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IMAGINE CHARLESTON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN | August 2013 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

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“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”

Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities

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iv DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN Acknowledgements

Sara Hoblitzell, South Hills Neighborhood Association Bobby Reishman, Charleston City Council, Real Estate Executive Committee Sharon Griffith, Lower Donnally Association Developer Plan Sponsors Shawn Means, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Brenda Robertson, Market President , WesBanco Dan Vriendt, Director, Charleston Planning Kanawha and Putnam Counties Chuck Hamsher, Small Business owner/operator Howard Swint, Associate Broker, West Virginia Commercial Department LLC David Molgaard, Charleston City Manager Mobility and Infrastructure Mike Aeiker, Vice President Real Estate Services, Charleston Jim Edwards, Executive Director, Charleston Urban Co-Chair: Bob Orders, CEO, Orders Construction Area Alliance Renewal Authority Co-Chair: Pat Brown, Former Executive Director, Charleston Mike Ellis, certified public accountant, Ellis & Ellis PLLC Mary Jean Davis, Charleston City Council, Chair Urban Renewal Authority Mike Harmon, Triana Energy Bill Mills, Charleston Land Trust Todd Goldman, Real Estate Broker, Goldman Associates of Planning Committee Charlie Maurer, American Electric Power Tom Bird, General Manager, Charleston Town Center Mall Rod Blackstone, Senior Assistant to the Mayor Chris Dodrill, Charleston City Council, Chair, Charleston Susie Salisbury, Vice President Community Land Trust Development, Charleston Area Alliance Doug Hartley, Assistant General Manager, Kanawha Downtown Livability Regional Transit Co-Chair: Stephen Mallory, Chairman, Board of Zoning Doug Malcolm, owner, D.C. Malcolm, Inc. Appeals, Real Estate Developer Technical Committees Jeb Corey, Owner, C&H Taxi, East End Community Co-Chair: Brook Pauley Lord, Generation Charleston Association Alex Alson, Co-CEO, Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center Neighborhoods and Land Use Richard Rashid, President, RidgeLine Inc. Charlie Loeb, Member, Jackson Kelly, Former Charleston Sara McCarty, Member, Steptoe & Johnson City Council Co-Chair: Adam Krason, Principal, ZMM Architects & Troy Stallard, Charleston Land Trust, Riverfront South John Wells, Commissioner, Charleston Urban Renewal Engineers Inc. Committee Authority, Small Business owner/operator Co-Chair: Valerie George Ellis, Public Safety Council, Julie Cyphers, Generation Charleston Realtor Hon. Meshea Poore, West Virginia House of Delegates Amy Weintraub, Community Activist Quality of Life Pat Bond, Chairman, Charleston Area Alliance Billy Joe Peyton, Chairman, Charleston Historic Landmarks Co-Chair: Cleta Harless, Vice President of Administration Ryan White, Generation Charleston, East End Community Commission and Finance, University of Charleston Association Brian King, Director, Mayor’s Office of Economic and Co-Chair: Jim Strawn, Director of Marketing and Community Terry Pickett, Citizen Planner Community Development Education, Highland Hospital Charles Overstreet, Jr., Chief, Charleston Fire Department Barbara McCabe, Municipal Beautification Commission Chris Sadd, Housing Developer Debby Weinstein, Executive Director, YWCA Data and Plan Support Debra Payne, Executive Director, Religious Coalition for Doug Walters, Educational Consultant RIC and Baker Engineering Community Renewal Jamie Jeffrey, MD, FAAP KEYS 4 HealthyKids Elizabeth Fraser, Kanawha County Library Gerry Workman, Chairman, Charleston Municipal Planning Judy Crabtree, Kanawha Coalition for Community Health Commission, Small Business owner/operator Improvement and KEYS 4 HealthyKids Hanley Clark, Housing Developer, Historic Preservationist John Charnock, Director, City of Charleston Parks & Planning Department Support Kitty Dooley, Chair, Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation Recreation Department Lisa Fisher Casto, Small Business owner/operator Larry Groce, Executive Director, FestivALL Rev. Lloyd Hill, Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance Rev. Mel Hoover, Unitarian Universalist Church, Community Lori Brannon, Neighborhood Planner Major Jason Beckett, Charleston Police Department Activist Geoff Plagemann, Neighborhood Planner Mark Taylor, Executive Director, Charleston-Kanawha Nell Chilton, President of the Board of Directors, The Housing Authority Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, Community Activist Marlo Scruggs, Community Development Specialist, BB&T Rachelle Beckner, Generation Charleston Consultant Team Mike Stajduhar, Charleston City Council, West Side Neighborhood Association Pat McGill, West Side Main Street Downtown Business MKSK (Downtown) Ric Cavender, Executive Director, East End Main Street Chair: Will Gillard, Triana Energy LSL Planning, Inc. (Comp Plan) Rev. Ron Stoner, President, West Side Neighborhood Alisa Bailey, President, Charleston Convention and Visitors GAI Consultants (Infrastructure and Design) Association Bureau Russ Young, Citizen Planner, Historic Preservationist Urban Marketing Collaborative (Market) Becky Ceperley, President and CEO, Greater Kanawha Valley Sallie Hart, Real Estate Broker Taylor & Taylor (Historic Preservation) Foundation Community Safety Institute (Crime and Safety) v DRAFT AUGUST 2013 Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: A. Introduction...... 3 B. Process...... 4 INTRODUCTION C. Demographics...... 5 D. Relationship to Other Plans...... 6 E. Community Assets and Recent Accomplishments...... 7

CHAPTER 2: A. Introduction...... 11 B. Land Use...... 12 NEIGHBORHOODS C. West Side...... 17 AND LAND USE D. East End...... 18 E. Kanawha City...... 19 F. South Hills and Corridor G...... 20 G. North Charleston...... 21 H. Edgewood...... 21 I. Oakridge/Greenbrier...... 21 J. Neighborhood Best Practices Tool Kit...... 22 Subarea Application: Patrick Street Gateway...... 25 K. Neighborhoods and Land Use Actions...... 26

CHAPTER 3: A. Introduction...... 29 B. Opportunities and Challenges...... 30 TRANSPORTATION C. Transportation Best Practices Tool Kit...... 32 Subarea Application: MacCorkle Avenue...... 34 D. Infrastructure...... 39 Subarea Application: Kanawha Boulevard...... 42 D. Mobility and Infrastructure Actions...... 43

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CHAPTER 4: A. Introduction...... 47 B. Opportunities and Challenges...... 48 QUALITY OF LIFE C. Quality of Life Best Practices Toolkit...... 49 Subarea Application: Leon Sullivan Gateway/Cultural District...... 55 D. Quality of Life Actions...... 56

CHAPTER 5: Executive Summary...... 57 (complete plan published separately) DOWNTOWN

CHAPTER 6: A. Tenets of Successful Implementation...... 71 B. Zoning Recommendations...... 72 ACTION PLAN C. Signature Implementation Opportunities...... 74 D. Action Table...... 75

vii DRAFT AUGUST 2013 List of Illustrations

viii DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN Topic Index pprimarily referenced in this chapter Chapter Mobility and p secondarily referenced in this chapter Following the introduction, this plan is organized into Neighborhoods Infrastructure Quality of Life Downtown Plan topical chapters, concluding with an Action Plan. Many Retail potential and mix p of the subjects within the chapters overlap. This table can be used as a guide to locate discussion about a particular Placemaking p p p p topic. The action plan is similarly organized by the Parking p chapter topics. Some of the more detailed information p on data, crime, historic preservation, neighborhood Housing Options p p organizations, and the city’s infrastructure programs is located in a technical appendix, published separately. Residential Neighborhoods p Neighborhood Business Districts p Downtown p p p p Land Use Plan p Reuse of Vacant property and Infill Opportunities p p Historical Areas p p Mixed-use p p p Citywide Transportation System p Non-motorized transportation p p Transit p Infrastructure p Stormwater Management p p Right-of-way/Streetscape Enhancement p p p p Cultural and Entertainment Resources p p Education and Academic Institutions p Safety and Health p p p Parks and Recreation p p Greenways p p Local Food p p Sustainability p p p p

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x DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN

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A. Introduction INTRODUCTION

