Services John McClelland Coordinator Christopher Christian, Planner Allison Criger, Administrative Assistant
6 • Engage New Albany Subcommittees MKSK Sustainability Project Planners Subcommittee Chris Hermann, AICP, Kora Dumpert Principal Planner Brad Griffith Andrew Overbeck, AICP, Project Manager Jan Hale Carolyn Hirning Sarah Lilly, Planner Chuck Hovorka Jeffrey Pongonis, ASLA Landscape Architect Kasey Kist Karla Salmans, ASLA Rebecca Malik Landscape Architect Craig Mohre Aron Fraizer, Planner Bill Resch Katie Rooney Pentella Unlimited Hans Schell Project Communications Yaromir Steiner Francis Strahler Cheryl Pentella, Principal
Transportation Moorehead Design Subcommittee Project Graphic Design Ben Collins Mark Moorehead, Principal Jeff Gastineau Doug Hart E.P. Ferris & Tom Rubey Associates, Inc. Maria Schaper Project Engineers Jeff Wilcoxon Ed Ferris, CEO Matthew Ferris, President Dave Samuelson, Senior Traffic Engineer
Introduction • 7 LETTER FROM THE MAYOR
8 • Engage New Albany n behalf of New As a member of the steering AlbanyO City Council and committee and an observer staff, I want to thank the of the data that was collected more than 1,300 residents, in so many ways during visitors and business partners these past eighteen months, who participated in surveys, even in the midst of a community roundtables, pandemic, I am proud to neighborhood meetings and state that this plan reflects steering committee meetings the ideals we hold dear and to make this Engage New the importance we place on Albany Strategic Plan a engagement. We like to say reality. Never before have so that community connects us, many been a part of our plan. and through this planning process, those connections This is an exciting time to inspired us to think serve this great community. intentionally and innovatively This plan builds upon our about New Albany’s future. past planning efforts, which began more than two Sloan Spalding, Mayor decades ago, and lays the City of New Albany foundation for our future. We will continue our nationally recognized residential and commercial development efforts, address important future road and trail networks, and create new community gathering places that will simultaneously improve our quality of life and prove catalytic to our local economy.
Introduction • 9 10 guide toevaluate theextent It servesasareference and infrastructure decisions. development, annexation, they evaluate landuse, commissions, as andstaff City Council, boards, the key policyguidefor The strategic planis and avibrant Village Center. environmental sustainability, economic development, residential choices, robust neighborhoods, versatile architecture, traditional and openspace, timeless use environments, parks connectivity, dynamicmixed- amenities, community pedestrian andbike-friendly This includesplanningfor choice.community of planning foranoutstanding businesses inproactively the city, residents, and for collaboration between The strategic planallows the longterm. and protect investmentfor address communityneeds, life,to improve qualityof planning principlesdesigned community inputandsound planning effort wasbasedon growth. Eachtime, the from thecity’s continued and prioritiesthat resulted to changingconditions every fiveyears to respond updated approximately Since that time, ithasbeen plan wasadoptedin1998. New Albany’s firststrategic PLAN PURPOSE • Engage New Albany for thefuture. community’s shared vision needs whilefulfillingthe services andinfrastructure generate revenue to support private development, and city resources, guide needs, prudentlyallocate to prioritizecommunity plan allowsNew Albany than react toit. This strategic and shapegrowth rather city cananticipate, direct, By planningstrategically, the growth anddevelopment. experienced continued New Albany has the Cityof Over thepasttwodecades, put forth inthisplan. therecommendationsall of the guidingstructure behind vision forthecity. They are and prioritizedinthefuture cornerstones are reflected community pillarsandten This planensures that the Strategic Plan(seepage12). were establishedinthe2014 the tencornerstonesthat this planalsopullsforward the fourcommunitypillars, sustainability. Inadditionto and environment and wellness, arts andculture, lifelong learning, health and is rooted infourpillars: community New Albany The the foundation of development proposals. private overall qualityof appropriateness, and as wellthecharacter, publicinvestments of
Environment & Sustainability Arts & Culture Health & Wellness Lifelong Learning HOW TO USE THIS PLAN
This plan is comprised of 04 – Implementation four chapters, which are Executing the plan briefly described below: recommendations requires diligence, 01 – Introduction focus, collaboration, This first chapter provides time, and resources. The background information, implementation chapter explains what a strategic summarizes the strategies plan is, and describes the outlined in the plan and how plan process, schedule, and the city will achieve them, approach. including the timeframe and potential partners for each 02 – Planning Context recommendation. All of the plan recommendations are This chapter establishes presented in a complete some of the essential context summary matrix to aid the for the plan including city and its partners in easily existing conditions and prioritizing and focusing observations about the efforts. city. It also summarizes the wide-reaching and robust community engagement that was conducted as part of this planning process. Some high-level findings from the community engagement process are described in this chapter as well.
03 – Recommendations This chapter is organized into six major sections: land use, mobility, sustainability, parks and recreation, community wellbeing, and focus areas. Each section summarizes relevant community engagement findings and detailed analysis for that topic. The primary purpose of this chapter is to introduce the recommended strategies and objectives for the city to implement.
Introduction • 11 PLANNING PRINCIPLES
In addition to the four community pillars, this plan also pulls forward the ten cornerstones that were established by the community in the 2014 Strategic Plan.
Forge a distinctive, attractive, and A COMPELLING thriving community; a compelling environment for residents, 1 | ENVIRONMENT institutions, small businesses, and corporations.
Foster a vibrant Village Center AN EXCITING that acts as the heart for the community, attracting residents, 2 | DESTINATION those who work in the area, and visitors to New Albany.
Ensure that development is PEOPLE TAKE pedestrian-friendly and focuses 3 | PRECEDENCE on human interaction.
Bring together residents physically by creating an interconnected CONNECTED networks of streets, paths, and leisure trails; and socially by 4 | COMMUNITY supporting and encouraging community events and institutions.
Integrate a diversity of uses, forms, and styles of buildings, spaces, CAREFULLY and byways to provide rich experiences. Preserve, re-purpose, 5 | CONSIDERED DESIGN and reference ‘historic’ buildings and materials.
12 • Engage New Albany These planning principles helped to shape the focus and recommendations of this strategic plan and serve as a filter for future community decision making. They provide a framework to protect the assets and character that define New Albany while encouraging it to improve and thrive.
Use authentic and high quality materials combined with careful A COMMITMENT design to reflect and nurture the 6 | TO QUALITY quality of life, which includes similarly positioned services and offerings.
RECOGNIZABLE Craft unmistakable cues that define New Albany when entering 7 | COMMUNITY and within its boundaries.
Strive to make the COMPREHENSIVE community economically and 8 | SUSTAINABILITY environmentally sustainable.
Collaborate to create great places COLLABORATIVE through partnership between owners, neighbors, institutions, 9 | GROWTH schools, businesses, and government.
Attract potential residents and businesses by making entry ACCESSIBLE prescriptive, precise, and clear yet designed to welcome and 10 | PARTICIPATION encourage participation and involvement.
Introduction • 13 NEW ALBANY PLANNING TIMELINE New Albany has a strong legacy as a master-planned community guided by carefully considered planning initiatives. These efforts have helped shape the dynamic and beloved community it is today, including establishing the foundation for many pivotal projects that have come to define the community. Some key planning and implementation milestones over the past 25 years are illustrated below.
Village of New Albany Strategic Plan Updates Rocky Fork Rocky Fork Blacklick Accord Blacklick Accord Update 1996 2001
Rocky Fork Blacklick New Albany Leisure Trails Accord Update Strategic Plan Master Plan Village of New Albany Rose Run Greenway Update New Albany
PLANNING Strategic Plan Corridor Study Village Center Plan Design Standards 1998 2003 2006 2007
1996 2001 2004 2008
Learning Campus CML New Albany New Albany Nature McCoy Community Branch Preserve Center for the Arts 1999 Village Hall
IMPLEMENTATION 1997 SR 161 Expressway
14 • Engage New Albany Stormwater Mitigation Strategy Leisure Trails Urban Center Code Bike New Master Plan NAPLSD Campus Master Plan Albany Plan Update 2010 2015 2019 Western Licking County Accord 2017
New Albany Village Center Strategic Plan Rose Run Phase I Rose Run Phase II Strategy Update Master Plan Master Plan 2011 2014 2016 2018
2015 2017 2019
Philip Heit Center Market & Main Rose Run Phase I for Healthy New Apartments Albany
Rocky Fork Metro Park
Introduction • 15 PROCESS
The 18-month Engage New engaged in the following This plan was Albany process to update ways: shaped by robust the city’s strategic plan was • Interactive mobile led by a planning team in community displays at community close coordination with the events; engagement that client team comprised of • Focus group invited all New key city staff and guided by a steering committee roundtable discussions; Albany residents, of appointed community • Neighborhood employees, and members. The planning gatherings in various process combined analysis locations across the stakeholders to help with community engagement community; shape the future of that gathered ideas and • Community the city. feedback from more than presentations and 1,300 community members. workshops; and The steering committee • Online interaction was comprised of 41 and surveys at the community and business dedicated project leaders, representing a webpage. diverse cross section of the Analysis tasks included city. The committee was demographics and trends, formed to oversee and examination of previous guide the planning process. plans, GIS and mapping, Committee members future growth projections, shared their thoughts, future traffic modeling, a reviewed plan deliverables, land use study, and case and provided valuable study research. feedback. The committee was further subdivided The plan compiled these into the transportation and layers of analysis with the sustainability subcommittees, community engagement to focus on and advance to craft detailed those respective topics. recommendations that are visionary, attainable, and The plan was shaped respond to the current by robust community needs of the New Albany engagement that invited community. all New Albany residents, employees, and stakeholders to help shape the future of the city. Community members were
16 • Engage New Albany PROJECT INITIAL COMMUNITY LAUNCH June 2019 INPUT June - September 2019
IDEA TESTING ANALYSIS September - December 2019 June - October 2019
DRAFT PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS DEVELOPMENT January - March 2020 April - June 2020
COMMUNITY APPROVAL July 2020
PLAN ADOPTION FINAL PLAN & March 2021 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY August 2020 - December 2020
Introduction • 17 02 PLANNING CONTEXT INTRODUCTION
To understand the This section also summarizes challenges and opportunities the substantial community New Albany that exist today and impact engagement that was Union Delaware the future of New Albany, the conducted as part of this planning team conducted planning process. The Licking an in-depth analysis community engagement Madison of existing conditions process was the most Franklin coupled with robust extensive of any New Albany Fairfield community engagement. strategic plan effort to-date Pickaway The findings from this and this plan was heavily analysis and community influenced by the broad Columbus listening sessions formed feedback received through the basis for the strategic this process. Detailed New Albany is located northeast of plan recommendations. analysis and community Columbus and is situated in both The following pages of this engagement findings Franklin and Licking Counties. chapter introduce some related to a particular of the essential context for topic can be found in this plan, including existing those respective sections conditions that describe of Chapter 3: Analysis & some key geographies Recommendations. associated with this plan and a high-level community summary.
Planning Context • 19 EXISTING CONDITIONS GROWTH SINCE 2012
It is valuable to regularly Population is not the only update the city’s strategic area of growth since the plan as New Albany last strategic plan was 24% continues to experience conducted. Guided by the significant growth in plan, the city’s business park increase in New geography, population, and has continued to develop, Albany’s population employment. It provides especially in the eastern between 2012 an opportunity to assess portion of the city in western the city’s current condition, Licking County. Continued and 2019 trends affecting it, and development of the business needed areas of focus park has led to the creation moving forward. of more than 5,000 jobs and approximately $3.2 billion in In the 2014 Strategic Plan, new private investment since 2012 was the baseline 2012. This balance between year for much of the data residential and commercial presented. This plan growth is vitally important captures what has occurred for New Albany. It is the since then. Between 2012 commercial and employment 5,000+ and 2019, New Albany’s tax base that generates the jobs created in the population increased nearly funds which allow the city 24% from 8,682 to 10,745 to provide the high quality business park residents. At the same time, services and lifestyle the since 2012 the city expanded to the community values. east into Licking County as property owners annexed to New Albany. It is worth noting that prior to the 2010 U.S. Census, New Albany was still considered a village as it had a population below the 5,000 person threshold for city status. This highlights how much New Albany has $3.2B grown and changed over the of new private past two decades. investment in the business park since 2012
20 • Engage New Albany Figure 2.1 | Strategic Plan Study Area Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Strategic Plan Study Area This service area is based This strategic plan focuses upon existing central water Legend on the city of New Albany and sanitary sewer service as it exists today, while also agreements and reflects the considering the potential for extent to which parcels could Study Area physical expansion of the city be annexed to the city under New Albany in the future. The strategic the current agreement. For plan study area captures this this reason, it was selected as potential. the limits of this plan.
On the map above, the The city currently spans study area boundary is 16.71 square miles and the highlighted in orange. The study area covers 23.09 blue area is the present-day square miles. extent of the City of New Albany. Everything else in grey bounded by the study area line is unincorporated land within Plain Township or Jersey Township that sits within New Albany’s exclusive service area.
Planning Context • 21 Figure 2.2 | Neighboring Jurisdictions Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Jersey Twp. Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
COLUMBUS NEW ALBANY
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Plain Twp. Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62 GAHANNA Jefferson Twp. PATASKALA
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Neighboring Jurisdictions It separates New Albany from Legend When considering the cities of Gahanna and future growth, land uses, Pataskala, as well as Jefferson transportation systems, Township. This boundary is New Albany services, market demand, also not likely to change. and other systems it is Columbus important to consider The remaining areas in light neighboring jurisdictions. grey on the map above are Gahanna all unincorporated areas and governed by townships. The Pataskala New Albany’s western edge is well-established by its two townships within the Study Area boundary with the City of strategic plan study area are Columbus. This boundary will Plain Township in Franklin not change. New Albany’s County and Jersey Township southern boundary is much in Licking County. New more understandable Albany’s potential physical following the Morse Road growth is currently limited to corridor. those township areas located within the study area.
22 • Engage New Albany Figure 2.3 | School Districts Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
School Districts The city land within the latter Another critical consideration two school districts, however, Legend for this strategic plan is is not currently zoned for school district boundaries. residential purposes. The city The school system is very has intentionally pursued New Albany-Plain Local commercial development important to the residents of Columbus New Albany. It is important in these districts in order to avoid a situation in which the to note that the primary Licking Heights district, the New Albany- community’s students would Plain Local School District be divided among the three Johstown Monroe (NAPLSD), extends north and school districts. Northridge Local west beyond the city limits. As of 2020, NAPLSD had a The boundaries are not Gahanna-Jefferson coterminous. total enrollment of 5,074 students pre-K-12. The Westerville Additionally, there are school buildings are all Big Walnut three school districts within centrally located on the Learning Campus, located New Albany’s city limits: City Boundary New Albany-Plain Local, in the Village Center, which Johnstown-Monroe, and is an intentional feature of Licking Heights. New Albany’s character and planning.
Planning Context • 23 NEW ALBANY AT-A-GLANCE The following is a high-level overview of New Albany’s current demographics, employment statistics, and land use breakdown for the year 2019. This is a snapshot of the current community conditions, with more detailed demographics and analysis found in Chapter 3 of this plan.
RESIDENTS 10,745 3,412 $166,580 Population Median Household Households Income
454 12,267 85%
EMPLOYMENT Total Businesses Total Employees White Collar Workforce
47% 31% 22% LAND USE Commercial Residential Open Space
Source: ESRI (2019)
24 • Engage New Albany 5,000 acre International Business Park
Planning Context • 25 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
A critical component of the strategic plan and its long- ENGAGEMENT APPROACH term success is engagement of the greater New Albany community. This plan Working Group emphasized broad and A team consisting of key city staff/administration meaningful input through that provided the first level of review of all work products. a variety of formats — from focus group roundtables Steering Committee to informal neighborhood A group formed to guide and advise the planning gatherings to online surveys. team throughout the process. Most of the community engagement was conducted Roundtable Discussions in-person, but the global A series of small group discussions with key COVID-19 pandemic that stakeholders divided into five broad topic areas. began in spring 2020 Neighborhood Gatherings necessitated that remaining Targeted small group gatherings hosted by community engagement community members in four neighborhoods beyond March 2020 be throughout the community. conducted in a digital format. The following pages Mobile Meetings summarize the community Conducted at community events and festivals by engagement that was staff using a mobile meeting kit of materials. conducted and the important community input that was Project Website & Social Media provided throughout this An Engage New Albany project website and social media were utilized to maximize the project’s planning process. community input and outreach opportunities.
Community Workshops Three public workshops were held across the arc of the process to share the work progress and gather community feedback.
ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS The graphic on the following page summarizes the community engagement efforts conducted as part of this planning process.
26 • Engage New Albany 1,300+ People participated in the Engage New Albany process 706 41Steering Committee Online community members survey responses
75+Neighborhood Gathering 115Mobile Meeting participants attendees
150Community Update Luncheon participants
50+Roundtable participants Planning Context • 27 STEERING COMMITTEE
A forty-one (41) person Steering Committee steering committee was Meetings: organized to oversee • June 5, 2019: Steering and guide the planning Committee #1 process. The committee • September 4, 2019: Steering shared issues, ideas, and Committee #2 observations and provided • January 8, 2020: Steering feedback to ensure that the Committee #3 plan content reflected the • July 7, 2020: Steering values of stakeholders and Committee #4 (held digitally) the New Albany community. Transportation Subcommittee Meetings: The steering committee Photo from steering committee meeting #1 was further divided into • December 18, 2019: two subcommittees: Transportation Subcommittee #1 transportation and sustainability. Four overall • May 20, 2020: Transportation Subcommittee #2 (held steering committee meetings digitally) were held throughout the process at key project Sustainability milestones as well as four Subcommittee Meetings: subcommittee meetings on • October 16, 2019: the following dates: Sustainability Subcommittee #1 • April 15, 2020: Sustainability Subcommittee #2 (held digitally)
Initial Plan Component Ranking Photo from steering committee meeting #2 Community Character 5
Land Use 5.3
Transportation 5
Community Facilities 4.2
Economic Development LESS IMPORTANT (1) 4.6 VERY IMPORTANT (6)
Sustainability 4.9
Infrastructure 4.7 Photo from sustainability subcommittee #1
28 • Engage New Albany ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS
Early in the project launch Sustainability Community Services, beginning on June 26th, • The city needs Amenities, and Programs 2019, the planning team to advocate for • There is a need conducted a series of sustainability legislation to create better roundtable discussions at local, regional, and connections with key stakeholders, state levels. among community who were divided into five • New Albany should be organizations and topic-based groups. More a model community for resources. than 50 stakeholders were sustainability initiatives • New Albany should interviewed during these and successes. enhance and increase roundtables. The following is programming in civic a high-level summary of what • Consider how and public spaces. the planning team heard sustainability during these discussions. technologies, such • More programming as solar panels and should be tailored for other alternative families with young energy sources, can children as well as older Transportation be integrated into the adults. built environment while • External factors, like • There is a need preserving community regional growth, are for more cultural character. placing a strain on programming and traffic facilities in and making diversity Village Center around New Albany. more visible in the community. • There is a need • Parking in the Village to better address Center continues to be cycling as a mode of a concern. Parks and Open Space transportation. • There is strong interest • The city should • Exploring an alternate in continuing to continue to develop way to bypass the program the Village parks along riparian Village Center is of Center with events. corridors. interest. • More unique, local • There is a need for • There is strong desire restaurant and retail more sports facilities, to preserve the options are desired by including indoor. aesthetics of rural the community. • New Albany should corridors. • There is concern for continue to preserve • Roundabouts are a pedestrian and bike trees, woodlands, and good approach, but safety, especially at other important natural require more education street crossings. features. on use. • Friction exists between • There is support for • There is interest in the desire for more adding public art and building on the success amenities and concern other placemaking of the COTA Smart over the residential features in public Ride program by and office density to spaces. providing more transit support it together with accessibility. resulting traffic.
Planning Context • 29 NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERINGS
The planning team held four Strengths neighborhood gatherings, • Quality of schools which were hosted by • Sense of community and community members in small-town feel four subdivisions spread • Legacy of master planning throughout the community. • Safety These were informal get- • Aesthetics and maintenance togethers for residents from within or near those Weaknesses neighborhoods to gather • Traffic and congestion place-specific feedback in a • Lack of diversity relaxed setting. More than 75 residents participated • Limited selection of restaurants and retail nearby in these neighborhood gatherings. • High taxes • Parking is an issue in Village Attendees participated in a Center focus group-style discussion Priorities based on questions asked • Enhance diversity and via Mentimeter, a real-time welcoming sense of web-based survey. The word community clouds to the right represent • More entertainment options, the summarized feedback especially for families, teens from the four neighborhood and dates gatherings. • Improved playgrounds, parks and open spaces • Continued mental health and wellbeing support.
Photo from a neighborhood gathering meeting with SOAR parent group
30 • Engage New Albany MOBILE MEETINGS
The planning team utilized Figure 2.4 | Heatmap of Participants’ Place of Residence mobile meetings as an Delaware Co. Franklin Co. informal way to collect 605 feedback at scheduled 62 community events and The Links independent meetings. They were used by staff, steering New Albany Rd committee, and other Jug St community members at various events. The planning Hampsted team attended the following 161 four 2019 community events 161 DublinWindsor Granville Rd to collect feedback from a diverse audience: Main St Village Center
Beech Rd • June 27 | New Albany Babbitt Rd Farmers Market Kitzmiller Rd
• July 11 | New Albany 62 Farmers Market Licking Co. • July 28 | Taste of New Franklin Co. Albany • August 17 | Touch-a-Truck Figure 2.5 | Heatmap of Participants’ Favorite Places
Delaware Co. Franklin Co. The mobile meeting kit 605 Bevelhymer Park included two map exercises 62 and an optional comment card. Participants were asked to place a dot where they New Albany Rd live and place dots on their Jug St three favorite places in New Wexner Park The Links Golf Club Albany. In total, about 115 people participated in the 161 mobile meeting activities. 161 Dublin Granville Rd Village Center Main St The maps to the right aggregate the responses
Beech Rd from these exercises. The Country Club Babbitt Rd majority of people who Kitzmiller Rd participated lived in the city 62 Licking Co. of New Albany, with a large Franklin Co. portion of residents living south of SR 161. The top responses to the favorite places were (1) Market Square/Village Center, (2) Bevelhymer Park, (3) the Country Club, (4) Wexner Park, and (5) the Links Golf Club.
Planning Context • 31 PROJECT WEBSITE What is your age?
75+ 65-74 Under 18 WEBSITE STATS A dedicated microsite was 19-24 55-64 developed for the Engage 25-34 New Albany process, which was hosted on the city’s website. The website was updated regularly to ensure it contained relevant 3,595 information for those who 45-54 35-44 were not able to engage Unique website visitors with the process in-person or for those who prefered How long have you lived or to consume information worked in New Albany? in a digital format. It also 40% served as an avenue to gather additional community feedback in the form of 30% 4,123 online surveys. 20% Total website Introductory Online Survey An introductory online survey pageviews was added to the project 10% website to engage people during the initial project phase. The survey was live 0 between June 9 and July 0-2 years3-5 years Lifelong 28, 2019 and 310 responses 6-10 years 20+ years resident 11-20 years were collected during that time. A second online survey was conducted after the What are your top 3 favorite 3:05 things about New Albany? first community workshop, Average time the results of which are summarized on pages 30-31 on website of this document. The results of the first online survey are summarized to the right.
What are your concerns 310 about New Albany? Responses to the Introductory Online Survey
32 • Engage New Albany COMMUNITY UPDATE LUNCHEON
During the first phase of What are some of your favorite places you’ve visited community engagement, that you think New Albany should emulate? an opportunity arose to be a part of the program at the New Albany Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Update Luncheon on September 18, 2019. Chris Hermann from the planning team gave a brief presentation about Engage New Albany, then attendees were asked to answer a couple of questions If the city was to focus on one transformative effort in via Mentimeter. 150 people the next 10 years, what would you recommend? participated in the real-time activity. This event provided an important opportunity to engage business community leaders in New Albany. Due to the nature of the event and time constraints, only a couple of questions were asked; word clouds of the answers are shown to the right.
Photo from Community Update Luncheon
Planning Context • 33 COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
To reach community After the in-person members and invite them community workshop, an to attend the community online survey was posted workshops, a number of to the project website to communication methods provide opportunities for were used. These included community members who mail flyers, promotion in were unable to attend e-blasts, social media posts, the event to review the and posts on the city’s presentation materials and website. provide feedback. A total of 180 people answered the Community Workshop #1 survey. Photo from community workshop #1 Held on July 23, 2019 The charts on the following from 6-8 p.m. at the Heit page summarize the top Center, the first community comments received for each workshop was aimed of the questions asked at at hearing from study the in-person workshop and area residents about on the online survey. The New Albany’s strengths, percentages indicate the weaknesses, issues, and number of times the theme opportunities. Approximately was mentioned out of the 50 people attended the total number of question event, including residents of responses. New Albany, Plain Township, and Jersey Township. The * It is worth noting that during this community workshop portion of the planning process, included a presentation a number of road projects were followed by facilitated under construction in the Village Center, including the closure and breakout discussions. The reconstruction of Dublin-Granville Photo from community workshop #1 facilitated discussions Road as part of Rose Run Park. This resulted in about 40 may have influenced some of the comments, most of which feedback related to traffic. were a compilation of the each discussion group’s feedback, rather than individual comments.
“Excellence in vision, planning, business development, and community development. Certainly ahead of any city “Affordable housing that is measurement curve.” walkable for people who are empty nesters but still want to stay near the center of New Albany and enjoy all of its benefits.” Photo from community workshop #1
34 • Engage New Albany What are New Albany’s strengths? What is working well?
Quality of schools 37.4% Sense of community 25.2% Leisure trails, walkability, bike friendliness 25.2% Civic amenities (e.g. library, Heit Center, McCoy Center) 22.3% Village Center/Market Square area 20.9% Parks, recreation, open spaces 20.1% Aesthetics, well-maintained 18% Master planning and community development 15.8% Community events and programming 15.1% “The reputation of the Safety 12.2% community and the Business park and economic development 10.8% school system makes City services (i.e. fire, police, utilities) 9.4% New Albany a popular Small town feel 8.6% place.” Emphasis on health and wellness 7.9% Access and proximity to other destinations 7.2%
What are New Albany’s weaknesses? What can be improved? Traffic 44.4% Lack of dining & retail options, especially local ones 31% Quality of community playgrounds & recreation options 18.3% Lack of a diverse, inclusive community 16.2% High taxes 15.5% Events & programming, esp. for families & seniors 13.4% “Not enough restaurants (or variety). Construction 11.3% We would love to see Gaps in the leisure trail system and walking/biking safety 10.6% a small bodega that Traffic on 161 9.9% has some prepared foods and groceries in Too many apartments, too much density 8.5% the downtown area.” Parking 8.5% Traffic on 62 7.8% Traffic on 605 7% Overcrowding in schools 6.3% Lack of available and affordable housing 4.9% Poor busing to schools 3.5%
What are the priorities for New Albany? Where should we focus our efforts?
Improve traffic & congestion 34% More dining & retail options, especially local ones 27% New and improved playgrounds, parks & recreation 19.2% Continue to improve Market Square/Village Center 17% Affordability, maintaining or reducing taxes 15.6% Balance growth 14.9% Maintain the quality of the schools 12% Expand events & programming, especially free ones 10.6% More connected multimodal transportation options 10.6% “Continuing to make the Village Center accessible, More diversity & inclusion in all aspects of the community 9.2% vibrant, and a place Maintain infrastructure 6.4% people want to be.” Maintain the quality of life in the community 5% More residential development 3.6%
Planning Context • 35 Community Workshop #2 Community Open House The goal of the second The global coronavirus community workshop was to pandemic that began in present the draft strategies Spring 2020 necessitated and objectives to the general that remaining community public and gather reaction engagement beyond March and feedback from them. 2020 be conducted in a The workshop was held on digital meeting format. January 16th from 6-8 p.m. at The final Community Open the Columbus Metropolitan House was held on July 9, Library – New Albany 2020 from 6-7:30 p.m. via Branch. After a 45-minute Zoom Webinar. The open presentation, the public was house was attended by invited to visit seven different 40 community members. stations, each covering a The planning team gave a plan topic area. The stations presentation of the draft plan Photo from community workshop #2 were: recommendations, followed by Q&A from the attendees. • Land Use Following the digital • Mobility Community Open House, • Village Center a survey was posted on the • Sustainability project website and included • Parks & Recreation in city communications. This final survey received 36 • Community Well-Being responses. Below is a brief • General Comments summary of the results of that survey: A children’s activity station was also incorporated into • People expressed the set-up to encourage appreciation for the families and caretakers opportunity to be involved of children to attend. The in the Engage New Albany children were provided process. Photo from community workshop #2 coloring pages and invited • Residents are enthusiastic to use their imagination about the sustainability to design a community recommendations. park, downtown area, and • Many of the parks and a neighborhood. More playgrounds need updated than 75 people attended play equipment in the near future. this in-person community workshop. An online survey • Residents continue to express a desire for some was posted on the project indoor recreation options, website for those who could such as a community center. not attend in-person or • There are mixed feelings who wanted to review the about the land uses in the materials at their leisure. Northwest Focus Area, with workshop. A total of 180 some residents concerned people responded to that about increased traffic and congestion that could occur survey. Photo from community workshop #2 with more commercial or residential development.
36 • Engage New Albany COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THEMES
Based on the first phase of community engagement, which included the first steering committee meeting, roundtable discussions, neighborhood gatherings, mobile meetings and the first community workshop, the planning team summarized the input into nine themes. These themes helped to guide the development of the plan topics and the recommendations within those topics. The nine themes are summarized below:
Maintain a high quality of life for residents. Residents expressed their overall satisfaction living in New Albany for many reasons, including the high caliber school system, safe neighborhoods, responsive city government, and thoughtful design of the built environment. They want to see these and other community qualities upheld.
Balance growth with the preservation of community character. The community expressed a desire to maintain the character of its built environment and small town feel while still allowing for growth to occur in a balanced manner. Balancing growth also relates to the concern about overcrowding in the schools as new residences are built in New Albany and nearby areas.
Connect people with destinations through a multimodal transportation system. Residents and employees rely on a safe and efficient transportation system to get them where they need to go locally and regionally. While many people are still using personal vehicles for travel, they would also like to have multimodal transportation options, especially when going to destinations in the Village Center.
Continue to infill the Village Center and attract new dining and retail options. Community members strongly crave new dining and retail options in the city, especially in the Village Center. There is a desire to focus on attracting unique, local businesses to New Albany and to create more casual dining destinations where people can take their families or go on a date night. This would also allow for the continued development of the Village Center as the main retail destination in the community and attract regional visitors who will spend time in the city.
Foster an inclusive and welcoming community. While the quality of life in New Albany is very high, the community wants to ensure that it feels that way for all residents and that people feel welcome here. There is also a focus on improving diversity in the city through improved representation and inclusion strategies and via outreach with existing communities of diversity in the city, school district, and region.
Develop diverse housing options that cater to people at all life stages. Residents expressed the desire for additional housing options suited for people in different stages of life. For example, parents would like their grown children to be able to move back to New Albany and residents would like the option as they age to downsize to a more compact home that is still connected to the community. Options for people in these two life stages and others are underrepresented.
Embrace wellness through a connected parks and leisure trail system. Community members love the leisure trail network and the parks and open spaces woven through the city. They want continued focus on these amenities with particular focus on updating playgrounds and neighborhood parks as well as adding more leisure trail connections to parks and destinations. This includes creating better, safer connections across SR 161 to knit the community together.
Emphasize sustainability and resiliency throughout the community. Sustainability, and environmental sustainability in particular, was an important topic throughout the community engagement process. People want to see sustainability actions applied comprehensively throughout the community and want to feel supported in their individual sustainability efforts.
Maintain fiscal health through a diversified economy. New Albany places great emphasis on actively maintaining community fiscal health and leading the region in innovative economic development best practices. The community encourages the city to continue these critical efforts balancing land uses and focusing on diversified economic development.
Planning Context • 37 03 RECOMMENDATIONS INTRODUCTION
This section provides an overview and analysis of the key topic areas of the strategic plan that build to recommended strategies for New Albany to pursue in the short- and long-term.
Based on the robust and Each subsection begins engaged community with a goal statement, LAND USE input throughout this which is the overarching process, combined with outcome meant to guide the the analysis findings recommendations within that MOBILITY shared in this chapter, the section. Pertinent community planning team developed feedback and technical detailed recommendations, analysis help to frame the which are outlined in the subject and provide the SUSTAINABILITY following pages. These foundation for the resulting recommendations provide recommendations. The guidance to the city and its recommendations take PARKS & RECREATION partners as they continue the form of strategies and to advance the quality of life objectives. The strategy is the and create an outstanding focused approach used to COMMUNITY community of choice. achieve the goal, while the WELLBEING objective is an actionable The analysis and step that the city can take recommendations to achieve the strategy. The FOCUS AREAS are organized into six objectives are often specific subsections: policies or programs that • Land use; the city and its partners can • Mobility; operationalize. The focus areas section envisions a • Sustainability; future for five areas of the • Parks & recreation; city where change is likely • Community wellbeing; to occur and illustrates and how recommendations • Focus areas. from the other five sections can be applied in the built environment.
Recommendations • 39 LAND USE
Goal: Balance and guide land uses within New Albany to achieve the city’s vision.
Land use decisions have Other factors include, but are What does the city need to fundamental impacts on not limited to: demographic do to become a life-span the form, function, and trends, market trends, community? How can a more prosperity of a community. school considerations, walkable and connected It is for this reason that land infrastructure needs, community be created? use is an essential topic for mobility and traffic impacts, What will it take to support this plan. One of the most annexation impacts, regional the retail services the important components of plans, community needs, community desires? What this strategic plan is the housing needs, retail needs, form should the Village future land use map found employment opportunities, Center take? How and on page 52, which specifies fiscal impacts, service where should the city guide the land uses expected and impacts, and environmental development and what form desired throughout New considerations. should it take? How does the Albany and its service area as city remain successful and a the city continues to grow. Additionally, important community of choice? questions need to be A substantial number of considered such as: How This plan, and this section factors must be understood, big does New Albany want in particular, endeavors to evaluated, and factored into to be in terms of size and provide thoughtful direction land use recommendations. population? Should the on these issues framed Fundamentally, the city remain a community around the vision expressed community’s vision for its centered around one by the community and the desired built environment school district? What do the continued success of New should be balanced with community’s edges look like? Albany. a number of other factors. What does it take to maintain the level of services residents all enjoy? What areas of the community are working well and what areas are not?
40 • Engage New Albany I am impressed that New“ Albany can mingle residential and industry next to each other. - Community member ”
Recommendations • 41 WHAT WE HEARD
Throughout the community engagement process, topics arose such as: continuing to advance the strong tradition of planning; properly managing growth; attracting unique local businesses to New Albany; creating walkable, mixed-use environments; guiding development to allow aging-in-place; considering traffic impacts of land uses; understanding the fiscal impacts of land uses; and balancing growth while maintaining a high-quality school district.
To gather more concrete feedback on these land-use related topics, specific questions were asked at the second community workshop to gather ideas from the public. The charts and graphs below summarize that feedback.
Should New Albany strive to be a life-span Should New Albany add retail areas within community where people can live their the city, but outside of the Village Center if entire lives within the city if they so desire they are limited in geography and designed and provide the housing types to make to serve the adjoining neighborhoods and/ this possible? (n=159) or employment centers? (n=174) Maybe Maybe 5% 6% No 9% No 25%
86% Yes 69% Yes
What type of land uses would you like to see more of in New Albany? (n=179)*
Dining and retail 48%
Parks, recreation, & open space 32%
Single family residential 15%
Office 14%
Multifamily residential 3%
Residential (generally) 2%
Industrial 2%
Mixed-use 1%
Agriculture 1%
42 • Engage New Albany “I would like to be able to shop, eat, and participate in entertainment right in my community. It would be nice to walk or bike ride to reduce the number of cars on the road.”
“Office typologies will increase the tax dollars received without adding additional demands to our schools and lesser demands on city services.”
Recommendations • 43 NEW ALBANY’S business park now extends While the population, work GROWTH east to Mink Street with force, and physical size of a new interchange at SR New Albany is expected to New Albany is a growing 161, north almost to Miller increase, it is bounded. city. Trends that existed Road, and south to Morse The city cannot grow during the last strategic plan Road along a substantially west or south past Morse largely continue today. The improved Beech Road Road because it borders population has grown by corridor. Columbus, Gahanna, more than 3,000 people and This expansion added Jefferson Township, and the the city has continued to employment, industrial, City of Pataskala in Licking grow geographically. Today, and data center uses in County. New Albany could the city is 16.72 square miles conformance with the grow to the north and in size with almost 11,000 guidance of the last strategic east, but the extent of that residents (30% increase) and plan. It has also added to growth is constrained by 15,500 employees. the city’s tax base while central water and sanitary supporting the various sewer service agreements Founded as a small school districts. According with the City of Columbus agricultural village in 1837, to the Mid-Ohio Regional that are supported by the and then tranforming into a Planning Commission State of Ohio. This city and planned community in the (MORPC) projections, service area boundaries are 1980’s, New Albany was regional growth is expected represented by the black line growing east into Licking to continue, adding demand on the map (figure 3.6). County during the 2014 for housing, jobs, and strategic planning process. businesses as well as the Today that physical growth infrastructure to support has continued and the them.