City Council’s Vision for Charleston: Charleston is the recreational, cultural, Sustainability Using the Comprehensive Plan

and business capital of the Appalachian As part of Charleston’s commitment to Review development proposals against the goals NEIGHBORHOODS sustainability, key recommendations that and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Mountains. support a greener, more socially and Review rezoning requests for consistency with the economically sustainable future are highlighted with a plan’s future land use map and goals. green leaf. Perfect and Perpetuate Strong and Sustainable Neighborhoods Provide a basis for amendments to the zoning ordinance and zoning map to help realize and Conduct Efficient and Collaborative Government to track accomplishments and reassign priorities. It is enforce plan goals. recommended that the entire plan be reviewed every Understand expectations for the future land Produce and Facilitate Events and Recreational Opportunities five years to ensure the goals and recommendations use pattern and desired land use types in the are keeping pace with current trends and recent community to guide new development and TRANSPORTATION Develop and Maintain Sound and Adequate Infrastructure developments. redevelopment. The Differences between a Identify and recommend physical improvements Foster and Support Business Development and Attraction to important resources such as streets, access Comprehensive Plan and a Zoning management, streetscape and entryways, What is a Comprehensive Plan? In looking at the cumulative and long-term impacts of Ordinance sidewalks, parks, and public facilities. The Comprehensive Plan is a document created by the individual decisions, this plan will assist city leaders in The Comprehensive Plan provides policies and general City of Charleston Planning Department and adopted Provide specific design standards for development making substantive, thoughtful decisions for the next direction for future development, and while it does by the City Council to guide decisions on land use, and redevelopment throughout the city. 10 to 20 years. Actions to help attain the goals of this not change the zoning of or any zoning regulations development, and capital improvements. A sound plan are included. Some are short-term or relatively applying to any property, implementation of the Comprehensive Plan helps ensure that Charleston simple, others are complex or longer term. Because the plan will be through zoning ordinance text and map QUALITY OF LIFE remains a highly desirable place to live, work, learn, plan is intended to be implemented over more than a amendments. Some of the other differences between the or visit. This can be accomplished by preserving and decade, there may be alternative ways to achieve the Comprehensive Plan and the zoning ordinance are listed enhancing the qualities of the city that the residents, plan’s goals. The Action Plan should be reviewed yearly below. businesses, and property owners consider important. The Comprehensive Plan identifies and analyzes the Comprehensive Plan Zoning Ordinance Downtown Plan city’s physical elements to create a set of goals, policies, Provides general policies, a guide Provides specific regulations, the law Prepared as part of this Comprehensive Planning and recommendations to direct decisions regarding Describes what should happen in the future – Describes what is and what is not allowed today, based effort, the 2013 Downtown Plan, while published future land use, neighborhood and transportation recommended land use for the next 20 years, not on existing conditions separately, is considered a chapter of this plan. An improvements, and special strategies for key areas in the necessarily the recommended use for today executive summary of that document is included as city. This plan strives to a balance the interests and rights Chapter 5 of this document. of individual private property owners with those of the Includes recommendations that involve other agencies Deals only with development-related issues under City DOWNTOWN entire community. and groups control Flexible to respond to changing conditions Fairly rigid, requires formal amendment to change ACTION PLAN

Chapter 2: Neighborhoods and Land Use Chapter 3: Transportation and Infrastructure Chapter 4: Quality of Life Chapter 5: Downtown 3 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 B. Process

Charleston, as the state’s capital, has a wealth of the Advisory Committee, outreach with social media and which was reviewed by the Advisory Committee and Downtown Business organizations and individuals intersted and committed local news sources, and extensive public and one-on-one general public. Downtown Living to making the city a better place. Individuals from a meetings with the community. Efforts made to engage

INTRODUCTION cross-section of the city’s agencies, organizations, and interested stakeholders through interviews and Technical 6. Plan Adoption. Once the City was satisfied with Community Open Houses. Two community meetings businesses provided background information and ideas Committees and the general public as described in the the draft plan, the Planning Commission held a public were held during the process to gain input on key throughout the process. This Comprehensive Plan brings Summary of Public Involvement are found in the next hearing, recommended adoption to the City Council, who elements of the plan. The meetings were in the form together these efforts, projects, and plans for several section. in turn held a public hearing and adopted the plan in of open houses, which allowed people to drop in at areas of the city and strives to develop a single set of accordance with the West Virginia Planning Enabling Act. anytime. A brief presentation was given to provide an prioritized recommendations for the city into a unified 3. Vision and Goals. Based on comments received overview of the process and participants visited stations, vision. through the public involvement process, draft vision each allowing attendees to express their ideas either statements and goals were developed for each topic area verbally, in writing, or through interactive exercises. The This document was prepared primarily in cooperation and presented to the Advisory Committee and the general stations covered topics including Neighborhoods and with the Planning Department, the Charleston Urban public. The public “voted” for their top priority goals at Land Use Transportation and Infrastructure, Quality of Renewal Authority (CURA), and the Charleston Area the second open house in September 2012. Life, and Downtown. There were over xxx attendees at the

NEIGHBORHOODS Alliance. In addition, early drafts of the plan were community meetings. reviewed by a Comprehensive Plan Executive Committee comprised of representatives from City Staff, City Council, Internet. The City utilized its “Imagine Charleston” and the Charleston Area Alliance, as well as the Advisory website to inform people about the process and to Committee, including representatives from non-profit, provide comment. In addition to the website, Charleston for-profit, and local advocacy groups, and the consultant developed a Facebook page and Twitter account. Over team. The following is an overview of the process that xxx people signed up to be a fan of the plan on Facebook ensued: and received regular updates, meeting notices, and A concept drawing for the Cultural District prepared at the partook in discussions regarding the city. 1. Project Start Up. Early in the process, the City formed Development Concepts Charrette Public Presentation. Once the complete plan was TRANSPORTATION an 80-member Advisory Committee. The Executive Committee recommended members to the Advisory drafted, the consultant team presented the plan at a Committee that represented a broad cross section of the Public Involvement public presentation and the draft plan was posted on city’s interests. The consultant team met with the Advisory The Comprehensive Plan effort sought out public input to the Imagine Charleston website. The public was given Committee and the Executive Committee and began data Ideas are recorded on a map at the first open house engage the broader community in addition to intensive the opportunity to ask questions and offer additional collection. one-on-one work with stakeholder groups. While the comments before the public hearing. 4. Development Concepts. A two-day design charrette process included traditional community meetings, it Public Hearing. Once a draft of the plan was completed 2. Listening and Learning. Once all relevant and updated was held in the middle of the planning process to allow also included social media outreach methods, including and reviewed by outside agencies and the public, public data was collected, the City began to involve the public. the consultant team and City Staff to work together to Facebook and Twitter. A summary of the public hearings were held to allow an additional opportunity A varied and widescale public involvement process was prepare key design-related development concepts. These involvement process follows, and a summary of the results

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY for public comment at a Planning Commission meeting undertaken, including Technical Committee subgroups of subarea applications draw from the goals and best is found in Appendix A. xxxxxx and a City Council meeting xxxxxx. practices for each topic area and provide an example for plan implementation. Concepts were presented to key Stakeholder Interviews. City Staff and the consultant team stakeholders at the end of the charrette and to the public met with a variety stakeholder groups at the beginning of at the second open house. the process. Topics ranged from historic preservation to infrastructure to healthy living. Technical Committee Meetings. In order to better facilitate discussion, the 80-member Advisory Committee

DOWNTOWN was broken down into five Technical Committees based on members’ areas of expertise. Technical Committee meetings were held where participants provided input on goals and areas to Preserve, Enhance, and Transform relative to their topic area. In addition, members were asked to review their committee’s chapter of the draft plan. Technical Committees represented the following five topics: Participants voted on plan goal priorities at the second open house Neighborhoods and Land Use Advisory Committee members brainstormed “What is on ACTION PLAN ACTION Transportation and Infrastructure your radar?” at their first meeting 5. Preparing the Plan. Upon agreement on the direction Quality of Life of the plan, the consulting team developed a draft plan 4 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

C. Demographics INTRODUCTION

Highlights Median Age Households by Type Population by Age (%) Charleston’s population peaked in the 1960’s and since then, has been gradually declining Baby Boomers are aging U.S 37.2 NEIGHBORHOODS Slight increase in young adult age groups West Virginia 41.3 Household types are changing Charleston 41.6 ƒƒthe percentage of family households shrunk Source: 2010 Decennial Census ƒƒthe percentages of single and non-family households increased 39.4% 60.6% An aging population impacts the need for accessible 2/3 of single mother families are below the poverty households households housing, medical services, increased dependency on level w/one w/two+ transit, decreased ability to maintain homes from lack 37% of people over 25 years have a bachelor’s of mobility or finances

degree or higher TRANSPORTATION

Charleston Historical Population Data

53.7% 6.9% family nonfamily households households QUALITY OF LIFE

2000 2010 Household Types # % # % Family Households 13,616 55.6 12,587 53.7 Race

Single Households 9,537 38.9 9,241 39.4 other 7% Non-Family Households 1,352 5.5 1,625 6.9 Total Households 24,505 23,453 *A key contributor to the city’s population growth was the City’s annexation of 19 square miles in 1957 black 15% DOWNTOWN Household Income Poverty Housing Units 15%

white 78% Percentage of families and people whose income in the past 12 months is below the poverty level

with Data Source: 2010 Decennial Census children

All families 11.6% 22.8% Vacancy ACTION PLAN Married couple families 2.5% 3.6% Rate Education Families with female householder, 40.0% 66.6% 10.5% no husband present high school graduate or higher 89% All people 17.1% bachelor’s degree or higher Source: American Community Survey 2008-2010 Estimates 37%

Data Source: 2010 Decennial Census Source: American Community Survey 2008-2010 Estimates 5 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 D. Relationship to Other Plans

While this plan creates a vision for the future, it is Florida Street Revitalization Project. A streetscape important to realize its place in Charleston’s history. This plan, being revised at the time of this plan to reflect plan draws upon a rich planning history in the city, which recommendations for Kanawha Boulevard INTRODUCTION stretches back to the beginning of the twentieth century, Kanawha Trestle and Rail Trail Master Plan. Being as described at right. updated simultaneous to this Comprehensive Plan, This plan replaces the 1996 Comprehensive Plan to especially in regards to bikeway connections near respond to new challenges and opportunities and Patrick Street incorporates concepts and recommendations from recent MacCorkle Avenue Study. Looking at streetscape and neighborhood planning efforts. Several recent separate right-of-way improvements and character districts in planning documents are to be considered chapters of preparation for a future form-based code this Comprehensive Plan including the following and any subsequently adopted as plan amendments by the city: Neighborhood Plans This plan builds upon neighborhood-specific plans

NEIGHBORHOODS Downtown Plan (2013). Prepared as part of this written following adoption of the 1996 plan. The Comprehensive Planning effort, the 2013 Downtown recommendations in this Comprehensive Plan took Plan, while published separately, is considered a those plans into consideration and this plan replaces chapter of this plan. An executive summary of that those plans. Any future area plans may be subsequently document is included as Chapter 5 of this document. adopted as Comprehensive Plan amendments by the city. This Downtown Plan acknowledges past planning The recommendations outlined in this plan for these three efforts including the C.E.N.T.R.A.L Plan (1997) and neighborhoods should be used as a basis for creating the recently expired Downtown Urban Renewal Plan new area plans that delve into more detail. (1985). Charleston’s Planning History West Side Revitialization Plan (1996) Riverfront Plan (2006). The Riverfront Plan was 1938: Municipal Planning Commission created

TRANSPORTATION East End Revitalization Plan (1997) created with the primary goals of creating a more 1939: First Comprehensive Plan adopted accessible and usable park space along the river, Kanawha City Revitalization Plan (1999) integrating neighborhoods and downtown Charleston 1939: Building Zone Ordinance adopted with the river, enhancing areas for special events on CURA Plans 1962: Comprehensive Plan adopted the river, and spurring economic development. Since The Charleston Urban Renewal Authority (CURA) has 1968: revised Comprehensive Plan adopted the adoption of the plan, the City has implemented several plans that govern its various districts. These a scenic overlook at the end of Court Street, covered plans were consulted when analyzing the neighborhoods 1969: new Zoning Ordinance adopted the seating bowl at Haddad Park and created a and creating recommendations. The City should 1974: first citizen-prepared Comprehensive Plan covered stage for special events at Haddad Park. continue to work hand-in-hand with CURA to implement effort begun recommendations from this plan in those redevelopment

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY This plan remains effective except where this new Comprehensive Plan has updated recommendations, areas. 1979: City Council adopted Comprehensive Plan such as the recommended separated bikeway along 1983: new Zoning Ordinance adopted, last time Kanawha Boulevard. Shrewsbury/ Smith Streets Urban Renewal Plan Zoning Map was significantly updated South Hills Business District Design. Capital West Side Community Renewal Plan Other plans are more specifically referenced in the topic 1996: Comprehensive Plan adopted chapters to which they most closely pertain. improvements plan for the business district. East End Community Renewal Plan 2005: new Zoning Ordinance adopted

FIRST SETTLERS ARRIVE CHARLESTON A TOWN CHARLESTON LINKED WEST VIRGINIA RAIL ARRIVES CAPITOL RETURNS STREET CAR Led by Clendenin, building Fort Lee on Declared by Virginia Assembly, named James River & Kanawha Turnpike State is formed; Charleston is divided Chesepeake & Ohio railroads are State Capitol returns to Charleston Extended from Charleston to St. Albans

DOWNTOWN the Kanawha River after Clendenin’s father [US-60] connect to Tidewater Virginia between Union and Confederacy connected to Charleston permanently

1791 1797 1861 1870 1875 1880’S 1909 1921 City Timeline 1788 1794 1820 1863 1873 1885 1911

ACTION PLAN ACTION DANIEL BOONE INDUSTRIAL BOOM SECESSION STATE CAPITOL STATE CAPITOL LEAVES FINANCIAL BOOM PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENS CAPITOL BURNS One of Charleston’s first settlers, serves Salt industry propels Charleston into an Virginia seceeds from the Union at the ARRIVES Moves to Wheeling, WV Rail & coal industry grow Charleston Charleston Public Library opens with State Capitol is destroyed in a massive as state delegate for the county industrial power in the region inception of the Civil War, the western to Charleston into financial center of southern WV 1,200 volumes fire portion remains part of the Union 6 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

E. Community Assets and Recent Accomplishments INTRODUCTION

Key City Assets Recent Accomplishments Renewal Plans Joined the FEMA Community Rating System which Capitol complex brings visitors, tourists, and workers It is important to recognize the significant improvements Temporary uses on vacant lots (especially CURA offers lower flood insurance premiums in return to city Charleston has made in the last 5 to 10 years. The City owned parcels) Dog Park, Community Gardens, East for the city using best practices for flood plain management Water features add beauty and opportunities for water can build upon these efforts for the next 20 years. End Open Air Market(Coming soon) -related recreation activities Renovation of the Quarrier Diner and Equities House Lighting of the South Side Bridge, Kanawha Boulevard NEIGHBORHOODS Development, Revitalization, and Preservation Bridge and Washington Street Bridge The riverfront and Haddad Park Improved perception of the East End Complete renovation/transformation of the public Public Art: four murals on East End, tile work on Topography provides vistas, recreational opportunities housing at Orchard Manor, Washington Manor, Opening of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Washington Street West, pier murals, bike racks in and close proximity to nearby rural/natural areas Littlepage Terrace and Renaissance Circle. downtown, public art inventory and maintenance plan Parks, Recreation, and Greenways Distinct neighborhoods offer a variety of housing Historic Districts added to the National Register: Appalachian Power Park Free WiFi on the East End options for all ages and family types Downtown, Elk City, Luna Park Dog parks: East End, North Charleston Historic façade renovations in Elk City Historic District Most services and destinations are within a 10 minute Revitalization on the Washington Street East Corridor drive, it is very easy to get around the city by car Renovated sports fields at Kanawha City Community Growth at UC: three dorms, pharmacy school Service Delivery and Regulations

Center, North Charleston Community Center, Cato TRANSPORTATION Strong higher education presence as home to building, business school in downtown, parking Streamlined the process for nuisance violations Park the University of Charleston, West Virginia State garage, Triana Field and intensified property maintenance and code Riverfront beautification: Canopy at Haddad, enforcement staff University, West Virginia University at CAMC, Highland Hospital expansion Overlook at Court Street, Schoenbaum Stage City Departments were moved to the City Service Bridgemont Technical School, West Virginia Junior Health Science addition at CAMC Memorial Hospitol College, and Garnet Career Center. Marshall Riverbank stabilization project from Patrick Street Center to create a “one stop shop” Renovation of the MacCorkle Mansion at the top of Bridge to Magic Island New Flexible Zoning Ordinance University is also located in close proximity to the Carriage Trail Charleston. Mary Price Ratrie Gateway Greenspace across from Noise Ordinance directed at boom cars Downtown Outdoor Dining Ordinance the Clay Center CAMC is a regional health center Creation of the Wayfinding Commission and the Creation of both the East and West Side Main Street Special Events: FestivALL, Rod Run and Doo Wop, Historic Landmarks Commission Programs The Civic Center attracts regional events Live on the Levee QUALITY OF LIFE Adoption of the Rental Registration and Inspection Saved the historic YWCA building The Town Center Mall is a rare example of a Streets and Infrastructure Ordinance downtown mall that is thriving South Hills Business District improvements: sidewalks, Streetscape improvements: Washington Street East, light fixtures, landscaping beds, gateway signage Capitol Street and the core downtown area generate Washington Street West, Florida Street, Kanawha Boulevard at Haddad Park big-city excitement in what otherwise is a “small town” Complete redevelopment of the Kanawha Mall Adoption of the East End and West Side Community DOWNTOWN