Figure 3.5 | New Albany Residential Population Growth
12,000 +30% 10,000 10,745 Population as of 2019 8,000 +108%
6,000
4,000 +129%
2,000 +296% +67% -20% 0 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2019
44 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.6 | New Albany Historic Growth Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
The areas in which land This represents a physical owners could petition to size of 23.09 square miles. Legend annex into the City of New Based upon projected Albany are shown in grey future land uses, this would within this boundary on equate to an approximate Founding (1837-1849) the map. This consists of total population of 20,000 Turn of the Century unincorporated land in Plain - 23,000 residents and (1900-1949) Township in Franklin County ±32,000 employees at Growing Village and Jersey Township in build-out. While supporting (1950-1989) Licking County. controlled growth, the First Master Plan community has expressed (1990-1999) While it could be possible a strong desire to remain a New Millenium to renegotiate the water and manageable size, meaning (2000-2020) sewer service agreements that the city should be in the future, the current approachable in scale and Parks and Open Spaces service area boundary line that city government can Study Area/Service is expected to generally continue to be responsive to Area Boundary represent the long-term resident and business needs. boundary of the City of New At the scale described here Albany. that should be achievable.
Recommendations • 45 Figure 3.7 | School Districts Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
School District In an effort to ensure that Legend Considerations New Albany students remain in one school district The New Albany Plain Local historically, development School District (NAPLSD) New Albany-Plain Local in Licking County has been is incredibly important to restricted to commercial residents and a fundamental Columbus uses. Facing growth part of the community’s pressures over the past Licking Heights identity. As pointed out in thirty years, the city and Chapter 2, the NAPLSD Johstown Monroe community partners have is larger than the city, actively worked to keep encompassing much of Northridge Local residential densities lower Plain Township and portions to protect the NAPLSD from Gahanna-Jefferson of the City of Columbus. rapid growth. Similarly, with the growth Westerville of New Albany east into Big Walnut Licking County, the city now covers two additional school City Boundary districts.
46 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.8 | Land Use Accords Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
This has been achieved Land Use Accords through zoning that limits The extension of water Legend single-family development and sewer service and by to one unit per acre and plans for the new SR 161 Rocky Fork Blacklick rezoning of residential expressway that together Accord ground to commerical uses were expected to increase Licking County Accord within the NAPLSD, including development pressure. in Columbus. The city has It was anticipated that City Boundary also worked with partners development would likely such as the the New Albany- take a different form in Study Area Plain Local Joint Parks Columbus. That expectation District and Columbus and combined with concerns Franklin County Metro Parks about protecting the natural to purchase and convert land environment and quality of to parks and open space. development in the area led This strategy has generally to a multijurisdictional land been effective for the district, use and development accord but residential development was created in 1996. in the Columbus portions has occurred at greater densities.
Recommendations • 47 This Rocky Fork Blacklick As a result, the City of New life for not just the city, but Accord (RFBA) began as Albany built upon the land people who live and work an agreement between use accord model and a within the region. the village of New Albany Western Licking County and the City of Columbus. Accord (WLCA) was created Greenbelt Plain Township has since in 2017-18. This land use and This brings up a final joined. The accord created development agreement is consideration for New common protection and between the cities of New Albany’s growth and design requirements and Albany and Johnstown and boundaries. There has been a panel to review rezoning Jersey Township. a long-standing desire to applications within the create a greenbelt of some expansion areas. The RFBA As a newer accord, it is still in form around the city of panel reviews proposals its infancy, but it establishes New Albany. Such a feature and plans first and then guidance to improve would serve as an amenity makes recommendations communication, guide and defining feature for to the host jurisdiction. development, preserve areas the community and the The RFBA has been very of rural character, and better region. There were limited effective in coordinating coordinate development opportunities to accomplish planning and development, review, construction, and this where the cities had improving development infrastructure and service already grown together in the quality, and protecting improvements. The city west and south. Still, a wide, and buffering roadways should continue to invest green park setback of at least and stream corridors. Still, time and resources into this 200 feet was created along because of the substantial accord and relationships with the north side of Morse Road employment centers in the various jurisdictions and as a southern greenbelt. northeast Columbus and school districts in Licking A Rocky Fork greenway is this region of Central Ohio, County. The RFBA was last gradualy being created there continues to be a updated in 2003 and used along the western side of corresponding demand for the year 2015 as a planning the community. It links a workforce housing. The areas horizon to project population potential future park north of to the west of New Albany in and the area’s needs. Due to the Johnstown/Morse Road Columbus have been, and development, the amount roundabout with Thompson continue to be, built to meet of parkland in the planning Park north to Dublin-Granville this need. This is important in area, the construction of Road and a planned Taylor order to provide housing for the metro park and other Farm park. It could continue employees that work in New factors, the area has seen through preserved RFBA Albany and elsewhere, but significant change since the stream corridor areas in this residential devlopment accord was adopted. The city Columbus to Central College has also added to traffic should work with its partner and Harlem roads. impacts and school demands. jurisdictions to determine the next evolution of the plan To the north, the city had the New Albany’s eastward and regional cooperation in opportunity and executed a growth into Licking County the planning area. One of the plan to create this greenbelt. has also sparked area many important reasons for In partnership with the concerns about land uses, these accords is to allow the Columbus & Franklin County development, services, city to influence what occurs Metro Parks, the Rocky school district impacts, around the city’s borders (and Fork Metro Park has been buffering, and preserving vice versa) while at the same created along the north side the area’s rural character. time using the city’s resources of Walnut Street in what is to help better the quality of both the New Albany and
48 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.9 | Service Agreement Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Columbus future service service area boundaries areas. The metro park is establish a starting point. Legend currently 1,003 acres in size, To the south it likely takes but additional area has been the form of continued park identified for expansion setbacks along Morse Road. City of New Albany should land owners be To the north and east, this New Albany Exclusive willing to sell. It connects to could take the form of park Future Service Area Bevelhymer Park, another of purchases, conservation the city’s prime recreational easements, large setbacks City of Columbus parks. along roadway corridors, or Columbus Exclusive even agricultural protection Future Service Area The city should be zones to preserve rural identifying partners and character and local food Parks and Open Space planning now for what form production. As with the Study Area this greenbelt takes and how metro park, this land does to achieve it to the northeast, not have to be in New Albany east, and southeast. It has proper — it could occur along been challenging to target its edges. Regardless, great where this should occur with efforts should be made to continued city expansion realize this vision. in these directions, but the
Recommendations • 49 New Albany Land Uses The future land use map Because of this vibrant and The future land use map takes into account the compact environment, it is found on pages 52-53 is existing land uses and the appropriate location for a one of the primary reference builds upon the framework mixture of housing options. documents of this strategic established by the previous plan. It highlights the desired strategic plans. Figure 3.10 The various residential future land use patterns shows the existing land neighborhoods within the for the city and its future uses in the city. It identifies city, from original rural expansion areas. Because so current land uses by broad residential lots to estate lots much of the city is already categories: Village Center, and from county club to developed, the future land residential, employment senior housing, are classified use map matches today’s center, retail, and parks as residential. This category current, existing land use and green space. It also consolidates the previous in many places. However, highlights the existing metro plan’s various single-family this map and plan are most park. residential categories into important for providing The future land use map one category for this plan. direction in areas where the uses these same categories Employment center uses land uses are expected or and adds mixed-use and include the corporate desired to change. hamlets. Proposed roadway office, manufacturing, connections are also shown warehouse, and data center It is important to note on the map. Each land use is developments throughout that this is not the City of described in greater depth the city. These uses generally New Albany zoning map. starting on page 58, but straddle SR 161 for visibility The future land use map a high level overview is and access. They also extend and this plan provide provided here. throughout the majority of the city’s council, boards, the Licking County portion commissions, and staff The Village Center is the of the city. These areas are with strong guidance when historic village located at essential to the tax base of considering development the crossroads of Johnstown New Albany and allow the proposals, annexation Road/US 62, High Street/ city to continue high quality requests, rezonings, Reynoldsburg-New Albany service provision. infrastructure investments, Road, and Dublin-Granville and the like. The land use Road. From the city’s Retail uses have traditionally map is a point in time but founding, it has consisted been restricted to the Village if any given area begins of a mix of uses developed Center in order to create a to develop or change, at a walkable, small town center of gravity there. As then any proposal should scale. The Learning Campus, the business park expanded, be considered based Market Square, and other a need was recognized to on the conditions at that developments have allow a cluster of limited time. Deviations from the enriched and anchored its service retail north of SR 161 land use map should be character. Today it is the on US 62, and now at the taken in consideration heart of New Albany with Beech Road and Mink Road against this strategic plan’s civic, institutional, retail, interchanges as well. These goals, objectives, and residential, office, and park areas contain typical auto- recommendations. uses. The Village Center oriented retail uses, though designation is intended executed at a higher level of to preserve this character. design.
50 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.10 | Existing Land Use Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
As the city has physically It consists of dedicated park grown and neighborhoods space, recreation areas, Legend spread farther apart, open space preserves, residents have expressed and golf course land. It is an interest in creating small, predominantly concentrated Residential walkable neighborhood around and within the retail locations. Residents residential areas. Many Village Center also expressed interest developments have required Retail in adding some housing setbacks and landscape types to help New Albany easements which add to the Employment Center become a life-span green and natural character community with housing of the city, though they are Parks and Green Space for young professionals not represented on this map. Metro Park and empty-nesters. Outside The future land use map of the Village Center, the includes the metro park neighborhood hamlets are zone, which is the identified designed to meet this need. future expansion area for Rocky Fork Metro Park. Parks and green space is shown where it exists The proposed roadway throughout the community. connections are detailed in the mobility section of this plan.
Recommendations • 51 605 FUTURE LAND USE
Residential
Village Center Walnut St
Retail
Mixed Use
Employment Center Bevelhymer Rd
New Albany Rd E Parks and Green Space New Albany-Condit Rd
Metro Park Zone
Village Center Boundary Central College Rd
Neighborhood Hamlet
Proposed Roadway Walton Pkwy
161
Market St Dublin-Granville Rd
Main St
Kitzmiller Rd
Reynoldsburg-New Albany Rd
62
52 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.11 | Future Land Use Map
62
Johnstown Rd
Jug St
Innovation Campus Way Mink St
Smith’s Mill Rd
161
Harrison Rd Harrison
Beech Rd Beech
Babbitt Rd Babbitt LICKING CO. LICKING Morse Rd CO. FRANKLIN
Recommendations • 53 Figure 3.12 | Developed, Undeveloped, and Rural Parcels Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Future land uses are most Areas in orange and Legend important for areas of light orange must first be change. Figure 3.12 above annexed to the city in order Developed or planned classifies parcels within to develop more intensely. developed arcels city limits and within the This map also highlights the unincorporated parts of strategic plan focus areas. Undeveloped or rural the study area based upon These are areas where the parcels within city, >5 their size and potential most change is expected or acres to develop. It generally desired within the next five Undeveloped or rural classifies areas that are not to ten years. The focus areas parcels within city, <5 expected to change in the section beginning on page acres next ten years (blue). The 178 describes these areas in Undeveloped or rural remaining parcels are those more detail. By examining parcels outside city, >5 where development could existing development, acres occur. The map highlights combined with anticipated Undeveloped or rural parcels that are larger and future land uses and their parcels outside city, <5 smaller than five acres. expected development acres Generally parcels larger patterns, it is possible to Strategic Plan Focus than five acres are easier to make projections for the Area develop and can support buildout of New Albany. more intense development.
54 • Engage New Albany The resulting study area conservation will impact the city will be much less build-out projections the overall size and rate of than the size of present- are shown below. It is growth the community will day Dublin, Gahanna, and important to note that the experience. Historically the Upper Arlington. Meanwhile, time frame for build-out is city has issued an average New Albany will have twice undetermined, although of 100 residential building as many people working it will likely take decades permits annually. The city in the city as today. More to reach full build-out and school district should importantly, it will have of the study area. Build- convene a facilities team about one and a half times out is contingent on to cooperatively look at the number of employees many variables, including enrollment projections and than residents—something land owners requesting school campus capacity. no peer city achieves even annexation to the city, service today. This is a fundamental capacity existing to serve The current number of trait of the ability of a city development, development residents and employees to provide high-quality approval by the city, and is shown in the graph services and amenities to the expected development below and compared to community over the long- occuring. Specific policy peer cities on the following term. decisions regarding land use, page. These projections annexation, and open space indicate the at build-out
Study Area Build-Out Projections
FACTOR 2019 AT BUILD-OUT Geographic Size 16.72 square miles 23.09 square miles Residents 10,745 20,000-23,000 Employees 15,470 32,000+
Residential and Employee Populations of New Albany and Peer Cities
Residents Employees 50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0 New Albany New Albany Dublin Powell Westerville Gahanna Upper (future) (existing) Arlington
Recommendations • 55 Fiscal Impacts of Land 2019 NEW ALBANY FISCAL SUMMARY Use Balancing land uses is 2019 Property Taxes critical for the city’s fiscal sustainability and its ability to Tax Paid Per provide high quality services and amenities for the Item $100,000 of Value % community. This is because New Albany-Plain Local School $1,659.73 60.8% in Ohio, municipal budgets District are primarily funded through Plain Township $294.03 10.8% income taxes. These are Franklin Co. BDD $190.45 7% payroll taxes collected from employees who work in New Franklin Co. Children Services $132.17 4.8% Albany. Columbus Public Library $76.50 2.8% Franklin Co. ADMH $59.86 2.2% As demonstrated in the chart Eastland Joint Vocational $61.25 2.2% to the right, 82% of the city’s School total general fund revenue was derived from income City of New Albany $59.41 2.2% taxes. It also highlights that Franklin Co. Senior Options $49.40 1.8% property taxes only support New Albany Joint Parks District $48.31 1.8% <5% of the general fund. Franklin Co. General Fund $45.02 1.7% The 2019 Property Tax table highlights that the majority Metro Parks $33.17 1.2% (60%) of property taxes go Zoo $18.98 0.7% to the New Albany-Plain Total $2,728.28 Local School District. The city receives only 2%. For the City of New Albany, planning for 2019 General Fund Revenue and attracting employment- based land uses is a key Total: $26,178,912 strategy.
2% - Hotel Taxes 3% - Interest Income 1% - Charges for Services 4% - Other Revenue 3% - Fines, Licenses, & Fees
Property Taxes & HSRB 5%
82% Income Taxes
Source: City of New Albany (2020)
56 • Engage New Albany FUTURE LAND USE • The New Albany Design PLAN Guidelines & Requirements for residential The following pages development must be met. describe the six land use • Quality streetscape districts for the future elements, including an land use plan, as well amenity zone, street trees, as the hamlets concept. and sidewalks or leisure Development standards are trails, and should be provided for each district, provided on both sides of but it is important to note all public streets. that other city documents • Homes should front streets, and guidelines should be parks and open spaces. referenced for development proposals. This strategic plan • A residential density of 1 is meant to guide the overall dwelling unit (du) per acre vision for land use and is required for single-family development in New Albany. residential and a density of 3 du per acre for age Broadly, the following restricted housing. standards are prerequisites » Higher density may be for all development allowed if additional land proposals in New Albany: is purchased and deed resticted. This type of • Development should meet density “offset” ensures setback recommendations that the gross density of contained in strategic plan. the community will not be greater than 1 unit per • Streets must be public and acre. Any land purchased not gated. Culs-de-sac are for use as an offset, should strongly discouraged. be within the NAPLS • Parks and open spaces district or within the metro park zone. should be provided, publicly dedicated » 3 du/acre is only acceptable if 100% age and meet the quantity restricted. Otherwise, the requirements established federal regulations and in the city’s subdivision criteria for subdivisions to regulations (i.e. 20% gross qualify as age-restricted open space and 2,400 sf must be accounted for of parkland dedication for when calculating density each lot). (i.e. 80% age restricted and 20% non-age restricted). » All or adequate amounts of open space and parkland » Age restriction must is strongly encouraged be recorded as a deed to be provided on-site. restriction and included If it cannot be provided as a requirement in the on-site, purchasing and subdivision’s zoning text. publicly dedicating land to expand the Rocky Fork Metro Park or park space for the Joint Parks District is an acceptable alternative.
Recommendations • 57 RESIDENTIAL Insight 2050, a demographic DISTRICT study of the Central Ohio REGIONAL DEMOGRAPHIC region conducted by the TRENDS Overview Mid-Ohio Regional Planning New Albany’s Commission (MORPC) neighborhoods are projected that between 2010 POPULATION GROWTH BY AGE one of its most defining and 2040, the population features. The high-quality of age 65 and older would grow by 25% and the Georgian and farmstead 65+ +25% architecture, the emphasis population under 35 would grow by 23%, while the on lot arrangement, their 35-64 interconnectivity and population between 35-64 -44% walkability, their lush would decline by 47%. This Under +23% landscaping and embedded study also showed that there 35 green spaces are all defining would be increasing market 0 20% 40% 60% 80% characteristics that are a vital demand for different types 1990-2010 2010-2040 part of New Albany’s success. of housing products – ones Residents are highly satisfied that are highly amenitized, with their neighborhoods compact, walkable, and and the community. Still, proximate to restaurants, HOUSING TYPE PREFERENCES BY AGE there remains room for retail, entertainment, and strategic improvement. parks. This would include Attached Small lot Large lot housing like townhomes, Data & Trends flats, cluster housing, and 50% 50% mixed-use development. When examining the city’s 40% Such housing is attractive to demographics over the past 40% young professionals, empty decade, several trends are 32% 38% nesters, and single people clear. First, the city is adding living alone – all growing 30% about 100 new housing demographics. units each year. This is an appropriately steady pace 20% 21% Statistics also show that at that is manageable for the 18% least 32% of the population city and school district. New 10% living in New Albany is Albany has grown from 18-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60+ not driving. This includes just over 2,600 households children not yet old enough to just over 3,500, with a to drive, people with population of almost 11,000 HOUSEHOLD GROWTH BY TYPE disabilities unable to drive, residents. At the same time, and older residents who the city’s median age has 34% choose not to or are unable Singles 28% increased by 10%, from 36.9 to drive. With a third of the living in 2010 to 40.3 in 2018, as alone population reliant on others the city’s neighborhoods for mobility, the importance 41% 38% mature. A vast majority of of leisure trail and sidewalk Households the city’s housing product connections, alternative without consists of single family transportation modes, and a children homes designed for families mix of uses to meet people’s who enjoy the city’s strong needs in close proximity is Households 31% school district and locale. 28% apparent. with children
2010 2040
Source: Insight2050 (2014) 58 • Engage New Albany Recommendations Conversely, it is important Improve the quality of Based upon demographics, to work with partners neighborhood parks. the planning context, and to increase park space, Address outdated community input, seven key property values, and playground equipment, add strategies were identified as connectivity to areas within amenities and recreational being critically important to NAPLSD – both within and options that cater to a the vitality of New Albany outside of the city limits. broader range of ages, and and its neighborhoods. add unique components Address the physical divide to neighborhood parks Provide housing for all life that SR 161 represents in community-wide. This is stages so that residents can splitting the residential further explored in the Parks age-in-place within the city community into north and section. of New Albany. To address south neighborhoods. While this need, additional cluster SR 161 provides critical Consider adding local retail neighborhoods, townhomes, regional access to the city, options for neighborhoods and stacked flats should be it physically bifurcates it. farther removed from the developed—similar to Ashton, There are only four bridge Village Center. To address Keswick, Richmond Square, crossings in the residential local amenities and services, and Ealy Crossing—that areas of New Albany (New limited neighborhood-scale attract young professionals, Albany Road, SR 605, US 62, restaurants and retail could singles, and empty nesters. and Kitzmiller) and they are be built to serve immediately They should be developed auto-oriented. The city needs surrounding neighborhoods within areas that are easily to continue to improve and in certain locations within the walkable to services and increase pedestrian and city. This is discussed further amenities. In New Albany, bike connections to bridge in the Hamlets section. this is the Village Center and this divide. This is further Hamlets. See those sections explored in the Mobility Continue the high-quality for additional details. section. planning and design of new residential development and Continue to maintain Continue to improve neighborhoods within the one, superior community- the walking and biking city. As new neighborhoods centered school district. connections between are proposed within the The New Albany-Plain neighborhoods and city, continue to ensure that Local School District is destinations, particularly they provide the distinctive synonymous with New the recreational parks and character, park space, Albany. With the growth Village Center. It is similarly connectivity, amenities, and of the city east into important to continue to high-quality features of that Licking County and other address gaps in the leisure define New Albany. school districts, financial, trail system to better connect community, and school neighborhoods to popular district concerns will need destinations, so they all enjoy to be considered when a high level of access to evaluating any development amenities. proposals that include residential uses in Licking County.
Recommendations • 59 Development Standards • Any proposed residential development outside of the As residential development Village Center shall have a continues in New Albany, base density of 1 dwelling expectations must be clear unit per gross acre in order in order to build upon the to preserve and protect city’s tradition of quality the community’s natural neighborhoods. The resources and support the principles of good residential overall land conservation subdivision design and the goals of the community. distinctive features of New A transfer of residential density can be used to Albany’s best neighborhoods achieve a gross density of 1 Ealy Crossing neighborhood should be emulated in future dwelling unit per acre. development. Generally, these standards include: • Private streets are at odds with many of the • Organically shaped community’s planning stormwater management principals, such as ponds and areas should interconnectivity, a hierarchy be incorporated into the of street typologies, and overall design as natural a connected community. features and assets to the Therefore, the streets within community. residential developments must be public. • A hierarchy of open spaces is encouraged. Each • In considering the development should have expansion of residential Ashton Grove neighborhood at least one open space uses into Licking County, located near the center of the city will take into development. Typically, consideration factors such neighborhood parks as community impacts, range from a half acre to financial implications, 5 acres. Multiple greens the adequate delivery of may be necessary in large services, and the impact on developments to provide school districts. centrally located greens. • All or adequate amounts of open space and parkland is strongly encouraged to be provided on-site. Lansdowne neighborhood • Houses should front onto public open spaces and never back onto public parks or roads. • Rear or side-loaded garages are encouraged. When a garage faces the street, the front facade of the garage should be set back from the front facade of the house.
Example of compact residential development
60 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.13 | Residential District Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Residential District Summary Table Building Legend Gross Density 1 dwelling unit/acre; 3 du/acre if 100% age restricted Residential District Streetscape Roadway Character Neighborhood, Village Traditional, Rural Study Area Classification (see p. 104) Parking Parking Type On-street and garages/driveways Parking Location Rear or side-loaded garages preferred Open Space Open Space Type(s) Pocket playgrounds, parks, preserved open space Size of Open Space 20% of the site acreage Location of Open Space Near the center of development, within 1,200’ of all dwellings Sustainability LEED Certification Priority High for LEED ND, Leed Homes Stormwater Management Stomwater management ponds required. Native, low maintenance landscaping encouraged
Recommendations • 61 SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Finally, additional design consideration should be given to the increasingly important role of environmental sustainability and conservation design in the community. Details of each are provided in the reference descriptions.
Conservation Design Preserving natural open space, creating scenic setbacks, and orienting neighborhood design around green spaces are fundamental components of good subdivision planning. New Albany encourages new development to consider conservation design techniques that preserve habitats, incorporate the natural qualities of the site, and create interesting neighborhoods. New Albany promotes techniques of large-scale conservation design through cluster development and density transfers. Continuing such practices will help preserve the natural setting and rural character of New Albany. In addition to residential design standards, conservation design standards include:
• Maximize the open/natural/green space with • Sidewalks and trails should respond to the at least 50% to 60% of the site area (in addition context of the surrounding landscape and a to required setbacks) and cluster lots on the leisure trail should be provided along stream remaining portions of the site. corridors. They should include rural, natural • Consolidate and connect open space on the landscaping along rural corridors, and include site to maximize contiguous habitat areas and deciduous street trees along local streets. enhance with native plantings. • Accessory buildings are permitted provided • Create a hierarchy of open space, including they contribute to the character of the lot and one large open space/green as an accessible development. amenity at the center of the development. • Use of typical zoning standards are not • Keep road widths and pavement to a recommended in order to promote creativity minimum. in the development design.
Sustainable Design Incorporating sustainable practices and green infrastructure into the community is a major theme of this plan. The city has been active in this area, integrating pervious pavements, bioswales, and other green practices into the fabric of New Albany. Individual homeowners are also interested in incorporating sustainable/environmentally friendly practices into their homes. This infrastructure includes:
• Solar Panels • Rain Gardens • Geothermal Systems • Local Food Production • Cisterns • Recycling • Wind Turbines • Composting • Green Roofs • Permeable Driveway Pavers
Integrating these elements into the design of homes, businesses, and institutions can raise aesthetic and operational concerns for some neighbors. Continued efforts should be made to update standards and connect residents to resources to support the incorporation of sustainable practices in homes and businesses in an appropriate manner that protects the timeless design of the community but also highlights its commitment to environment-friendly design.
62 • Engage New Albany Recommendations • 63 EMPLOYMENT This strategy has been very Data & Trends CENTER DISTRICT effective. Since 2012, more There are a number of than 5,000 jobs have been important trends affecting Overview created in the business park. employment centered Employment center This represents 50% growth development both nationally uses are one of the most in the number of jobs in less and within New Albany. One important forms of land than ten years. This amounts local trend is the demand use for the fiscal health to 3.4 million square feet of for a variety of office space of New Albany. These commercial properties under sizes and types. There must include corporate office, construction and $3.2 billion be small, affordable spaces hospital, manufacturing, in private investment just for small firms and startups, warehouse, and data center in the business park since medium-size spaces in development throughout 2012. Today, just over 43% individual structures or multi- the city. They are so critical of the land in New Albany tenant buildings, and sites to New Albany because they is devoted to employment for large corporate users deliver the revenue stream uses. This is higher than the like American Regent up that allows the city to provide average of peer cities. to headquarter campuses the services and amenities like Abercrombie and Fitch. residents and businesses The city, state, and New Albany must be able value. Like most Ohio cities, region have invested to offer this spectrum of New Albany generates the heavily in transportation office space types. The city majority of its revenues from improvements around the also has a limited amount income taxes on people business park, particularly of speculative office who work within the city. In in the Licking County space, such as Water’s New Albany, this amounts area with the extension of Edge, for prospective to 82% of the city’s entire Innovation Campus Way, the users. Speculative office general fund – and a majority reconstruction and widening development requires of this is derived from the of Beech Road, and the developers to be confident business park. The amount new interchange at Mink that tenants are abundant of income tax collected is Street. These investments and interested in the area dependent upon the number have opened new areas so they can quickly lease of employees within a for employment centered their space. In recent years company and their salaries. uses. They also highlight the demand has also increased The greater the number of opportunity to take better for flexible, multipurpose employees and the higher advantage of the SR 161 space for hybrid uses that the average employee salary, southern frontage between have production and office the more revenue accrues US 62 and Beech Road. operations and also want to the city. Likewise, the city a retail presence like those has been creative in funding found in the Zarley Industrial mechanisms that capture the Park. high value of data centers, even though they employ fewer people. This is a major reason the city has pursued employment centered development so aggressively as it has grown. This land use provides the foundation for the others from an economic standpoint.
64 • Engage New Albany A national trend that is Trends in office building It should be noted that if reflected regionally is design are leaning toward state tax laws are challenged the desire for office and buildings that reflect a or changed to weight employment uses integrated modern image and visibility income tax assessment for into walkable, mixed-use to the greater community. employees working part settings. This is in addition to Tenants are looking for time or largely from home, typical attributes that are so abundant glass, high there will be impacts to city important to office tenants, ceilings, and efficient and revenues. For employees such as: 1) central location, flexible floorplans. who typically work at offices 2) proximity to regional Robust technology in New Albany, but live transportation system (access infrastructure and ADA and work more from home for employees), 3) adequate compliance are a must. outside of the city, the city’s parking, 4) workforce Creative elements, quality revenues would decrease. demographics, 5) proximity materials, and amenities For New Albany residents to a diversity of housing, 6) such as outdoor terraces whose base of employment economic incentives, and 7) are appreciated. For mixed- is outside the city, but who building qualities. use assembly centers, high work more from home, city Employees want to work bay open space for shop revenues would increase. in vibrant places where work, materials storage, This is worth continuing to they are in close proximity and enclosed office/retail monitor. to shopping, restaurants, space at an affordable rent entertainment, parks, are important features. With In terms of community input, recreation, learning data centers, the critical the majority of comments opportunities, and living. features are large swaths of focused on the provision of Hotels are important for land for massive buildings, additional retail amenities hosting clients. The “third connection to fiber trunk such as restaurants and places” are particularly lines, security, and availability service stations that are more important – the coffee shops, of redundant supplies of accessible to the business restaurants, bars, etc. that are electric power. park and the addressing ideal for off-site meetings, of regional traffic issues, lunch, dinner, or drinks with The most immediate trend is particularly around the clients, social interaction, the impact of the coronavirus western interchanges and and meeting new people pandemic on advancing the SR 161. These opportunities and potential collaborators. adoption of virtual meeting will be addressed in the retail The more walkable and and work technology. It and mobility sections of the interconnected, the better. remains to be seen what plan respectively. Retail uses, however, the long-term impact will need a large number of be on employment-based customers in close proximity. uses, though it will likely spur Speculative office is difficult office users to reevaluate the to finance in the current amount of space they need market but can be helped by per employee and add to the combining with residential pressure for more flexible development. Walkable work spaces and work hours. mixed-use development On the other hand, this has requires the right setting, increased the need for, and design, and density. In New reliance upon, data centers Albany today, the Village and technology providers Center is that type of setting. that undergird this increased technological demand.
Recommendations • 65 Development Standards • All office developments As employment center are encouraged to development continues in employ shared parking New Albany, expectations or be designed to must be clear in order accommodate it. to build upon the city’s • All office developments character and design. should plan for regional Generally, the standards stormwater management. for employment center • All associated mechanical development include the operations should be following: concealed from the Corporate headquarters public right-of-way and • No freeway / pole signs screened architecturally are allowed. or with landscape in an • Heavy landscaping is appealing manner. necessary to buffer • Any periphery security these uses from adjacent should integrate with the residential areas. existing landscape and • Plan office buildings maintain and enhance within context of the area, the character of road not just the site, including corridor. building heights within • Combined curb cuts and development parcels. cross-access easements Manufacturing/fulfillment center • Sites with multiple are encouraged. buildings should be well • The use of materials, organized and clustered colors, and texture to if possible. break up large-scale facades is required.
Modern office building
Data center
66 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.14 | Employment Center District Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Employment Center District Summary Table Building Legend Max. Building Height 80’ Streetscape Employment Center District Roadway Character Business Park, Business Park Transitional Classification (see p. 104) Study Area Parking Parking Type Parking lot Parking Location Rear of building for parking lot, shared parking encouraged Open Space Open Space Type(s) Preserved open space and wetlands Size of Open Space Varies Location of Open Space Along important natural corridors, wooded areas, wetland areas, along roadway corridors to buffer from adjacent uses Sustainability LEED Certification Priority High for BD+C, O+M Stormwater Management Regional stormwater management required
Recommendations • 67 RETAIL DISTRICT This has taken the form of limiting retail uses outside Overview of the Village Center in an Retail uses provide the effort to focus offerings services that people rely there, make them more upon to support their daily robust, and reinforce the lives. They also provide one Village Center as the heart of the best non-civic, non- of the community. This has work/school environments generally been effective. in which people socially As the city has grown mix. As such, retail is an geographically, more of important component of the business park and new Existing hospitality use people’s quality of life – neighborhoods are farther and its availability, quality, from the Village Center or character, and ease of use other retail centers outside are factors in which people of the city boundaries. This judge communities. Retail had led to requests for new uses come in many formats retail uses outside of the including small retail shops Village Center. embedded in a historic town center, commercial retail The 2014 Strategic Plan centers along roadways, out recognized two locations for lots with drive-thrus, regional expansion of limited retail malls, and outdoor lifestyle uses outside of the Village Existing retail use centers. With the ubiquity Center. One was along US of the internet and massive 62 at Smith’s Mill Road and distribution centers in every Forest Drive. The other was region, retail also takes planned for Beech Road the form of delivery vans and Smith’s Mill Road to dropping off packages at serve the eastern business front doors. park areas. These were, and continue to be, locations for Within New Albany, when auto-oriented, smaller scale people think of shopping, retail to serve the immediate restaurants, and services they needs of those working in or think of the Village Center. driving past these areas. The It is part of the identity of gas station and restaurant Existing retail use the community and its focal retail along US 62 also point. Historically, New attracted hotel uses to serve Albany has been dedicated the area. to growing and reinforcing retail uses in the Village Center.
Existing retail strip
68 • Engage New Albany Data & Trends To be successful, retail needs It is also under immediate a substantial customer base threat due to the coronavirus When considering retail within market proximity, pandemic. As a result, there uses, it is important to traffic and convenient access, is already an oversupply understand market trends visibility, an assemblage of of retail in most markets. and the regional market in retail uses, distinctive and Grocery stores are the context of New Albany. desirable products and store, consolidating, outdated Retail is a use that follows ample parking, dynamic and malls are closing, and older residential and employment- compelling environment retail strip centers are based uses. It must have and programming, and emptying and converting a large enough customer patronage. Due to New to other uses. Retail is base, each and every day, Albany’s location in moving in six directions: 1) to survive. As a rule of relationship to other retail Auto-oriented convenience thumb, a minimum of 1,000 centers and its relatively retail, often stand-alone; dwellings are necessary to low density, this last point 2) consolidated big box support a corner store and is critical. If New Albany retailers; 3) experiential, 8,000 dwellings to support residents and businesses dynamic shopping a grocery store. When the want more variety and experiences like Easton Town number of vehicles passing amount of retail, it must be Center; 4) “Third places” - a store exceeds 15,000 supported by the community. restaurants, coffee shops, vehicles per day, this can There is substantial regional etc.; 5) well-programmed reduce the number of competition within close authentic town centers like dwellings needed to support proximity to New Albany, the Village Center; and 6) the a store. Increased disposable including the Kroger internet to home delivery. income within the market Shopping Center and Giant area also helps. When Eagle Shopping Center There is demand for more looking at the Village Center along New Albany Road, authentic, walkable town today, there are almost regional retail uses along centers. New Albany’s Village 200 units (315+ residents) Hamilton Road, and the Center is a great example. within a quarter mile walking destination retail Easton This is covered more fully in distance. Within a half-mile, Town Center. A major new the Village Center section this number increases to retail center, Hamilton (see page 76). There is almost 480 units and 1,200 Quarter, began opening also demand for more “third residents. At the one-mile in 2020. This adds to the places” where people can radius, there are more importance of providing a meet and where families can than 1,600 units and 4,500 distinctive experience and go out together. Outside of residents. This highlights close convenience to the the Village Center, these are the importance of being a community. underrepresented in New location that attracts visitors, Albany. This is covered more having enough traffic volume Brick and mortar retail is fully in the hamlets section passing by, consolidating under intense pressure (see page 73). There stores into a destination, in today’s environment, continues to be demand for and providing places with particularly with internet auto-oriented support retail enough residents and supported front door around employment centers. workers in close proximity. delivery services, but This is where New Albany’s also through continued retail district applies. automation and technology.
Recommendations • 69 Development Standards • Parking areas should Any retail development promote pedestrians by should adhere to the high including walkways and standards for architecture, landscaping to enhance site design, and landscaping visual aspects of the in New Albany. Careful development. consideration should • Combined curb cuts and be given to the design cross-access easements and development of are encouraged retail outside the Village • Curb cuts on primary Center. It should respond streets should be Example of retail use to the scale and design minimized and well that exists in New Albany. organized connections Developments should take should be created within into account the need for and between all retail automobile access, but also establishments. emphasize the importance of pedestrian access and • Combined curb cuts and comfort as well as other cross-access easements modes of transportation. between parking areas The sites should have a are preferred between strong street presence and individual buildings. include architectural and • Retail building entrances landscape features that should connect with Example of retail use respond to the existing New pedestrian network and Albany character. Generally promote connectivity the standards for retail through the site. development in the city • Integrate outdoor include: spaces for food related businesses.