CAPITOL REBUILT COLLEGE RELOCATES HIGHWAYS CONVERGE TOWN CENTER MALL WAL-MART CLAY CENTER FESTIVALL EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER Design by Cass Gilbert becomes reality University of Charleston moves to its I-64, I-77 & I-79 are extended to Town Center Mall opens to keep retail Wal-Mart opens on Corridor G, Clay Center opens, combining Inaugural year of weeklong festival Multiple outdated public housing complexes are current location in Kanawha City Charleston within city limits beginning expansion of retail outward performance, art & science space celebrating visual and musical arts completely redeveloped

1935 1959 1960’S 1986 1995 2004 2005 ACTION PLAN

1932 1945 1960’S 1983 1993 2003 2005 2008-2013

COLLEGE TOWN CIVIC CENTER DISPLACEMENT CORRIDOR G HADDAD PARK CHARLESTON AREA ALLIANCE BASEBALL RENEWED Morris Harvey College [now University Charleston Civic Center is completed Several neighborhoods removed; part US-119 [Corridor G] connects Haddad Riverfront Park opens as part Economic Development organizations merge to Appalachian Power Park replaces Watt Powell of Charleston] relocates to Charleston and opens to the public of interstate/urban renewal projects Charleston to southern WV of major riverfront redevelopment form Charleston Area Alliance Park as premier baseball facility in Charleston 7 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

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Chapter 2 NEIGHBORHOODS AND LAND USE TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN

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A. Introduction INTRODUCTION

Neighborhoods are the heart and soul of Charleston. They are diverse and dynamic places with unique characteristics, recognized by both residents and the community at large. Each has a strong identity that helps define Charleston as a desirable place to live and invest. A neighborhood includes not just houses, but schools, parks, and businesses that all Provide safe, walkable, vibrant neighborhoods with contribute to make each neighborhood unique.

Healthy neighborhoods do not come about by accident; maintaining healthy sustainable neighborhoods takes distinct identities, and strong connections between NEIGHBORHOODS conscious, proactive decisions by non-profit organizations, community leaders, government, private sector partners, institutions, and the public. By examining current trends and character patterns, we can plan for a Charleston that builds commercial districts, residences, and green spaces upon neighborhood strengths and enhances them for future generations. Charleston’s neighborhoods are a key asset: each one is special, with a character that its residents wish to protect and enhance. Having this diversity is important because a resident can choose to live in Charleston, yet move from one neighborhood to another as their or their family’s needs change over time. Public workshop participants overwhelmingly Charleston’s Neighborhoods supported Charleston’s strong neighborhood identities and broad consensus was reached to preserve and enhance Charleston’s quality of life and livability through a vision for its neighborhoods, highlighted at right. TRANSPORTATION The differences between Charleston’s neighborhoods are a unique strength; however, to remain vital they must continue to accommodate residents at varying stages of life and income levels. Some neighborhoods must realize that in order to prosper, they must adapt to remain appealing places to live. This chapter addresses the challenges Charleston’s neighborhoods face and what can be done to support their unique character and ensure long-term viability. While some of Charleston’s neighborhoods formally identify themselves as neighborhoods, other areas of the city are loosely classified as neighborhoods for the sake of this chapter’s analysis and recommendations, as depicted in the map at right. Each neighborhood has a section with specific recommendations, and overall citywide goals are listed below. QUALITY OF LIFE

Overall Neighborhood Goals

Rehabilitate and maintain the existing housing stock and continue to enforce existing housing, rental, and maintenance codes to ensure neighborhoods remain strong and vital Emphasize home stewardship to promote home and property upkeep among renters, homeowners, DOWNTOWN and landlords Continue beautification effort to emphasize neighborhood character and eliminate blight Promote appropriate and compatible infill development Adopt reuse strategies for vacant and underutilized properties and buildings Ensure traffic in neighborhoods are at appropriate speeds to make it comfortable for pedestrians and

bicyclists ACTION PLAN Provide housing to match the varied needs and income levels of the present and future population with particular attention to housing in and near the downtown for college students and young professionals and a variety of housing choices to meet the changing needs as seniors age Continue to build neighborhood identity through community organizing and physical improvements

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A neighborhood includes not just houses, but schools, the existing housing stock will not require the same decisions about future development and redevelopment. parks, and businesses that all contribute to make each commitment of resources and energy needed for all- Preserve, Enhance, Transform neighborhood unique. new construction. Residents celebrate the fact that Charleston’s

INTRODUCTION neighborhoods are varied and those characteristics This section draws from the other chapters and results in Preserve, Enhance, Transform help define areas to preserve, enhance, or transform. a plan that builds on Charleston’s existing framework, While Charleston’s land use patterns are well established, Whether historic, urban, or more suburban in character, recognizes economic realities, and emphasizes residents’ certain adjustments and improvements are needed. the public has expressed a desire to retain the character strong appreciation of existing neighborhood character. However, these actions must be considered within the of Charleston’s neighborhoods. However, even the most The analysis of existing land use in conjunction with public context of neighborhood and district character. To that stable and vital neighborhoods were recognized as participation has helped shape this plan; describing end, Charleston’s character was analyzed using such needing some level of intervention to make them more where land use and character relationships can be indicators as street configuration, block size, building sustainable for the future. These predominantly “preserve” strengthened. In some cases, the land use arrangement location and form, parking, and lot size. Along with neighborhoods have fewer recommendations than those causes conflicts that need to be addressed. For example, public input received throughout the process in the form with more “enhance” and ‘transform” sites, but all the an industrial use with trucks in a residential neighborhood of mapping exercises, this analysis has led to a framework neighborhoods have been assessed in terms of land NEIGHBORHOODS may have a negative impact. The plan might suggest for recommendations based on the concepts of preserve, use and character, with descriptions highlighted on the ways the industrial use can be made more compatible or enhance, and transform. following pages. that the use become less intense over time. That process helped identify features that shape a By clearly articulating distinct character differences and Preserve: Historic resources positive image of Charleston, not only for residents, communicating them in advance, property owners, Land Use Planning but also visitors. These are the features that must be developers, and investors will have a much better Communities employ land use planning as the primary preserved or enhanced to make Charleston an even understanding about the kind of community Charleston tool to define sustainable and supportive land use more desirable place. Other less desirable characteristics wants to be. This will facilitate the review and approval arrangements and to avoid or correct conflicts. Land use were also identified and have a much different impact of future redevelopment projects, removing much of the conflicts occur when incompatible uses are co-located, on community perceptions. These are the areas or area guess work. In addition, a character-based approach to resulting in various short and long term problems. In time, TRANSPORTATION characteristics that must be either significantly changed or planning begins to establish a foundation to review and the resulting nuisances can depreciate the desirability and completely transformed. potentially modify development regulations so they better value of all affected properties. reflect the desired character of a particular neighborhood, Conversely, future development that is a potential Linking Land Use to Character business area, or district. While previous Comprehensive Plans have focused on community asset can be identified during this same Based on character, investment in neighborhoods located process. Potentially conflicting land uses can benefit ways to classify use, density, and land use arrangements, this plan adds character as a key consideration. at the core of the city will improve quality of life by the neighborhoods in which they are located, and the promoting a more efficient use of land and infrastructure community at-large, if appropriately designed and Character impacts how residents and visitors feel about a place and influences their decisions on where to live and by directing growth back into Charleston. This can operated. The relationship between industrial uses and serve to reduce reliance on the automobile, minimize and visit. Therefore, first impressions about a place go Enhance: Facades and connectivity QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY residential neighborhoods is a good example; when environmental impacts, and lessen the strain on public properly sited, industrial land uses can provide nearby well beyond just land use and include design. Blending land use and character is a new way for Charleston services. Further from the core, neighborhoods can jobs for residents and support area retail. But sometimes be enhanced with strategic investments: improving the use needs to change. to guide future development that best fits the goals of this Comprehensive Plan. Key strategies include the streetscapes and lighting, connecting sidewalks and paths where practical, and interconnecting open spaces. Charleston’s Land Use Pattern following: As a relatively built out city, Charleston’s land use increasing population in proximity to downtown, patterns are largely established. The community’s historic core has been its downtown and surrounding developing mixed-use centers that conform to recent neighborhood planning efforts,

DOWNTOWN neighborhoods in the city’s “flats.” Later development occurred in the hills as residential neighborhoods strengthening neighborhood commercial areas, and throughout the early decades of the twentieth century. minimizing land use conflicts, such as buffering While most of Charleston was designed for the last industrial uses from nearby homes. century, its configuration helps support principles for more sustainable development: Recognizing and Respecting Neighborhoods have the density and character to Neighborhood Character Transform: Outdated shopping centers (for more support a more urban development pattern. To understand what Charleston and its neighborhoods detail on the Patrick Street Subarea, see page 25) Charleston has a healthy downtown and several vital should be like tomorrow, it helps to remember what makes Charleston unique today. This section looks at the

ACTION PLAN ACTION neighborhood commercial centers. characteristics that make the city special, and identifies In keeping with principles of sustainability, renovating the key features that should be reviewed when making Members of the Neighborhoods Technical Committee 12 document areas of the city to preserve, enhance, and transform DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

Future Land Use and Character Map INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION

For more detail on land use/character descriptions see pages 14-16.