Example of a retail corner store
Example of a retail use
70 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.15 | Neighborhood Retail District Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Retail District Summary Table Building Legend Gross Density n/a Streetscape Retail District Roadway Character Commercial Center, Business Park Classification (see p. 104) Study Area Parking Parking Type Parking lot Parking Location Rear of building for parking lot Open Space Open Space Type(s) n/a Size of Open Space n/a Location of Open Space n/a Sustainability LEED Certification Priority Medium Stormwater Management Stormwater management ponds required. Native, low maintenance landscaping encouraged
Recommendations • 71 MIXED-USE DISTRICT There is a growing retail Development Standards segment that desires to Overview Walkable mixed-use be located in walkable development requires the As raised in the employment town centers. This is due to right setting, design, and center section, national and many factors that include density. In New Albany, regional trends are pointing the experience of place, such development should toward a growing and the density of day-time not directly compete with desired market for walkable, customers and residents, the the Village Center. For this mixed-use environments agglomeration of multiple reason, a mixed-use site for office uses. In growing retailers, and the pedestrian- needs to be physically regions like Central Ohio, oriented nature. With the distant from the Village employers are competing to increased popularity and Center and of a different attract the best employees importance of “third places” style and smaller geographic and those employees (restaurants, coffee houses, scale. Because of the uses are increasingly desiring bars, entertainment), these (office and retail), new to work in environments walkable urban-styled places mixed-use development that integrate shopping, are great locations. needs proximity and access restaurants, entertainment, to a major transportation parks, recreation, learning Further, speculative network, and ideally be opportunities, and living in office development and visible from such. To close walkable locations. new, desired mixed-use be effective, mixed-use This is a trend away from retail development is development must be the office parks of the challenging to finance. accomplished at a larger last 30 years. Mixed-use This is particularly true in scale, though it can be built examples are at varying the COVID environment. in phases. For these reasons scales and locally include Adding multifamily and with the growth of the newer developments such residential development city around the Beech Road as Easton, the Arena District, into the mix, which is in high interchange, the area south Grandview Yard, and Dublin demand regionally, enables of SR 161 is the appropriate Bridge Park; denser urban developers to obtain bank location for consideration. environments like Downtown underwriting which they are Columbus and the Short often otherwise unable to North; and authentic secure. With housing, banks town centers like Uptown will provide similar credit for Westerville, Old Hilliard, mixed-use development as if and New Albany’s Village the commercial development Center. While the city has its were pre-leased. Residents business park, it does not living in the district make it have enough mixed-use sites more dynamic and add to beyond the Village Center to the customer base for the meet this growing demand. retailers, creating a balance with the day-time workers. As previously described, Providing a mix of uses also employment-centered uses facilitates the construction are critical to the financial of parking decks, which can health of New Albany, so this be financed for the same is an important long-term reasons and which can park issue. It is also important employees during the day because retail trends are and residents at night. also favoring mixed-use development.
72 • Engage New Albany There are several very • Mixed Use development Hamlets Concept important requirements for proposals will be evaluated Overview on their ability to 1) provide a any proposed development One type of mixed-use within the mixed-use district: mixture of revenue producing uses, 2) foster integration, development is the hamlet • Commercial uses should density and compatibility concept. The reintroduction be a substantial part of any of land uses and 3) create of this concept is appropriate development. a walkable community with given the evolution of the • Residential land uses will not uninterrupted pedestrian community and the need be considered in isolation. connections. (Mixed-use for continued balanced Any proposed residential Development Handbook, ULI) and responsible growth. use should be part of a • Mixed-use development The timing of hamlet development proposal that must meet the highest of development, however, blends commercial, retail, development standards within should not compete with cultural and/or industrial the city. uses. Any mixed-use proposal the Village Center either in that includes residential • Mixed-use development density or the provision of uses in Licking County will is expected to propose amenities. The vision for the be evaluated on the goals, an architectural style that Village Center as outlined strategies and development is both distinctive and in the Village Center Plan complementary to New standards of the strategic has not yet been completely Albany’s character and brand. plan, but also on its impacts fulfilled and remains the on city services, city finances, • If mixed-use development fundamental priority for the school districts, and the is not desired or possible, city. overall sense of community. development that meets the
• Development proposals employment center future land use requirements is This concept identifies an within the mixed-use area opportunity to introduce should submit an overall acceptable. walkable retail and master plan for the area • Alternate street typologies showing how it fits together and reduced setbacks may commercial uses that are appropriately in terms of be appropriate based on the integrated with residential mobility, site layout, uses, and pattern of development. areas. A hamlet will aesthetics. typically not be a single • Discourage residential site development and it • Traditional zoning regulations development within 300 feet cannot adequately address of the SR 161 in order to be is anticipated that land urban design or achieve the sensitive to noise. assemblage will be required desired development pattern to successfully execute it. • City staff should explore in this district. Therefore, The concept differs from the code changes and updates development in this area is to the Design Guidelines retail land use district in its expected to go through the and Requirements (DGR) scale, design and pedestrian Planned Unit Development to allow the Architectural orientation. rezoning process. Review Board (ARB) to review developments in the hamlet and mixed-use areas and establish standards for review.
Recommendations • 73 Hamlet Development Standards: Strategy The result would be several • Street edges and streetscape In considering this concept, locations outside of the treatments are reinforced. Alternate the planning team referred Village Center and mixed- street typologies and reduced to early Rocky Fork Blacklick use area of the city that setbacks may be appropriate based Accord plans from 1996 would allow density above on the pattern of development. and 2001. These plans the one unit per gross acre • Hamlets need to incorporate contemplated the eventual if the overall impact to the public spaces like pocket parks build-out of the entire density of the community or pedestrian corridors. These Plain Township area and is no greater than one unit are gathering spaces for office the impact and needs of per acre. This concept would employees and residents of the area. residential development also allow for very limited • Buildings may not be taller than north of SR 161. One of the neighborhood retail in three stories in height around the recommendations was the locations outside of the retail civic green, nor taller than two stories creation of small hamlets sites. at the perimeter. at geographically spaced • Hamlets should have a balance of locations, with the goal of The locations identified on neighborhood retail, commercial creating walkable, mixed-use the future land use map for office, and residential uses. environments connected to New Albany hamlets are: 1) • All non-single-family development surrounding neighborhoods the immediate vicinity of SR should front on the green. and integrated into an 605 and Central College; • A hamlet does not necessarily have open space network. These and 2) the immediate to include residential uses if it is hamlets were expected area of the five points located near an area with established to consist of a focal point intersection at US 62 and residences and has strong village green, some two- Central College. The 605 pedestrian connections to those to-three story residential hamlet provides walkable existing neighborhoods. development around the connectivity to the Enclave, • Surface parking should be located green, a couple of retail Cedar Brook, and Wolcott to the rear of commercial and non- spaces in or around the Manor neighborhoods. The single-family uses. green, and some community five points hamlet provides • Drive locations should be kept to parking. This strategic plan walkable connectivity to the a minimum and the placement recommends reviving this Links, Tidewater, and future of buildings should encourage concept to accommodate residential development. pedestrian activity. this original vision and Hamlet development is not • Development proposals for the present desire of the required in these areas. They identified hamlets should submit residents. Such a compact can be developed under an overall master plan for the development would provide the underlying land use. If area showing how it fits together opportunities for the a hamlet is developed, it appropriately in terms of mobility, should meet the standards site layout, uses, and aesthetics. age-in-place housing the community expressly desires, listed to the left. These • Hamlet development is expected which is underrepresented in standards could also be to go through the Planned Unit applied to any development Development rezoning process. the city. This housing would be combined with a couple in the Winding Hollow focus • Hamlet development should be high of neighborhood-serving area (see page 180). quality and built with a high level of retail spaces and integrated attention to site and building design. into a civic space plan. • Hamlet development is expected to propose an architectural style that is both distinctive and complementary to New Albany’s character and brand.
74 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.16 | Mixed-Use District Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Mixed-Use District Summary Table Building Legend Gross Density 1 dwelling unit (du)/acre* Streetscape Mixed-Use District Roadway Character Business Park, Business Park Transitional Classification (see p. 104) Neighborhood Hamlet Parking Study Area Parking Type On-street and parking lot/structure Parking Location Rear of building for parking lot/structure Open Space Open Space Type(s) Preserved open space, wetlands Size of Open Space 0.5 - 10 acres Location of Open Space Near the center of each development as an organizing element, within 1,200’ of all dwellings Sustainability
LEED Certification Priority High for BD+C, ND * The density of a project may exceed Stormwater Management Regional stormwater management required. this gross density, if a density “offset” is Native, low maintenance landscaping used to ensure that the overall density of the community remains at 1 unit per encouraged acre.
Recommendations • 75 VILLAGE CENTER One of the important As discussed in the DISTRICT needs of the overall Village retail section, increasing Center is the improved retail options requires Overview connection of the Market more rooftops and more The Village Center is the Square, Learning Campus, workers in close proximity. focal point and heart of the and historic Village Center Appropriately, the active community. It is where all areas. The Rose Run Park mixed-use Village Center of the previously discussed and bridge is the first is the type of authentic, uses comingle, including phase of this effort, better walkable environment civic and institutional uses. knitting Market Square that office users are The Village Hall, Heit Center, and the Learning Campus. seeking. There should be Library, US Post Office, Similar efforts to encourage opportunities to incorporate McCoy Community Center, seamless connectivity new and infill office Learning Campus, Wexner between Market Square and development. Likewise, the Community Park, Plain the historic center are also city stakeholders want to Township, Aquatic Center, needed. These are reflected continue to advance New Bevelhymer Woods, the in part by the Rose Run 2 Albany as an age-in-place Research Wetlands, Rose concept plans. As discussed community. The dynamic, Run Park, Police Department, in the Mobility section, walkable, and amenity- Plain Township Fire another on-going challenge rich Village Center is the Department, Maplewood is the increasing level of appropriate place to add Cemetery, and multiple traffic on US 62 and SR 605 residential density and community churches are that cross in the heart of the missing, but desired, located. It is also where the Village Center. Adding housing types. Because retail, office, assisted living, road connections within of this demand, this plan apartments, and live-work the Village Center to better recommends adding the developments are located. distribute traffic is a goal. Ganton tract back (see page 196) into the Village Center The Village Center has grown Strategy boundary (it was removed in 2014) to enable the addition from the original farm village Community input revealed of these connected uses. All at the crossroads of Dublin- additional issues and told, this interest emphasizes Granville, Reynoldsburg- opportunities. With the both the amazing success New Albany, and Johnstown success of the Market Square of the community’s efforts Roads. That growth includes area, parking challenges to invest in the Village the development of the are occurring that need to Center and its continued NAPLSD Learning Campus be addressed. Conversely, significant potential in the to the west of the original additional infill development future. Detailed analysis village. It also includes the is desired to increase the and recommendations addition of Market Square, vibrancy of the historic are provided in the Village townhomes, apartments, Village Center. Community Center section of the focus and compact residential members expressed a desire areas chapter (see page development south to for expanded dining and 206). the Country Club, and the retail opportunities in the Windsor neighborhood Village Center, particularly development north to the more family restaurants, edge of SR 161. date-night locations, and bodega-type and specialty grocers.
76 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.17 | Village Center District Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Village Center District Summary Table Streetscape Legend Roadway Character Village Center, Village Traditional Classification (see p. 104) Village Center District Parking Parking Type On-street and parking lot/structure Village Center Boundary Parking Location Rear of building for parking lot/structure Open Space Study Area Open Space Type(s) Civic spaces, parks, preserved open space Size of Open Space 1-10 acres Location of Open Space Along the Rose Run stream corridor and as an organizing element for development Sustainability LEED Certification Priority Medium Stormwater Management Regional stormwater management required
Recommendations • 77 PARKS AND GREEN Since the last strategic plan, In addition to formal SPACE DISTRICT the 1,000-acre Rocky Fork parkland, rural corridor Metro Park has opened along and riparian setbacks have Parks and green space are the city’s northern border, played a significant role in intrinsic to New Albany’s and in 2020 the reimagined defining the character of character. These spaces are Rose Run Park opened as a New Albany and protecting a visually defining feature of signature community park water quality and habitat. the city with environmental, space. Plans are underway Their impact cannot be natural habitat, health to add a new park at the understated and they should and wellness, social, and city’s west gateway and to continue to be pursued as economic benefits. Green extend the Rose Run Park part of all new development space in New Albany takes improvements. and capital improvement many different forms, projects. Large setbacks and consequently serves Per the community and also present an opportunity different purposes. It exists stakeholder input, the to develop a greenbelt as formal greens, city parks, community loves their parks around the city and to golf course vistas, tree and leisure trails and values create greenways with the lined streets, rural corridor the city’s investment in them. construction of leisure trails. setbacks, natural and At the same time, with 4% environmentally sensitive of its total land devoted to Residents expressed a areas, stream corridors, park space, New Albany is strong desire to have the city agrarian landscapes, a below the national median reinvest in the neighborhood variety of active recreation of 15%. It is important to parks – particularly in spaces, and a metro park. note that this figure does not terms of updated play This district encompasses include private green spaces, equipment and more these various types of green such as the golf courses, diverse amenities. Residents spaces. Private open spaces, privately held open space also expressed interest such as the three golf clubs in easements, nor the metro in additional recreation in the city, are included in park, which is not technically facilities, particularly for this district, although they within the city limits, but year-round indoor activity. are not public amenities. serves the community. Because of the community’s The effect of New Albany’s love of the leisure trails, By making greenspace a significant growth of the residents desire expanding priority and working with business park is also a factor, the system, infilling gaps, partners such as the New as that large area is devoid making connections to the Albany-Plain Local Joint of dedicated park land, in major parks, and extending Parks District, Columbus and part because commercial trails along natural corridors. Franklin County Metro Parks, development is not required This is covered in more detail and developers, the city to provide park space like in the parks and recreation has been able to increase residential development is. section of this chapter (see its existing community park Still, this highlights the fact page 154). space to over 383 acres and that additional investment in more than 55 miles of leisure park land is warranted. trails.
78 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.18 | Parks and Open Space District Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Parks and Green Space District Summary Table Building Gross Density 1 dwelling unit/acre Legend Streetscape Parks and Green Space Roadway Character Village Traditional, Rural, Neighborhood Classification (see p. 104) District Parking Metro Park Zone Parking Type Surface parking lots and on-street parking Study Area Parking Location Located on interior of site or setback from road with proper landscape screening Open Space Open Space Type(s) Parks, preserved open space, private golf courses, wetlands Size of Open Space Varies Location of Open Space Parks/green space should be located in all residential subdivisions, as well as at other prominent locations around the city Sustainability LEED Certification Priority n/a Stormwater Management Stormwater management best practices encouraged (i.e. native landscaping, bioswales, preserved wetlands)
Recommendations • 79 LAND USE Balancing residential growth Similarly, land use policies, STRATEGIES is a key goal for the city, with infrastructure improvements, an overall residential density and community facility investments should be L1. Balance residential, of one gross unit per acre as the benchmark. This figure aligned to maximize employment, and retail was determined to keep efficiency and public benefit. growth. consistent growth in the While separate from the As a planned community, the student population, conserve city, the New Albany-Plain city has continually worked open spaces, and to ensure Local School District is an to maintain an appropriate the city is able to continue essential community service balance between land uses the level of service provision and community partner. to provide a high quality necessary for a high quality The city should continue of life for residents and of life for all residents. to appropriately support businesses. To maintain To achieve this gross the district to ensure the this success the city should residential density of continued success of the continue to implement one unit per acre, the school system. its plans and policies that city will allow the transfer balance annexation, growth, of residential density by Based upon community and development with the purchasing additional input, market trends, and the necessary revenues and land to offset the density the principles established services to support them. of a proposed residential in this plan, there is a need This includes consulting the development. The purchased to encourage additional recommendations of plans land shall be restricted walkable, mixed-use such as this, the Western from further residential development to facilitate Licking County Accord, and development. The purchased opportunities to live, work, the Rocky Fork Blacklick land can be used for shop, learn and play in close Accord when evaluating parkland, public community proximity. This includes annexation and development amenities, protected stream providing a broader range proposals within the area. corridors, greenbelt, or of housing types to support Moving forward, the city easements for alternative aging-in-place within the city. should generally maintain modes of transportation. Where this is recommended a ratio of residents to outside of the Village employees of about 1:1.5 The land use, transportation Center, such mixed-use as the city continues to network, and service development should be grow. The city should also recommendations of this carefully sited and designed continue to seek sources of plan have been carefully to complement surrounding revenue and cooperative considered to meet the uses and city character. financing solutions to goals of the city. For this offset costs of future capital reason, it is important to improvements and ensure adhere to the recommended new development pays its land development fair share of growth impacts. intensities and infrastructure recommendations in this plan.
80 • Engage New Albany L2. Encourage a broader Not all of the housing need range of housing options can be met within the city for all life stages to limits. As a result, the city facilitate aging-in-place should support the creation within the community of additional housing, particularly workforce while preserving the housing, within New Albany’s desirability of New employment shed. Albany’s existing neighborhoods. In order to maintain the quality of life and The community expressed attractiveness of existing Keswick Townhomes two important goals related and future neighborhoods, to residential living. The first the city should continue is to continue to preserve to invest in the services, and provide high quality amenities, and placemaking neighborhoods for residents. that ensures residents The second is to provide a continue to invest and live broader array of housing in New Albany. This includes options to allow residents to continuing to require new live within the city through all residential development to of life’s stages. be of high quality, focused
around community park To achieve this, the plan and natural spaces, and recommends that the Ashton Grove connected to the leisure trail city encourage empty- system. nester, senior, and young professional housing types in the Village Center and in identified hamlets and mixed-use areas. These locations provide walkable amenities and neighborhood services integrated into the development and are appropriate for the housing types suited for Ealy Crossing these demographics. This includes cluster housing neighborhoods similar to Ashton Grove and Ealy Crossing, townhomes similar to Keswick, and stacked flats similar to Market & Main.
Market & Main Apartments
Recommendations • 81 L3. Continue to support New office development and encourage the should be part of a defined development of dynamic and amenitized site that is employment centers in connected into the mobility New Albany. system of the city and region. New employment Employment centers are center development should critical to the fiscal health of be designed to provide a the city. As such, they must signature appearance and continue to be competitive quality that is fitting of the and desirable locations for character of New Albany. businesses to locate. New Albany is also an Based upon market and attractive site for uses that demographic trends, the require large sites, including city should support the data centers. The city should creation of mixed-use, continue identifying potential walkable development sites for such uses and their areas as an environment for appropriate integration into new employment-based their surroundings. development. This includes the Village Center, but also includes the potential for new development in the identified mixed-use district.
Where office uses are stand alone and in the business park, the city should ensure they have transportation linkages and supporting amenities. For example, the SmartRide service is an important transportation connection. The addition of the identified retail locations is also designed to help support the business park.
82 • Engage New Albany L4. Serve the needs Retail development in the of the residents and Village Center, hamlets, and workers of New Albany proximate to residential with appropriate neighborhoods should retail and service be sited and designed to emphasize the pedestrian development. experience, including Retail and service uses are substantial sidewalks, critical to meet the needs of pedestrian scale, and the community. Historically, outdoor seating and New Albany has been amenities. prudent in focusing retail Existing office development in New Albany uses in the Village Center to The community expressed a help increase its vibrancy. strong desire for a broader This should continue, but array of retail offerings, with the physical growth of including family-oriented the city, it is appropriate to restaurants, date-night strategically expand retail destinations, and a bodega to limited, targeted sites to or small grocer and they support the business park are particularly interested in and neighborhoods located local offerings. To this end, farther from the Village the city should study means Center. of attracting and supporting targeted locally-serving Example of neighborhood-scale retail This includes permitting the retail in the Village Center integration of neighborhood- and encouraging city-wide scale retail in the identified patronage of existing retail hamlets to provide walkable establishments. convenience for New Albany residents as a quality of life factor. It also includes permitting service retail in limited locations to serve the business park. All retail development should be of a neighborhood- Example of neighborhood-scale retail scale in design with high quality materials, four-sided architecture, lush landscaping, and connections to the city’s leisure trails.
More dining and retail options are desired by the community
Recommendations • 83 L5. Maintain a high • Create an L6. Invest in the standard of the built environmentally supporting infrastructure environment. friendly and sustainable of the city to continue development — including to provide high quality One of the defining features districts, sites, buildings, services to residents and of New Albany is the high corridors and parks businesses. standard and quality of — through the use of its built environment — innovative building Infrastructure is an extremely from the Village Center technology and methods important factor when to neighborhoods to the such as National Green planning for growth and business park. Building Standard, LEED, future land uses as it is etc. necessary for development Maintaining this standard to provide services for across time and the This plan highlights residents and businesses. growth of the city requires anticipated areas of change, One such example of this diligence and continued including the focus areas. It is stormwater infrastructure focus. Standards that have is important to emphasize and management. The city taken New Albany to this the recommendations of this should provide for the safe point should continue. They plan as part of the review and efficient collection of include the following: process to ensure that stormwater and continue development proposals fit to maintain and improve • Use four-sided within the context of future the water quality of New architecture, high quality plans for the surrounding Albany’s tributaries. One way materials, and Georgian, area. Additionally, the city of managing stormwater farmstead, or otherwise should continue to monitor collection and infiltration complementary- its regulations and make is through facilities like style architecture for adjustments as necessary to retention ponds, bioswales, residential, civic, and ensure development meets and rain gardens. Any future retail buildings. the character and design stormwater management Utilize innovative and expectations of the city and facilities should be designed iconic architecture of the recommendations to blend with surrounding and design for office described in this plan. The development as an attractive buildings. city should also encourage amenity and landscape the construction of the feature. • Focus on the design building typologies found details of public and in the Urban Center Code. Additionally, the city should semi-public spaces Finally, the city should assess implement waterline and to create inviting and the Design Guidelines and sanitary sewer extensions comfortable pedestrian- Requirements to determine to growth areas consistent scale places that facilitate where updates are needed with this strategic plan. These congregation and to accomplish the goals and would be areas within the conversation. objectives of the strategic study area boundary that plan. do not currently receive city • Uses, forms, and styles utilities. of buildings, spaces, and byways should complement and enhance the existing character of New Albany.
84 • Engage New Albany L7. Coordinate with At a regional scale, the neighboring jurisdictions Mid-Ohio Regional Planning and regional entities to Commission (MORPC) is manage the quality and the regional council for intensity of growth along Central Ohio communities. New Albany is a member New Albany’s periphery. of MORPC and should The city has been very continue to coordinate and proactive in coordinating and share information with the collaborating with partners organization to ensure that in planning for the regional they are using the most growth. One example of this accurate and up-to-date collaboration is the Rocky information when planning Fork-Blacklick Accord, a for land use, transportation, multi-jurisdictional land use and sustainability for the and development agreement entire region. between the City of New Albany, City of Columbus, Through the mechanisms and Plain Township that was described above and adopted in 1997. The city through other partnerships, should work with its partner the city can continue to jurisdictions to determine the coordinate regionally on next evolution of the plan. matters of land use, schools, emergency services, parks, Similarly, in 2017 the city transportation, and utilities, entered into the Western all with the goal of improving Licking County Accord along the lives of residents and with Jersey Township and community members. the Village of Johnstown to plan for and responsibly manage future growth in the west portion of Licking County. The city should continue to advance this work by following the recommendations set forth in the accord. Additionally, the city should consider studying the creation and formalization of a greenbelt along the edges of the community, especially near the city’s northeastern, eastern, and southeastern edges.
Recommendations • 85 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS The table on the following pages summarizes all of the land use recommendations. A more detailed summary matrix can be found starting on page 222.
L. LAND USE Goal: Balance land uses within New Albany to achieve the city’s vision.
RECOMMENDATIONS
L1. Balance residential, employment, and retail growth. Continue to implement city policies related to balancing growth and annexation with needed revenues and a. necessary services. b. Maintain a ratio of city residents to employees of about 1:1.5 as the city continues to grow. Seek sources of revenue and cooperative financing solutions to offset costs of future capital improvements c. and to ensure new development pays its fair share of growth impacts. Allow the transfer of residential density in order to maintain a gross residential density across the city of 1 d. dwelling unit per acre. Maintain land development intensities sensitive to both the capacity of the transportation network and e. established land use policies. Follow the recommendations of the Western Licking County Accord with annexation and development in f. this area. Encourage walkable, mixed-use development as designated in this plan to allow people to live, work, shop, g. learn and play in close proximity while minimizing conflicts between land uses. Align land use policies, infrastructure implementation, and community facility investments to maximize h. efficiency and public benefit. Support the school district in a fiscally responsible manner to ensure that it maintains its successful school i. system. L2. Encourage a broader range of housing option for all life stages to facilitate aging-in- place within the community while preserving the desirability of New Albany’s existing neighborhoods. a. Support the creation of additional “cluster” neighborhoods like Ashton, Keswick, and Ealy Crossing. Encourage senior and young professional housing types in the Village Center and other identified nodes b. with walkable amenities. c. Support the creation of workforce housing within New Albany’s employment shed. d. Continue to create residential development focused around community park and natural spaces. Maintain the quality of life and continue to invest in the services, amenities, and placemaking that ensures e. residents continue to invest in and live in New Albany. L3. Continue to support and encourage the development of dynamic employment centers in New Albany. a. Support mixed-use, walkable development for employment-based development. b. Focus on employment uses for new development (office, data center, industrial, retail & service amenities). Where office uses are stand alone, focus them in campuses with supporting amenities and a defined site c. organization. d. Identify land for future employment uses and the necessary infrastructure to support them. Continue to invest in the city amenties, services, infrastructure, and character that attracts and retains e. businesses and employment uses.
86 • Engage New Albany L. LAND USE Goal: Balance land uses within New Albany to achieve the city’s vision.
RECOMMENDATIONS
L4. Serve the needs of the residents and workers of New Albany with appropriate retail and service development. Focus retail development in the Village Center and in strategic locations across the city that serve as a. convenience retail. Allow the integration of neighborhood-level retail that provides convenience for New Albany residents as a b. quality of life factor. c. Require retail development to be neighborhood-scale in design. Ensure that retail in the Village Center and proximate to residential neighborhoods is sited and designed to d. be walkable and designed to emphasize the pedestrian experience. e. Encourage and support locally-serving retail. L5. Maintain a high standard of the built environment. Monitor regulations and make adjustments as necessary to ensure development meets the character and a. design expectations of the city and focus/land use areas. Emphasize focus area and corridor planning as part of the review process to ensure that development b. proposals fit within the context of future plans for the surrounding area. Encourage green building, resiliency, and other innovative building technology that will create a more c. environmentally friendly and sustainable architectural environment. Integrate a diversity of uses, forms, and styles of buildings, spaces, and byways that compliment and d. enhance the existing character of New Albany. Encourage the construction of the building typologies found in the city’s Urban Center Code in the defined e. hamlet areas. Use four-sided architecture, high quality materials, and Georgian, farmstead, or otherwise complementary- f. style architecture. g. Utilize innovative and iconic architecture and design for office buildings. Focus on the design details of public and semi-public spaces to create comfortable places that will facilitate h. congregation and conversation. L6. Invest in the supporting infrastructure of the city to continue to provide high quality services to residents and businesses. Provide for the safe and efficient collection of stormwater and continue to maintain and improve the water a. quality of New Albany’s tributaries. b. Implement waterline and sanitary sewer extensions to growth areas consistent with the strategic plan. Design future stormwater management facilities to blend with surrounding development as an attractive c. amenity and landscape feature. L7. Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and regional entities to manage the quality and intensity of growth along New Albany's periphery. a. Coordinate with partner jurisdictions to determine the next evolution of the Rocky Fork Blacklick Accord. b. Advance the Western Licking County Accord. c. Coordinate and share information with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. Continue to coordinate regionally on matters of land use, schools, emergency services, parks, d. transportation, and utilities.
Recommendations • 87 MOBILITY Goal: Facilitate the safe and effective movement of people to and from destinations, while maintaining the community character of transportation corridors.
In past versions of the As a result of This section provides strategic plan, this recommendations from a detailed character section was referred to as the 2014 Strategic Plan, classification of all existing transportation. The renaming New Albany has recently and planned roadways in of this section to mobility expanded transit access to the city to provide guidance indicates a dedication to and within the city, with the for the city as new roadways planning for all modes launch of the SmartRide are constructed and of transportation and a program in partnership improvement projects are prioritization of pedestrians, with COTA. These are just a completed. bicyclists, transit users, and couple of examples of how people who use wheelchairs New Albany’s mobility focus This section also describes or other assistive devices is about people and their seven key mobility strategies in addition to automobiles safe movement from place to and their related objectives throughout New Albany’s place. This section provides that are intended to create transportation system. strategies to further this a safe and effective mobility approach. network that allows people New Albany has been to efficiently travel to and planning for pedestrians and In addition to the logistical from destinations within New bicyclists for many years— function of New Albany’s Albany and the region. which has resulted in an transportation system, the extensive leisure trail system design of roadway corridors and the adoption of the Bike throughout the city presents New Albany plan. an opportunity to reinforce the community’s character.
88 • Engage New Albany I would prioritize the use of “ alternative transportation throughout the region. If we can make the city more commutable that can help with less traffic. - Community member
Recommendations” • 89 WHAT WE HEARD
Mobility was a major theme throughout the planning process. A transportation subcommittee was formed to guide and review recommendations. Additionally, during the second community workshop, the planning team gathered targeted feedback specifically about mobility. The results from the transportation subcommittee meetings are listed below and feedback from the second community workshop can be found on the following page.
Transportation Subcommittee
What would make you and New Albany What would make you and New Albany residents more likely to use transit? residents more likely to walk or bike? • More frequent service • Access to more destinations within walking/ • Convenient schedule biking distance • Few transfers • Sense of safety • Easy access to destinations • A more connected system of pedestrian and bike infrastructure • Maintain leisure trail system and remove snow in the winter
“All neighborhoods should have the ability for kids to ride bikes to school and central entertainment locations without being on a street.”
“Using corridors and gateways to reinforce character...while simultaneously improving traffic flow”
90 • Engage New Albany Community Feedback
How often do you or your family walk or bike Do you agree that we should preserve the to a destination within New Albany? (n=184) character of New Albany’s corridors in our efforts to improve traffic flow? (n=167) Every day Never 16% 11% Yes 86% 8% No A few 27% times a 6% Maybe A few week times a 22% year
24% A few times a month
Which of the mobility strategies for New Albany would you prioritize? (n=164)*
Continue to develop leisure trails system 26%
Use corridors to reinforce New Albany’s character 19%
Promote alternative modes of transportation 19%
Continue to implement guiding policies 7%
Consider local transit/neighborhood circulator 7%
Continue “roundabout first” policy 6%
Advocate for regional transit 4%
Prioritize safety for all modes of transportation 3%
Create a multiplicity of connections 2%
Build on-street bike facilities 2%
*=percentages don’t equal 100 because responses could count for more than 1 theme
Recommendations • 91 TRANSPORTATION NEW ALBANY ANALYSIS TRANSPORTATION OVERVIEW As a priority topic for this The next chart shows the strategic plan, extensive average annual vehicle analysis was conducted to miles traveled (VMT) per MODE SHARE IN NEW ALBANY understand New Albany’s household for New Albany mobility-related challenges and four peer cities from 1% - Transit 4% - Walk/Bike and opportunities. This across Central Ohio: Powell, analysis included a thorough Dublin, Westerville, and data and mapping analysis Columbus. New Albany has as well as an in-depth the second highest average traffic modeling exercise, annual VMT per household, completed in collaboration next to Powell at over 20,000 with the Mid-Ohio Regional VMT. These results may be Planning Commission indicative of the fact that 94% (MORPC). The traffic many residents in these outer modeling was conducted suburban communities are Auto using the most recent annual driving longer distances to average daily traffic (AADT) travel to work, such as to and AVG. ANNUAL VMT PER HOUSEHOLD counts as well as 2019 traffic from Downtown Columbus counts in conjunction with and surrounding suburbs. VMT = Vehicle Miles Traveled assumptions about future This is also confirmed in the land uses to model various traffic origin and destination 25,000 impacts on New Albany’s data on the following roadway system. These page. Finally, the average 20,000 impacts were tested with and household automobile without improvements to the costs for New Albany and 15,000 roadway system. the peer cities are shown in the last chart. This chart 10,000 To the left are a few breaks down automobile significant points of data costs by fuel and ownership/ 5,000 related to transportation in maintenance costs. Of the New Albany and its peer peer cities, New Albany has 0 cities. The first graph depicts the highest costs in fuel, in the percentage of trips that ownership/maintenance and Powell Dublin originate in New Albany therefore, in total. The higher Columbus New Albany Westerville broken down by travel fuel costs are again indicative mode. 94% of trips are made of longer driving distances with automobiles, while only and also likley correlate to AVG. HOUSEHOLD AUTO COSTS 4% are made by walking the fact that about 45% of or biking, and only 1% are New Albany households made using transit services. own three or more vehicles, Fuel Ownership & Total Maintenance Costs This indicates a heavy according to estimates from reliance on personal vehicles the American Community New $1,999 $10,593 $12,592 Albany by residents and employees Survey (ACS). Powell $1,716 $9,093 $10,809 in New Albany for travel Dublin $1,374 $7,281 $8,655 throughout the city and the greater region. Westerville $1,075 $5,695 $6,770
Source: Urban Footprint (2019)
92 • Engage New Albany DRAFT
Traffic Origins and Figure 3.19 | Place of Residence for New Albany Employees Destinations
To determine the travel 23 patterns of New Albany’s 62 71 residents and employees, New Albany traffic origin and destination data was mapped, the 161 results of which can be 270 Newark seen to the right. Figure Short North 3.19 illustrates the origin Reynoldsburg or place of residence for 40 German Village 70 New Albany’s employees.
The darker the color on 270 the map, the higher the 33 concentration of employees that live there. Most of New 62 Albany’s employees live outside the city in places like Figure 3.20 | Place of Employment for New Albany Residents Northwest Columbus, the Shorth North, Downtown 23 Columbus, German 62 Village, Reynoldsburg/East 71 Columbus, and Newark. Polaris New Albany Figure 3.20 illustrates Dublin 161 the destination or place 270 Easton Newark of employment for New Downtown Albany’s residents. The Columbus majority of New Albany 40 residents do not work within 70 the city. A high concentration of residents work in 270 Downtown Columbus, as 33 that is the major regional employment center. Other 62 places of employment include the University District of Columbus near The Ohio State University’s 40% 4 out of 10 main campus, Dublin, Polaris, of all trips within New cars in New Albany are and Easton. These patterns Albany utilize SR 161 through traffic help to paint a picture of the commute patterns and the sources of heightened traffic regionally and within city limits. 1 out of 3 34% trips in New Albany have of all vehicular trips in destinations in New Albany New Albany originate in New Albany
Recommendations • 93 Traffic Modeling 2. Validate the transportation A component of the demand model for the transportation analysis New Albany study area and conducted as part of this establish existing traffic planning process included volumes a detailed transportation MORPC used their regional demand modeling land use inventory to evaluation. A transportation develop existing traffic model is a computerized volumes with the regional simulation of the roadway transportation demand network and traffic volumes, model. They validated these and is used to determine counts against existing traffic future volumes related counts in the study area to to future development, review the accuracy of the and to evaluate the model. effectiveness of major roadway improvements. This 3. Establish 2050 New Albany evaluation was performed study area transportation in collaboration with the network and perform traffic Mid-Ohio Regional Planning volume projections Commission (MORPC). It Once the model was involved multiple inputs and deemed to be accurate steps; the entire process is for the New Albany study outlined as follows: area, MORPC and the planning team worked 1. Develop land use together to prepare assumptions and projections a 2050 transportation One of the basic inputs of network based on planned the transportation demand and proposed roadway model is land use. MORPC improvements. With this has a regional inventory of information, MORPC then land uses for the existing ran an analysis of the conditions and they also model, which determined prepared 2050 land use the average daily traffic projections for the entire estimates for the year region. To ensure accuracy 2050. MORPC also ran for future land uses within several analyses using the project study area, the alternative transportation planning team provided network improvements, MORPC with updated traffic so the planning team counts, the anticipated future could determine which land uses (see page 57) as improvement options would well as the projected number be most effective. of residents and employees (see page 55) for New The results of this Albany. This information transportation demand was provided to MORPC by modeling analysis can be traffic analysis zone (TAZ), the found on the following geographic zones by which pages. the transportation demand modeling is performed.
94 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.21 | Existing Daily Traffic Volumes
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Existing Daily Traffic This is reflected in the large Volumes concentrations of traffic at the SR 161 interchanges at Legend Based upon information US 62, New Albany Road, prepared by MORPC, Beech Road, and Mink Street. volumes on SR 161 range > 30,000 For example, volumes on US from 37,000 east of Mink 62 are in the range of 16,000 Street, to 62,000 west of 20,000 - 30,000 north and south of the city, New Albany Road. Volumes but increase to 28,000 at SR on local city streets are 15,000 - 20,000 161. The volume patterns in significantly less, typically the city of local and through 10,000 - 15,000 ranging from 5-15,000 trips reflect a roadway vehicles per day. Of all network with limited options 5,000 - 10,000 traffic entering and exiting for alternative routes, where the city, roughly 40% are < 5,000 most traffic is funneled to through trips, and do not major city corridors, resulting originate or end within the in significant backups at city. These through trips are key intersections. This is mainly along SR 161 and key reflected in traffic conditions corridors such as US 62 and in the Village Center, where SR 605. Further, about 40% US 62 and SR 605 intersect of all trips in New Albany are with Dublin-Granville Road, oriented to and from SR 161. causing a focused area of congestion during peak travel periods. Recommendations • 95 Figure 3.22 | 2050 Average Daily Traffic Without Improvements
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
2050 Daily Traffic For roads and intersections Legend Volumes without Roadway already experiencing higher Improvements levels of congestion, the increased traffic will be Future development within > 30,000 expected to amplify those and around New Albany congestion levels, including will be expected to show a 20,000 - 30,000 in the Village Center and at general increase in traffic the US 62 interchange with throughout the city of 15,000 - 20,000 SR 161. There are several approximately 1.3% per methods of addressing 10,000 - 15,000 year. This may be considered future congestion, ranging a medium growth rate, from encouragement 5,000 - 10,000 although some roadways will of alternative modes show much higher rates of < 5,000 of transportation, growth, other roads much improvements at key less. Although a significant intersections, and providing percentage of future traffic alternative travel routes such will still be oriented to and as new roadways or roadway from the west, more traffic extensions. growth will be expected towards the north.
96 • Engage New Albany DRAFT Figure 3.23 | Proposed Roadway Improvements
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St 5
2 4 161 Market St 6 161 Dublin Granville Rd 1 3
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Proposed Roadway 4. Extension of Babbitt Road Improvements north from Worthington Legend Road to Smith’s Mill Road To accommodate future over SR 161; development and a Proposed Roadways slight increase in traffic 5. Continued roadway in New Albany, a few connections in the Proposed Roadway roadway improvements business park; and Widening and additional roadway 6. Widen SR 161 to three connections were modeled. lanes in each direction These include: to the Beech Road 1. Extension of Market Street interchange. to connect to 3rd Street in The transportation system the Village Center; with these proposed 2. Expansion of the historic roadway improvements was street grid in the Village modeled to determine their Center between SR 605 traffic impact. The results of and US 62; that analysis can be found on the next page. 3. Extension of Ganton Parkway from Beech Road to Babbitt Road and from Kitzmiller Road to US 62 at what is now Thiesen Road;
Recommendations • 97 Figure 3.24 | 2050 Change in Traffic Volumes Due to Proposed Roadway Improvements
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Change in Traffic Volumes Second, providing alternative Legend Due to Proposed Roadway routes through construction Improvements of new roadways in key areas will be expected to benefit Increased > 2,000 The 2050 model projections, traffic flows within those with and without the roadway areas, such as in the Village +1,000 to +2,000 improvement options, show Center. three key findings. 999 to -999 Third, the construction of alternative routes can be -1,000 to -2,000 First, with the widening of SR 161, future volumes to expected to reduce the Reduced > 2,000 the east of New Albany future traffic grown in the show little change from Village Center by 8-12 future volumes without the percent, which may reduce widening, but there was a the need for some roadway slight increase on SR 161 to improvements and reduce the west. the amount of traffic in key areas such as in the Village Center.
98 • Engage New Albany Market Street Extension to Additionally, the two major The road network in the Third Street arterial roadways of US 62 Village Center has expanded (Main Street in the Village alongside new development While historic town centers Center) and State Route to ensure adequate access were intuitively and 605 (High Street in the and capacity. The city has organically designed to Village Center) converge attempted to avoid the accommodate pedestrians, in the Village Center where scenario wherein excessive today’s development streets are narrowest retail development triggers requires deliberate planning and on-street parking the need to widen roads to to achieve development is provided to support meet demand and instead that is pedestrian friendly local businesses. Several has focused on building a and an attractive destination scenarios were modeled. robust, yet pedestrian scaled while accommodating They determined that the network for vehicles and the practical necessity of extension of Market Street pedestrians. Market Street vehicular travel. Traffic in to Third Street provides was originally constructed the Village Center has been meaningful and significant along with the first phase of identified as a critical factor improvements to the overall Market Square. Accordingly, in its development since traffic conditions within the the first extension of Market the Village Center plan was Village Center. The extension Street to Reynoldsburg-New adopted in 2006. To address of Market Street to Third Albany Road was completed this, the plan recommends Street facilitates the flow of in 2016 in coordination the continued expansion of through traffic within the with the Market and Main the Village Center roadway Village Center and separates developments. Since then, network to ensure that traffic it from local traffic that has through subsequent plans is appropriately managed the Village Center as its final and studies, the continued and dispersed throughout destination. The extension extension of Market Street the Village Center. of Market Street provides has been evaluated and additional street capacity identified as a necessary Congestion within the to disperse traffic, which in addition to the roadway Village Center was a primary turn improves travel times, network that will better focus of traffic analysis having the effect of less distribute and convey traffic and modeling efforts. This traffic delays. Additionally, in the Village Center, in a analysis quantifies traffic it has been a longstanding manner that is consistent congestion and movements priority to maintain narrower, with the city’s planning and based on actual traffic pedestrian oriented streets design standards to create a counts and data. The Traffic and the extension of the road vibrant town center. modeling found that 43% network will accomplish this of all traffic in New Albany is priority. In doing so, it will through traffic, that is, traffic maintain the character of the that is simply cutting through Village Center. The model the city as a part of daily also confirms that two lane trips. roadways are sufficient for moving traffic within and through the Village Center. This reinforces the city’s fundamental design principal that adding connectivity is a more effective means of moving traffic than adding lanes. Figure 3.25 | Proposed Alignment of Market Street Extension
62 Miller Ave
LEARNING CAMPUS
Dublin Granville Rd
MARKET SQUARE Village Hall Rd
Dublin Granville Rd
Market St
Main St
62
Note: The roadway alignments depicted are preliminary and subject to additional engineering design.
While the extension of Due to the large number Legend Market Street to Third Street of through trips within the provides substantial relief Village Center and city to vehicular traffic within the as a whole, the regional Proposed Roadway Village Center, it should be improvements identified and Alignments noted that increased benefits recommended in this plan Existing Roadways can be gained through will aid in their reduction. additional connections locally and through regional street improvements. Future connections between Main Street, Dublin-Granville Road, and Ganton Parkway will further improve vehicular traffic movement by providing an additional variety of connections and travel options.
100 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.26 | Identified Traffic Problem Spots
DELAWARE CO. Transportation Analysis FRANKLIN CO. Conclusion 605 62
The holistic approach toward Walnut St
Harlem Rd mobility in this strategic plan outlines the manner in which New Albany Rd Jug St the city can best address the New Albany’s future traffic and mobility needs. 161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd One conclusion to draw from
Mink Rd the analysis is that the traffic Main St modeling demonstrates the
Beech Rd advantages of alternative Babbitt Rd routes, which are a crucial Hamilton Rd Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd step in facilitating targeted 62 development in the core Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. of the city. Alternative LICKING CO. routes can help to limit the magnitude of volume This holistic approach also growth on existing Village shows the need for roadway Center streets. This is also improvements outside the demonstrated by the fact Village Center including that the traffic volumes new roadway alignments, projected in the 2050 model which can allow motorists with proposed roadway the option of bypassing improvements were within congestion points at key the same range as existing locations in the city. traffic volumes. This indicates that the planned street Finally, this approach shows network is capable of the need to provide for handling growth. Therefore, and encourage the use the city can continue to of alternative modes of grow the business park transportation, such as and the Village Center with transit and bicycling, which negligible increases in traffic. in turn correspond to other city goals. For example, The traffic modeling by encouraging these also demonstrates that alternative modes, vehicular simply widening roads traffic may be further or building new roadway reduced, but this can also connections will not solve help to reduce air pollution, all traffic congestion issues and by encouraging walking throughout the city. This or bicycling can in turn result is because for most roads in a healthier lifestyle for city along developed corridors residents. the roadway capacity remains largely fixed even as traffic volumes grow.
Recommendations • 101 FUTURE Functional Classification Minor arterials provide THOROUGHFARE service for trips of moderate Functional classification length, serve geographic PLAN involves the grouping of areas that are smaller roads and highways in a than their higher Arterial The future thoroughfare hierarchy based on the level counterparts and offer plan establishes the of transportation service they connectivity to the higher development of a complete are intended to provide. level roadways. roadway network. This Functional classification plan categorizes existing defines the role that a Major and Minor Collectors and planned roadways by particular roadway plays in Major collectors gather and functional classification and the flow of traffic in a whole channel traffic from local character classification.The network. This classification roads to the arterial roadway functional classification will is especially important when network. be used by city officials to applying for public funding secure federal, state, and for roadway projects. Minor collectors serve a local funding for roadway The functional classifications purpose similar to major improvement projects are based on definitions collectors, but generally and the construction of provided by the Federal have lower volumes, shorter new roadways. Character Highway Administration lengths, fewer lanes, lower classification, explained (FHWA) and the speed limits, and provide in more detail on the Ohio Department of more access locations. following pages, relates Transportation (ODOT). to the implementation of Local Roads the desired aesthetics of Interstates roadway corridors, which Interstates are the highest Local roads represent contributes to New Albany’s classification of arterials the largest percentage of unique community character. and are designed with the all roadways in terms of When improving or highest levels of mobility mileage. They are typically constructing new roadways, and long-distance travel in designed for lower speeds this plan serves as a guide mind, linking major urban and to discourage through for their intended design, areas. Access is limited traffic, and typically are anticipated traffic capacity, and typically provided at the primary access to local and character. This plan interchanges, in order to developments. will also be consulted minimize disruption to when development is through travel. reviewed to determine if any portions of property need Principal and Minor Arterials to be set aside for future transportation needs. Principal arterials serve major centers of metropolitan areas, provide a high degree of mobility and can also provide mobility through rural areas. Direct access to adjacent land uses can be served directly but are typically spaced at significant distances to reduce disruption to through travel.
102 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.27 | Functional Classification Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
The map above depicts the expected functional Legend classifications for all existing and planned roadways in and around the city. Interstates Principal Arterial Minor Arterial Major Collector SR 161, classified as an interstate Minor Collector Local Roads Proposed Roadways
Beech Road south of Ganton Parkway, classified as a major collector
Recommendations • 103 Character Classification Existing and future roadway corridors in the strategic This plan proposes a more plan study area have been detailed classification and assigned to the following precise application of seven character classes: defining character elements of New Albany’s roadway • Business Park corridors. Character • Business Park Transitional classification defines the • Commercial Center ways in which existing and future roadway corridors • Village Center in the strategic plan study • Village Traditional Business Park character - Smith’s Mill Road area can contribute to • Rural New Albany’s aesthetics and help to further define • Neighborhood the character of the The character classification community. While functional map on the following page classification details the illustrates this proposed intended level of service system. Detailed information of roadways in moving about each of the classes traffic safely, character is expanded upon on the classification describes the following pages. design elements that make traveling along a roadway Village Center character - S High Street corridor feel comfortable for all modes of transportation. This classification examines elements that are within the public right-of-way, such as on-street bike facilities; on- street parking; street edge conditions; and amenity zones, which are designated areas for streetscape elements, such as street lighting, furnishings, and street trees. Some elements Village Traditional character - Kitzmiller Road of this classification system can extend beyond the right- of-way, like development setbacks, utilities, and access management.
Neighborhood character - Dean Farm Road
104 • Engage New Albany DRAFT Figure 3.28 | Character Classification Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Legend Future Land Use Character Classification Green Space Business Park Residential Business Park Transitional Village Center Commercial Center Retail Village Center Mixed Use Village Traditional Employment Center Rural Neighborhood Proposed Roadway
Recommendations • 105 Business Park Business Park Roadway Characteristics New Albany’s Business Street Pavement Park extends from west to Drive Lane Width 11’ (12’ outside lanes) east across the city, with Turn Lane Width 11’-12’ more recent expansion Total Number of Drive Lanes 2-4 south of SR 161 along the Beech Road corridor. With On-Street Bike Facility Bike Lanes (5’) the anticipated continued On-Street Parking No growth of the Business Park Access Management Priority Medium and employment-based land Transit Accommodations Yes uses, new roadways with this Pavement Edge Curb character classification will Total Pavement Width 35’-69’ likely be built over the next Streetscape/Amenities several years. Trail/Sidewalk Width 8’ trail min. on both sides of street* Business Park roadways Trail/Sidewalk Material Asphalt typically have employment- Amenity Zone Tree lawn based uses on both sides Amenity Zone Width 8’-15’ of the street and carry Streetlights Yes employee, truck, and Underground Utility Priority High delivery traffic. These two- to Tree Spacing 30’ on center four-lane roads have curbs, Right-of-Way Fence Yes decorative street lighting, Setbacks Beyond ROW 50’ min. and should have leisure trails on both sides of the road. Total Right-of-Way 67’-115’ Most of the landscape is turf * Leisure trail required on both sides of the street unless the street abuts grass and trees, with natural SR 161 right-of-way. tree stands preserved where practical. Parking is not fully screened from view but includes plantings. Setbacks along these roads beyond the right-of-way should be at least 50’.
106 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.29 | Business Park Roadway Character Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Legend
Business Park
Future Roads
Recommendations • 107 Business Park Transitional Business Park Transitional Roadway Characteristics Business Park Transitional Street Pavement roadways are those where Drive Lane Width 11’ (12’ outside lanes) the long-term condition Turn Lane Width 11’ on at least one side of the Total Number of Drive Lanes 2-4 road is likely to remain rural or residential. These roads, On-Street Bike Facility Shared road however, do still carry some On-Street Parking No through-traffic and traffic for Access Management Priority High the business park. Transit Accommodations Yes These roads will have more Pavement Edge Swale narrow road shoulders Total Pavement Width 24’-58’ and a ditch street edge Streetscape/Amenities condition. They should also Trail/Sidewalk Width 8’ trail min. on both sides of street* have a leisure trail on the business park side of the Trail/Sidewalk Material Asphalt street, along with white Amenity Zone Natural buffer horse fence and significant Amenity Zone Width 15’-20’ min. naturalized plantings, with Streetlights No some mounding if necessary. Underground Utility Priority Medium Any parking areas should be Tree Spacing 30’, irregular spacing properly screened. Right-of-Way Fence Yes Setbacks Beyond ROW 100’ Total Right-of-Way 70’-114’ * Leisure trail required on both sides of the street unless the street abuts SR 161 right-of-way.
108 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.30 | Business Park Transitional Roadway Character Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Legend
Business Park Transitional
Business Park Transitional
Recommendations • 109 Commercial Center Commercial Center Roadway Characteristics Commercial Center corridors Street Pavement include streets located in Drive Lane Width 11’ (12’ outside lanes) neighborhood retail nodes Turn Lane Width 11’ outside of the Village Center Total Number of Drive Lanes 2-4 with many auto-centric commercial uses. These On-Street Bike Facility Shared road roadway corridors will have On-Street Parking No reduced setbacks, parking Access Management Priority Low lots that are more visible Transit Accommodations Yes from the street, monument Pavement Edge Curb signage, leisure trails rather Total Pavement Width 25’-58’ than sidewalks, no on-street Streetscape/Amenities parking, private driveways, Trail/Sidewalk Width 8’ trail min. on both sides of street and right turn lanes with curb cuts. Trail/Sidewalk Material Asphalt Amenity Zone Tree lawn Amenity Zone Width 8’ min. Streetlights Yes Underground Utility Priority High Tree Spacing 30’ on center Right-of-Way Fence No Setbacks Beyond ROW Varies Total Right-of-Way 57’-90’
110 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.31 | Commercial Center Roadway Character Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Legend
Commercial Center
Recommendations • 111 Village Center Village Center Roadway Characteristics Due to the surrounding Street Pavement land uses and the unique Drive Lane Width 12’ character in the Village Turn Lane Width 11’ Center, all the roadway Total Number of Drive Lanes 2 corridors located in the Village Center boundary are On-Street Bike Facility Shared road classified as having Village On-Street Parking 8’ Center character. These Access Management Priority High corridors are designed Transit Accommodations Yes for walkability, with large Pavement Edge Curb sidewalks rather than leisure Total Pavement Width 41’, 52’ with center turn lane/median trails. The development Streetscape/Amenities pattern of the Village Center Trail/Sidewalk Width 6’ sidewalk min. on both sides of with buildings pulled up street to the sidewalk with no Trail/Sidewalk Material Concrete setbacks also promotes Amenity Zone Trees/planters a more quaint, walkable environment. Amenity Zone Width 8’ min. Streetlights Yes These roadway corridors Underground Utility Priority High include curbs, on-street Tree Spacing 30’ on center, uniform spacing parking, curb extensions Right-of-Way Fence No in some places, street Setbacks Beyond ROW 0’ trees, pedestrian lighting, Total Right-of-Way 69’-80’ buried utilities, mid-block crosswalks, brick crosswalks, and tree lawns where appropriate.
112 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.32 | Village Center Roadway Character Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Legend
Village Center
Future Roads
Recommendations • 113 Village Traditional Village Traditional Roadway Characteristics Roadways classified as Street Pavement Village Traditional are Drive Lane Width 12’ quintessential, charming Turn Lane Width 11’ New Albany roads that, Total Number of Drive Lanes 2 while they carry larger traffic volumes, are kept to two- to On-Street Bike Facility Shared road or bike lanes (5’) three-lanes wide. These are On-Street Parking No typically uncurbed roads Access Management Priority Medium with swales on the edges Transit Accommodations Yes and have a distinctive New Pavement Edge Swale Albany character with a Total Pavement Width 24’, 45’ with center turn lane/median continuous white horse Streetscape/Amenities fence, generous setbacks, Trail/Sidewalk Width 8’ trail min. on both sides of street leisure trails on both sides of the roadway, and a Trail/Sidewalk Material Asphalt manicured right-of-way Amenity Zone Natural buffer with trees and attractive Amenity Zone Width 15’ min. landscape. Trees are typically Streetlights No located behind the right-of- Underground Utility Priority Medium way fence, but periodically Tree Spacing Irregular, natural spacing planting trees in front of the Right-of-Way Fence Yes horse fence is encouraged. Setbacks Beyond ROW 185’ New development should be substantially set back Total Right-of-Way 62’-91’ from the roadway and/or screened by trees or a brick wall if the development is located closer to the roadway.
114 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.33 | Village Traditional Roadway Character Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Legend
Village Traditional
Recommendations • 115 Rural Rural Roadway Characteristics Rural roadway corridors are Street Pavement charming, original township Drive Lane Width 12’ corridors that contain two- Turn Lane Width 11’ lane roads, do not have a Total Number of Drive Lanes 2 curbed street edge, and carry lower traffic volumes. On-Street Bike Facility Shared road These roadways will also On-Street Parking No typically have numerous curb Access Management Priority Medium cuts and shallower setbacks. Transit Accommodations No Homes or buildings along Pavement Edge Swale rural corridors are often Total Pavement Width 24’, 35’ with center turn lane/median located close to the road, Streetscape/Amenities along with large open Trail/Sidewalk Width 8’ trail min. on both sides of street spaces, fields, pastures, or large rural lots with few Trail/Sidewalk Material Asphalt structures. Vegetation along Amenity Zone Natural buffer the roadway is generally Amenity Zone Width 20’ min. more natural in form and Streetlights No irregular in spacing. Underground Utility Priority Low Tree Spacing Irregular, natural spacing Right-of-Way Fence Yes Setbacks Beyond ROW Varies Total Right-of-Way 80’-91’
116 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.34 | Rural Roadway Character Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Legend
Rural
Recommendations • 117 Neighborhood Neighborhood Roadway Characteristics Neighborhood roadways Street Pavement are two-lane roads within Drive Lane Width 13’ residential subdivisions with Turn Lane Width 11’ curbs, tree lawns, formal Total Number of Drive Lanes 2 street trees, and curb cuts for driveways. These roads On-Street Bike Facility Shared road typically have sidewalks On-Street Parking No on both sides of the street Access Management Priority Low unless a leisure trail is placed Transit Accommodations No on one side. Pavement Edge Curb Total Pavement Width 27’, 38’ w/center turn lane Streetscape/Amenities Trail/Sidewalk Width 5’ sidewalk min. on both sides of street* Trail/Sidewalk Material Concrete Amenity Zone Tree lawn Amenity Zone Width 7’ min. Streetlights Yes, at intersections Underground Utility Priority High Tree Spacing 30’ on center Right-of-Way Fence No Setbacks Beyond ROW Varies Total Right-of-Way 51’-62’ * On major neighborhood roads connecting two leisure trail segments, a leisure trail is require on one side in lieu of sidewalk.
118 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.35 | Neighborhood Roadway Character Map
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62
Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd 62
Clark State Rd
FRANKLIN CO. LICKING CO.
Legend
Neighborhood
Recommendations • 119 605 FUTURE THOROUGHFARE PLAN Character Classification Business Park
Business Park Transitional Walnut St Commercial Center Village Center Village Traditional Rural Bevelhymer Rd New Albany Rd E Neighborhood New Albany-Condit Rd
Functional Classification Freeway Central College Rd Principal Arterial Minor Arterial Major Collector Minor Collector Walton Pkwy Local Road Proposed Roadway 161 Note: This map is for planning purposes only. The roadway alignments on this map are not final and further study is needed to determine the exact alignment for new roadways.
Market St Dublin-Granville Rd
Main St
Kitzmiller Rd
Reynoldsburg-New Albany Rd
62
120 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.36 | Future Thoroughfare Map
62
Johnstown Rd
Jug St
Innovation Campus Way Mink St
Smith’s Mill Rd
161
Harrison Rd Harrison
Beech Rd Beech
Babbitt Rd Babbitt LICKING CO. LICKING Morse Rd CO. FRANKLIN
Recommendations • 121 MOBILITY To plan for a desirable and RECOMMENDATIONS sustainable community, land use and transportation must be thoroughly M1. Implement the integrated and coordinated. future thoroughfare One example of this plan and mobility interconnection is that new recommendations development almost always in coordination leads to an increase in with development traffic volumes on roadways. opportunities and By planning for roadway ensure transportation improvements and new improvements are roadway connections in anticipation of future coordinated as New development, traffic Albany grows. mitigation can occur. Those The efficacy of the future improvements in turn will thoroughfare plan and help offset impacts related mobility recommendations to higher traffic volumes, is closely tied to future and help to ensure the safe development as well and efficient movement of as available funding people from place to place. mechanisms. It is essential The city should follow the that as recommendations future land use plan and land in this section are use recommendations to implemented they are manage the impacts of new seamlessly coordinated development on the roadway with development and network. Through the funding. As such, the development review process, city should continue to the city can also evaluate implement policies related development proposals to maintaining adequate to determine necessary capital funds to improve transportation improvements the city’s roadway network. for the broader network, These policies can also help necessary on-site mobility to ensure adequate funding improvements, and whether as projects arise, and to right-of-way dedication will minimize delays for needed be needed. The city should improvements. also consider proactively acquiring rights-of-way in anticipation of certain development projects and/ or public improvements.
122 • Engage New Albany The development of New The recently completed Albany’s business park redesign of 3rd Street is is a great example of the part of the city’s green interconnection between streets policy in which brick land use and transportation is used instead of asphalt planning. By ensuring a as it is more permeable for connected network of stormwater and is longer roadways for employee lasting, contributing to more and truck traffic as well environmentally sustainable as regional access via SR road design. The city should 161, New Albany has been continue to implement the able to attract and retain green streets policy on Existing business park roadway many companies which streets with low vehicular altogether have created traffic in the Village Center a world-class business and on surface parking lots park. This employment- throughout the community. centered development also Also related to the Village helps to fund high-quality Center, as of the publishing city services, such as a of this plan, the city has comprehensive roadway initiated a Village Center network. New Albany should parking strategy plan to continue this successful path ensure adequate parking by building roadway network access and availability in the SR 161access is vital to the improvements as part of, and area. development of the business park funded by, the expansion of the business park. Finally, the city should monitor the implementation The Village Center is another of the future land use plan, example of land use and future thoroughfare plan, transportation systems and mobility improvements working together cohesively to account for changing to create an attractive place conditions over time and that is accessible and in to gather timely data to which people can easily facilitate decision making. move between destinations. This will also help the city for The roadways in the future strategic plan updates 3rd Street in the Village Center, a Village Center also have as adjustments can be made recently completed green street a higher level of design to reflect the reality of built standards since this is the development and roadway heart of the community. projects. One example of this is the use of brick on sidewalks and streets primarily in the historic Village Center.
Existing parking in the Village Center M2. Protect and enhance The city should continue to In addition to creating the character of the plan for these amenity zones character along linear community’s corridors. along roadway corridors roadway corridors in New in the city. The continued Albany, attention should As outlined in the character implementation of the also be paid to the city’s classification portion of the city’s green streets policy is gateways. Gateways are future thoroughfare plan another way to add character important in defining the (pages 118-119), protecting to roadways, especially those arrival into New Albany and enhancing the character in the Village Center. from the surrounding of New Albany’s roadway communities. They set the corridors is a top priority for Utility lines and their tone for the community. this strategic plan and this accompanying facilities are These gateways occur at strategy seeks to highlight necessary items that should the edges of the municipal some of the key objectives be factored into the design boundary and at freeway related to this topic. of roadway corridors. The interchanges. In New Albany city should require the burial there are also gateways First, the city should focus or strategic placement of within the community on the preservation of rural all utility lines and wireless signaling when you have roadway character and infrastructure at the time of entered the Village Center. narrow roadways, with a development of a project Gateways in New Albany maximum desired roadway or in conjunction with a should accomplish the width of two to three lanes public works project. Any following: on residential corridors public utility boxes should • Preserve open space and four to five lanes along be buried or located behind whenever possible at commercial corridors. the amenity zone or, if the designated gateway Preserving roadway width is present, behind fencing locations into New Albany important to the character along roadway corridors. of New Albany. As discussed Any private utilities should • Formalize open space in the next strategy (M3) be located behind buildings to present a subtle on the following page, and not along a roadway pastoral break between alternatives exist to ensure corridor. The city should surrounding communities that narrow roadways are strive to balance the and New Albany still efficient at moving traffic. deployment of small cell • Encourage efforts to Next, the city should design facilities and associated establish a wayfinding and roadways that support New wireless support structures signage package to locate Albany’s principles of design with the preservation of the signage or natural features and placemaking as well character of New Albany’s that complement the as the community’s vision corridors and streetscapes. subtle gateway transition for the future. This will be To achieve this, the city at city boundaries, freeway accomplished by following should reference the city’s interchanges, the Village the character classification Small Cell Design Guidelines Center, and hamlet and system. Amenity zones are and Requirements with the mixed-use area. areas on roadway corridors installment or modification of • Manage freeway exits beyond the edge of the small cell facilities. to present a gateway to street that can accommodate New Albany from SR 161 amenities and furnishings through the use of signage, like benches, lights, trash bridge design and and recycling receptacles, landscaping. transit stops, wayfinding signage, and other features.
124 • Engage New Albany M3. Use alternatives to The city should coordinate traditional widening and consolidate vehicular to increase roadway access points and curb cuts WHY ROUNDABOUTS? capacity. in development projects along major roadways and According to the Federal Although it seems between other private Highway Administration (FHWA), counterintuitive, in most developments. roundabouts have several key cases simply widening a benefits for communities: roadway does not reduce Paying special attention to traffic congestion. In fact, intersection improvements 1. Traffic Safety – Roundabouts help sometimes doing so can can also help to improve to improve safety from traditional increase traffic volumes capacity along roadways. intersections by reducing the due to latent demand. To New Albany roadways are number and severity of potential increase roadway capacity known for their characteristic conflict point between travelers. while still preserving roundabouts, which not only A comprehensive study showed a New Albany’s roadway enhance the aesthetics, but reduction in total crashes of 35% and 76% of injury crashes. character, alternatives also improve the safety and can be employed that still efficiency of New Albany’s 2. Operational Performance & move traffic efficiently and roadway network. The city Maintenance – Roundabouts help to reduce peak hour has been implementing typically have lower delays congestion. One such a roundabout first policy, than other intersections when alternative is to explore the which it should continue. operating within their built use of technology to make This policy involves capacity. They also tend to the roadway network more the consideration of have lower operating costs and maintenance requirements than efficient. This can include roundabouts first when an a traffic signal because they don’t traffic signal interconnection, intersection improvement require extensive hardware and which the city is already is proposed. Roundabouts electricity. implementing and should might not always be feasible continue, to interconnect or the best solution for every 3. Environmental Benefits – all local and regional intersection, but this policy Roundabouts help to reduce intersection signals and places roundabouts at the vehicle delay and idling, which can have environmental benefits, such traffic control devices. top of the list for potential as improvements in air quality, fuel intersection improvements. consumption, and noise pollution. Access management Roundabouts have for roadways involves many benefits, which are 4. Pedestrian Safety – Vehicle proactively managing summarized in the column to speeds are typically reduced in vehicular access points to the right. and around roundabouts, which land parcels along a roadway present an opportunity for safe corridor. This is another pedestrian crossings. alternative to help increase 5. Aesthetics – The center portion roadway capacity because of a roundabout presents an it reduces the number of opportunity for landscaping and turning points for vehicles other urban design improvements, along a major roadway and which are typically not present in a reduces the potential for traditional intersection. collision. Source: FHWA (2010)
Recommendations • 125 M4. Maximize Leisure trails or sidewalks connectivity and should be extended into safety of New Albany’s subdivisions whenever ROADWAY NETWORK roadway network. possible in order to support CONNECTIVITY PATTERNS active transportation access. To maximize connectivity and safety of New Albany’s The graphics in the column roadway network, the to the right provide a visual provision of alternative representation of why this routes should be a priority to is important. Culs-de-sac distribute traffic throughout and stub streets in the the roadway network. conventional cul-de-sac Additionally, cross-access pattern of roadway networks easements should be result in larger volumes of provided between adjacent traffic collecting onto major commercial and retail sites roadways. A conventional to minimize curb cuts and grid pattern, on the other access management issues hand better distributes traffic Conventional along major roadways. These across the roadway network. Cul-de-sac Pattern cross access easements can help to reduce traffic entering and exiting public roadways, helping to reduce congestion.
Additionally, connectivity for New Albany’s roadway network is contingent on the provision of a multitude of public, accessible, and connected roadways. Therefore, the city should prohibit private streets, Curvilinear Loop gated communities, and Pattern discourage culs-de-sac. Similarly, the city should connect stub streets to improve connectivity and mobility between neighborhoods. Connecting stub streets can also improve city services such as emergency response, trash pickup, and school bus routes. This connectivity extends to pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well. Conventional Grid Pattern
126 • Engage New Albany M5. Promote active Another objective related to mobility throughout active mobility is to follow the greater New Albany complete street practices to community. accommodate all modes of transportation in the public Active mobility or active right-of-way. transportation refers to According to the modes of transportation U.S. Department of that are self-propelled Transportation, complete and human powered, streets are “streets designed such as walking or and operated to enable safe bicycling. These modes use and support mobility Pedestrian-friendly development of transportation provide for all users.” All users opportunities for physical includes vehicle drivers and activity, reducing negative passengers, pedestrians, health outcomes related bicyclists, or public to obesity and sedentary transportation riders. The city lifestyles. Additionally, has already begun adopting investing in active modes these practices for upcoming of transportation can help transportation projects. to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per capita New Albany’s leisure trail and reduction in carbon network is wide-reaching, emissions from gas-powered with more than 55 miles of Example of a complete street vehicles, making active trails already completed, but modes a more sustainable gaps still exist in the system. option. New Albany has been Additionally, neighborhoods investing in active modes of located just beyond the city transportation for many years boundary might not have through the development of physical access to the leisure the leisure trail system. New trail system, despite their Albany should continue this being close in proximity to momentum and promote many destinations in New active mobility throughout Albany like the Learning the greater New Albany Campus and Village Center. community. This is especially detrimental for families in the City of Multi-use trail adjacent to development The city should facilitate Columbus with school- development patterns aged children who attend and revise development New Albany-Plain Local regulations to support schools who could benefit pedestrian mobility, from being able to walk or safety, and a more positive bike to school. New Albany pedestrian experience. should explore partnerships to extend leisure trails to adjacent neighborhoods, within and outside of the city.
Kids biking to school
Recommendations • 127 Figure 3.37 | Proposed Velo Loop The Velo Loop is a cycle track that was proposed in the Bike 62 New Albany Plan. It would Smith’s Mill Rd connect the Village Center 605 along Dublin-Granville 161 Road, head north along Kitzmiller Road to connect Velo Loop to businesses along Smith’s
Mill Road, which becomes Walton Pkwy 161 Walton Parkway after Dublin-Granville Rd Village crossing US 62, and then Center connecting to the Learning Reynoldsburg-New Albany Rd Learning Campus via a proposed Fodor Rd Campus pedestrian and bike bridge across SR 161. A portion of the Velo Loop has been constructed as part of the 62 Rose Run Park enhancements to Dublin-Granville Road between Fodor Road and US 62/Main Street. New Albany should continue to develop the Velo Loop cycle track as an elevated bicycle facility that would connect many important destinations. The city should continue to follow all the recommendations in the adopted Leisure Trail Master Plan and Bike New Existing section of the Velo Loop along Dublin-Granville Road Albany Plan.
The city should also continue to develop strong trail connections to local and regional parks, open spaces, and greenways to ensure the community has sufficient access to green spaces. Finally, the city should continue to improve cycling Indianapolis Cultural Indianapolis Cultural accommodations within the Trail cycle track Trail cycle track city, making New Albany a bicycle-friendly community.
128 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.38 | Mobility Zone Locations Delaware Co. Franklin Co. M6. Encourage 605 alternatives to single- 62 occupant vehicles within Walnut St
Harlem Rd New Albany. Central College & SR 065 In addition to active New Albany Rd Central Commercial Corridor Jug St transportation other Business Park alternatives to single- occupant vehicles exist that can be employed in New 161 Market St Albany. Other alternative 161 Dublin Granville Rd transportation options Ganton Mink St include fixed route public Main St Village Center Winding Hollow transportation, on-demand
public transportation, and Babbitt Rd
Beech Rd ridesharing services. To Hamilton Rd accommodate all modes Kitzmiller Rd of transportation, the city 62 should designate mobility Clark State Rd zones in strategic locations Mobility Zone Components: throughout the city where • Highly served by transit Legend alternative and new mobility options are prioritized. » SmartRide These mobility zones could » COTA Park and Ride Proposed Mobility Zone include the Village Center, • Well connected by bike the central commercial facilities Future Mobility Zone corridor around US 62 and » Velo Loop Smith’s Mill Road, and in the » Bike lanes business park around Smith’s Mill Road and Beech Road » Bike docks & fix-it stations North. Depending on how • Buildings and sites they develop, future mobility designed to accommodate zones could be located at mobility the Ganton and Winding » Transit-facing front doors Hollow focus areas (see page » Alternative fuel charging 178) and at Central College stations Road at SR 605. Mobility » Alternate street typologies zones are a new concept and reduced setbacks in for New Albany—these mixed-use and hamlet would be geographically areas may be appropriate defined areas in which active based on the pattern of and alternative modes of development transportation are prioritized • Multiple roadway for future transportation connections improvements. Through targeted improvements • Mix of uses to serve in these mobility zones, commuters vehicular traffic and • Increased density congestion may be reduced, • Facilities intended to slow contributing to safer roadway vehicular traffic and ensure travel for all modes. pedestrian accessibility
Recommendations • 129 Figure 3.39 | Village Center Mobility Zone
The following diagrams 605 illustrate how the mobility US 62 Pedestrian zone concept manifests in Improvements the built environment. These diagrams illustrate the three Fodor Rd proposed mobility zones in Potential Road Street Grid Widening Extension the Village Center, central SmartRide Connection LEARNING commercial corridor, and CAMPUS the business park. These 161 geographic areas have a MARKET Rose Run Trail number of existing and Market St SQUARE planned transportation Dublin-Granville Rd Velo Loop facilities that serve numerous Main St modes. These diagrams Market St show how many different 62 Extension to 3rd St facilites could work together in these three mobility Figure 3.40 | Central Commercial Corridor Mobility Zone zones to proritize alternative 62 and active modes of transportation. Any future Kitzmiller Rd roadway connections Walton Pkwy depicted in these diagrams COTA Park & Ride are preliminary and require Sm i th 605 ’s future study and design. M il l Additional street connections R d and realignments not contemplated in this plan may be appropriate if they Johnstown Rd Rose Run Trail
High St meet the goals of this plan GANTON by reducing vehicular traffic VILLAGE FOCUS CENTER AREA Ganton Pkwy Extension and encouraging alternative 161 modes of transportation. Velo Loop
Figure 3.41 | Business Park Mobility Zone Legend
Proposed Roadway
Kitzmiller Rd Innovation Campus Way Existing Roundabout Proposed Roundabout Existing Traffic Signal Smith’s Mill Rd Proposed Traffic Signal Proposed Velo Loop Worthington Rd COTA Route 24 Babbitt Rd COTA Park & Ride SmartRide Route Improvement
SmartRide Stop SmartRide Connection Existing Leisure Trail Ganton Pkwy Extension
Babbitt Rd Existing Sidewalk Beech Rd
130 • Engage New Albany Different from a mobility The city should expand the zone, a mobility hub is a SmartRide shuttle service site-specific intervention to include extended routes featuring a concentration and hours of operation. The of integrated amenities extended hours of operation and facilities for different will ensure that employees modes of transportation. who work second or third Mobility hubs can include shifts will still have a way amenities like bike storage, to get to and from their bike fix-it stations, bus stops, destination. The city could transit shelters, designated also explore ways to develop rideshare drop-off and pick- an on-demand aspect of COTA Park & Ride site and SmartRide shuttle up locations, alternative fuel the SmartRide program. vehicle charging stations, As a part of this expansion, wayfinding, and public Wi-Fi. the city should also Mobility hubs should ideally investigate how to connect be located at the confluence residents and employees of various transportation to the Village Center via routes, such as trails, a SmartRide shuttle. This roadways, and transit routes. could enable people who Over the past several years, live in neighborhoods New Albany has developed outside of the Village Center the COTA Park and Ride site an alternative mode of located on Forest Drive just transportation. This would Example of a mobility hub north of Smith’s Mill Road. help to reduce vehicular This plan recommends traffic and parking demand the development of a in the Village Center at peak mobility hub at that COTA times. Park and Ride site. This location would be ideal The SmartRide program is for a mobility hub since it aimed at connecting people is already a convergence from transit stops to their point for multiple modes of final destination in New transportation. Albany, but that is contingent on adequate transit access One of the from the greater region to recommendations from the New Albany. The city should Example of a bike locker 2014 Strategic Plan was the work with COTA and other creation of the SmartRide transit partners to plan for program, a first- and last- expanded transit service to mile shuttle service in New New Albany. This would not Albany that would connect only serve employees who COTA bus riders to their final work in New Albany, but destination in the business would also provide an option park. This program has been for residents to travel around very effective, and the city Central Ohio without relying intends to continue making on a personal vehicle. it a priority, especially as the business park grows Alternative fuel vehicle charging station and more employees from outside the city work in New Albany.