Each neighborhood’s land use opportunities are displayed QUALITY OF LIFE in more detail on pages 17-21. DOWNTOWN

The Future Land Use and Character Map is a long-range vision of how land uses should ACTION PLAN evolve over time and should not be confused with the City’s Zoning Map, which is a (short- term) mechanism for regulating development. It is a generalized map intended to provide geographic links to recommendations in this plan. More detailed evaluation would be required as part of any rezoning consideration.

13 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Future Land Use and Character Descriptions and Examples Hills No sidewalks Rural character Curvilinear streets INTRODUCTION

Purpose: To maintain rural living options within

Rural city limits and more flexible regulations for areas annexed into Charleston Neighborhood

Hills NEIGHBORHOODS Few sidewalks possible Mid-20th century-present Subdivisions, estate homes typical Curvilinear streets Larger lots Predominantly single-family homes Well-designed modern multi-family may reflect

TRANSPORTATION the suburban residential character along major

Suburban streets, transit routes, as a transition between single-family and non-single-family with

Neighborhood buffered site design, and where infrastructure can meet the need Purpose: To provide opportunities for new homes outside the historic city core Flats Sidewalks QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY 19th century-present, historic/urban style homes Grid streets Smaller lots Predominantly single-family character Duplexes, triplexes and multi-family units may respect the character of the surrounding urban, historic fabric, while large-scale modern multi- DOWNTOWN family is less appropriate Multi-family, urban housing types like Neighborhood

Traditional Core Traditional townhouses are appropriate transitional uses Purpose: To preserve the historic, walkable neighborhoods in Charleston’s flat core city ACTION PLAN ACTION

14 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

traditional historic “Main St” feel INTRODUCTION flats above storefronts on-street or rear parking very pedestrian friendly 2-3 stories Purpose: To provide traditional “Main Street” nodes in Charleston’s historic neighborhoods NEIGHBORHOODS Mixed-Use Main Street

less housing, more office/commercial mix pedestrian and auto friendly strong retail nodes at key intersections

side and rear parking preferred, some front TRANSPORTATION acceptable retooled “strip” commercial Purpose: To promote quality development along Charleston’s main corridors Corridor Mixed-Use

auto-oriented QUALITY OF LIFE small/medium-scale retail more sensitive to neighboring context than regional commercial Purpose: To provide small commercial nodes in auto-oriented parts of the city DOWNTOWN Commercial Convenience

large scale, “big box” auto-oriented/interchange power centers: Corridor G, Patrick Street Plaza, Kanawha City interchange

Purpose: To provide shopping destinations for the ACTION PLAN greater Charleston region Regional Commercial

15 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Warehouse District near farmers market and Power Park Live/work opportunities Building heights transitioning down in scale from downtown heights Moderately intense multi-family residential (including senior housing, lofts, townhouses), INTRODUCTION also as a transition to more predominantly residential areas, buffering from non-single- family uses Cultural District “Midtown” blend of institutional uses Purpose: to provide a transitional buffer

Downtown Transition between the intense downtown core and nearby neighborhoods Historic city core

NEIGHBORHOODS Capitol Street Mixed-use Tall buildings Civic/financial core see Chapter 5: Downtown Plan Executive Summary and the separately published Downtown Plan Downtown TRANSPORTATION

Medical campus Educational campus Capitol complex Mixed-use campuses (Research & Development business parks, senior living)

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY Purpose: to promote well-planned and designed large institutional campus Campus Institutional

Small-scale uses for former industrial sites Manufacturing DOWNTOWN within or near neighborhoods May include more truck traffic and activities that Distributors, limited warehousing may create noise, outdoor operations, etc. than Professional service shops the less intense uses considered appropriate for the Consumer Commercial category Utilities Not adjacent to residential neighborhoods Auto maintenance/service Research and development Low truck volumes

Consumer Since relatively low intensity uses, these can be Commercial ACTION PLAN ACTION adjacent to residential neighborhoods when Light Industrial views are screened 16 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

West Side Future Land Use INTRODUCTION C. West Side

Past Planning Efforts Opportunities and Challenges West Side Community Renewal Plan (2008) Historic disinvestment West Side Revitalization Plan (1996)

Too much planned and zoned commercial land— NEIGHBORHOODS West Side Main Street former commercial sites lie vacant and underutilized The West Side of Charleston has the City’s Opportunities for creative reuse of old commercial second established Main Street Program. The buildings program helps establish new businesses on the Small lot sizes make new housing solutions difficult West Side and helps existing business owners with building improvement grants and training Overcoming perception problems workshops. Recent accomplishments include the River and highway physically separate West Side from Barton Street Park, two public art commissions, downtown, which makes it difficult to feed off the and the completion and implementation of a redevelopment energy there master streetscape plan for Washington Street Possibilities to build on downtown synergy with close TRANSPORTATION West. Partnerships with CURA for matching funds, proximity as downtown “satellite” neighborhood property cleanup, and purchase have also improved the business corridor. West Side Main Street hosts Build upon core “Main Street” district for a vibrant three annual community events as fundraisers, mixed-use neighborhood node including the West Side Wiener Dog Race, the Ice Look for historic preservation opportunities Cream Social, and OktoberWest. The organization has also recently formed a 501c6 Development Build upon farmers market Branch to take a more proactive approach to their Offer developer incentives such as property revitalization efforts. tax reductions or low cost loans for property redevelopment West Side Opportunities QUALITY OF LIFE West Side Neighborhood Select one-way street conversions (see Mobility Association (WSNA) chapter) Patrick St. and W. Washington Five Corners Connect Save A Lot and other West Side Neighborhood Association, a 501c3, CURA or Main Street could buy, rehab, and resell Pedestrian-friendly commercial node retail along Virginia, limit retail is an active neighborhood association that meets vacant buildings Build upon anchor retail monthly. The organization has now begun Major new construction includes the new Edgewood fundraising efforts, including its first annual WSNA Interchange Gateway Elementary, Black Diamond Girl Scouts Facility, and Dinner, which raised several thousand dollars. The Redevelop as a cohesive mixed- Mountain Mission expansion proceeds were donated to West Side organizations use interchange-oriented unit that went through an application process to receive Two Historic Districts are currently underutilized that will not conflict with traffic exiting the expressway funding. Absentee/out-of-state owners and landlords DOWNTOWN CURA and HOPE For more detail on recommendations for the Patrick Street CURA has been actively purchasing properties business district, see the Subarea Application on page 25. targeted for improvement. Several recent purchases and demolitions of blighted properties have West Side “Main St.” Retail Mix since sprouted community gardens and a new Pharmacy location for the West Side Farmers Market. While Bank CURA’s efforts have concentrated on commercial properties, it has also provided funding for the Personal services efforts of HOPE CDC, a community development Destination retailers ACTION PLAN corporation that has focused on purchasing Furniture and home furnishings residential properties to rehab them or to clear them for development, especially in the CURA Home Artists, art supplies, fabric and sewing Ownership Zone. Long-range goals of HOPE CDC Paint, wallpaper include coordinating education, job training, and TSC or Farm and Fleet employment through the revitalization efforts. Near West Side Eclectic cafes (coffee roastery) Key Redevelopment Area: higher- For more information on recent initiatives on the Used merchandise, antiques, vinyl records intensity residential and mixed-use West Side, please see the appendix. 17 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

East End Future Land Use D. East End

Past Planning Efforts its first season and experienced nearly $20,000 in East End Community Renewal Plan (2005) - an aggregate sales.