Recommendations • 131 M7. Work cooperatively At a local level, school- with partners to advance related traffic is a concern needed mobility of the community. While improvements locally the central, consolidated and regionally. Learning Campus has many benefits and is a defining Mobility and transportation aspect of New Albany’s improvements require character, it can create some cooperation and traffic issues during school collaboration across multiple drop-off and pick-up times. entities and often multiple The city should continue jurisdictions. New Albany working with NAPLSD to has established strong manage traffic and access regional partnerships that to schools safely, effectively, will aid in the planning and appropriately. and construction of transportation projects. Finally, continued New Albany should work preservation of New to address the city’s traffic Albany’s character and problem areas through significant corridors and coordinated regional natural features is of the roadway improvements. utmost importance. These The map on the following features extend beyond the page illustrates some city’s boundary even and of the recommended connect to the larger region. regional roadway network So, it is important that the improvements. Additionally, city work with partners to the city should collaborate protect regional corridors, with regional partners to greenways, and scenic plan for transportation and byways. mobility through continued involvement with the Mid- Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). MORPC is a major convening entity especially for transportation at the regional level.
132 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.42 | Proposed Regional Roadway Network Improvements
DELAWARE CO. FRANKLIN CO. 605
62 SR 605 & Walnut St
Hamilton Rd Extension Walnut St
Harlem Rd
New Albany Rd New Albany Rd E & New Albany Rd Jug St
SR 161 Widening Harlem Rd & Central College Rd
161 Market St 161 Dublin Granville Rd
Mink Rd
Main St
Beech Rd & Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd Babbitt Rd & Morse Rd Morse Rd Hamilton Rd
Kitzmiller Rd Morse Rd
62 Clark State Rd & Morse Rd & Mink Rd N Waggoner Rd Widening Babbitt Rd Clark State Rd Realignment
The map above illustrates the » Widening of SR 161 to three lanes in each direction from proposed regional roadway Legend network improvements Beech Road interchange to which will require cross- beyond the New Albany city boundary; and juridsictional collaboration Roadway Improvement » Extension of Hamilton Road to implement. These include Intersection the following improvements: from Central College Road to Harlem Road. Improvement • Roadway improvements • Intersection improvements Proposed Roadway are proposed at: are proposed as follows: City Boundary » Widening of Morse Road » SR 605 and Walnut Street; from Beech Road to Mink » New Albany Road East and Study Area Street and widening of Mink New Albany Road; Street from Morse Road to » Harlem Road and Central Worthington Road; College Road; » Babbitt Road realignment » Babbitt Road and Morse from Morse Road to North Road; Waggoner Road to enhance » Beech Road and Morse the regional connectivity of Road; and Babbitt Road; » Clark State Road and North Waggoner Road.
Recommendations • 133 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The table on the following pages summarizes all of the mobility recommendations. A more detailed summary matrix can be found starting on page 222.
M. MOBILITY Goal: Facilitate the safe and effective movement of people to and from destinations, while maintaining the community character of transportation corridors. RECOMMENDATIONS M1. Implement the future thoroughfare plan and mobility recommendations in coordination with development opportunities and transportation improvements are coordinated as New Albany grows. Continue to implement city policies related to maintaining adequate capital funds to improve the city’s a. roadway network. Follow the future land use map and land use recommendations to manage the impacts of new development b. on the roadway network. Evaluate new developments through the development review process to determine necessary c. transportation improvements, on-site mobiliy improvements, and whether right-of-way dedication will be needed. Consider proactively acquiring right-of-way (ROW) in anticipation of development projects and/or public d. improvements. Continue to build roadway network improvements as part of, and funded by, the expansion of the business e. park. Continue to implement a green streets policy on streets with low vehicular traffic in the Village Center and f. on surface parking lots throughout the community. g. Complete a Village Center parking strategy plan to ensure adequate parking access and availability. Monitor the implementation of the future land use plan, future thoroughfare plan, and mobility h. improvements to account for changing conditions over time and to gather timely data to facilitate decision making. M2. Protect and enhance the character of the community’s corridors. Preserve rural roadway character and narrow roadways, with a maximum desired roadway width of two to a. three lanes in residential corridors and four to five lanes along commercial corridors. Design roads that suppport New Albany’s principles of design and placemaking as well as the community’s b. vision for the future. Plan for amenity zones along corridors that could include amenities like wayfinding signage, benches, trash c. and recycling receptacles, and lighting. d. Continue to implement the Village Center brick street policy. Require burial or strategic placement of all utility lines and wireless infrastructure at the time of e. development or in conjunction with a public works project. f. Bury or move public utility boxes behind the amenity zone or behind fencing along corridors. g. Require private utilities to be located behind buildings. Balance the deployment of small cell facilities and associated wireless support structures with the h. preservation of the character of New Albany’s corridors and streetscapes. Create distinctive gateways and green moments at designated locations in New Albany, including SR 161 i. interchanges.
134 • Engage New Albany M. MOBILITY Goal: Facilitate the safe and effective movement of people to and from destinations, while maintaining the community character of transportation corridors. RECOMMENDATIONS M3. Use alternatives to traditional widening to increase roadway capacity for efforts to reduce peak hour congestion. a. Use technology to make the roadway network more efficient. b. Continue to intercronnect all local and regional intersection signals and traffic control devices. Coordinate and consolidate vehicular access points and curb cuts in development projects onto major c. roadways and between other private developments. d. Consider roundabouts first when an intersection improvement is proposed. M4. Maximize connectivity and safety of New Albany’s roadway network. a. Provide multiple connections to distribute traffic throughout the roadway network. Provide cross-access easements between adjacent commercial and retail sites to minimize curb cuts along b. major roadways. c. Prohibit private streets, gated communities, and discourage culs-de-sac. d. Connect stub streets to improve connectivity and mobility between neighborhoods. e. Connect sidewalks or leisure trails in residential neighborhoods where they don’t currently exist. M5. Promote active mobility throughout the greater New Albany community. Facilitate development patterns and revise development regulations to support pedestrian mobility, safety, a. and a more positive pedestrian experience. b. Follow complete street practices to accommodate all modes of transportation in the public right-of-way. c. Explore partnerships to extend leisure trails to adjacent neighborhoods, within and outside of the city. d. Continue to develop the Velo Loop cycle track. Continue to follow the recommendations in the adopted Leisure Trails Master Plan and Bike New Albany e. Plan. f. Develop strong trail connections to local and regional parks, open spaces, and greenways. Continue to improve the cycling accommodations within the city, making New Albany a bicycle-friendly g. community. M6. Encourage alternatives to single-occupant vehicles within New Albany. Designate mobility zones in strategic locations throughout the city where alternative and new mobility a. options are prioritized. Implement new roadway connections and/or re-alignments in mobility zones to improve community-wide b. traffic flow, create safe pedestrian and bike connections, and encourage alternative modes of transportation. Implement development patterns that support transit service and develop a mobility hub at the COTA Park c. and Ride site. d. Expand the SmartRide shuttle service to include extended routes and hours of operation. e. Investigate how to connect residents with the Village Center via the SmartRide program. f. Work with COTA and other transit partners to plan for expanded transit service to New Albany. M7. Work cooperatively with partners to advance identified and needed mobility improvements locally and regionally. a. Address the city’s traffic problem areas through coordinated regional road improvements. Collaborate with regional partners to plan for transportation and mobility through the Mid-Ohio Regional b. Planning Commission (MORPC). Continue working with the school district to manage traffic and access to schools safely, effectively, and c. appropriately. d. Protect regional corridors, greenways, and scenic byways.
Recommendations • 135 SUSTAINABILITY Goal: Define a path to the future that reinforces New Albany’s commitment to ecological, social, and economic sustainability.
Sustainability in its broadest As the community began to This is reflected in the sense focuses on the grow rapidly from a village widespread and growing ability to meet the needs to a city, economic and interest in sustainability of the present without fiscal sustainability became efforts by residents, compromising the ability a major focus in order to businesses and city leaders. of future generations to ensure quality city services During early community meet their needs. This for the expanding residential input for this plan, includes balancing the population. Now, as New sustainability ranked as one areas of ecology, economy, Albany and its surroundings of the most important topics, and society. This chapter continue to transform, after land use, transportation, will focus predominantly environmental sustainability and community character. on ecological and has risen as a priority and is In recognition of this environmental sustainability, even included as one of the importance, sustainability because economic Four Pillars of New Albany. was added as a priority in sustainability and social well- Today, the community is this plan and a Sustainability being are discussed in other more conscious than ever of Subcommittee was formed sections of this plan. the need to use resources to provide direct input. more efficiently and to This chapter takes stock Sustainability has always ensure an environment in of where we are as a been important to the New which people and nature can community and includes Albany community. During exist in harmony for present recommendations for city its first half century, the and future generations. sustainability efforts moving community was focused on forward. independence and self- reliance.
136 • Engage New Albany Build health and sustainability“ into plans to increase quality of life. - Community member ”
Recommendations • 137 WHAT WE HEARD
A sustainability subcommittee made up of community members guided the development of this part of the strategic plan. Additionally, during the second community workshop, the planning team gathered targeted feedback specifically about sustainability. The results from the sustainability subcommittee meetings are provided below and the results from the second community workshop are on the following page.
Sustainability Subcommittee Top sustainability topics to focus on in this plan:
6 Water (3) Public Involvement & 5 Communication (2) Transportation (6) 4 3 2 Waste Reduction & 1 Housing (3) Management (6)
Recreation & Open Local Economy (3) Space (6)
Wildlife Habitats (3) Energy Efficiency (6)
What recommendations do you think would have the biggest impact on sustainability in New Albany?
• Educational programs and campaigns to • Improve waste management through raise awareness and provide resources recycling and composting and focus about sustainability within the community on reducing dependence on single use plastics • Adopt policies that position the city to be a regional leader in sustainability and • Continue to focus on encouraging mode to set the example for businesses and shifts to alternative transportation by residents making the city more pedestrian and bike-friendly • Adopt renewable energy to power public facilities and incentivize residents to • Focus on nature preservation, green switch to renewable energy to power infrastructure, and sustainable their homes and vehicles landscaping practices
138 • Engage New Albany Community Feedback
How important is it for the city to address and promote sustainability? (n=183)
4.1 Very Important (5) Less Important (1)
Would you be supportive of converting Do you think the city should some of the setbacks along New Albany’s promote the use of solar panels road corridors from turf grass to native and geothermal systems in our prairie meadows, wooded areas, or local community? (n=175) food production? (n=167) Maybe Maybe No 3% No 5% 11% 10%
86% 85% Yes Yes
What else should the city do to improve environmental sustainability in New Albany? (n=147)*
Improve and expand recycling 18% Preserve natural areas, wildlife habitats, and significant tree stands 15% Educate and communicate to the public about sustainability 10% Promote alternative modes of transportation 10% Start a composting program 9% Promote & adopt alternative energy 7% Reduce or eliminate single use plastics wherever possible 7% Incorporate waste management for bulky & hazardous materials 5% Expand the Community Garden and local food production 3% Implement more green infrastructure & prevent stormwater runoff 3% Begin a volunteer clean-up day initiative 2%
*=percentages don’t equal 100 because responses could count for more than 1 theme
Recommendations • 139 REGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY METRICS
Since the city adopted its 1) the development This plan examined last strategic plan, there patterns of the past, 2) Insight2050 and newer have been a number of current planning models, data in more detail to regional efforts to examine 3) adopting more-compact provide, additional metrics and address sustainability patterns, and 4) focusing highlighting New Albany’s in Central Ohio. In 2015, the intently on compact position relative to a number Mid-Ohio Regional Planning development. It measured of sustainability-related Commission (MORPC) the impacts of these metrics. This includes published Insight 2050. This scenarios in terms of land findings that, relative to other was a tool designed to help consumption, transportation, peer Central Ohio cities, New Central Ohio communities fiscal impacts, public health Albany is consuming more gain a better understanding costs, energy use, water energy resources. Compared of demographic and growth use, greenhouse gases, to peer cities, New Albany trends, and determine and household costs. uses the greatest amount of how to accommodate There were a number of water for outdoor residential these changes. It provided important findings. These uses, such as watering plants four scenarios that included that more compact and lawn maintenance. New highlighted the impacts development and density Albany also has the highest of accommodating a four- has many positive outcomes total annual energy use per decade increase of one for sustainability metrics. capita of the peer cities, million new residents The table below summarizes which is due primarily to the through: the impacts of the four large commercial buildings Insight2050 scenarios on key that consume a lot of energy. metrics.
Summary Table of Insight2050 Scenario Metrics GROWTH SCENARIO Past Planned Focused Maximum Trends Future Growth Infill Cumulative New Land Consumption (sq mi) 495 270 45 15 Cumulative Residential Water Use (gallons) 3.19 3.12 3.03 3.01 billion billion billion billion Cumulative Residential and Commercial Building 4.27 4.23 4.15 4.12 Energy Use (in BTU) Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled 15.9 15.4 12.0 11.1 billion billion billion billion Cumulative Fuel Costs (in 2014 dollars) $116.0 $113.4 $97.5 $93.3 billion billion billion billion METRIC (TO 2050) METRIC (TO Cumulative Residential and Commercial Tax $32k $87k $213k $474k Revenues per Acre (2014 dollars) Annual Automobile Pollutant Emissions (tons) 24,573 23,675 18,486 17,085
Source: Insight2050, MORPC
140 • Engage New Albany SUSTAINABILITY PEER CITY COMPARISON
RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR WATER USE PASSENGER VEHICLE EMISSIONS (gallons per person per year) Annual emissions (metric tons per household per year) 70,000 8 60,000 7 50,000 6 5 40,000 4 30,000 3 20,000 2 10,000 1 0 0
Powell Dublin Powell Dublin WestervilleColumbus Columbus New Albany New Albany Westerville
TOTAL ANNUAL ENERGY USE (BTU per year in billions per capita)
120,000,000 100,000,000 80,000,000
60,000,000 40,000,000 20,000,000 0
Powell Dublin
New Albany Westerville Columbus
Commercial Energy Use Residential Energy Use
Source: Urban Footprint (2019)
Recommendations • 141 EXISTING CITY INITIATIVES
This process unveiled the Parks & Grounds number of initiatives and • Green stormwater practices efforts that the City of used at Public Service New Albany is currently facility to clean stormwater undertaking, which are before it’s released into 500,000 numerous, but not often local streams (bioswales, Pounds of leaves communicated to the retention pond) collected annually public. The sustainability • Organic fertilization pilot in the city that are recommendations that follow program at the Public in this section build upon Service facility to determine composted and these existing initiatives, viability of commercial converted to topsoil which are outlined on the fertilizer reduction following pages. • With the Rose Run Phase I park construction now Buildings & Facilities complete 100% of the stormwater is maintained • Recycling program at all city which includes capturing buildings run off pollutants • Non-rechargeable battery • Stream restoration was recycling and proper completed for Rose Run disposal of used aerosol Phase 1 and is planned 100% cans and florescent to occur during Rose Run bulbs by Public Service Phase 2 of stormwater is Department • Bank stabilization was maintained on- • Conversion to LED completed for Rose Run site at Rose Run lightbulbs at Village Hall, Phase 1 and is planned Public Service facility, and in Park phase I to occur during Rose Run city traffic signals Phase 2 • Conversion of existing city • Invasive tree removal was streetlights to LED (to be completed for Rose Run completed by end of 2020) Phase 1 and is planned • Installation of large to occur during Rose Run commercial fan in Public Phase 2 Service Department garage • 20% open space and to reduce heating bills in parkland dedication winter requirement for all new 2010 • Three “green streets,” subdivisions in city zoning The year New which provide sustainable code stormwater management Albany became a • Adoption of floodplain (Third St., Miller Ave. regulations, which follow certified Tree City extension, Second St. SWIPP requirements extension) USA • Designation of certain areas • Use of recycled asphalt on to be preserved green rural roads space in city’s land use plan • Requirement for preservation of existing trees where feasible in city’s zoning code; in some areas, tree replacement is required
142 • Engage New Albany Operations & Services product, when dispensing road salt in the winter to • Recycling collection offered help melt snow and ice. The for all public events use of Beet Juice reduces • Monthly sweeping of the need for calcium all curbed streets within chloride chemicals the city, which prevents • The city is taking part in the sediment and pollutants MORPC Sustainable 2050 from entering streams and program waterways • The city may participate in • Residential curbside leaf a pilot program for a hybrid collection offered between City leaf collection service that includes the police cruiser October and December composting of leaves to become topsoil • Environmental Criteria • Over 500,000 lbs. of leaves and Opportunity for collected and taken to a Sustainability (ECOS) compost facility where they tax credit, which gives are converted to topsoil companies in the • Annual street tree pruning business park credit for and removal. Branches and environmentally friendly tree trunks are chipped into construction small pieces and taken to a • City is conducting research compost facility where they on solar energy codes are converted to mulch • Public Service Department fleet of trucks and Green stormwater management practices at the Public Service facility equipment operate on bio- diesel fuel • New Albany has been a certified Tree City USA Community since 2010, making both business and residential areas cleaner and greener • Public Service Department purchased an electric vehicle for its fleet in 2018. The Department will study Use of natural Beet Juice to melt snow reduces the viability of transitioning need for chemicals other vehicles to electric considering use, longevity, and operating costs • City is in the process of purchasing an electric bus for its Smart Ride transit program, which will be done through a grant. The electric bus will reduce the dependency on the use of current fuel driven buses • The Public Service Department utilizes Beet Rose Run Park invasive species removal Juice, a natural agricultural
Recommendations • 143 SUSTAINABILITY In certain areas of RECOMMENDATIONS New Albany, the city can implement green infrastructure, which S1. Protect and improve improves water quality by biodiversity and water reducing flows of stormwater and air quality. to sewer systems or surface water through storage, As New Albany grows, it is infiltration, filtration, and critical to take actions that evapotranspiration. This protect its environment and process not only prevents precious natural resources. Existing native landscaping in damage to infrastructure Hampsted Village Specifically, protecting and property, but minimizes biodiversity and water water pollution and stream and air quality are of the erosion. This would include utmost importance as they continuing to implement the contribute to a more resilient existing green streets policy environment and a high where pervious pavers are quality of life for all beings. used on streets with low vehicular traffic in the Village As a community with bucolic Center as well as on surface character, New Albany has parking lots throughout the ample green and open community. Through the use spaces that can be protected, of demonstration projects, designed, and adapted to Prairie restoration alongside a major road the city can implement improve biodiversity and and test native meadows water and air quality. First and prairie restorations and foremost, the city should that would contribute to preserve existing forests, New Albany’s aesthetic wildlife habitats, stream and provide environmental corridors, and wetlands benefits. which provide invaluable ecosystem services. Linking On publicly owned land these existing open space and in parks, the city should assets together is an consider discontinuing important strategy to provide the use of pesticides and the necessary habitat for herbicides in areas adjacent Existing brick street in New Albany animals to reach food, water, to waterways. Efforts should shelter, and breeding sites. also be taken to maintain According to the National and expand the urban tree Wildlife Foundation, habitat canopy in the city. Trees have connectivity also facilitates numerous societal, health, wildlife migration, boosts and environmental benefits biodiversity and resilience especially for urbanized in degraded ecosystems, areas, such as carbon dioxide safeguards genetic flow sequestration, improving between populations, biodiversity, and improving and ensures species are air quality. better able to adapt to our changing climate. Creek clean-up event
144 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.43 | Tree Cover Map
Delaware Co. Franklin Co. 605 62 13% Tree cover in the study area
New Albany Rd
Jug St
161
161 Dublin Granville Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd
Kitzmiller Rd
62 Licking Co.
Franklin Co.
According to the Arbor low-impact landscaping Day Foundation, a mature practices to help decrease tree absorbs 48 pounds of residential water usage. This Legend carbon dioxide per year. could include an educational The city should plant trees in campaign about the benefits Tree Canopy public rights-of-way, parks, of native landscaping and other green spaces to versus monoculture lawns Green Space continue to expand the tree or it could take the form canopy, which currently of a water rebate program City Boundary covers 13% of the study area for property owners who (see figure 3.43). The city implement low-impact Study Area Boundary should also work to control landscaping. Rivers & Streams the spread of invasive plant and animal species. Finally, along stream corridors, the city can partner Authority over green with other community spaces on private property groups and organizations is limited, but the city to start a creek clean-up should investigate ways volunteer program or event to encourage property to keep the waterways free owners to adopt native and from pollution.
Recommendations • 145 S2. Foster and encourage Many existing commercial the adoption of buildings in New Albany PROPERTY alternative energy would be ripe for solar panel ASSESSED CLEAN sources within the city. installation, but regulatory ENERGY PROGRAM barriers and lack of The Sustainability incentives make that difficult. Property Assessed Clean Energy Subcommittee and the The city should advocate (PACE) is a funding mechanism public expressed a desire for legislation that would for property owners to finance to move toward renewable allow for these types of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, such as solar interventions on commercial energy building improvements. and geothermal energy buildings and for more Through this program, 100% of to power New Albany’s renewable energy options an energy project’s cost is repaid homes, businesses, and in general. Large surface over 20-30 year terms through a civic buildings. According to parking lots and any future special assessment added to the the U.S. Energy Information parking garages also provide property’s tax bill. Through this funding mechanism, there are no Administration, Ohio is an opportunity to install down payments for the project and currently primarily reliant solar powered carports. the financing rates and terms are on natural gas and coal to These types of ground- fixed for the life of the PACE loan. power electricity. While these mounted systems are energy Funding for this program can be energy sources are relatively efficient and can generate a used for commercial or residential inexpensive, they come with substantial amount of a site’s properties. negative environmental energy needs. consequences including This program benefits property greenhouse gas pollution, To encourage property owners by removing some of water pollution, and natural owners to make energy the financial barriers to energy efficient building improvements. habitat degradation. The efficient improvements to Local governments also see city should encourage and their homes and businesses benefits from this program, such incentivize the broader use the city can implement a as increasing property investment, of renewable energy sources property assessed clean local job creation, and improving in an effort to be more energy (PACE) program, community-wide environmental environmentally sustainable. which applies to residential sustainability. According to the U.S. This strategy extends to (RPACE) and commercial Department of Energy, in 2019 energy sources used to (CPACE) properties. This more than 200,000 homeowners power homes, businesses, tax assessment financing made $5 billion in energy efficiency and vehicles. mechanism covers resilience, and other improvements to their homes through RPACE financing. efficiency, renewable energy, and water projects and has In 2016, the Columbus Regional a 20-30 year repayment Energy Special Improvement schedule, which often means District (ESID) was formed to that the annual savings facilitate PACE financing for in energy costs are larger commercial property owners in than the annual payment. Central Ohio. The district now More information about this covers Columbus, Grandview program is provided to the Heights, Bexley, Dublin, Grove City, left. Hilliard, Perry Township, Whitehall, and Worthington. By joining the ESID, a tax-collecting municipality has the ability also to establish a RPACE program.
146 • Engage New Albany To assist property owners The city has already started with these improvements, purchasing electric and the city should adjust hybrid vehicles for its fleets, any regulations to make and the Service Department it clear that solar panels fleet of trucks runs entirely and geothermal systems on bio-diesel fuel. This is a are permitted with the positive step toward a more appropriate reviews. The sustainable vehicle fleet city can also maintain a and these efforts should be list of approved solar and continued. geothermal installers to make the permitting process Solar powered carport easier for all parties.
Although Ohio is still reliant on natural gas and coal for electricity, switching to an electric or alternative fuel vehicle is still an environmentally friendly action Ohioans can take. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching from a gasoline Solar panels on flat roof of a public building to an electric vehicle would save 5,556 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, which is the same as 284 gallons of gasoline consumed. The city can encourage this switch to electric vehicles by first providing more alternative fuel stations throughout the city.
Electric vehicle charging stations
In Ohio, switching from a gasoline to an electric vehicle would save...
5,556 Which is the same as 284 Pounds of carbon dioxide Gallons of gasoline equivalent per year per year
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center
Recommendations • 147 Case Study: S3. Continue to reduce Currently, there are a couple drop-off locations for this Bexley Curbside Composting waste through the type of waste in Central Program | Bexley, OH provision of city services and the encouragement Ohio, but their locations of local partners. outside of New Albany pose a barrier for residents to All of the waste generated properly dispose of these from New Albany and the materials. Other Central rest of Franklin County is Ohio communities have taken to the Solid Waste designated “Community Authority of Central Ohio’s Cleanup Days” a couple (SWACO) landfill. According times per year, during which to SWACO, in 2017 the anyone can drop off these amount of waste generated materials in a responsible in Franklin County was way. As awareness about 2,257,318 tons, which is recycling increases, it may be about 85 times heavier than necessary to place additional According to the Solid Waste the Statue of Liberty. Almost recycling drop-off dumpsters Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), half of that waste (49.17%) in the city to accommodate food waste comprises about 15% of was diverted to recycling recycling for residents material sent to the landfill, making facilities. who live in multifamily food the third-largest category of housing or those that do waste in Central Ohio. To combat this In order to ensure a livable not have curbside pick-up. environmental issue, Bexley became community for all current The addition of recycling the first community in Central Ohio and future generations, the bins in public spaces and to roll out a curbside food recycling throughout the Village program as a municipal service to city should focus on the residents. reduction of waste through Center would also help to new or expanded services decrease waste that ends up The city began, first, with a 14-month and programs. Through in the landfill. Additionally, pilot program to about 400 this planning process, the the city should encourage households that was launched in late planning team heard a commercial property owners 2017. The pilot program resulted in 40 desire for a composting to add recycling dumpsters tons of food being diverted from the program to help divert food to collect recyclables from landfill. In 2019, the service became waste from the landfill. Food businesses. available for all 4,000 households waste is one of the largest in the city. Residents are provided Single-use plastics are with a 5-gallon bucket, which are categories of materials sent set at the curb and picked up once to the landfill. Several other another category of waste a week. Nearly all food products, Central Ohio communities that community members including meat and bones, can be have started composting hope to see reduced. The added to the container because the programs with success. The city can do its part in this food waste is taken to an industrial case study to the left details effort by encouraging staff composting facility. Bexley is currently a program that Bexley, to use reusable alternatives subsidizing the cost of the program, Ohio implemented. Waste to items like plastic water which is estimated to be about $5 per that is hazardous, bulky, bottles and disposable household per month. The city has or sensitive also proves coffee cups. Other partnered with Innovative Organics jurisdictions in Ohio have Recycling to operate the program. problematic for disposal. even gone so far as to ban plastic bags in retail and grocery stores.
148 • Engage New Albany S4. Communicate to The city’s large youth and educate the public population should not be about the sustainability left out of this important initiatives in the discussion. School outreach community. can be conducted in partnership with the New A key component of Albany-Plain Local School furthering sustainability in District to engage youth the community is to involve regarding sustainability the public by communicating topics, especially those that with them about how they are occurring at the local can help to advance this level. Interpretive signage goal. This strategy involves integrating sustainability The city can also act into the built environment as a clearinghouse for and people’s daily activities. sustainability information by Incorporating beautifully creating a one-stop page designed interpretive on the existing city website signage into the environment where community members is one way to bring can go to find resources sustainability education related to sustainability to the public. This type of in New Albany. This page signage is typically placed and other appropriate in public spaces and parks, communication channels School outreach and mark important natural should be used to highlight features or sustainability- and celebrate the city’s related infrastructure. existing sustainability initiatives. New Albany has the advantage of being home to several organizations that strive to cultivate lifelong learning, including but not limited to the McCoy Center for the Arts, New Albany Chamber of Commerce, and the New Albany Sustainability educational programming Community Foundation. By partnering with these and other community organizations, the city can highlight sustainability through educational programming. Examples of such programming include a sustainability symposium, speaker series, or an eco festival. School outreach
Recommendations • 149 S5. Develop mechanisms Using the data gathered Case Study: for implementation and through the sustainability Community Sustainability Advisory tracking progress. assessment, the city Board | Golden, CO then should complete To ensure the successful a sustainability action implementation of the plan that ties together recommendations in this the community’s goals, section, several operational strategies, action items, strategies are needed and metrics for improving moving forward. First, the sustainability in New city should complete a Albany. The city should sustainability assessment— also consider creating a updated annually—to identify citizen-led sustainability environmental, economic, advisory committee that and social equity challenges can help to implement the In 2007, the City Council of Golden, within the city’s jurisdiction recommendations in this Colorado deemed sustainability its and current programs in section and guide the city’s top priority. In response to efforts place to address them. sustainability efforts moving and suggestions from concerned Part of this sustainability forward. citizens, they created a Community assessment could include Sustainability Advisory Board made an energy benchmarking Finally, the city should up of seven residents of Golden, whose positions are appointed program that requires strive to become a Gold by the Mayor and approved by owners of non-residential Community through City Council. In order to ensure a and multifamily buildings to MORPC’s Sustainable2050 comprehensive perspective, members track energy performance program, which would represent a variety of interests in the and report those figures demonstrate the city’s community, including a professional annually to the city. City commitment to sustainability in the sustainability industry, and and institutional buildings in the region. Participation representatives from a public research should also be included in the Sustainable2050 facility, the education profession, and in any annual energy program is also a local business. Board members benchmarking. accompanied by technical communicate with fellow residents by hosting sustainability task forces assistance from MORPC both in person and through online and collaboration with other platforms, sending out surveys, and jurisdictions in the program. encouraging people to testify at City Council meetings.
The board adopted their most recent Sustainability Strategic Plan in 2015, which outlines a 5-year plan for improvements in areas such as energy, economic health, sustainability education and communication, waste, transportation, and water consumption and quality. Most recently, they passed a resolution to align their goals with the Paris Climate Accord. They now plan to achieve 100% renewable electricity and heating energy by 2030 and 2050, respectively. They also plan to reduce landfill contributions 40% and water use consumption per capita 15% by 2030.
150 • Engage New Albany SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The table on the following 1) Complete a sustainability 3) Promote the use of solar pages summarizes all action plan for the city that and geothermal systems and of the sustainability advances this work and ajust the city regulations to recommendations. A more establishes benchmark appropriately permit them detailed summary matrix targets, more detailed within the community; can be found on page 222. policies, potential incentives, While the city should aim and a dashboard to measure 4) Communicate to and to make progress on all of progress; educate the public about the these recommendations, city’s sustainability initiatives. the following four 2) Work to provide more recommendations emerged convenient and sustainable as top priority over the next renewable energy supply five years: choices to the New Albany community;
S. Sustainability Goal: Define a path to the future that reinforces New Albany’s commitment to ecological, social, and economic sustainability. S1. Protect and improve biodiversity and water and air quality. a. Prioritize the preservation of existing forests, wildlife habitats, stream corridors, and wetlands. b. Create and maintain natural corridors that link woodlands, streams, and habitats. c. Implement native meadows and prairie restoration demonstration projects in specific areas of the city. d. Maintain and expand the city’s urban tree canopy. Continue to implement a green streets policy on streets with low vehicular traffic in the Village Center and e. on surface parking lots throughout the community. f. Minimize impervious surfaces within developed areas of the community. Reduce and work toward the discontinuation of pesticide and herbicide in areas adjacent to waterways on g. city grounds and encourage this more broadly throughout the community. h. Investigate how to encourage property owners to adopt native and low-impact landscaping practices. i. Continue to provide native landscape buffers along all waterways in the community. Start a clean-up volunteer program to keep New Albany’s waterways, parks, and streets free of waste and j. pollution. k. Control the spread of invasive plant and animal species. l. Encourage wetland mitigation within the school district boundary.
Recommendations • 151 S. Sustainability S2. Foster and encourage the adoption of alternative energy sources within the city. a. Advocate for solar energy legislation at the state level to allow for solar panels on commercial buildings. Install solar panels on public buildings where appropriate, and share the energy saving information with the b. community. Implement a property assessed clean energy (PACE) program to encourage property owners to make c. energy efficient improvements to their homes and businesses. d. Increase the number of alternative fuel stations in the city. e. Continue to expand the city’s alternative fuel and electric vehicle fleet. Work to provide more convenient and sustainable renewable energy supply choices to the New Albany f. community. Promote the use of solar panels and geothermal systems and adjust the city regulations to appopriately g. permit them within the community. h. Maintain a list of approved solar and geothermal installers for the city. i. Consider providing solar powered carports over parking lots and parking garages. S3. Continue to reduce waste through the provision of city services and the encouragement of local partners. a. Discourage the use of single-use plastics. b. Implement a curbside composting pilot program. Install recycling containers in the Village Center and other public spaces and encourage commercial c. property owners to do the same. Host a Community Clean-up Day several times a year to help residents properly dispose of bulky, d. hazardous, or sensitive materials e. Support and expand community gardens as well as local food production and sourcing. S4. Communicate to and educate the public about the sustainability initiatives in the community. a. Highlight the city’s existing sustainability initiatives through various communication and marketing channels. b. Utilize interpretive sustainability signage on city property where appropriate. c. Create a one-stop online sustainability resource database for community members. Work with local partners and organizations to develop programming to educate people about d. incorporating sustainable practices in daily life. e. Conduct school outreach on sustainability topics occuring at the local level and opportunities to participate. S5. Develop mechanisms for implementation and tracking progress. a. Create a citizen-led advisory committee to help guide the city’s sustainability efforts moving forward. b. Complete a sustainability action plan for the city that advances the work in this section. Conduct an annual energy benchmarking assessment for all city buildings, commercial properties, and c. multifamily residential properties. d. Actively support existing citizen sustainability initiatives. e. Strive to become a Gold Community through MORPC's Sustainable2050 program.
152 • Engage New Albany This page intentionally left blank.
Recommendations • 153 PARKS & RECREATION Goal: Explore ways to enhance the quality of life in New Albany and connect residents with the outdoors through parks and recreation.
Parks and recreation Health Benefits: During the Engage New are essential services • Studies have shown Albany planning process, to communities as they significant correlations the community identified contribute to a high quality between exposure to parks and recreation of life by providing social, nature and reductions improvements as a priority health, and economic in stress, lowered blood for the future. The global benefits. According to the pressure, and perceived coronavirus pandemic and National Recreation and physical health the resulting public health Parks Association (NRPA), the orders enacted at the state following are some of the Social Importance: and local levels have further ways that parks add value to • Parks and recreation reinforced our society’s communities. programs provide places recognition of parks as for health and well-being essential public services. This Economic Value: for people of all ages, section focuses on public • Parks improve the local economic status, and parks and facilities as well as tax base and increase abilities recreational programming. property values • Parks help to build social • Trees in cities save $400 capital billion in stormwater retention facility costs • Quality parks and recreation are one of the top three reasons that business cite in relocation decisions
154 • Engage New Albany I like all the bike paths and “ parks. I really enjoy them and they are a big reason why my husband and I moved to New Albany. - Community member ” Recommendations • 155 WHAT WE HEARD
From the community engagement process, the planning team heard feedback that solidified the importance of parks and recreation for the quality of life in New Albany. The planning team also sought more specific feedback regarding parks and recreation improvements at the second community workshop. The results from that meeting are summarized below.
Of the following, what is the top parks & recreation improvement you would like to see in the New Albany community?* (n=197) “Updated and more Community rec center 31% parks, increased ability to walk or bike across New destination park 15% the city.” Updated neighborhood playgrounds 15%
Skatepark 15%
Other 13% “Parks with big, accessible, shaded Indoor fieldhouse 11% playgrounds”
Miracle Field 3%
Additional recreational 2% fields What types of additional programming would you like to see in the New Albany community?* (n=192)
Special events and 58% festivals Arts & culture 47% programs Family-oriented 44% programs Fitness & wellness “Skatepark with all 42% inclusive WCMX (wheelchair programs motocross) capabilities. Nature education 35% More festivals and events that would entice people to Social programs 26% New Albany. ” Senior programs 26%
Adult sports leagues 23%
Youth sports leagues 23%
Other 14% *=percentages don’t equal 100 because responses could count for more than one theme
156 • Engage New Albany EXISTING CONDITIONS
4% of New Albany’s land is used for parks and recreation, which is lower than the national median of 15%
(source: ParkScore®) 52% 383 of New Albany residents acres of local are within a 10-minute walk parks in the city from a park, compared to the national average of 55%
(source: ParkScore®)
1,000 acre Rocky Fork Metro Park just north of the city
RecommendationsRecommendations •• 157157 Figure 3.44 | Local Parks and Open Space Map
Delaware Co. Franklin Co. 605 Bevelhymer Park 62 383 Acres of local parks in the Rocky Fork Metro Park city New Albany Rd
Jug St
Wexner Park
161
161 Dublin Granville Rd Rose Run Park
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd
Kitzmiller Rd
62 Licking Co.
Franklin Co.
Local Parks & Open The map above also shows Space Rocky Fork Metro Park, Legend owned by the Columbus The parks and recreation and Franklin County Metro system in New Albany is Parks, which sits just outside Local Parks and JPD Parks comprised of a variety of the study area. Although park typologies that are not in the study area, it is Rocky Fork Metro Park owned and operated by important to account for as Other Open Space multiple entities. many New Albany residents frequent that park. Other River/Stream As depicted on the map open spaces include private above, local parks include golf courses, cemeteries, and city-owned parks, New public easements. Albany-Plain Local Joint Parks District parks, and parks in residential subdivisions that are currently owned by the homeowner’s association (HOA). In total, these local parks comprise 383 acres of land in the city.
158 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.45 | Existing and Future Leisure Trails Map
Delaware Co. Franklin Co. 605 62 55 miles of existing leisure trails New Albany Rd
Jug St
161
161 Dublin Granville Rd
Main St
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd
Kitzmiller Rd
62 Licking Co.
Franklin Co.
Leisure Trails The map above depicts the Legend existing and future leisure trail network as it relates to Existing Leisure Trails the parks and open space system. Critical connections Future Leisure Trails are still needed to allow Parks & Open Space people to safely travel by foot or bike to several parks, Existing leisure trails River/Stream including Rocky Fork Metro Park. Additionally, there are opportunities to create a network of greenways or linear parks that align with some of the future leisure trail connections.
Existing local park
Recommendations • 159 PARKS & In addition to natural RECREATION resources, historic and cultural resources are STRATEGIES significant assets for the city and their integrity P1. Protect and improve should be respected as the the existing network city changes and grows. of parks, natural open New Albany, as with much spaces, and stream of Central Ohio, lacks corridors. significant topography and therefore should Continuing to create a high- establish and preserve Street trees quality parks and recreation critical viewsheds and vistas system starts with protecting wherever possible in order the existing parks and natural to help create a more visually assets. First, the city should interesting landscape. Finally, improve the quality and New Albany’s agricultural maintenance of existing origins should be celebrated parks to ensure they are by investigating methods of frequented and valued by preserving rural character, community members. especially in developing areas of Licking County. Natural resource management is also critical Rocky Fork Metro Park moving forward, city-owned forests, street trees, and natural open spaces should be properly managed by first maintaining a tree inventory, developing re-forestation plans, and controlling invasive species. The city should strive to preserve and improve the quality of other ecologically sensitive areas too, especially streams and wetlands. Rural aesthetic
Ealy House, a historic home
160 • Engage New Albany P2. Provide for a high Physical access to parks is quality and diversified one component of creating a park system to meet the high quality park system for recreational needs and residents. Another important enhance the quality of component is access to desired recreation facilities. life for all residents. The city should aim to create Members of the New Albany a park system in which each community have different park satisfies the needs of a recreational needs and variety of user groups with a desires and it is critical for range of active and passive Example of an existing neighborhood the city to understand these recreation options. park playground needs to provide a high quality, diversified park Neighborhood parks system for all residents. are one typology of park within the city and many To realize this strategy the of these parks are in need city first needs to complete of repairs or upgrades. In a parks framework plan, improving these parks, care an effort which is already should be taken to create underway at the time of this distinctive neighborhood plan’s publishing. Part of the park playgrounds and to parks framework plan will provide a local park in every include a walkshed analysis neighborhood in the city. Millstone Creek Park, Westerville, OH to determine the existing The development process physical access to parks or can be a tool to ensure that natural areas for residents of adequate open space and the city. parkland is dedicated for all new residential development According to the Trust for moving forward and to Public Land’s ParkScore® conserve critical natural Index, 52% of New Albany resources within commercial residents currently live development sites. within a 10-minute walk from a park, which is below the national average of Hannah Park, Gahanna, OH 55%. Moving forward the city should strive to increase this percentage of residents within a 10-minute walk from a park. This will likely be accomplished by implementing the recommendations in this section.
Example of a splash pad
Recommendations • 161 P3. Engage with partners The city should evaluate To create a continuous to create a regional park, potential open space and network of linear parks, the open space, and trail parkland acquisitions that city should utilize stream system that benefits would protect key natural corridors for greenway New Albany residents resources and provide connections as much as green buffer zones near possible throughout the and businesses. development. Finally, the community and incorporate New Albany is somewhat city should continue to form parkland along them. unique in the fact that a greenbelt of parks and Additionally, setbacks along multiple organizations open spaces around the roadway corridors can be are responsible for city to enhance the natural preserved for green space, the development and environment and help to trees, and natural habitat. maintenance of parks and define the edges of the To preserve these stream recreation facilities in the community. corridors and roadway city. This requires the city setbacks, the city should and other partners to work P4. Create a continuous secure dedication of collaboratively to create network of linear parks, these areas as part of the a park, open space, and paths, walks, and trails, development review process. trail system that is regional thereby enabling the Leisure trails are also in nature and benefits public to travel by included as part of a linear network of parks. the entire New Albany non-motorized modes community. throughout the New The city should continue Albany community. To accomplish this, the city to connect parks, green should continue to partner Parks and open spaces spaces, and natural corridors with the New Albany-Plain can also be linear in nature via leisure trails. Continued Local Joint Parks District to through the development of evaluation of the leisure identify and provide for, the greenways, complete with trail system is important, greater parks and recreation paths and trails. One such so the city should also needs of the community. example that already exists continue to implement the The city has also recently in New Albany is Rose Run annual sidewalk/leisure partnered with the New Park, which runs along the trail program in order Albany-Plain Local School Rose Run stream corridor. to efficiently complete District to enhance the These types of spaces help the active transportation playground on the Learning to increase access to parks network. Campus to transform it throughout the community into more of a community and provide opportunities amenity. for active transportation for people to travel throughout Shared efforts between the the community on foot or city and other municipalities bike. and organizations should continue to protect critical open spaces and provide regional trail connections.
162 • Engage New Albany P5. Create year- To pursue a future location round recreational for a community field house opportunities. or recreation center, the city and partners should assess Creating year-round the feasibility of different recreational opportunities locations. is about providing activities and programming in the The primary providers parks that span the seasons. of sports facilities and Currently, the majority active recreation options of parks and recreation currently are the New programming is conducted Albany-Plain Local School Linear park by the New Albany-Plain District (NAPLSD), the New Local Joint Parks District at Albany-Plain Local Joint their park facilities. The city Parks District, and the Heit should consider working Center. To reach more of the with partners to expand population, the community programming, especially should improve its current free and family-friendly facilities and develop programming, across all additional sports facilities parks and civic spaces. and active park spaces. Programming should also be expanded to provide In addition to active activities for diverse age recreation options the city Coffman Skate Park in Dublin, OH groups, including teens and should also devote some seniors. resources to improving passive recreation. One To facilitate a strong existing asset, the New sense of community and Albany Community Garden, provide space for events will likely be expanded in and programming, the the near future, as proposed city should continue the in phase II of the Rose development of Rose Run Run plans. To ensure that Park as the community’s anyone can use this space, central green space and accessible raised garden gathering place. Currently beds should be incorporated recreation opportunities into the plans. Finally, the city Accessible garden beds are more limited in the should consider the addition colder months in New of public art in parks and Albany and the community public spaces around the has expressed a strong city to add another unique desire for indoor recreation passive recreation element opportunities. The city to those spaces. should explore the development of an indoor field house for sports recreation all year long. Public art at Prather Park in Highland, TX
Recommendations • 163 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The table on the following pages summarizes all of the sustainability recommendations. A more detailed summary matrix can be found starting on page 222.
P. PARKS & RECREATION Goal: Enhance the quality of life and health in New Albany and connect residents with the outdoors through parks and recreation. P1. Protect and improve the existing network of parks, natural open spaces, and stream corridors. a. Improve the quality and maintenance of existing parks. Manage and maintain city-owned forests, street trees, and natural open spaces by maintaining a tree b. inventory, developing re-forestation plans, and controlling invasive species. Improve the quality of city-owned natural resources, especially streams, wetlands, and other ecologically c. sensitive areas. d. Respect the integrity of historic and cultural resources as the city changes and grows. e. Establish and preserve critical viewsheds and vistas. f. Investigate methods of preserving rural character in developing areas of Licking County. P2. Provide for a high quality and diversified park system to meet the recreational needs and enhance the quality of life for all residents. a. Develop a parks framework plan for the city. b. Perform a walkshed analysis to determine the physical access to parks or natural areas for all residents. c. Increase the percentage of New Albany residents who are within a 10-minute walk from a park. Create a park system in which each park satisfies the needs of a variety of user groups with a range of active d. and passive recreation options. Create improved and distinctive neighborhood park playgrounds and provide a local park in every e. neighborhood. Use the development process to ensure adequate open space and parkland dedication for all new f. residential development and to conserve critical natural resources within commercial development sites. P3. Engage with partners to create a regional park, open space, and trail system that benefits New Albany residents and businesses. Continue to partner with the New Albany-Plain Local Joint Parks District to identify the needs of, and provide a. for, the greater park, recreational, and sports programming needs of the community. Continue shared efforts with other municipalities and organizations to protect open spaces and provide b. regional trail connections. Evaluate potential open space and parkland acquisitions that would protect key natural resources and c. provide green buffer zones near development. Continue to form a greenbelt around the city to enhance the natural environment and define the edge of d. the community.
164 • Engage New Albany P. PARKS & RECREATION Goal: Enhance the quality of life and health in New Albany and connect residents with the outdoors through parks and recreation. P4. Create a continuous network of linear parks, paths, walks, and trails, thereby enabling the public to travel by non-motorized modes throughout the New Albany community. Utilize stream corridors as greenway connections throughout the community and incorporate parkland a. along them. b. Preserve setbacks along roadway corridors for green space, trees, and habitat. Secure dedication of green corridor setbacks along roadway and stream corridors as part of the c. development review process. d. Continue to connect parks, green spaces, and natural corridors with leisure trails. Continue to implement an annual sidewalk/leisure trail program to complete the active transportation e. network. f. Encourage additional and improved pedestrian and bike crossings over and under SR 161. P5. Create year-round recreational opportunities. Work with partners to expand programming, especially free and family-friendly programming, across all a. parks and civic spaces. b. Provide activities and programming for diverse age groups, including teens and seniors. Continue to develop a central green space and destination park (Rose Run Park) to serve as the primary c. community gathering place. Provide adequate recreation facilities to accommodate future needs of the community and its various d. demographic segments by implementing adopted parks and recreation master plans. Explore the development of an indoor field house for sports recreation all year long and assess the e. feasibility of different locations. f. Improve current and develop additional sports facilities and active park spaces. g. Incorporate accessible raised garden beds in an expanded Community Garden. h. Consider the addition of public art in New Albany’s parks and public spaces.
Recommendations • 165 COMMUNITY WELLBEING Goal: Foster a more connected, liveable, and equitable New Albany for all community members.
Community wellbeing Connectedness – Equity – An equitable is a new topic for New Connection is fostered by a community is supported by Albany’s strategic plan and community’s social networks values of diversity, social was included as a direct that: justice, and individual result of feedback from the • Offer social support empowerment, where: community. Throughout the • Enhance social trust • All members are treated community engagement • Support members living with fairness and justice process, the planning team harmoniously together • Basic needs are met heard interest in topics • Foster civic engagement (adequate access to health such as diversity, equity, services, safe housing, food, • Empower members to and inclusion; community personal security) participate in community services; programming for and democracy • There is equal opportunity all ages; health services; to get education and meet volunteer opportunities; Livability – A livable individual potential and city communications. community is supported by New Albany already These topics are all the infrastructure, including: embodies many aspects of addressed in this section’s • Housing recommendations. this community wellbeing • Transportation framework. As the city • Education The concept of community matures, there is opportunity wellbeing is still an emerging • Parks and recreation to focus more heavily on one, so there is not one • Human services policies, programs, and standard definition. Some • Public safety services that continue public health researchers • Access to culture and the to advance community have developed three arts wellbeing for all people in fundamental principles that New Albany, which is the aim provide a framework for of this section. understanding community wellbeing, which are:
166 • Engage New Albany Please work to make New Albany “ more inclusive for all. Programs where we can all listen to and share experiences would be a great opportunity to engage and learn from each other. - Community member ” WHAT WE HEARD | COMMUNITY FEEDBACK Topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; community services; programming for all ages; health services; volunteer opportunities; and city communications emerged from the community engagement process. To gather more concrete feedback on these topics, specific questions were asked at the second community workshop to gather ideas from the public. The information on the following pages summarizes that feedback.
What are some ways that New Albany can improve as an inclusive and welcoming place for all people? (n=142)*
Events to bring people of all backgrounds together 17% More diverse representation on 7% boards/commissions and in city media Consider development of affordable 6% housing
Not applicable/New Albany already 6% does a good job at this
Improved communication about things 5% to do in the city
What communication methods do you currently rely on for city-related information? (n=190)*
Word of mouth 46%
The List e-newsletter 46% Other social media platforms 43% (NextDoor, Facebook groups) City of New Albany website 42%
City social media accounts 41%
NEXT e-newsletter 15%
Other 14%
“More visibility of community “Continue asking needs. There are probably a lot for community of people who would be willing feedback and to volunteer/support community participation in needs and improve connectivity decision making” but are unaware of how to best get involved. ”
*=percentages don’t equal 100 because responses could count for more than 1 theme
168 • Engage New Albany What can the city and community do to improve the well-being and happiness of the people that live and work here? (n=138)*
Expand community activities, events, and programming 18%
Continue to provide high quality parks and recreation opportunities 16%
Continue to focus on health and wellness 7%
Prioritize traffic management 6%
Create a community center that is affordable and caters to all people 6%
Reduce the cost of living 5%
Attract more restaurants and retail 5%
Continue to seek out resident feedback 5%
Not applicable/New Albany already 4% does a good job at this
Continue to focus on city communications to inform the public and promote activities 4%
Maintain the current sense of community 4%
Prioritize safety in all modes of 3% transportation
Prioritize sustainability 3%
Expand mental health services, especially for youth 3%
Focus on family friendly activities 3%
Recommendations • 169 EXISTING CONDITIONS The graphs on the following When comparing the pages provide a snapshot of population distribution by the existing demographics race and ethnicity, New of New Albany. According Albany is fairly similar POPULATION PYRAMID to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau to the New Albany-Plain estimates collected by ESRI, Local School District Women Men New Albany had 10,745 (NAPLSD), with the school 85+ residents. The largest age district having a slightly 80-84 75-79 groups in New Albany are higher percentage of the 70-74 people between the ages population that identifies as 65-69 of 10 and 19 (18%) and non-white and/or Hispanic. 60-64 between the ages of 45-54 55-59 50-54 (18%). This is unsurprising as According to estimates 45-49 New Albany is a very family- from the American 40-44 oriented community. New Community Survey (ACS), 35-39 Albany is also one of the 30-34 about 10% of households 25-29 wealthiest cities in Ohio, with in New Albany report 20-24 a median household income having one or more 15-19 of $166,580 and 42% of persons with a disability. 10-14 households having a median 5-9 Disability status includes 0-4 income of $200,000 or more sensory, physical, or per year. mental disabilities. Finally, about 7% of New Albany Compared to other residents are foreign-born geographies New Albany according to the ACS. This has the lowest Diversity is compared to almost Index ranking. The Diversity 12% and 5% foreign-born Index is a measure between populations in Franklin POPULATION BY AGE 1 and 100 of the probability County and the State of that two people from the Ohio, respectively. same area will be from 75+ 0-9 different racial and/or ethnic 65-74 4% 13% groups. Anecdotally, the 8% planning team heard from 55-64 the community that diversity 14% 10-19 is an issue that warrants 18% attention and this measure backs up that claim.
18% 14% 45-54 11% 20-34
35-44
Source: ESRI U.S. Census Bureau Estimates (2019)
170 • Engage New Albany MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME DIVERSITY INDEX
<$24,999 60 57.1 $200,000+ $25,000 - 5% $49,999 42% 7% 40.7 38.2 40 $50,000 - 32.9 9% $74,999
20 8% $75,000 - $99,999 0 13% 16% $100,000 - New NAPLSD Franklin State of $150,000 - $149,999 Albany County Ohio $199,999
RACE AND ETHNICITY
84% White Alone 78% 9% Asian Alone 11% 4% Black Alone 7% City of New Albany 3% Two or More Races NAPLSD 3% 2% Hispanic Origin (Any Race) 3%
HOUSEHOLDS BY DISABILITY STATUS PERCENT FOREIGN BORN POPULATION (ACS 2014-18 ESTIMATE) (ACS 2014-2018 ESTIMATE) Households with 1+ 11.9% persons w/disability 12% 10% 10%
8% 7.0% 6% 4.8% 4% 2% 90% 0 Households with no New Franklin State of person w/disability Albany County Ohio
Recommendations • 171 EXISTING COMMUNITY GROUPS AND INITIATIVES
SOAR Parents Network
Columbus Metropolitan Library New Albany Branch New Albany Food Pantry
Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany Pride New Albany
New Albany Farmers Market Taste of New Albany
172 • Engage New Albany Recommendations • 172 COMMUNITY Case Study: WELL-BEING City of Beaverton Diversity Advisory OBJECTIVES Board | Beaverton, OR
C1. Foster an inclusive In addition to representation and welcoming sense of in local government bodies community. and training of employees, the city can conduct regular As it relates to the strategic outreach with organizations plan, being inclusive and and groups that have a welcoming is about creating focus on diversity. This could a city where all people have include groups like SOAR, access to the opportunities, a network for parents of support, and infrastructure students of African descent they need to thrive. within the New Albany- Plain Local School District. The City of Beaverton’s Diversity The city should actively Another existing diversity Advisory Board (DAB) advises the Mayor and City Council on equity and seek and encourage initiative is Pride New Albany, inclusion strategies that strengthen diverse representation on which was first held in 2019 connections among diverse city boards, commissions, and was organized by the communities living in Beaverton and and committees to ensure New Albany Chamber of with the city government. The board that people with different Commerce and Foxwerx, a is comprised of thirteen regular identities have a voice in the marketing and advertising members who are appointed for three direction of the city. Another agency. years terms and up to three alternate avenue to foster inclusivity members. The board meets one a within the city would be to Finally, to continue striving month and meetings are public with create a Diversity, Equity, to create an inclusive time reserved for public moment at each meeting. and Inclusion Committee environment for all people, or Task Force, comprised the city may consider The duties of DAB members include: of a diverse representation the application of certain of residents to serve as a recommendations from • Advise the Mayor and City Council on outreach strategies to engage liaison between community the Autism Planning and communities of color. members and the city. Design Guidelines 1.0, a • Work with the community to make Many municipalities have policy and design framework recommendations for maintaining instituted similar types of created to improve the the city’s diversity, equity, and committees or task forces. built environment so that inclusion plan. One such example is the people with autism can • Promote the city’s efforts to involve City of Beaverton’s Diversity thrive. In New Albany, the residents from underrepresented Advisory Board, which you application of some of the communities on city volunteer can read about in the case recommendations from committees, boards, commissions, study to the right. All city these guidelines might be and neighborhood associations, employees, including law best focused on the Village as well as seek employment with enforcement officers, should Center and in other public the city. also have mandatory cultural spaces initially. • Promote the Board to the public competency training to help and help implement strategies in tackle issues specifically the diversity, equity, and inclusion related to racial bias and plan for public outreach. injustice. • Advise the city on public information and materials to ensure they are culturally responsive and presented in understandable formats.
Recommendations • 173 C2. Continue open city It is also important to Case Study: communication with the create open avenues of Chats & Walks with Council | public. communication between Boulder, CO community members and During the Engage New local government officials. Albany process, community This plan recommends members expressed two objectives to continue an appreciation for the this work. First, the city opportunity to provide should develop a consistent feedback and be involved in communication strategy shaping the city’s future. The with each homeowners city has a great reputation association (HOA) in the city. for communication with the This communication strategy public and should continue could include notifications these open communication of nearby development efforts into the future. First, applications and projects. the city can continue to In 2019, the City Council in Boulder, Colorado decided to try new utilize new forms of media to The second objective approaches to engage community promote city initiatives and involves hosting regular members who do not typically events. This relates to some Community Dialogues participate in more formal council earlier recommendations in between key city leaders and settings a convenient, drop-in the sustainability section of the public. These Community opportunity to connect with their this plan to communicate the Dialogues would be informal elected officials through Chats with city’s existing sustainability gatherings between City Council. The Chats are designed initiatives and perhaps Council members, the Mayor, to promote two-way meaningful create a dedicated page and department leadership conversations about issues that on the city’s website to matter most to residents and others and could be based on a in the city. Two to three council include sustainability-related focused topic or could be members attend each Chats with information. This can also more broad in nature. This Council session, with no formal extend to other topics and type of program provides an agenda or presentation. Community other forms of media as well. opportunity for community members can come and go anytime The city can also develop updates, education about during the session and refreshments educational campaigns city initiatives, and a chance are provided for these sessions. These to inform residents about for community members are flexible dialogues depending current land use planning to get to know their on the number of community and development topics to government officials. members who attend and the topics include residents in these of interest for discussion. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, these areas of local government Chats with Council went digital, being and maintain New Albany’s held via video conferencing. The City community of choice image. Council has also initiated Walks with Council, where council members join existing walking groups or organize specific walks as an informal way of interacting with residents. This allows them to collect input on important issues while highlighting Boulder’s walkability. The walks are planned to last for an hour with a half-hour chat following the walk at a coffee shop along the route.
174 • Engage New Albany C3. Encourage The city should continue to Case Study: explore free and accessible programming to Mental Health First Aid Training & programming for a variety of support the needs of all Resources | Longmont, CO residents. groups through the creation of its own programming Mental health awareness or by partnering with and services arose as a community organizations. priority among community The city can also help to members in this planning support and promote more process. To address this activities for seniors, couples, priority, the city can support families, teens, and young and promote existing mental adults within the community. health services to help create awareness of the services Although New Albany has a that are currently available very high quality of life for for residents. Additionally, most residents, there are The City of Longmont, Colorado has mental health first aid likely still some households created Supporting Action for Mental training should be instituted that are struggling, which Health (SAM), a coalition of local for all first responders and could be even further community groups, organizations, other community partners, compounded by the faith communities, residents, and such as the New Albany-Plain economic implications of government entities working together Local School District and the the global coronavirus to explore mental health awareness Philip Heit Center for Healthy pandemic. According to the and actions to address mental health New Albany should consider American Community Survey needs in Longmont. This coalition doing the same for their (ACS) 2014-2018 estimates, hosts classes and events, organizes employees. about 1.6% of New Albany Conversations on Mental Health, and creates communication materials households live below the to raise awareness about the topic. Many residents expressed poverty line and 2% have Additionally, they provide Mental a desire for more relied on the Supplemental Health First Aid training for interested programming throughout Nutrition Assistance Program individuals, first responders, and the year, especially (SNAP) in the past year. businesses/organizations. The training programming that is free and Working with the New is sponsored by The Colorado Health caters to particular groups, Albany-Plain Local School Foundation, which allows the SAM like families, teens, and older District, the city can help to to offer the class at no charge. SAM adults. Some of these types coordinate support services offers courses on adult, youth, and of programs already exist for families who are facing elderly mental health first aid and each course is eight hours long. The in New Albany thanks to certain economic or social certification for completing the course community organizations, hardships. lasts for three years. As of early 2019, like the Columbus over 1,700 people have completed Metropolitan Library New mental health first aid training Albany Branch and the Philip through SAM’s program. Heit Center for Healthy New Albany.
Recommendations • 175 C4. Support community The city should also develop Case Study: initiatives that enhance its own youth volunteer Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading | the community’s program to utilize young Reading, PA wellbeing. adults as volunteers at city events and in city parks and As the city matures the city facilities. of New Albay’s role will likely expand to include not One of the main initiatives just physical community from the 2014 Strategic development, but the Plan was the creation of development of programs the Healthy New Albany and initiatives to enhance initiative. This public-private the community’s wellbeing. partnership has been very As this unfolds, it may be successful, and the city necessary to explore the should continue to build on creation of a position at this and other partnerships The Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) is with the community. Finally, the City of New Albany to a network of affiliated organizations facilitate community relations residents expressed a across North America that engage and programming. This desire for opportunities youth ages 11 to 18 in team-based, position would likely have a to mingle with others structured, diverse, flexible service- large hand in implementing within and outside of their learning opportunities. YVC of the recommendations in neighborhoods. The city Reading is one of those affiliate this section and would should support the creation organizations and is run by a coordinate with other of such opportunities as community non-profit organization. community service providers they will help to build an During the school year, YVC to ensure all needs are being even stronger sense of members convene to complete a variety of projects after school and community. met. on weekends. This program stresses flexible volunteer opportunities that The desire for a more can be built around a busy schedule. coordinated volunteer In addition to ongoing volunteer program arose a lot during opportunities, YVC offers on-time the community engagement projects ass well. process. People expressed difficulty in finding volunteer One of the ongoing service activities opportunities and some is a Youth Advisory Board of Berks organizations stated that County Community Foundation, which consists of 30 high school their supply of interested students from across the county. They volunteers is often higher meet regularly and serve as a YVC than the demand. To address leadership team to create and lead this issue, the city should service projects throughout the school work with community year. The board also steward a youth organizations to develop philanthropy fund through Berks a digital volunteering County Community Foundation that hub or matching service provides up to $15,000 per year for to centralize volunteer local agencies in youth-chosen issue opportunities and ensure areas. that interested volunteers are aligned with organizations who need volunteers.
176 • Engage New Albany SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The table on the following pages summarizes all of the community wellbeing recommendations. A more detailed summary matrix can be found starting on page 222.
C. COMMUNITY WELLBEING Goal: Foster a more healthy, supportive, livable, and inclusive New Albany for all community members. RECOMMENDATIONS C1. Foster an inclusive and welcoming sense of community. Partner with community groups and organizations to encourage more culturally diverse community a. programs and events. b. Seek and encourage diverse representation on city boards, commissions, and committees. Create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee comprised of a diverse representation of residents to c. serve as a liaison between community members and the city and promote ongoing outreach. d. Implement cultural competency training for city employees. e. Conduct regular outreach with organizations and groups that have a focus on diversity. Consider the application of recommendations from the Autism Planning and Design Guidelines 1.0, with a f. focus on the Village Center and public spaces. C2. Continue open city communication with the public. a. Utilize new forms of media to promote city initiatives and events. Promote education about current land use planning and development topics throughout the community to b. maintain New Albany’s community of choice image. Develop a consistent communication strategy with each homeowners association (HOA) that includes c. notifications of nearby development applications and projects. d. Host Community Dialogues between key city leaders and the public on a regular basis. C3. Encourage programming to support the needs of all residents. a. Support and promote mental health services and awareness. Institute mental health first aid training for all first responders and encourage other community partners to b. train employees. c. Continue to explore free and accessible programming. d. Support and promote activities for seniors, couples, families, teens, and young adults within the community. e. Work with the school district(s) to coordinate area-wide support services. C4. Support community initiatives that enhance the community’s well-being and happiness. Explore the creation of a position at the City of New Albany to facilitate community relations and a. programming. Work with community organizations to develop a volunteering hub/matching service to centralize volunteer b. opportunities. c. Develop a youth volunteer program to utilize young adults as volunteers at events and in parks and facilities. d. Continue to build on the Healthy New Albany initiatives and other partnerships with the community. e. Support the creation of opportunities and focused efforts to meet neighbors and build community.
Recommendations • 177 FOCUS AREAS Goal: Provide an additional level of planning detail in identified areas of expected or desired investment to help ensure the plan recommendations are realized.
While the land use section 1) These are places with In addition to providing of this plan establishes unique complications and strategic direction, the the foundation for existing existing conditions that focus areas provide an and future land use and can be transformed into opportunity to demonstrate development within the assets to make these focus how the recommendations city and its potential growth areas signature parts of the outlined in the other areas, there are a number of community; sections of this plan can areas that warrant additional be applied in the built attention and detail due to 2) Development is expected environment. It is important special circumstances. This in the near future. to note that the COVID-19 plan identifies five such 2) Desired future land uses pandemic and the resulting focus areas. They are the are changing from what was economic challenges will Northwest Area, Winding anticipated in past plans. have some impact on Hollow, Zarley, Ganton, and the recommendations the Village Center. They are 3) The areas need additional in this section. This type highlighted on the map to attention to better connect of planning, however, the right. within New Albany. helps the city to withstand difficult economic cycles These focus areas were 4) The areas require careful and to continue to pursue selected for additional consideration of how infill development that aligns planning detail for the development and public with the city’s long-term following reasons. improvements best enhance vision. This is why it is also the character and goals of important to update the New Albany. strategic plan on a regular basis. This section provides tailored recommendations for each of the five focus areas.
178 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.46 | Focus Areas Map
Delaware Co. Franklin Co. 605
62
Northwest Area
New Albany Rd
Jug St
Village Center Zarley
161
161 Dublin Granville Rd Ganton
Main St Winding Hollow
Beech Rd
Babbitt Rd
Kitzmiller Rd
62 Licking Co.
Franklin Co.
Winding Hollow is a former The Northwest Area is one golf course in a beautiful of the first portions of the Legend natural setting, strategically business park to develop located between the rapidly 25 years ago. It is now developing Business Park surrounded by residential Focus Area South, the Village Center and development and has rural estate lots. scattered undeveloped Study Area sites that need to be better Ganton is the area directly connected and positioned City Boundary east of the Village Center yet for appropriate uses. divided by Rose Run Creek. It has prime visibility from The Village Center is the SR 161 but is also adjacent growing, vibrant heart of to the rural corridor that the city that must better separates the Village Center connect the Market Square from the business park. area with the historic Village, continue to provide desired Zarley is an area with an community services and eclectic mix of uses at the US amenities, and address 62 gateway that is in need issues that come with of public realm and mobility success such as parking and improvements to better traffic. connect it with the rest of the city. Recommendations • 179 F1. WINDING The focus area is larger Residential lots along Babbitt HOLLOW than just the former golf Road were included in this course and includes rural focus area because many of residential lots along the the parcel owners expressed Existing Conditions east side of Babbitt Road interest in appropriate The heart of this focus as well as large agriculture buffering from the large area is the site of the lots along the west side of commercial uses in the area. former Winding Hollow Beech Road and the south golf course. As such, it is a side of Worthington Road. It is also worthwhile noting largely undeveloped and It is situated south of SR that this focus area is natural site. In fact, it is often 161 between business park bifurcated by the Franklin lauded as one of the most South to the east and rural County-Licking County line. naturally significant sections residential land west of This is important as it impacts of undeveloped land in New Babbitt Road. potential future land use due Albany. For this reason, it is to the city’s desire to ensure critical that any development With the improvements that children within the city on this site protect and to Beech Road south of attend New Albany-Plain incorporate its natural SR 161 for the growing Local schools. Land in this features. Business Park South and the portion of Licking County is potential improvements to within the Licking Heights The Winding Hollow focus Babbitt Road, this area has School District. area consists of just over been viewed as a future 512 acres bounded by employment center for more Worthington Road to the than five years. north, Beech Road to the east, Babbitt Road to the west, and data center development to the south.
Smiths Mill Road 161
Business Park
Focus Area
Babbitt Road
Business Park South
FRANKLIN COUNTY Beech Road LICKING COUNTY NORTH
180 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.47 | Winding Hollow Focus Area Diagram
Business Park
Smith’s Mill Road Licking County Franklin County Franklin 161
161 Dublin Granville Road
Focus Area | ±512 Acres
The Golf Club
Beech Road Babbitt Road Babbitt
Key natural features of this It should be noted for focus area include gently comparison purposes that Legend rolling terrain, varying roughly ten Swickard Woods topography, attractive vistas, would fit within the woods Buildings a number of large stands in this focus area. These of woods, two tributaries woods predominantly line Open Space of Blacklick Creek and the east and west sides of Tree Cover several wetlands. Most of the former Winding Hollow the wetlands are within golf course. Because of Leisure Trails the wooded areas and the large data centers and jurisdictional wetlands growing Business Park South Rivers & Streams should be protected. This development, these north- Floodplain plan recommends protecting south woods can provide large wooded areas and substantial buffers between Study Area Boundary habitats, buffering streams, development east of, and and creating public leisure within, this focus area and for trails along natural features the Babbitt Road corridor. such as stream corridors. To the extent possible, the wooded areas should be made publicly accessible.
Recommendations • 181 Needed Improvements An additional east-west road This site could be developed that runs along the southern in a number of appropriate part of the site may also ways. Key drivers for any be necessary to provide development include another connection between the integration of natural Babbitt Road and Beech features, identification of Road. Finally, depending appropriate land uses, and on the development type, development of a new road additional road connections network based upon site will be needed to serve development and the overall development areas within Leisure trails mobility needs of the area. this site.
A road network needs to Shown on the page to be created as part of any the right is one potential development of this focus street layout. It includes the area. This means the creation Ganton Parkway extension of new roads and potential and connection, which changes to existing roads. follows the Worthington The roads need to be master Road alignment through the planned with this focus Babbitt Road intersection area. Based upon previous and then runs southeast to studies, it is anticipated Beech Road. The alignment that a new east-west road, is shown to avoid anticipated Trail along stream corridor called Ganton Parkway, will wetland areas. This layout be extended through this also shows disconnecting site connecting US 62 in the Worthington Road from Village Center at Theisen Beech Road, though it could Road through to the existing still be maintained as a bike Ganton Parkway east of route. To accommodate Beech Road. The exact access and mobility within alignment will need to be the focus area, a new road studied further. is also shown connecting Babbitt Road to the new Road improvements may Ganton Parkway extension. Additional roadway also include the realignment Woodlands of Worthington Road from connections will likely Beech Road to guide desired be needed to serve the travel patterns to Ganton area and provide multiple Parkway and improve traffic access points. To the extent function at the Beech Road possible, these new roads interchange. As reviewed should be designed to work in the mobility section, with and take advantage improvements to Babbitt of the existing topography Road and the potential and setting to add to New extension of Babbitt Road Albany’s attractive signature north over SR 161 to Smith’s street system. Ganton Mill Road is also an important Parkway should truly reflect a network improvement. parkway character. Scenic roadway along a stream corridor
182 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.48 | Winding Hollow Green Space & Transportation Framework Diagram
Business Park
Smith’s Mill Road Licking County Franklin County Franklin 161 Natural Features
161 Dublin Granville Road
Bike Route
Leisure Trail Connections
The Golf Club
Beech Road
Existing Bike Lanes Babbitt Road Babbitt
The diagram above also To address the community’s highlights the creation continuing desire to Legend of a compelling bike and provide more leisure trails leisure trail system in this along streams and natural area and connecting to the corridors, this plan provides Tree Cover larger leisure trail network. trails along both Blacklick Open Space/Green Per the Leisure Trail Master Creek tributaries. Together, Corridors Plan, leisure trails should be this mobility system provides provided along both sides of a great amenity to the area Rivers & Streams new and improved roadways. and connects it with the city’s alternative transportation Study Area Boundary With the extension of Ganton system. The roadway network Parkway, leisure trails will shown on this diagram is Leisure Trail Connections extend all the way to the conceptual to provide a Existing Bike Infrastructure Village Center and with a framework for mobility on Babbitt Road bridge, they this site. Exact alignment of will connect to Smith’s Mill roadways will require further Road. study, planning, and design. Note: Illustration is for diagrammatic purposes only. Actual preservation should be evaluated during the permitting process.