INTRODUCTION update to the 1990 plan; outlines a program for StreetWorks: The works of local artists are redevelopment of buildings and property; includes transferred onto banners and bricks for installation design standards for the Washington Street corridor in the streetscape. The original works are auctioned to raise funds for future public art projects. East End Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (1997) - a supplement to the 1996 Comprehensive Plan; calls for HallowEast: A four-day Halloween celebration and beautification, crime mitigation, historic preservation, East End business promotion, HallowEast features building social capital through community events a murder mystery cocktail party, a horror-themed art and activities, and describes lack of recreational show, a zombie walk and more. opportunities Façade and Sign Grant Program: East End businesses have been awarded a collective

NEIGHBORHOODS East End Main Street $20,000 for improvements to building facades The East End is fortunate to have the City of and signage, leveraging over $250,000 of private Charleston’s—and the State of West Virginia’s—first investment in the district. urban Main Street Program. Focused on commercial district revitalization through business promotion, East End Community Association retention, recruitment and historic preservation, East A re-energized and reorganized East End Community End Main Street has transformed the Washington Street Association convened in the second half of 2012 corridor that bisects the East End neighborhood. Now to tackle neighborhood issues like housing and 10 years old, East End Main Street has lead the way beautification, public safety and neighborhood events. for 181 building rehabilitations, 26 new businesses, Among their initiatives are: TRANSPORTATION 370 new jobs, and cut the vacancy rate in the district

by more than half. In addition to ongoing business Energy Efficiency in the East End assistance initiatives, EEMS projects include: East End Yard Sale East End Opportunities East End Bazaar: Constructed of pallets and metal For more information on recent initiatives in the East roofing entirely by volunteers, the open air artisan End, please see the appendix. market saw up to 500 customers each Saturday of Washington Corridor Continue Main Street efforts at east Opportunities and Challenges Continue to work with the Charleston Urban Renewal end and link that node to the Cultural Authority to establish creative temporary uses on their Center redevelopment QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY Lack of identity for transitional area between vacant properties within the East End downtown and East End; rebrand as Midtown Cultural Strengthen and expand East End WiFi program and Center and Warehouse District with transitional mixed enhance marketing efforts uses and building types Extend Ruffner Walk south to provide a pedestrian Build upon core “Main Street” connection between the neighborhood and the Historic District is a key asset, look for further historic commercial corridor preservation opportunities Conveniently located between two major employment East End “Main St.” Retail Mix DOWNTOWN centers, an opportunity to entice hospital and capitol Urban grocer workers to live closer to work Pharmacy Lack of grocery store Convenience stores Improve gateways from downtown, expressway, and Liquor store capitol Specialty food Create retail gateway at Greenbrier Restaurants Minimize conversion of homes to businesses Quick service eateries Develop higher density residential to the north of Personal services (beauty, barber, spa, nails, dry ACTION PLAN ACTION Washington Street cleaner, travel agent) Explore historic district possibilities north of 18 Washington DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION E. Kanawha City

Kanawha City has the longest commercial corridor in the city and has interstate exits at both ends. It was planned Opportunities and Challenges Kanawha City Future Land Use and Opportunities as a self-sustained community designed with a traditional grid with either 25’x120’ lots or 50’x120’ lots. All right of Long commercial corridor, needs to be segmented into distinct nodes or pockets of intense retail activity

ways are 60’ wide with the exception MacCorkle Avenue Improve access and corridor image NEIGHBORHOODS which is 80’ and 50th Street being 100’. 50th Street and connectors of offices or residential was designed to be the “Main Street.” The Kanawha Strong neighborhood residential in flats Retain strong neighborhood character City Land Company still holds title to the land in fee on Continue beautification of corridor with landscaping all the right of ways and alleys whereas the City has a and more uniform signage public easement over the right of ways. Kanawha City was Improve MacCorkle pedestrian crossings annexed into the City of Charleston in 1929. Small retail gateway node Improve driveway access, look for opportunities for parking in the rear Past Planning Efforts Encourage property consolidation and redevelop as

Kanawha City Revitalization Plan (1999) - two main better functioning plazas (potentially as mixed use TRANSPORTATION goals: eliminate commercial encroachment into the with medical offices on the second and third floors) residential neighborhoods and transform MacCorkle Focus on making MacCorkle an efficient shopping into slower, cleaner and greener corridor experience - easy access/egress, good selection of goods/services Kanawha City Community Ensure there are adequate buffers from commercial to Association (KCCA) the residential Kanawha City Community Association is a 501c3 neighborhood association with several Explore possibility of a Business Improvement District subcommittees including Beautification and (BID) to help plan for and fund reinvestment along

Imagine, Crime Safety and Housing, Planning and MacCorkle QUALITY OF LIFE Zoning and the Kanawha City Business Association. Lack of parking along the corridor due to zero lot line development Lower Donnally Neighborhood Commercial encroachment into the residential areas Association Both CAMC and UC are experiencing growth. Neighborhood Association that deals primarily Usually this involves encroachment into the with issues along Lower Donnally Road including neighborhoods. Both have long been acquiring beatification projects and property maintenance property around their campuses for future expansion. issues. Major new construction includes the Highland Hospital addition, WV Housing Development Funds MacCorkle Avenue Redesign new building. CAMC will soon start construction of a DOWNTOWN The AIAWV Livable Communities Committee studied new cancer center on the former Watt Powell site. The MacCorkle Ave from 31st Street to 58th Street. Kanawha Mall recently underwent a major renovation The study recommended ways to clean, green and converting it into a plaza and is now starting to be slow down the corridor. The study is conceptual successful again. and recommended bold changes. The KCCA has since secured grant money through the legislature to refine the plan down to discreet projects that could be used for applications for Transportation MacCorkle Corridor Retail Mix Enhancement Funds. Due to the financial shape Good quality grocery stores and specialty food of the federal government, the consultants have stores ACTION PLAN been asked to scale down the bold changes to the Pharmacies and health care stores corridor and too look at smaller gateway projects Stabilize residential areas and opportunities to clean and green the corridor Convenience stores in ways that are more realistically able to be funded Casual restaurant dining, quick service eateries and implemented. Personal services (beauty, dry cleaner, travel, etc.) Enhance regional retail power node Coffee/tea shops Retail Mix: apparel, home improvement, general For more information on recent initiatives in merchandise, leisure Kanawha City, please see the appendix. 19 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

F. South Hills and Corridor G

Opportunities and Challenges Bridge Road Recommendations South Hills Association has made great strides in Strong neighborhood character, new homes and colorful mix to reinforce the unique “vibe” of Potential uses to support the current retail mix: INTRODUCTION improving the design and aesthetics of the Bridge this district Lack of sidewalks and bikeways due largely to terrain Road shopping area ƒƒRunning/biking/yoga store and limited right-of-way widths Coordinate signage to be similar look and higher ƒƒTea room, coffee shops Improve walkability around Bridge Road shopping quality Lack of connectivity, many dead end streets, which node through ƒƒKitchen supply Find opportunities for more landscaping to help means emergency services, deliveries, etc. have fewer ƒƒpainted pedestrian crosswalks across street ƒƒSpecialty food options or if there is an accident accentuate unified district identity intersections and between sidewalk and building ƒƒHandmade gifts Potential for new homes and better connectivity with entrances ƒƒJewelry new development ƒƒadded landscaping where practical to help define Maintain quality of older homes and support pedestrian routes ƒƒHigh-end pet store reinvestment, rehabilitation, and appropriate levels of ƒƒBeauty salon/spa

NEIGHBORHOODS Improve wayfinding around Bridge Road expansion Continue to improve facades but support an eclectic ƒƒSmall home furnishings

South Hills Future Land Use and Opportunities Corridor G Recommendations Focus on redevelopment of older sections that Bridge Road need to be redeveloped to attract quality retailers Continue to strengthen business node with

TRANSPORTATION Require retailers to pay into a redevelopment fund improved walkability and coordinated to be used in the future municipal redevelopment appearance (over 50,000 sq. ft. e.g., Wauwatosa WI) Pursue high quality retailers and restaurants Design standards to create a village-like setting Cluster restaurants in a main street setting with pull up parking QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN

Look for connection opportunities to minimize dead ends Retain strong neighborhood character

Corridor G Promote high quality regional retail

ACTION PLAN ACTION development Design standards can result in a “main street” setting at Continued facade improvements and site design features Corridor G will strengthen the character of the Bridge Rd. shops 20 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION G. North Charleston H. Edgewood I. Oakridge/Greenbrier