Recommendations • 183 Future Development a development could be This focus area is one of the an appropriate fit here if remaining signature sites in designed well. New Albany. For this reason, the city is willing to allow Finally, integrating housing for flexibility, provided a in the mix of uses would compelling vision drives high support retail uses in a quality future development. mixed-use development as Any site plan for this area well as improve the function should meet the goals and of a mobility zone on this objectives of this plan. This site (see page 127). Such Example of office development area has been identified housing would need to in previous plans as an address the missing housing employment center, which types in New Albany and is still the desired use. This be well-integrated with the could take the form of rest of the development. additional technology and Alternatively, housing could data center development, be used as a buffer between building on the development the employment uses and that is occurring along Beech existing development Road. Alternatively, and along Babbitt Road. The because of the setting, this former golf course and existing natural features area would be a high-quality Example of compact location for an office campus would be a wonderful single-family development headquarters, similar to setting for a high quality the Abercrombie and Fitch residential neighborhood. headquarters to the north. If proposed, however, such a development At the same time, mixed-use should be of a distinctive developments are becoming and attractive vernacular high demand settings that contributes to, and is for companies and their reflective of, New Albany. employees. Development Residential development is trends are moving away discouraged unless it is part from traditional suburban of a comprehensive mixed- use development proposal. Example of office development development to integrated, with preserved wetlands walkable, and connected Residential development mixed-use environments. should address community, These types of developments fiscal, and school district provide restaurant, park, impacts. Residential recreation, entertainment, development should also and service amenities. ensure adequate open space Such an environment and leisure trail connections has been identified as an to existing neighborhoods underserved office market and the Village Center. in New Albany. There are opportunities for this type of development in and around Example of multifamily the Village Center, but such residential development
184 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.49 | Winding Hollow Development Concept Diagram
Business Park
Smith’s Mill Road Licking County Franklin County Franklin 161
161 Dublin Granville Road
The Golf Club
Beech Road Babbitt Road Babbitt
The land use diagram above Office development here reflects these conditions. would create a campus-like Legend It shows one potential environment and any retail layout of a master planned would be integrated with the development for Winding site rather than disconnected Tree Cover Hollow. The employment outparcels. This scenario Open Space/Green center area is an extension shows a residential mixed- Corridors of the adjacent office and use area, comprised of a mix data center development. of different housing types. It Rivers & Streams The commercial mixed- would serve as a transition use area indicates where between the employment- Study Area Boundary office and retail could be focused uses to the east and located to take advantage the rural estates to the west. Employment Center of the proximity to the It could be a true mixed-use Beech Road interchange development, or a largely Residential Mixed-Use and Ganton Parkway. While residential one. Again, if the employment center residential, it should be of Commercial Mixed-Use is of a larger scale, the a distinctive New Albany Leisure Trail Connections commercial mixed-use area vernacular. is a more walkable and pedestrian-oriented place.
Recommendations • 185 To reiterate, the diagram shown on the previous page is not the only solution, but it does highlight important parameters. Boundaries between the uses are flexible; the important objective is to intentionally design the entire development to be integrated and appear as one unique area.
For the previously stated reasons, it is critical that this focus area is master planned as a whole rather than in a piecemeal manner. Master planning by any developer needs to detail how the natural features will be protected and incorporated into development, how the leisure trail and road network will be completed, how the development reflects the school district boundaries, how this area will contribute to the overall built environment of New Albany, and how the development meets the goals and objectives of the city.
186 • Engage New Albany Figure #.# | Map Title CASE STUDIES Serenbe | Chattahoochee Hills, GA Located in the Georgia countryside, Serenbe was born out of a vision to protect the rural land on which it sits. Serenbe seamlessly integrates New Urbanist ideals in a conservation development setting. With a mix of housing types, varied and distinct architecture, trails connecting neighborhoods and businesses, and commercial uses intertwined with residential, Serenbe’s unique sense of place is now home to over 650 residents. The entire development was designed with nature in mind with over 70% of the land preserved as green space, a certified organic farm, nature trails, and a respect for the agricultural history of the area.
Serenbe is comprised of four hamlets, each with a unique focus: Selborne Hamlet is devoted to the arts, Grange Hamlet has an agricultural theme, Mado Hamlet is centered on health & wellness, and the fourth hamlet (yet to be named) will have an education focus. Each hamlet also has distinctive retail and office mixed in with the neighborhood. Serenbe is a perfect case study for the Winding Hollow focus area as it features mixed-use, walkable development that takes advantage of and respects the site’s natural features and topography to create a truly distinctive place grounded in community values similar to New Albany.
Jackson Meadow, Marine-on-St. Croix, MN Located on 145 acres of open fields and wooded hills that used to be a farm, Jackson Meadow employs a rural community ideology. The development is situated around a central grid of smaller lots with larger country lots organized along a loop road. The houses were designed to be slightly smaller than typical single family homes in the area to evoke a village feel. Homes in Jackson Meadow are connected via trails that also link to over 350 acres of land, including nearby parks and downtown Marine-on-St. Croix. The trails also connect to the nearby elementary school, so kids can safely walk to school.
Jackson Meadow is a case study in cluster development, which allowed for the preservation of more than 70% of the site as open space. Each neighborhood block in the development is oriented in the mews condition, facing a pedestrian alley that extends between the fronts of houses. In focusing on environmental sustainability, the site also employs communal wetlands in lieu of individual septic systems to filter wastewater. Additionally, any residential landscaping is comprised solely of native trees and plants.
Recommendations • 187 F2. NORTHWEST The northwestern area of The roadway network AREA New Albany was annexed also opened land for into the city and began development along rapidly developing with the New Albany Road East, Existing Conditions construction of the new SR Central College, and New The Northwest focus area 161, a limited access freeway Albany Condit Road. The is within an area bounded that replaced Dublin- city zoned this area for by the New Albany city Granville Road and was Office Campus (OCD) and boundary to the west, Walnut built in the mid-1990’s. This General Employment (GE) Street to the north, the Upper project included the creation and successfully attracted Clarenton neighborhood of a new interchange and corporate development to the east, and Central roadway network in this such as Discover, American College Road to the south. area. The interchange was Regents and Aetna. This The particular focus area located within Columbus, became an important generally excludes the adjacent to the western employment and income newer subdivisions and edge of New Albany. The tax generating area for the consists of roughly 360 new roadway network city. As the City of New acres. It is highlighted included New Albany Road, Albany built new roadways on the map below. The Fodor Road to the south, with frontage along SR 161, area is surrounded by and New Albany Road East such as Walton Parkway and higher density residential and West to the north. The Smith’s Mill Road, office and in Columbus to the west interchange opened up employment development and south, Sugar Run and land for development and moved east. neighborhoods to the east, retail shopping centers were The Northwest focus area and Rocky Fork Metro Park to built north and south of the today contains leftover the north. interchange. parcels and scattered sites that remain undeveloped.
161 Business Park Focus Area
Central College Road
New Albany Road E
Walnut Street
The Links
605 NORTH
Rocky Fork Metro Park
188 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.50 | Northwest Area Context Diagram
605
Walnut Street
Schleppi Road
Northwest Area
Harlem Road
New Albany Road East
Bevelhymer Road
Central College Road
62
Smith’s Mill Road 161
Fodor Road
161
At the same time, over the Efforts have been made to past 25 years existing rural protect natural features, Legend residential and agriculture provide green space, and land in this area has been ensure that development Study Area Boundary significantly redeveloped is of a higher quality than into more dense residential otherwise would have City Boundary development to meet growing occurred. This has been demand. In Columbus, this achieved by the Rocky Fork Buildings has largely taken the form of Blacklick Accord – the joint multifamily developments Columbus and New Albany Open Space to provide housing for the review panel established in employment centers in this 1996. The result to this point Leisure Trails part of the region. In New is a medley of offices, data Rivers & Streams Albany, the form is single- centers, parking lots, retail, family subdivisions and age- single-family subdivisions, restricted (55+) developments. rural lots, large setbacks, and The density of residential leftover lots. It suffers from development in the Columbus having been developed in an portion is much higher incremental, siloed manner than in New Albany, where across a quarter century. The density has been restricted, in challenge with this focus area alignment with past strategic lies in developing a unified plans. vision.
Recommendations • 189 Needed Improvements This is a great way to connect It needs to accommodate First and fundamentally, employees with housing additional leisure trails as this area needs to be better and amenities that makes well as other mobility zone connected to the natural office sites attractive and components. features and amenities competitive. This includes steps to of the area. To the north, improve transit, micro transit, across Walnut Street, is This focus area and ride sharing, and bike lanes the Rocky Fork Metro Park its surroundings also in both public and private – a wonderful natural area have family-oriented projects. Road network and recreation amenity. It neighborhoods that improvements are also is planned to eventually require enhanced bike and needed within the city and extend west across SR 605 pedestrian connections the region. With expected to Schleppi Road, preserving to parks as well as to the capacity increases on SR more habitat and building a Learning Campus across 161, traffic will increase regional park that serves as SR 161 that would allow at the New Albany Road the northern greenbelt for school-aged children to interchange and along New the city. Just to the east of safely travel to destinations. Albany Road East to SR 605. the metro park is Bevelhymer Improvements such as Improving connectivity to the Park – one of the most the Velo Loop and bike/ Hamilton Road interchange popular and active recreation pedestrian bridge over SR and extending Hamilton areas in New Albany. Stream 161 will create north-south Road north into Delaware corridors, such as Sugar Run, connectivity and school County where additional also meander through this access without forcing growth and demand is focus area. Extending leisure pedestrians and bicyclists occurring, will reduce the trails along natural features through the increasingly burden at this location. like streams to connect busy New Albany Road Such improvements will regional green spaces interchange area. While require working with the has been identified as a the city has done a good Mid-Ohio Regional Planning community priority. Large job preserving the natural Commission (MORPC) and setbacks around the office features and green space in the City of Columbus. developments in this area this focus area, it is important would be prime locations to focus on extending for leisure trail connections leisure trails throughout to to serve the needs of both physically connect the area employees and residents. and make it a more desirable place to live, work, and play. Less visible, but also impactful to land use, are Other mobility underground utility corridors improvements need to that cross through this be considered as well. As area. These are corridors described in the mobility that cannot be built upon section, this area is going but could serve as great to continue to experience connections for leisure trails. increased traffic as the region One such corridor runs from grows, in large part because Central College Road and of the interchange and New Albany Road West and regional access it provides. extends northeast toward New Albany Road East.
190 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.51 | Northwest Area Green Systems Framework Diagram
Rocky Fork Metro Park Bevelhymer Park New Albany Condit Road Condit Albany New Walnut Street
Nottingham Trace
W Campus Road
New Albany Road East Bevelhymer Road Bevelhymer
The Courtyard Sugar Run
New Albany Links
Central College Road Leisure Trail Connections
The land uses and These local amenities development in the do not exist in this area Legend Northwest focus area to the extent desired. are fragmented and do Additionally, many of the Buildings not relate well with each rural lot property owners other. Understanding may sell to developers as Open Space/Green changing market conditions, this area builds out. All of Corridors demographics, and the these factors point to a Tree Cover current built environment more purposeful mix of uses helps to inform future thoughtfully placed and Leisure Trails development here. Existing designed to serve the area. Rivers & Streams age-restricted housing in the area is high quality but is Study Area Boundary isolated from the rest of the New Albany Boundary community and amenities. Residents want opportunities to gather at a neighborhood park or restaurant.
Recommendations • 191 Future Development These sites (Sites 2 & 3) There are several options A handful of undeveloped sit squarely in the Office to consider for the future sites exist in the Northwest Campus District and are of this area and the focus area, as identified surrounded by existing developable sites within on the diagram on the office development, with the this focus area in particular. following page. Generally, exception of the Nottingham A preferred development there are three typologies of Trace subdivision being built option is shown on the undeveloped sites. The first to the north. Site 2 includes following page, though type (Site 1) is undeveloped frontage at the highly components could be land internal to the large trafficked northwest corner arranged differently. Because block bounded by SR 605 to of New Albany Road East the public road network is the west, New Albany Road and SR 605. in place to serve Sites 2, 3, East to the south, Dean Farm and 4, no new streets are Road to the east and Walnut The third type is Central proposed. However new Street to the north. This land College Road frontage. public streets are required is in transition, with single- This site (Site 4) sits along to serve Site 1 and break story data centers located Central College Road at down this large block into to the south of the block, the edge of the city, west more meaningful areas while agriculture fields in the core of Discover Financial improving connectivity, awaiting development, a Services. It is across from and safety, and access. Existing single-family subdivision abuts two- and three-story private streets in the (Upper Clarenton) to residential development in focus area should also be the east, and large rural Columbus and includes the amenitized to the same residential lots to the north prominent northwest corner standard as public streets. and west (many just outside of Central College Road current city limits). This area and New Albany Road East. The road network can take is bound to produce friction Redevelopment could create different forms, but Souder with existing residents as a center that ties together Road should be extended it develops. Site 1 needs the entire focus area. It is to Walnut Street in some organizing green space and located in New Albany’s fashion and if any residential carefully considered buffers Office Campus (OC) zoning development occurs in between differing uses. district and undeveloped this area, it should connect However, buffers can only parcels lie to either side of to Upper Clarenton at the be appropriately located West Campus Oval. Galdino Drive street stub. and designed if there is The rural residential lots All these options also show agreement on where the throughout this focus area leisure trail connections on final use boundaries will be are zoned Agriculture or both sides of these major in the future. This land is Residential Estate. The streets; along new street(s) zoned General Employment property owners of these that connect to Walnut Street and Comprehensive Planned lots have the right to sell to to provide connectivity for Unit Development. developers in the future if the area to the metro park, they so choose, just as other Bevelhymer Park, and to The second typology landowners in this area sold regional trails; along the includes land along the west for development previously. preserved stream corridors; side of New Albany Road This plan is an important and along the large utility East as it approaches SR 605/ tool to guide development, easements. New Albany Condit Road. especially in areas of change, such as these focus areas.
192 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.52 | Northwest Area Development Sites Diagram
Rocky Fork Metro Park
Bevelhymer Park New Albany Condit Road Condit Albany New Walnut Street
Nottingham Trace
Site 1 | ±75 Acres
Site 2 | ±25 Acres
W Campus Road
New Albany Road East Bevelhymer Road Bevelhymer
Site 3 | ±12 Acres The Courtyard Sugar Run
New Albany Links
Central College Road Site 4 | ±20 Acres
Additional study and planning should be Legend undertaken for this focus area to ensure the Buildings development pattern is pedestrian-friendly and not Open Space auto-oriented. Tree Cover
Aerial view of site 1 Leisure Trails Rivers & Streams
Floodplain
Study Area Boundary
Undeveloped Sites
New Albany Boundary
Aerial view of sites 2, 3, & 4
Recommendations • 193 Figure 3.53 | Alternative Northwest Area Development Concept A The preferred development concept for the Northwest Rocky Fork Metro Park focus area is shown on the Bevelhymer Park following page. For Site 1, it New Albany Condit Road Condit Albany New Walnut Street proposes that single-family residential development Nottingham Trace Site 1 is the most practical and appropriate for this area— continuing and connecting Site 2 the existing residential W Campus Road neighborhoods of Upper New Albany Road East Clarenton to the east and Road Bevelhymer Nottingham Trace to the west Site 3 The Courtyard while taking advantage of Sugar Run the prime location close to New Albany Links
Central College Road Rocky Fork Metro Park and Site 4 Bevelhymer Park. In fact, this is an attractive place for a high-end neighborhood. It Figure 3.54 | Alternative Northwest Area Development Concept B also could better preserve the existing stream corridor south of Walnut Street, Rocky Fork Metro Park Bevelhymer Park
creating a neighborhood New Albany Condit Road Condit Albany New amenity and providing a Walnut Street connecting leisure trail to the Metro Park. This preferred Nottingham Trace concept also shows the future creation of a mixed- Site 2 Site 1 use node around the Central
W Campus College Road and SR 605 Road intersection. It assumes the New Albany Road East willing sale and aggregation Road Bevelhymer Site 3 of rural lots in this area in the The Courtyard future. This plan proposes Sugar Run this area be designated as a New Albany Links Central College Road hamlet (see page 73) The Site 4 hamlet concept is a walkable, appropriately designed, and mixed-use development that would provide As the Northwest focus Two alternative development neighborhood retail and area continues to develop, concepts are depicted service uses together with this could provide an above to illustrate that there residential uses and green opportunity to create the are multiple ways that this space. The design goal is focal point that connects area can be developed. to create a master planned and spatially organizes the Alternative A shows Sites 2, development that provides various neighborhoods and 3, & 4 remaining as office a smaller geographic scale employment centers that and research development version of the Village Center. surround it. sites.
194 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.55 | Preferred Northwest Area Development Concept Diagram
Rocky Fork Metro Park
Bevelhymer Park New Albany Condit Road Condit Albany New Walnut Street
Nottingham Trace
Site 2 Site 1
W Campus Road
New Albany Road East Bevelhymer Road Bevelhymer Site 3 The Courtyard Sugar Run
New Albany Links
Central College Road Site 4
To respond to the local In this alternative, no street retail need of this area, Site connection to Upper 2 could include first floor Clarenton is made and a Legend retail or retail integrated substantial buffer is created with office, provided it is between these uses. In Buildings designed as a walkable, Alternative B, the mixed- Tree Cover street facing development use node is located along with landscaped setbacks. the Central College Road Existing Leisure Trails Alternative B shows Site 1 as frontage of Site 4 rather than Rivers & Streams entirely employment-centric at Site 2. This allows for retail development. Because street integrated into the first floor Study Area Boundary frontage and visibility are of a larger development that Residential typically more desirable for could include residential Development Site such uses, it assumes the above to be more consistent Commercial success of such development with adjacent development Development Site will ultimately depend to the west, or office above Mixed Use upon the annexation and to integrate with the office development of the entire campus development to the Leisure Trail Connections northern portion of this block north. Open Space/Green to Walnut Street as general Corridors employment use. Important Intersection
Recommendations • 195 F3. GANTON Currently, the site is used for While a majority of the land agricultural purposes. is farmland today, there is a Existing Conditions In the early 2000’s, tree stand and naturalized however, this focus area ditch at the northern end, a The Ganton focus area lies was considered part of tree row along the SR 161 directly east of the Village the Village Center and right-of-way, and a large Center and is a roughly was slated for a residential stand of trees and likely triangular-shaped area of just neighborhood and wetlands in the eastern over 110 acres. It has prime community development. section near Kitzmiller Road. visibility from SR 161, which It was removed from the To the south across Dublin- serves as its northern and Village Center when the land Granville Road are large eastern border. The northern- was planned to be converted estate grounds and fields, most portion of the site abuts into a certified organic farm. and to the north across SR the east side of US 62 at the Regardless of its current 161 is the Mt. Carmel New SR 161 Interchange. Ganton use, the city believes it is an Albany Medical Center is separated from the Village appropriate time to revisit and Zarley Industrial Park Center by Rose Run, which the future plans for this area (another focus area in this is its western boundary. given the planned extension plan). A public road stub, Dublin-Granville Road is of Ganton Parkway through called Theisen Road, was the southern boundary and the site. built to access this site and provides connection west to currently provides access to the historic Village Center. the fire station.
161
Windsor
Village Center
Main Street 62
Trust Corp Smith’s Mill Road Zarley Industrial Park
Dublin Granville Road
161
196 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.56 | Ganton Focus Area Diagram
Business Park 161 Trust Corp
Johnstown Road
Windsor
Ganton | ±112 Acres
Village Center
161
Dublin Granville Road
Rose Run
Ganton has several Office tenants are looking for distinctive attributes. First, it sites that are near amenities Legend is the largest undeveloped, such as trails, restaurants, unprogrammed site near entertainment, and services. Buildings the Village Center. Second, This focus area provides this. as previously mentioned, it Additionally, as reviewed in Open Space has prime frontage on, and the land use section, there visibility from, SR 161. Third, are similarly few proximate Tree Cover because it is largely cleared locations for missing and Leisure Trails and tiled agricultural fields, it underrepresented housing is prime for development. types near the Village Rivers & Streams There are two other Center. Additional residents important considerations and employees close to Floodplain for this focus area. Freeway the Village Center will Study Area Boundary frontage encourages prime help provide the needed commercial office sites. customer base for desired There are few such available retail there. For these office sites remaining in New reasons, it is appropriate to Albany, and fewer still with reconsider the potential of such close proximity to the Ganton to be an extension of Village Center. the Village Center.
Recommendations • 197 Future Development The construction of Ganton The great amenity that is To activate the freeway Parkway creates freeway Rose Run Park should be frontage requires extension commercial office frontage extended along the western of Theisen Road through sites along its north side. It edge of this focus area. this site as a public road. is expected that attractive, This likely will include the Along this road, referred to high-quality offices will dedication of additional as Ganton Parkway in this be built here. These office parkland for the corridor plan, office development buildings should be multiple to enhance and preserve sites could be established stories and designed to this feature and allow for along SR 161. As reviewed face Ganton Parkway with native plantings, leisure in the Mobility section, this surface parking to the rear trails, pathways, and activity fits with the broader goal of (north). This still provides nodes. Such a project would creating a southern version plenty of freeway visibility, likely be a public-private of Smith’s Mill Parkway along but such site layout better partnership. SR 161. Ganton Parkway accommodates transit by connects employment uses reducing walking distances from the Village Center to between stops and the Beech Road, leveraging buildings. The site plan the freeway frontage in should provide enhanced between. Connecting features for this Mobility Ganton Parkway to Theisen Zone, including sheltered Road creates a better route drop off areas, bike stations, for traffic to access the SR and connections to the 161 interchanges from these leisure trails. employment centers with The overall site design less impact to the Village Example of mixed-use office development Center than relying on should create an orienting Dublin-Granville Road. space or spaces like a large green space or plaza The focus area plan to the that helps to define and right shows Ganton Parkway center the development, extending from US 62 to a adding to its distinctiveness. point west of Kitzmiller Road, Commercial development in where it connects with the this focus area should also existing Dublin-Granville contribute to and enhance Road (renamed to Ganton the signature gateway into New Albany at the US 62/SR Parkway). Dublin-Granville Example of office development Road is realigned so as to 161 interchange. This should de-emphasize this route for be coordinated with the city vehicular traffic purposes. and could be accomplished The exact alignment must through attractive still be refined. It is important arrangement of plantings to note that the planned and site features. Velo Loop and leisure trail connections continue through this area.
Example of office development
198 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.57 | Ganton Development Concept Diagram
Business Park 161 Trust Corp
Johnstown Road
Windsor
P Ganton Office Development
P Village Center
161
Dublin Granville Road
Rose Run
The area south of Ganton Any residential development Parkway to Dublin- should provide community Legend Granville Road may remain green spaces and parks, agricultural for some time. include a street grid with Buildings Any development here connections to the Village will require a master plan Center, and plan for future Tree Cover that accommodates future community facilities such as needs of the city. Due to the a field house and recreation Open Space/Green zoning entitlements for this area. In addition, the rural Corridors site it is expected that this character and vistas should Rivers & Streams would include residential be protected along Dublin- development in a more Granville Road. This may take Study Area Boundary traditional style, moving the form of large setbacks, from townhomes and flats natural mounds, planted Proposed Office along Ganton Parkway to woods, and/or “green alley-loaded single-family rooms.” Proposed Retail homes with front porches. Proposed Residential
Leisure Trail Connections
Velo Loop
Recommendations • 199 FOCUS AREA: GANTON
ROSE RUN CORRIDOR EXTENSION
VELO LOOP
200 • Engage New Albany Figure #.# | Map Title
GATEWAY INTERCHANGE TREATMENT
EMPLOYMENT CENTER
GANTON PARKWAY EXTENSION
LEISURE TRAIL EXTENSION
Recommendations • 201 F4. ZARLEY Zarley is located just north Together this land consists of SR 161 at the northeast of about 60 acres, though Existing Conditions corner of the US 62/SR 161 only about 38 acres are interchange. When the developable. The Zarley The existing Zarley Industrial freeway was constructed in focus area is located just Park predates much of the the late 1990’s, it resulted on the north side of SR development around it. It is in Zarley becoming part of 161 from the Ganton focus a unique part of the business the gateway experience. area. It is, however, more park as it is primarily zoned As development occurred constrained based upon size, and built for light industrial around it, including the Mt. topography, existing natural uses. As such, it serves an Carmel New Albany Medical features and wetlands, important role as a space for Center and the Trust Corp existing road network, and small businesses in the city. site along US 62/Johnstown existing development. Zarley is also the only part Road to north, an additional of the business park that fragment of land along was not formally planned. the north side of SR 161 For these reasons, the built remained. This land to, and environment of Zarley has along both sides of Kitzmiller a significantly different Road has been combined character and aesthetic than with the industrial park to the rest of the business park. comprise the Zarley focus area.
161 Dublin Granville Road
Smiths Mill Road Ganton
Reynoldsburg New Albany Road Main Street Village Center
NORTH
161
Trust Corp Business Park 62
202 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.58 | Zarley Focus Area Diagram
Johnstown Road Business Park
Trust Corp
161
Windsor S m i th ’s M
ill
R o a d
Kitzmiller Road
Blacklick Creek Ganton
Rose Run
Zarley | ±60 Acres
161
Dublin Granville Road
Situated immediately south of Mt Carmel New Albany are wooded wetlands. Legend Development interest along Buildings this SR 161 frontage has been hampered by the Open Space wetlands, limited site access, and the few remaining Tree Cover developable sites. Adding to Existing Zarley development patterns this challenge, when SR 161 Leisure Trails was built, Kitzmiller Road had Rivers & Streams to be elevated to go over the highway. To accomplish this, Floodplain a new bridge was built, but the new elevated earthen Study Area Boundary embankment to the bridge has made access to either side of Kitzmiller Road more challenging. In addition, Blacklick Creek meanders Undeveloped land in the focus area along the eastern edge of this focus area.
Recommendations • 203 Future Development The existing character is Zarley Street was originally shown in the photo below, designed as a dead-end and the rendering shows street and serves as the spine the potential transformation. of Zarley. It was constructed These improvements will as a township road prior to provide amenities for the many of the current New employees and business Albany street standards. owners here so that they feel a part of, and connected As a result, Zarley Street Example of retail development in and Karmar Court have no to, their immediate industrial area sidewalks, no leisure trails, surroundings and the rest of no streetlights, no curbs, New Albany. and no streetscape. For this reason, one of the critical This plan recommends improvements for this focus extending a public roadway area is adding streetscape southward and parallel to SR features within Zarley to 161, connecting to Kitzmiller improve and provide safe Road. This will provide a mobility options for walking light industrial development Example of light industrial site that extends Zarley and development at Grandview and biking, as well as to Commerce Center better integrate it with meets the demand for this New Albany character and type of space. The site on the amenities—particularly as east side of Kitzmiller Road a gateway for the city. It is should also be employment recommended that the city use, but could be either evaluate the improvement of office or industrial. these streets to include curb and gutter, streetlights, street trees, white horse fence, and a leisure trail on both sides of Example of industrial-inspired the street. architecutre
BEFORE
ZARLEY ST
204 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.59 | Zarley Development Concept Diagram
Johnstown Road Business Park Kitzmiller Road
Trust Corp
161 Site 4 | ±22 Acres
Sm ith ’s Windsor M ill R o a d
Site 2 | ±15 Acres
Blacklick Creek Ganton
Rose Run
Site 1 | ±13 Acres Site 3 | ±10 Acres
161
Dublin Granville Road
The site at the southwest Zarley could include corner of Smith’s Mill a unique, mix of uses, Legend Road and Kitzmiller including light industrial, Road, if developable, office, and even some Buildings should continue office flexible buildings that uses. While industrial and could be used for a variety Tree Cover retail warehouse uses are of different office uses, permitted in this focus including incubators. Open Space/Green area, their design needs to This type of build Corridors be distinctive, appealing, environment will also Rivers & Streams and appropriate for New lend itself to Zarley being Albany freeway frontage and known as an incubator for Study Area Boundary views. Overall, Zarley has businesses entering New Retail Development the potential to become an Albany for the first time. The Site integrated, yet distinctive flexbility and more affordable part of the business park. office and industrial spaces Office Development Site would allow businesses to establish a presence in New Existing Development Albany and potentially grow Leisure Trail Connections from there. Velo Loop
Recommendations • 205 F5. VILLAGE CENTER The City of New Albany has Several notable recognized the importance accomplishments have Existing Conditions of a strong town center materialized since the 2014 and its central role to the Strategic Plan, including The Village Center today is community. The city’s first the Philip Heit Center; one of the most thoughtfully strategic plan, created in Market Square Phase II; planned and intentionally 1998, endorsed the idea of the roundabout at Market designed districts in the developing a vital Village and Main Streets; Market region. It continues to be Center with a mix of uses. & Main apartments; new the focal point of the greater It has been the focus of businesses and investment New Albany community with many planning efforts, in the historic Village Center; its blend of civic, educational, including past strategic and most recently, Rose Run park, retail, office, and plans, the Urban Center Park. Additionally, events residential uses. The Village Code (2011), the Village and programming have Center has expanded across Center Strategy (2011), the continued to grow, bringing time from its historic center 2014 Strategic Plan, and the the community together with the development of Rose Run Greenway Phase in the Village Center. the Learning Campus in II Master Plan (2018). These These achievements have the northwest quadrant, plans have been generally occurred through robust Market Square south of followed and implemented public-private partnerships Dublin-Granville Road, and with great success. and dedicated efforts by development north along US the city, various businesses 62/Main Street to the SR 161 and organizations, and the interchange. community.
161 605
Smith’s Mill RoadBusinesses Park
161
62
Ganton
Johnstown Road Dublin-Granville Road NORTH
206 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.60 | Village Center Focus Area Diagram
Business Park
161
Windsor
High Street 161
Learning Campus Historic VC | ±34 Acres
Rose Run Ganton
Market Square | ±18 Acres
n Ru Dublin Granville Road Rose
Nine Acres Site | ±9 Acres New Albany Country Club Main Street
Through these efforts, the 3) Redevelopment of the Village Center has continued area along Dublin- Legend to develop and the Granville Road, east of remaining areas of focus for Main Street, often referred Buildings future physical development to as “Rose Run phase II”; and improvement largely and Open Space consist of four areas. These 4) Infill development in the Tree Cover are: rest of the historic Village 1) Completion of Market Center north of Dublin- Leisure Trails Square, including parking Granville Road to the needs; Windsor neighborhood. Rivers & Streams 2) Development along These areas will be discussed Focus Area Boundary Market Street east of Main in more detail on the Street to SR 605, often following pages. referred to as the “Nine Acres”;
Recommendations • 207 Needed Improvements In addition, this stretch of Granville Road. Throughout this planning the Rose Run stream serves As highlighted in the process, the Village Center as a physical divide and mobility section, one of has been an important the lack of an interesting the city’s critical mobility topic of discussion. The storefronts to stroll by along issues is addressing traffic development that has Main Street discourages created by the “hourglass” occurred in the Village people from walking of SR 605/US 62. This Center has also brought between the two areas. strategic plan proposes the some heightened concerns Addressing this is important extension of Market Street from the community. for several reasons. First, the east from SR 605, curving This includes concerns community wants the entire north to connect with Third about traffic, adequate Village Center to be vibrant. Street; the intersection of parking, and development Improving this connectivity Third Street and Main Street density. The community will help guide the energy of should also be improved. also expressed the desire Market Square to the historic The result is a bypass of for more retail services, Village Center. Second, this sorts that allows thru traffic including family restaurants, is an identified mobility on US 62 to circumvent a small grocer, and evening zone (see page 127) where the Village Center and activities. Another concern increasing the number relieve the pressure on the is the success of the historic of people who walk and intersection at Main Street portion of the Village Center bike between destinations and High Street. The land and continuing to improve is important for health, between this new connector its vitality. The community livability, and function. and SR 605 can be used also expressed the goal of Likewise, encouraging to accommodate regional making New Albany a city residents and visitors to park stormwater and create a where residents can age once when in the Village community park. in place, recognizing the Center alleviates parking need for housing types that pressures. There are a In addition to the appeal to empty nesters, number of improvements previously mentioned active seniors, and young that can be made to recommendations, other professionals, which are address connectivity. First, efforts needed to realize currently lacking within the transforming Rose Run into the potential of the historic city. These are all important an inviting natural park Village Center include issues to address as part of helps connect the Learning expanding the street this plan. Campus, Market Square, and grid, addressing parking the historic Village Center and guiding appropriate Connectivity & Mobility together, while attracting investment. An easily people as a destination. identifiable and walkable As previously mentioned, The community can already street grid is an essential there are separate areas of experience this through part of a village center. The activity within the Village Phase I of Rose Run Park. area north of Main Street Center. The map on the The proposed Phase II will between SR 605 and US following page highlights extend these improvements 62 is disconnected and pedestrian walksheds. On east across Main Street to unorganized. Extending average, pedestrians are SR 605. Rose Run Phase the street grid and making comfortable walking five II includes enhancing the street connections, such as minutes from where they parking behind Village Hall, Miller Avenue, will establish park (the radius of one of the adding a pedestrian bridge a walkable street pattern circles). Market Square and across Rose Run to a new and create blocks for the historic Village Center plaza, and encouraging infill new, appropriately scaled are just outside of this range. development along Dublin- development.
208 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.61 | Village Center Walkshed Diagram
161 Ganton
High Street 161
Historic Village Center
Rose Run
Market Square
n Ru Dublin Granville Road Rose 5-Minute Walkshed
Main Street 1-Mile Point-to-Point
Main Street
Designing narrow brick This likely includes the streets will add to the historic creation of shared and/or Legend character and desirability public parking reservoirs as well as discourage to serve the area. A parking Buildings through traffic. Coordinating study is currently underway wayfinding, parking, and for the Village Center to Tree Cover business signage to create match land uses, parking an easily navigable Village demand, and future Rivers & Streams Center is another key to development with overall Focus Area Boundary ehance mobility in the area. parking management and block-by-block solutions to Open Space/Green The blocks south of Main address it. Corridors Street contain a number 5-minute Walkshed of empty parking lots that erode the vitality and walkability of the Village Center. These are prime locations for infill development. Addressing parking needs will also help unlock investment.
Recommendations • 209 Housing & Infill Development The Village Center already The Village Center is a has successful examples critical part of the existing of this type of housing and future success of New that includes compact, Albany. One of the reasons single-family homes in is that it provides places, Ealy Crossing, townhomes services, activities, and at Keswick, and one-story environments unique to flats at Market & Main the city. People are drawn Apartments. The addition to the Village Center and of these types of housing places like it because of products, from denser flats their numerous amenities, at the core to mixed-use Keswick Townhomes restaurants, walkability, scale, buildings with residential approachability, and events; above first floor retail to this is where the community compact housing at the comes together. The Village edges, is needed in the Center is also where a Village Center. number of the community land use goals can be met, An integral component of including: 1) the provision the success of the Village of housing types that Center is attracting people support aging in place, 2) to live and work there. People create vitality, which the addition of desired and Compact neighborhood targeted retail uses, and 3) is particularly true for retail. development in Ealy Crossing increased economic vitality. During the input process, the community expressed One of the resounding a desire for an increased directions heard from the diversity of shops and community is to provide restaurants. More residents housing that allows current and employees are needed and future residents to within the Village Center remain within the city as they to create a critical mass for move through life’s stages. retail. Economic studies This requires a diversity of have shown that to support housing options and the a 1,500 to 3,000 square foot corner store, approximately Example of residential mixed-use with Village Center is one of the first floor retail prime places to provide 1,000 households need to them. The community be located within a five- input is backed by research minute walk. Much more that indicates 82% of new retail space than that exists Central Ohio residents will today and is desired in the be Millennials and empty future. Continuing past nesters looking for urban, plan recommendations, mixed-use environments. the Village Center should These groups want high achieve between 1,100- quality, amenitized housing 1,500 housing units. In that is compact, close to addition to housing units, neighbors, and walkable to increasing the number of attractions. employees within the Village Rose Run Park Center will help support the retail stores.