Opportunities and Challenges Opportunities and Challenges Opportunities and Challenges Preserve rural character within city limits Key redevelopment sites and adaptive reuse possibilities like how Sidewalks are challenging due to steep slopes and narrow rights-of-way Glenwood School is being converted into senior living: Edgewood Pool, Flooding along Two Mile Creek Further business park or retirement campus development possible NEIGHBORHOODS Taft School, Chandler School, and Watts and J. E. Robins after they close Hilly topography lends itself to low-density rural residential Look for opportunities for more walking trails similar to those in Northgate Key gateway enhancement locations: Greendale, Matthews/Park, Business Park Ensure adequate buffers between industrial and residential uses in the flats Edgewood/Springdale Retain existing single-family neighborhoods Strengthen connections to West Side businesses Create a gateway along Greenbrier from the airport with inviting signage Preserve rural neighborhood character at the periphery and streetscaping Continue to strengthen traditional historic neighborhoods Possible historic district in Shadowlawn North Charleston Future Land Use Edgewood Land Use and Oakridge/Greenbrier Land Use and TRANSPORTATION and Opportunities Opportunities Opportunities Enhance gateways Retain rural commercial character to Edgewood along W. Washington Gradual site upgrades to improve aesthetics QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN

Drainage improvements needed Investigate potential for curbside sidewalk near Ruffner Elementary Installing sidewalks would be challenging Allow more consumer-oriented industrial uses, cluster mature single-family residences at key locations. Subarea study on land use conflicts/zoning.

21 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 J. Neighborhood Best Practices Tool Kit

Vacant Property Infill Housing density housing strategies could help transform Design Standards. Develop design standards, criteria, Land banking for future use. The City should look and reenergize certain areas. Depending on the and incentives for developing infill housing while Since the city is relatively built out, anyone seeking utilizing resources already in place. Architecture and for ways to acquire properties and hold them for a brand new house often looks to the hills of neighborhood, the least intrusive of these may be to INTRODUCTION materials should be of high quality and while the future use or redevelopment. Charleston’s Urban Charleston or somewhere outside the city. However, infill vacant lots with compatible single-family homes. Renewal Authority (CURA) is perfectly poised to More substantial options include redeveloping an design of individual units will be unique, they will Charleston can build on its previously discussed goal for appear to be related and “from the same chess set.” acquire vacant properties and redevelop them within “city living” and provide greater choices and opportunities area to accommodate mixed land uses that offer a the urban renewal areas. A key strategy should be variety of residential options. However, the primary This type of development must still contain pedestrian for new homes within the existing urban fabric. connections throughout the applicable neighborhood to assemble key properties providing unified sites Prospects for infill housing, either a single lot or a small focus for high-density development should remain for catalytic projects, new home construction, open downtown and adjacent transitional areas. and to the public street and surrounding redevelopment cluster of several new houses, built to fit developments. space and parks, churches or schools. For example, the character of its surroundings, could have a positive Diverse Housing Options for all Generations. Like if funding similar to past Neighborhood Stabilization impact on the neighborhood as a whole. To support such Homeowner Guidebooks. Typical housing studies many other communities, Charleston is growing Programs are available, the City should target areas opportunities, the city should develop standards for infill identify gaps in the local housing market, and simply older and its population is shrinking due in part to that create larger tracts of land for re-use. Land development that define and are consistent with desired note which home products are most in demand. located downtown could be assembled and marketed changing family size and makeup. Nuclear families Charleston could expand on this concept by showing NEIGHBORHOODS neighborhood character, described earlier in this chapter. for redevelopment as townhomes or mixed use, are no longer the norm, and therefore housing not just what is desired, but how existing homeowners and dilapidated homes or other buildings could be Infill within already developed areas makes the most options must accommodate a variety of family types. can incorporate modern features like open floor acquired and renovated or demolished to provide an efficient use of existing infrastructure. Infill development The housing needs of special groups, like the elderly, plans, master suites, and second floor bathrooms opportunity for infill and redevelopment. can be encouraged with incentives such as density must also be an important part of the Charleston’s into their current home. Smaller home sizes can commitment to provide appropriate housing choices Side lot programs. Charleston should explore options bonuses, height bonuses expedited permit reviews, and sometimes lead to loss of residents, especially for all of its residents. Viable senior housing options to address the costs and responsibilities associated reduced permitting fees. The City could also maintain an growing families who need additional living space. that include remaining at home as long as possible, with vacant residential lots. Under this program a inventory of land targeted for infill or redevelopment to Developing simple renovation concepts for typical to special facilities, such as senior independent living, neighbor can purchase an adjacent vacant property help developers identify available sites. (see the Subarea homes in the community can provide property owners are especially important to residents who want to stay for a nominal fee, thereby shifting the lot costs and Example for this chapter that identifies a targeted infill with renovation ideas that might allow them to in the neighborhoods they are most familiar with and TRANSPORTATION maintenance responsibilities from the City to the area near West Side Elementary). renovate and stay in their current home. be near family and friends. homeowner. Appropriate Density. For Charleston, increasing Rental housing for lower income residents or Home Stewardship Pocket Parks. Vacant lots on residential streets can density and population in select areas is vital to help supportive housing must be integrated with support Residents who take pride in their dwellings, whether be renovated into a community area for residents, offset the loss of population in other areas and the services, and its design and construction should rented or owned, can contribute positively to a as either a community garden, green space, or park. increasing tax burden on its remaining residents consider both long-term durability and security. neighborhood’s image and reinvestment opportunities. Pocket parks should be designed with seating, play and businesses. It will also provide the population Options for the younger sector of the population are Therefore, home stewardship should be supported structures or other amenities, but also any fencing, concentration needed to support neighborhood stores just as important. Smaller families and couples may broadly, beyond owner-occupied residences to include hedges or other landscaping needed to screen and businesses. Density is frequently perceived as a desire alternatives to single-family detached, owner- rental home and apartment maintenance. Such a broad adjoining neighbors from the potential activity in “bad” word because it connotes a wide array of ill- occupied housing, such as townhomes, flats, and definition also begins to address issues associated with

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY the park. A community development corporation, a conceived and designed buildings and developments. apartments above storefronts. landlord accountability. block club, a church group, or an informal alliance These include past attempts at public housing, of neighbors will sometimes assume responsibility Without quality options, renters – who often include overcrowded and out-of-scale apartment complexes, Providing housing choices to meet the needs of for the upkeep of a pocket park, so additional and the conversion of single-family homes into multi- seniors, single professionals and young families - are a variety of income levels and age groups will communication with homeowner associations and unit boarding houses. likely to choose options in other communities. To channel other groups will increase the success of these ensure Charleston stays sustainable in the future. resources wisely and retain quality neighborhoods, the Well-planned and designed medium- to higher- programs. Infill Housing Examples DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

22

Small lot housing types Townhouses Full block redevelopment Lot assembly DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

City should focus inspection and code enforcement efforts foreclosed on or that are vacant for a certain time. uses from industrial uses. Such patterns have contributed Commercial Site Design to areas with a high number of code violations, vacant This requirement is often triggered at the time to a decaying social quality that many communities wish Depending on the context, the form and character of properties, or problems with absentee landlords. property is sold, so they are often less controversial to reverse. buildings can have a significant impact on the function than policies aimed at immediate compliance. In and activity within an area. Furthermore, the quality Today, mixed-use development is becoming desirable