210 • Engage New Albany Retail also requires visibility For this reason, the Village and parking. While traffic Center provides an is an issue in the Village appealing setting that is Center, managing it but not not offered elsewhere in substantially decreasing it, the city. Careful integration is important. Addressing and appropriate design of parking needs is a priority office development here will both for the community and expand the city’s offerings. retail/office users as already discussed. Another critical, Finally, green space but less considered point is and pedestrian-focused patronage; if the community amenities should continue desires more Village Center to be woven into the retail options they must development of the Village patronize them. Regularly Center. New Albany is driving outside the city limits already a leader in this as or ordering from competition evidenced by Market Square online impacts their vitality. Commons and the new This is one of the reasons Rose Run Park, as well as interconnecting the Village the design of the Learning Center with mobility options Campus and green corridors to the rest of the city and along Dublin-Granville Road. region helps. For certain Continued focus should types of uses, particularly in be placed on community this ultracompetitive retail gathering areas and activity environment, subsidies may spaces that encourage be required to initially attract residents to walk, bike, visit, them, and in some cases, play, interact, lounge, and to maintain them. This is live life on a regular basis something that should be in the Village Center. The studied further. character, atmosphere, and mix of uses combined with Adding office space to the the events and activities that Village Center is another occur in the Village Center important effort. In the are the experiences that are competitive office market, treasured by the community. national trends show a desire for walkable, mixed-use areas. In a recent nationwide survey, 83 percent of firms said they would prefer to locate office space in walkable urban centers rather than single-use office or industrial parks. Another survey noted the trend of companies following their workers to downtown or downtown-like mixed-use environments.
Recommendations • 211 Future Development Any structured parking The continued success of the or large parking areas Village Center is essential should meet the following to the community. Because requirements: it has such distinctive 1) Be located behind street- character, mix of uses, and fronting buildings and not on pedestrian-oriented scale, primary streets; it has its own land use designation. To continue 2) Not exceed surrounding advancing the success of the buildings in height; Village Center, the plan on Example of village scale mixed-use development the following page highlights 3) Use architecture that needed improvements within preserves the high standard the four sites identified of design in the Village earlier. Center; 4) Preserve the viewshed to Market Square Rose Run Park from Market In Market Square, a few Square; developable parcels along the Market Street frontage to 5) Not create any pedestrian the west remain. Developing dead zones; buildings here will complete 6) Provide shared parking the “street wall” of shops Example of mixed-use retail and for multiple uses within the residential development and services to the Rose Run Village Center; and Park. At the same time, the success of Market Square has 7) Be robustly connected by created a parking shortage. sidewalks and landscaped Previous plans recognized areas to activity centers. the future need for a carefully designed parking deck In addition, on-street strategically placed to blend parking should be provided with Market Square. It would wherever possible and a replace a portion of the large parking management system surface lot behind Market implemented to ensure Square phase II and have the turnover. Example of village scale potential for liner buildings mixed-use development and/or first floor shops that hide or activate the front of the garage. Such a project will likely require a public- private partnership. Other locations for structured parking or parking lots have also been identified. Further parking studies will be required to determine their appropriateness. Example of a vibrant pedestrian- oriented environment
212 • Engage New Albany Figure 3.62 | Village Center Development Concept Diagram
Business Park
161
Windsor
High Street 161
Learning Campus
Historic Village Center
Rose Run Ganton
Market Square
n Ru Dublin Granville Road Rose
Nine Acres Site New Albany Country Club Main Street
Legend
Buildings
Tree Cover
Rivers & Streams
Focus Area Boundary
Proposed Commercial
Proposed Retail
Proposed Residential Open Space/Green Corridors Leisure Trail Connections
Velo Loop
Recommendations • 213 Case Study: Nine Acres Development at this site should be designed to park Norton Commons | Louisville, KY The Nine Acres site lies between Main Street and itself through on-street High Street (SR 605) and parking, internal parking lots Market Street and Village or structures, and under- Hall Road. With the public building parking. Parking infrastructure and street areas should not front along block complete, this area Market, Main, or SR 605. is ready for development. In fact, development here An essential infrastructure will reinforce the success investment for the Village of the Village Center. It is a Center is the extension of prime site because of the Market Street from SR 605 to desirability for living and Third Street. This will better working in the Village Center, interconnect and define the the need to add housing Village Center and provide Norton Commons is a 660- types for all life stages, the a relief route for through acre mixed-use community need to add residents and traffic to the US 62/SR 161 located in the greater Louisville employees to support retail, interchange, as described area. It is a quintessential and the lack of available earlier. This connection is New Urbanist development, office product in the Village represented in figure 3.62 with a focus on traditional Center. and highlights the regional architecture, walkability, and stormwater retention areas public spaces. Once fully Development in this area that would be created. built out, the development should face the public will contain 2,880 dwelling streets with broad sidewalks, Historic Village Center units. The neighborhoods much like Market Square. It Rose Run phase II is the area contain a full range of should provide a mix of uses, north of Village Hall Road to housing types, from single- including office, residential, the Dublin-Granville Road family detached homes to and organizing green or corridor, east of Main Street. apartments. Approximately plaza spaces. Retail can be This subarea contemplates one quarter of the land is accommodated if integrated reinvestment and infill of dedicated to parks, plazas, into the above building buildings along both sides trails, and recreational and uses. Building architecture, of Dublin-Granville Road civic amenities. A key feature materials, massing, and and Market Street to better of the Norton Commons height should continue connect Market Square with development is a Town Center the recognizable character the historic Village Center. with more than 70 businesses, and vernacular of Market This vision includes the such as shops, restaurants, and Square. Additional roadway relocation of the Duke and service businesses. Multifamily connections will be needed Duchess station to the SR housing, live/work units, and to break the scale of this 161 interchange area as well office buildings with ground large block, making it more as signature development, floor retail can be found walkable and accessible. reuse, and green space at throughout the Town Center. the Dublin-Granville Road/ Main Street intersection.
214 • Engage New Albany New infill buildings within Residential architecture in this subarea would be the historic core should designed to both activate the include balconies and street with wide sidewalks front porches and may and storefronts, as well as reflect more of a farmstead potentially take advantage vernacular while still of outdoor seating areas and implementing high-quality pathways along a revitalized materials and design. Norton Rose Run. The parking lot Commons, a development behind Village Hall should outside Louisville, Kentucky be expanded and improved can provide examples of best Existing Market Square and a new pedestrian bridge practices of this style. The development pattern connection made between street frontage along Main this lot, over Rose Run, to Street northeast of Third the new buildings and plaza Street should be reserved along Dublin-Granville Road. for continued mixed-use In this way, the expanded development, including retail parking area can also serve and office uses. If the Ganton the demand of the new focus area develops with a buildings and uses along mix of uses in the future, a Dublin-Granville Road and new Village Center street Main Street. connection should be made to Main Street between Existing Market Square The historic Village Center Theisen Road (future Ganton development pattern has a finer scale and different Parkway) and Dublin- architecture than Market Granville Road. Together, Square because it was these improvements provide developed a century earlier. the opportunity to complete Today there are vacant lots the historic Village Center and gaps in the fabric of while maintaining its charm the community. This vision and character. recommends extending the walkable street grid throughout the Village Center and infill of vacant parcels with residential development. This infill Historic Village Center residential, like other areas of the Village Center, should address missing housing segments. In this case, carefully designed townhomes, four- to eight- plexes, and compact single-family homes are appropriate.
Historic Village Center
Recommendations • 215 A Vision for the Village Center The rendering provides a conceptual vision of the improvements described on the FOCUSprevious pages. AREA: It is shown from the perspective view southeast of the Village Center, looking northwest. In the foreground, one can see the new Market Street extensionVILLAGE and beautifulCENTER regional stormwater ponds. The Nine Acres development is depicted beyond SR 605 in the center left, with Market Square in the background. To the right one can see the historic Village Center with infill residential development helping to create a vibrant neighborhood. In the center is the Learning Campus, McCoy Center, and proposed new amphitheater along the extended Rose Run Park and Rose Run phase II. This image and the recommendations of this focus area chart a course for continued improvements to the Village Center that respond to the aspirations and hopes of the community to continue to make the Village Center the crown jewel of the city.
NINE ACRES INFILL DEVELOPMENT
MARKET STREET EXTENSION
216 • Engage New Albany Figure #.# | Map Title
ROSE RUN PHASE II
CONNECTION TO 3RD ST
PARK & RETENTION PONDS
Recommendations • 217 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
The table on the following pages summarizes all of the focus area recommendations. A more detailed summary matrix can be found starting on page 222.
F. FOCUS AREAS Goal: Provide an additional level of planning detail in identified areas of expected or desired invest- ment to help ensure the plan recommendations are realized. RECOMMENDATIONS F1. Winding Hollow Require this focus area to be master planned, with the expectation that any interested developers zone it as a. Comprehensive Planned Unit Development (CPUD) with a phased master plan. Preserve and center the site design around the significant open spaces, stream corridors, topography, and b. tree stands that currently exist on this site. c. Prioritize quality site design and architectural integrity over the exact mix of uses for this focus area. d. Extend leisure trail connections within and around this site, connecting to the larger network. Extend Ganton Parkway through this area and create an internal roadway network that follows the site e. topography and respects the site’s natural features. Continue to build upon the employment and data center uses being developed along the Beech Road f. corridor. Explore opportunities for residential mixed-use to provide needed housing and retail options for the g. business park workforce. If residential is proposed it must be part of a comprehensive mixed-use development in order to be considered. Provide appropriate buffering along the Babbitt Road corridor to create visual separation between h. residential and commercial land uses. F2. Northwest Area a. Connect this focus area to the natural features and amenities of the area. Create a connected system of green space and leisure trails that extend to Rocky Fork Metro Park and b. Bevelhymer Park, as well as to adjacent neighborhoods. Add leisure trails along both sides of major streets, along preserved stream corridors, and along the large c. utility easements. d. Connect employees with housing and amenities that makes office sites attractive and competitive. e. Attract infill office and commercial development on the undeveloped sites adjacent to existing offices. Allow for pockets of neighborhood-scale retail in the focus area, if proper screening, parking, and setbacks f. are met to accommodate nearby residential uses. Explore opportunities for mixed-use development around the Central College Road and New-Albany g. Condit Road intersection. F3. Ganton a. Create a compelling, high-quality office development along the frontage of SR 161. b. Create a new public road, Ganton Parkway, to create development sites in this focus area. Ensure that the office site development contributes to the proposed mobility zone, including transit-friendly c. placement of the building along Ganton Parkway. Preserve and create a linear greenway along the Rose Run stream corridor through the site, complete with d. leisure trail connections. e. Continue to pursue the creation of the Velo Loop along the southern border of this focus area. f. Create strong connections to the Village Center for pedestrians and cyclists.
218 • Engage New Albany F. FOCUS AREAS Goal: Provide an additional level of planning detail in identified areas of expected or desired invest- ment to help ensure the plan recommendations are realized. RECOMMENDATIONS F4. Zarley Improve the streetscape throughout this focus area through the addition of curb, white horse fence, paved a. leisure trails, street trees, and street lighting. Preserve the existing wetlands, tree stands, and other significant natural features that are located in this b. focus area Extend Forest Drive through the site to Kitzmiller Road to better connect the roadway network in this area c. and create potential development sites. d. Continue to focus on light industrial, small business, and office land uses for development in this area. Continue to pursue the creation of the Velo Loop that would run along the borders of this focus area e. (Kitzmiller Road to Smith’s Mill Road). F5. Village Center Continue to develop the Village Center as a gathering place for all ages and a focal point for the a. community. Integrate Market Square and the historic Village Center together through thoughtful planning and b. development. Address the traffic volumes through the Village Center through targeted roadway and intersection c. improvements. Continue working with the school district to safely, effectively, and appropriately manage traffic in the d. Village Center. Expand upon the existing street network in the Village Center to better connect Market Square and the e. historic Village Center f. Extend leisure trails from nearby neighborhoods to the Village Center. g. Encourage residents and visitors to park once when in the Village Center h. Complete a Village Center signage master plan to coordinate wayfinding, parking, and business signage. Increase the number of people living and working in the Village Center through new residential and i. commercial development. j. Attract a small grocer or gourmet market to provide convenient access to fresh food and produce. k. Attract casual and family-oriented dining destinations in the Village Center. Promote mixed-use and retail infill development to create continuous and activated street frontage l. throughout the Village Center. m. Continue to focus on the Rose Run corridor as a unifying natural feature though the Village Center. Create a public green space featuring regional stormwater retention ponds at the site created by the n. extension of Market Street.
Recommendations • 219 04 IMPLEMENTATION SUMMARY MATRIX
This section serves as a guide for the City of New Albany and its partners as they begin to consider the strategies and objectives recommended by the strategic plan over the next ten years and beyond.
The summary matrix on the The timeframe is labeled SUMMARY MATRIX KEY following pages is a catalog as near-term if it is a TIMELINE of all the goals, strategies, recommendation that and objectives introduced can be implemented Near-term (<5 yrs) in the recommendations over the next five years Medium-term (5-10 yrs) chapter of this plan. The or less. These near-term Long-term (10+ yrs) matrix is divided into the six recommendations may also Ongoing plan sections: be necessary to implement POTENTIAL PARTNERS • Land Use; early on in order to enable other recommendations. COTA Central Ohio Transit • Mobility; Authority The timeframe is labeled • Sustainability; as medium-term if a HNA Healthy New Albany • Parks and Recreation; recommendation will be HOAs Homeowners’ Associations • Community Wellbeing; implemented in 5-10 years. JPD New Albany-Plain Local and The timeframe is labeled Joint Parks District • Focus Areas. long-term if an action will LCATS Licking Co. Area Transit take longer than 10 years Services To the right of each to implement but is a MORPC Mid-Ohio Regional recommendation is the recommendation that has Planning Commission expected timeframe and an ending point. Finally, NACF New Albany Community potential partners for each Foundation the timeframe is labeled objective. NAPLSD New Albany-Plain Local ongoing if it is a policy that is School District continually implemented and ODNR Ohio Dept. of Natural will never be fully completed. Resources A key of acronyms for the ODOT Ohio Dept. of potential partners is also Transportation included to the right. ODSA Ohio Development Services Agency OPWC Ohio Public Works Commission
Introduction • 221 L. LAND USE Goal: Balance land uses within New Albany to achieve the city’s vision. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS L1. Balance residential, employment, and retail growth. Continue to implement city policies related to balancing growth and a. annexation with needed revenues and necessary services. Maintain a ratio of city residents to employees of about 1:1.5 as the city b. continues to grow. Seek sources of revenue and cooperative financing solutions to offset costs ODOT, OPWC, c. of future capital improvements and to ensure new development pays its fair ODSA share of growth impacts. Allow the transfer of residential density in order to maintain a gross d. Developers residential density across the city of 1 dwelling unit per acre. Maintain land development intensities sensitive to both the capacity of the e. Developers transportation network and established land use policies. City of Johnstown, Follow the recommendations of the Western Licking County Accord with f. Jersey Township, annexation and development in this area. Licking County Encourage walkable, mixed-use development as designated in this Plan g. to allow people to live, work, shop, learn and play in close proximity while minimizing conflicts between land uses. Franklin Co. Align land use policies, infrastructure implementation, and community h. Licking Co., City of facility investments to maximize efficiency and public benefit. Columbus Support the school district in a fiscally responsible manner to ensure that it i. NAPLSD maintains its successful school system. L2. Encourage a broader range of housing option for all life stages to facilitate aging-in- place within the community while preserving the desirability of New Albany’s existing neighborhoods. Support the creation of additional “cluster” neighborhoods like Ashton, a. Developers Keswick, and Ealy Crossing. Encourage senior and young professional housing types in the Village b. Developers Center and other identified nodes with walkable amenities. Support the creation of workforce housing within New Albany’s c. Developers employment shed. Continue to create residential development focused around community d. Developers park and natural spaces. Maintain the quality of life and continue to invest in the services, amenities, e. and placemaking that ensures residents continue to invest in and live in New Albany.
222 • Engage New Albany L. LAND USE Goal: Balance land uses within New Albany to achieve the city’s vision. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS L3. Continue to support and encourage the development of dynamic employment centers in New Albany. Support mixed-use, walkable development for employment-based Developers, a. development. businesses Focus on employment uses for new development (office, data center, Developers, b. industrial, retail & service amenities). businesses Where office uses are stand alone, focus them in campuses with supporting c. Developers amenities and a defined site organization. Identify land for future employment uses and the necessary infrastructure to d. support them. Continue to invest in the city amenties, services, infrastructure, and e. character that attracts and retains businesses and employment uses. L4. Serve the needs of the residents and workers of New Albany with appropriate retail and service development. Focus retail development in the Village Center and in strategic locations Developers, a. across the city that serve as convenience retail. businesses Allow the integration of neighborhood-level retail that provides b. Developers convenience for New Albany residents as a quality of life factor. c. Require retail development to be neighborhood-scale in design. Developers Ensure that retail in the Village Center and proximate to residential d. neighborhoods is sited and designed to be walkable and designed to Developers emphasize the pedestrian experience. e. Encourage and support locally-serving retail. Businesses L5. Maintain a high standard of the built environment. Monitor regulations and make adjustments as necessary to ensure a. development meets the character and design expectations of the city and focus/land use areas. Emphasize focus area and corridor planning as part of the review process to b. ensure that development proposals fit within the context of future plans for Developers the surrounding area. Encourage green building, resiliency, and other innovative building Developers, c. technology that will create a more environmentally friendly and sustainable property owners architectural environment. Integrate a diversity of uses, forms, and styles of buildings, spaces, and d. byways that compliment and enhance the existing character of New Albany. Encourage the construction of the building typologies found in the city’s e. Developers Urban Center Code in the defined hamlet areas. Use four-sided architecture, high quality materials, and Georgian, f. Developers farmstead, or otherwise complementary-style architecture. g. Utilize innovative and iconic architecture and design for office buildings. Developers Focus on the design details of public and semi-public spaces to create h. comfortable places that will facilitate congregation and conversation.
Introduction • 223 L. LAND USE Goal: Balance land uses within New Albany to achieve the city’s vision. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS L6. Invest in the supporting infrastructure of the city to continue to provide high quality services to residents and businesses. Provide for the safe and efficient collection of stormwater and continue to a. maintain and improve the water quality of New Albany’s tributaries. Implement waterline and sanitary sewer extensions to growth areas b. consistent with the strategic plan. Design future stormwater management facilities to blend with surrounding c. development as an attractive amenity and landscape feature. L7. Coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions and regional entities to manage the quality and intensity of growth along New Albany's periphery. Coordinate with partner jurisdictions to determine the next evolution of the City of Columbus, a. Rocky Fork Blacklick Accord. Plain Twp. Jersey Twp., Village b. Advance the Western Licking County Accord. of Johnstown c. Coordinate and share information with the Mid-Ohio Planning Commission. MORPC Continue to coordinate regionally on matters of land use, schools, Regional partners, d. emergency services, parks, transportation, and utilities. school districts
M. MOBILITY Goal: Facilitate the safe and effective movement of people to and from destinations, while maintaining the community character of transportation corridors. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS M1. Implement the Mobility Plan in coordination with development opportunities and capital projects to ensure that roadway and transportation improvements are coordinated as New Albany grows. Continue to implement city policies related to maintaining adequate capital a. funds to improve the city’s roadway network. Follow the future land use map and land use recommendations to manage b. Developers the impacts of new development on the roadway network. Evaluate new developments through the development review process to c. determine necessary transportation improvements, right-of-way dedication, Developers and on-site mobiliy improvements. Consider proactively acquiring right-of-way (ROW) in anticipation of d. Property owners development projects and/or public improvements. Continue to build roadway network improvements as part of, and funded e. by, the expansion of the business park. Continue to implement a green streets policy on streets with low vehicular f. traffic in the Village Center and on surface parking lots throughout the community. Complete a Village Center parking strategy plan to ensure adequate g. parking access and availability. Monitor the implementation of the future land use plan, future thoroughfare h. plan, and mobility improvements to account for changing conditions over MORPC time and to gather timely data to facilitate decision making.
224 • Engage New Albany M. MOBILITY Goal: Facilitate the safe and effective movement of people to and from destinations, while maintaining the community character of transportation corridors. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS M2. Protect and enhance the character of the community’s corridors. Preserve rural roadway character and narrow roadways, with a maximum a. desired roadway width of two to three lanes in residential corridors and four to five lanes along commercial corridors. Design roads that suppport New Albany’s principles of design and b. Developers placemaking as well as the community’s vision for the future. Plan for amenity zones along corridors that could include amenities like c. wayfinding signage, benches, trash and recycling receptacles, and lighting. d. Continue to implement the Village Center brick street policy. Require burial or strategic placement of all utility lines and wireless e. infrastructure at the time of development or in conjunction with a public Utility companies works project. Bury or move public utility boxes behind the amenity zone or behind Public utility f. fencing along corridors. agencies g. Require private utilities to be located behind buildings. Utility companies
Balance the deployment of small cell facilities and associated wireless Wireless service h. support structures with the preservation of the character of New Albany’s providers corridors and streetscapes. Create distinctive gateways and green moments at designated locations in i. ODOT New Albany, including SR 161 interchanges. M3. Use alternatives to traditional widening to increase roadway capacity for efforts to reduce peak hour congestion. a. Use technology to make the roadway network more efficient. Continue to intercronnect all local and regional intersection signals and b. traffic control devices. Coordinate and consolidate vehicular access points and curb cuts in Property owners, c. development projects onto major roadways and between other private developers developments. d. Consider roundabouts first when an intersection improvement is proposed. M4. Maximize connectivity and safety of New Albany’s roadway network. Provide multiple connections to distribute traffic throughout the roadway a. network. Provide cross-access easements between adjacent commercial and retail Property owners, b. sites to minimize curb cuts along major roadways. developers c. Prohibit private streets, gated communities, and discourage culs-de-sac. Developers Connect stub streets to improve connectivity and mobility between d. neighborhoods. Connect sidewalks or leisure trails in residential neighborhoods where they e. don’t currently exist.
Introduction • 225 M. MOBILITY Goal: Facilitate the safe and effective movement of people to and from destinations, while maintaining the community character of transportation corridors. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS M5. Promote active mobility throughout the greater New Albany community. Facilitate development patterns and revise development regulations a. to support pedestrian mobility, safety, and a more positive pedestrian Developers experience. Follow complete street practices to accommodate all modes of ODOT, MORPC, b. transportation in public right-of-way. COTA HOAs, City of Explore partnerships to extend leisure trails to adjacent neighborhoods, Columbus, Licking c. within and outside of the city Co., City of Johnstown d. Continue to develop the Velo Loop cycle track. Continue to follow the recommendations in the adopted Leisure Trails e. Master Plan and Bike New Albany Plan. Develop strong trail connections to local and regional parks, open spaces, f. JPD, Metro Parks and greenways. Continue to improve the cycling accommodations within the city, making g. New Albany a bicycle-friendly community. M6. Encourage alternatives to single-occupant vehicles within New Albany. Designate mobility zones in strategic locations throughout the city where a. alternative and new mobility options are prioritized. Implement new roadway connections and/or re-alignments in mobility MORPC, b. zones to improve community-wide traffic flow, create safe pedestrian and Developers bike connections, and encourage alternative modes of transportation. Implement development patterns that support transit service and develop a c. COTA, developers mobility hub at the COTA Park and Ride site. Expand the SmartRide shuttle service to include extended routes and hours d. COTA of operation. Investigate how to connect residents with the Village Center via the COTA, on-demand e. SmartRide program. transit services COTA, LCATS, Work with COTA and other transit partners to plan for expanded transit f. on-demand transit service to New Albany. services M7. Work cooperatively with partners to advance identified and needed mobility improvements locally and regionally.
Address the city’s traffic problem areas through coordinated regional road MORPC, Franklin Co., a. City of Columbus, improvements. Licking Co. Collaborate with regional partners to plan for transportation and mobility b. MORPC through the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. Continue working with the school district to manage traffic and access to c. NAPLSD schools safely, effectively, and appropriately. d. Protect regional corridors, greenways, and scenic byways. ODNR
226 • Engage New Albany S. SUSTAINABILITY Goal: Define a path to the future that reinforces New Albany’s commitment to ecological, social, and economic sustainability. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS S1. Protect and improve biodiversity and water and air quality. Prioritize the preservation of existing forests, wildlife habitats, stream a. HOAs, Metro Parks corridors, and wetlands. Create and maintain natural corridors that link woodlands, streams, and b. Ohio EPA habitats. Implement native meadows and prairie restoration demonstration projects HOAs, property c. in specific areas of the city. owners, Ohio EPA d. Maintain and expand the city’s urban tree canopy. Continue to implement a green streets policy on streets with low vehicular e. traffic in the Village Center and on surface parking lots throughout the community. f. Minimize impervious surfaces within developed areas of the community. Developers Reduce and work toward the discontinuation of pesticide and herbicide g. in areas adjacent to waterways on city grounds and encourage this more broadly throughout the community. Investigate how to encourage property owners to adopt native and low- HOAs, property h. impact landscaping practices. owners Continue to provide native landscape buffers along all waterways in the i. Ohio EPA community. Start a clean-up volunteer program to keep New Albany’s waterways, parks, j. and streets free of waste and pollution. k. Control the spread of invasive plant and animal species. l. Encourage wetland mitigation within the school district boundary. Developers S2. Foster and encourage the adoption of alternative energy sources within the city. Advocate for solar energy legislation at the state level to allow for solar a. MORPC panels on commercial buildings. Install solar panels on public buildings where appropriate and share the b. energy saving information with the community. Implement a property assessed clean energy (PACE) program to encourage c. property owners to make energy efficient improvements to their homes and businesses. d. Increase the number of alternative fuel stations in the city. e. Continue to expand the city’s alternative fuel and electric vehicle fleet. Work to provide more convenient and sustainable renewable energy supply Green Energy f. choices to the New Albany community. Ohio, AEP Promote the use of solar panels and geothermal systems and adjust the city g. Green Energy Ohio regulations to appopriately permit them within the community. h. Maintain a list of approved solar and geothermal installers for the city. MORPC Consider providing solar powered carports over parking lots and parking i. garages.
Introduction • 227 S. SUSTAINABILITY Goal: Define a path to the future that reinforces New Albany’s commitment to ecological, social, and economic sustainability. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS S3. Continue to reduce waste through the provision of city services and the encouragement of local partners. a. Discourage the use of single-use plastics. Composting b. Implement a curbside composting pilot program. service providers Install recycling containers in the Village Center and other public spaces c. Property owners and encourage commercial property owners to do the same. Host a Community Clean-up Day several times a year to help residents d. SWACO properly dispose of bulky, hazardous, or sensitive materials Support and expand community gardens as well as local food production e. and sourcing. S4. Communicate to and educate the public about the sustainability initiatives in the community. Highlight the city’s existing sustainability initiatives through various a. communication and marketing channels. Utilize interpretive sustainability signage on city property where b. appropriate. Create a one-stop online sustainability resource database for community c. members. Work with local partners and organizations to develop programming to d. HNA educate people about incorporating sustainable practices in daily life. Conduct school outreach on sustainability topics occuring at the local level e. NAPLSD and opportunities to participate. S5. Develop mechanisms for implementation and tracking progress. Create a citizen-led advisory committee to help guide the city’s sustainability a. City council efforts moving forward. Complete a sustainability action plan for the city that advances the work in b. AEP this section. Conduct an annual energy benchmarking assessment for all city buildings, c. Property owners commercial properties, and multifamily residential properties. d. Actively support existing citizen sustainability initiatives. NAPLSD Strive to become a Gold Community through MORPC's Sustainable2050 e. MORPC program.
228 • Engage New Albany P. PARKS & RECREATION Goal: Enhance the quality of life and health in New Albany and connect residents with the outdoors through parks and recreation. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS P1. Protect and improve the existing network of parks, natural open spaces, and stream corridors. a. Improve the quality and maintenance of existing parks. Manage and maintain city-owned forests, street trees, and natural open b. spaces by maintaining a tree inventory, developing re-forestation plans, and controlling invasive species. Improve the quality of city-owned natural resources, especially streams, c. wetlands, and other ecologically sensitive areas. Respect the integrity of historic and cultural resources as the city changes d. and grows. e. Establish and preserve critical viewsheds and vistas. Investigate methods of preserving rural character in developing areas of f. Licking County. P2. Provide for a high quality and diversified park system to meet the recreational needs and enhance the quality of life for all residents. a. Develop a parks framework plan for the city. Perform a walkshed analysis to determine the physical access to parks or b. natural areas for all residents. Increase the percentage of New Albany residents who are within a c. 10-minute walk from a park. Create a park system in which each park satisfies the needs of a variety of d. JPD, Metro Parks user groups with a range of active and passive recreation options. Create improved and distinctive neighborhood park playgrounds and e. HOAs provide a local park in every neighborhood. Use the development process to ensure adequate open space and f. parkland dedication for all new residential development and to conserve Developers critical natural resources within commercial development sites. P3. Engage with partners to create a regional park, open space, and trail system that benefits New Albany residents and businesses. Continue to partner with the New Albany-Plain Local Joint Parks District to a. identify the needs of, and provide for, the greater park, recreational, and JPD sports programming needs of the community. City of Columbus, Continue shared efforts with other municipalities and organizations to b. City of Gahanna, protect open spaces and provide regional trail connections. Metro Parks, Evaluate potential open space and parkland acquisitions that would protect c. key natural resources and provide green buffer zones near development. Continue to form a greenbelt around the city to enhance the natural d. environment and define the edge of the community.
Introduction • 229 P. PARKS & RECREATION Goal: Enhance the quality of life and health in New Albany and connect residents with the outdoors through parks and recreation. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS P4. Create a continuous network of linear parks, paths, walks, and trails, thereby enabling the public to travel by non-motorized modes throughout the New Albany community. Utilize stream corridors as greenway connections throughout the a. community and incorporate parkland along them. Preserve setbacks along roadway corridors for green space, trees, and b. habitat. Secure dedication of green corridor setbacks along roadway and stream c. corridors as part of the development review process. Continue to connect parks, green spaces, and natural corridors with leisure d. trails. Continue to implement an annual sidewalk/leisure trail program to e. complete the active transportation network. Encourage additional and improved pedestrian and bike crossings over f. and under SR 161. P5. Create year-round recreational opportunities. Work with partners to expand programming, especially free and family- a. JPD, HNA friendly programming, across all parks and civic spaces. Provide activities and programming for diverse age groups, including teens b. JPD, HNA and seniors. Continue to develop a central green space and destination park (Rose Run c. Park) to serve as the primary community gathering place. Provide adequate recreation facilities to accommodate future needs of d. the community and its various demographic segments by implementing JPD adopted parks and recreation master plans. Explore the development of an indoor field house for sports recreation all e. JPD year long and assess the feasibility of different locations. Improve current and develop additional sports facilities and active park f. spaces. Incorporate accessible raised garden beds in an expanded Community g. HNA Garden. h. Consider the addition of public art in New Albany’s parks and public spaces. NACF
230 • Engage New Albany C. COMMUNITY WELLBEING Goal: Foster a more healthy, supportive, livable, and inclusive New Albany for all community members. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS C1. Foster an inclusive and welcoming sense of community. Partner with community groups and organizations to encourage more a. HNA, NACF, library culturally diverse community programs and events. Seek and encourage diverse representation on city boards, commissions, b. SOAR and committees. Create a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee comprised of a diverse c. representation of residents to serve as a liaison between community members and the city and promote ongoing outreach. d. Implement cultural competency training for city employees. Conduct regular outreach with organizations and groups that have a focus e. SOAR on diversity. Consider the application of recommendations from the Autism Planning OSU Knowlton f. and Design Guidelines 1.0, with a focus on the Village Center and public School spaces. C2. Continue open city communication with the public. a. Utilize new forms of media to promote city initiatives and events. Promote education about current land use planning and development b. topics throughout the community to maintain New Albany’s community of NACF, schools choice image. Develop a consistent communication strategy with each homeowners c. association (HOA) that includes notifications of nearby development HOAs applications and projects. Host Community Dialogues between key city leaders and the public on a d. City council regular basis. C3. Encourage programming to support the needs of all residents. a. Support and promote mental health services and awareness. HNA Institute mental health first aid training for all first responders and b. NAPLSD, HNA encourage other community partners to train employees. HNA, library, c. Continue to explore free and accessible programming. McCoy Center Support and promote activities for seniors, couples, families, teens, and HNA, library, d. young adults within the community. McCoy Center NAPLSD, LHSD, e. Work with the school district(s) to coordinate area-wide support services. JMSD C4. Support community initiatives that enhance the community’s well-being and happiness. Explore the creation of a position at the City of New Albany to facilitate a. community relations and programming. Work with community organizations to develop a volunteering hub/ Community b. matching service to centralize volunteer opportunities. organizations Develop a youth volunteer program to utilize young adults as volunteers at c. events and in parks and facilities. Continue to build on the Healthy New Albany initiatives and other d. HNA partnerships with the community. Support the creation of opportunities and focused efforts to meet e. neighbors and build community.
Introduction • 231 F. FOCUS AREAS Goal: Provide an additional level of planning detail in identified areas of expected or desired investment to help ensure the plan recommendations are realized. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS F1. Winding Hollow Require this focus area to be master planned, with the expectation that any a. interested developers zone it as Comprehensive Planned Unit Development Developers (CPUD) with a phased master plan. Preserve and center the site design around the significant open spaces, b. stream corridors, topography, and tree stands that currently exist on this Developers site. Prioritize quality site design and architectural integrity over the exact mix of c. Developers uses for this focus area. Extend leisure trail connections within and around this site, connecting to d. the larger network. Extend Ganton Parkway through this area and create an internal roadway e. network that follows the site topography and respects the site’s natural features. Continue to build upon the employment and data center uses being Developers, f. developed along the Beech Road corridor. businesses Explore opportunities for residential mixed-use to provide needed housing and retail options for the business park workforce. If residential is proposed g. Developers it must be part of a comprehensive mixed-use development in order to be considered. Provide appropriate buffering along the Babbitt Road corridor to create h. Property owners visual separation between residential and commercial land uses. F2. Northwest Area a. Connect this focus area to the natural features and amenities of the area. Create a connected system of green space and leisure trails that extend b. to Rocky Fork Metro Park and Bevelhymer Park, as well as to adjacent Metro Parks neighborhoods. Add leisure trails along both sides of major streets, along preserved stream c. corridors, and along the large utility easements. Connect employees with housing and amenities that makes office sites d. Developers attractive and competitive. Attract infill office and commercial development on the undeveloped sites e. Developers adjacent to existing offices. Allow for pockets of neighborhood-scale retail in the focus area, if proper Developers, f. screening, parking, and setbacks are met to accommodate nearby property owners residential uses. Explore opportunities for mixed-use development around the Central Developers, g. College Road and New-Albany Condit Road intersection. property owners F3. Ganton Create a compelling, high-quality office development along the frontage of a. Developers SR 161. Create a new public road, Ganton Parkway, to create development sites in b. this focus area. Ensure that the office site development contributes to the proposed c. mobility zone, including transit-friendly placement of the building along Developers Ganton Parkway.
232 • Engage New Albany F. FOCUS AREAS Goal: Provide an additional level of planning detail in identified areas of expected or desired investment to help ensure the plan recommendations are realized. TIME POTENTIAL RECOMMENDATIONS FRAME PARTNERS Preserve and create a linear greenway along the Rose Run stream corridor d. through the site, complete with leisure trail connections. Continue to pursue the creation of the Velo Loop along the southern border e. of this focus area. f. Create strong connections to the Village Center for pedestrians and cyclists. F4. Zarley Improve the streetscape throughout this focus area through the addition of a. curb, white horse fence, paved leisure trails, street trees, and street lighting. Preserve the existing wetlands, tree stands, and other significant natural b. features that are located in this focus area Extend Forest Drive through the site to Kitzmiller Road to better connect the c. roadway network in this area and create potential development sites. Continue to focus on light industrial, small business, and office land uses for d. Businesses development in this area. Continue to pursue the creation of the Velo Loop that would run along the e. borders of this focus area (Kitzmiller Road to Smith’s Mill Road). F5. Village Center Continue to develop the Village Center as a gathering place for all ages and a. a focal point for the community. Integrate Market Square and the historic Village Center together through b. Developers thoughtful planning and development. Address the traffic volumes through the Village Center through targeted c. roadway and intersection improvements. Continue working with the school district to safely, effectively, and d. NAPLSD appropriately manage traffic in the Village Center. Expand upon the existing street network in the Village Center to better e. connect Market Square and the historic Village Center f. Extend leisure trails from nearby neighborhoods to the Village Center. g. Encourage residents and visitors to park once when in the Village Center Businesses Complete a Village Center signage master plan to coordinate wayfinding, h. Businesses parking, and business signage. Increase the number of people living and working in the Village Center i. Developers through new residential and commercial development. Attract a small grocer or gourmet market to provide convenient access to j. Businesses fresh food and produce. k. Attract casual and family-oriented dining destinations in the Village Center. Businesses Promote mixed-use and retail infill development to create continuous and l. Developers activated street frontage throughout the Village Center. Continue to focus on the Rose Run corridor as a unifying natural feature m. though the Village Center. Create a public green space featuring regional stormwater retention ponds n. Property owners at the site created by the extension of Market Street.
Introduction • 233