Some areas within Charleston could use improvement fact, in today’s economic climate, as more and of buildings impact the local economy, as declining NEIGHBORHOODS and, with minimal clean-up and more effective more homes sit vacant, vandalism is more likely again due to the following benefits: commercial districts with dilapidated buildings can have a and inspections may be essential to ensuring that regulations, could become highly desirable Greater housing variety and density provides more compounding negative effect on the perceptions of safety homes sold are still livable. neighborhoods. Housing funds should be targeted to affordable housing and options for those seeking and property value. stabilize these neighborhoods in transition or at the ƒƒThe City could also enact a general law requiring lower maintenance or urban living options tipping point. inspections for rental properties, however, such New and rehabilitated commercial development sites Reduced distances between housing, workplaces, laws are likely to be more controversial because should possess the following qualities: Efforts to support home stewardship should focus on retail businesses, and other amenities and they would require more immediate compliance. community training in home repair skills, mortgage destinations reduces travel time and improves These would mimic the current protocol for fire Streetscape & Site Design assistance, and providing needed resources, such as convenience inspections, and could be required on an annual Streetscape treatment should be used to signify an tools and materials for physical renovations. Community basis or as properties change hands. More compact development makes more efficient use entrance and contribute to a sense of place. TRANSPORTATION clean-up days and regular rental inspections and can of public services, utilities and infrastructure also improve the condition of existing neighborhoods and ƒƒThe current Rental Registration Ordinance only Community amenities such as patio/seating areas, housing stock. allows inspections not to exceed once every two Stronger neighborhood character and sense of place water features, art work or sculpture, clock towers, years. Locations chosen for inspection are chosen result when citizens and businesses interact pedestrian plazas with park benches or other features located adjacent to the primary entrance to Code Enforcement. Vigilant enforcement of local randomly and could be changed so that certain Walkable, bikeable neighborhoods increase the building(s) are highly encouraged and may be property maintenance and building codes acts as a problem areas are targeted more frequently. accessibility, which results in improved travel calculated as part of the landscaping requirement. preventative measure against inappropriate activity options, reduced transportation costs and improved and blight in general. Mixed-Use Development community health Include amenities for bicyclists, pedestrians and Mixed-use development is a development or building Rental Inspection Codes. An increasing concern in transit riders, including wider sidewalks, bike storage that blends a combination of residential uses, or that many communities is the emergence of additional Commercial Rightsizing facilities, bus shelters, lighting and landscaping in the

combines residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, QUALITY OF LIFE rental properties throughout the core neighborhoods. Much of the land zoned commercial in the city dates to standards for site plan review. or industrial uses, and where those functions are Naturally, property renters do not feel the same when the population was greater and before the “big physically and functionally integrated. obligation to maintain their home as property owners box” boom on Corridor G. The amount of land allocated Parking and Access for commercial use today is greater than what is needed, Off-street parking should typically be located in do. While the City cannot regulate ownership of Mixed Residential. Mixed-use residential provides leading to vacancies and underutilized centers. Limited the side and rear yards with an additional entrance land, it can initiate programs aimed at protecting an array of housing types in one neighborhood or sufficiently-sized property on major arterials makes it oriented to the parking lot. buildings and those that reside there, from unsafe development, so that there is not an over-supply of difficult to meet the market need for “big boxes” or “mid conditions. Charleston currently has a limited rental any one type. Such developments result in more Parking lots adjacent to the roadway should provide boxes” and other retailers that serve a broader regional inspection program that could be modified to require moderate residential densities, and fewer public safety a setback and landscape greenbelt. In the downtown sales market. annual inspections. Rental inspection policies can be demands. Apply mixed-use standards where they best area, a knee-wall or hedge may also be appropriate. implemented in a variety of ways, depending on the apply, not necessarily to every site. Revolutionary changes in logistics and information Driveways should be designed and located according level of support for such programs. Below are a few

technologies give “big box” national retailers an to the Access Management standards in the Mobility DOWNTOWN options the City may consider: Mixed-Use Buildings. Mixed-use buildings located in neighborhood commercial districts can help aggressive advantage in pricing and selection that Chapter. ƒƒThe City could require new Certificates of strengthen the local economy. Mixed-use buildings cannot be met by smaller independent stores typical to Parking lot landscaping is especially important in Occupancy be obtained for homes that are include upper-story residential or office uses above Charleston. Second, households are using the internet minimizing large parking lots. Parking lot islands that commercial stores. for more of their shopping needs, utilizing local shops incorporate pedestrian access to storefronts, may be less frequently. To respond to these factors, retail venues Historically, mixed-use appropriate for larger lots or high traffic sites. Mixed-Use Examples should be strategically located at neighborhood centers. environments were established Internal pedestrian walkways should be included out of need – lack of travel One advantage city neighborhoods can have over more for persons who need access to the building(s) from options and speed required suburban environments like Corridor G is the potential for internal parking areas. Walkways shall be designed one to live, work, shop and residents to walk to places, such as restaurants, grocery to separate people from moving vehicles as much as ACTION PLAN recreate within close proximity. stores, hair salons, and personal services. Convenient possible, vehicle drive aisles or parking spaces may As travel options increased shopping and services can be an attraction for residents. not be used for this purpose. and post-World War II Because of reduced demand, some of the neighborhood suburbanization began, mixed Crosswalks should be distinguished from the parking centers and corridors may need to be retrofitted to mixed- and driving areas by use of any of the following use was gradually replaced use neighborhood centers that allow a wide array of uses, with single use developments materials: special pavers, bricks, raised elevation or including residential, that may be mixed within a building. scored concrete. that separated residents from Neighboring mixed-use activities must be compatible, commercial uses from office and the facilities should be well kept and well designed. 23 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Landscaping, Buffers & Screening such a desirable places to live. However, these features Planned Unit Development owners of the restriction. Conservation easements Development abutting residential should be screened can also be a challenge to development. Physical The zoning ordinance governs how property is developed. are most often executed between the property owner with a mixture of treatment such as landscaping, constraints require additional engineering and creative The conventional method of minimum lot sizes and rigid and a governmental entity or non-profit agency that is

INTRODUCTION walls, and fences. solutions that are often more costly. dimensional requirements often result in disturbances to responsible for enforcing the terms of the easement. Loading and unloading areas should be located valuable environmental features. These impacts can be Conditions of future use and development are negotiated Over time, land costs in the flat, developable areas of minimized by encouraging Planned Unit Developments, into the easement. Then, the original property owner where they can be effectively screened from view and the City have risen as supply dwindled, and the cost to where they will create the least impact on residential which are currently allowed in the City. maintains ownership of the land, but must manage it develop in the rolling hills and floodplains at the city’s according to the agreement. neighbors. Where necessary, limited hours for outskirts also rose as concerns regarding foundation PUDs allow development to be clustered on smaller trash pick up may be considered to further protect stability, soil erosion, wastewater management and and narrower lots in developable areas of the site, Development Rights Banking and Transfer neighbors. utility systems have lead to increased regulation and in exchange for permanently protected open space As opposed to conservation easements, where Where required, detention areas should be designed construction costs. For these reasons, the City is elsewhere. In this way, a Planned Unit Development can development rights are sold for the purpose of to mimic natural environments, and steep basins considering ways to maximize development where be considered as a density-based zoning approach that permanently eliminating development of sensitive lands, requiring safety fencing should be discouraged. utilities and site conditions are suitable, and encourage replaces the rigid dimensional requirements. the idea of development rights banking and transfer is to NEIGHBORHOODS preservation of those areas that are particularly hold these rights for use by another property owner. It Lighting challenging to development or that contain important While environmental protection is usually the primary works when one property owner, whose land is located Site lighting should be regulated so it does not spill natural features. purpose of such ordinances, an additional benefit of into non-commercial areas or the public road, except clustering development is the efficiency of infrastructure in the “sending area,” or area designated for protection, where needed to illuminate driveways. Generally, Some of the benefits preservation can provide include: that is afforded with a more compact design. In the wishes to preserve their land and allow another property levels between 0.5 and 1.0 footcandles at the illustration to the right, the same number of lots is owner to build the equivalent amount of development property line are appropriate. Prevent soil erosion by protecting steeply sloping land provided, but the cluster design requires fewer linear feet on land that is located in the “receiving area,” or area Maintain and improve water quality of roads and utilities, which reduces overall sewer, water designated for growth. In this way, TDR is a tool to Signs and road maintenance costs. redirect growth from one area of the community to

Lower-level ground signs are preferred over taller pole Perpetuate and foster the growth of healthy forest another. Sometimes with a PUD, the developer receives certain TRANSPORTATION signs. Maintain and improve wildlife habitat and migration corridors incentives, such as density bonuses, reduced utility fees Under a TDR program, valuable land is identified for Signs should include a durable base constructed or streamlined reviews in exchange for providing a public protection as part of the “sending area.” Property owners Protect scenic vistas visible from roads and other of materials compatible with the architecture of the benefit, such as those listed above. in the “sending area” now own development rights, building. public areas equal to the amount of development their land could yield. Those rights may be sold, donated or otherwise Sign locations should respect clear-vision areas and Ensure that lands are managed so that they are Conservation Easements negotiated as a commodity. Conversely, areas where traffic safety. always available for sustainable agriculture Conservation easements are one way to permanently development is encouraged are designated as part of Provide passive recreation areas preserve land for open space or natural resource the “receiving area.” Typically, these areas are located Land Preservation protection. A conservation easement is a permanent The physical landscape in Charleston – its The following are some ways to encourage preservation where public infrastructure exists to support growth, and restriction placed on property that limits or eliminates

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY sloping hillsides, riverfront, and varied of land that should not be developed, and to provide where physical conditions are conducive to development. future development. The idea of the easement is topography - is one of the things that makes it incentives for development to occur where infrastructure Ownership of land remains the same, but the TDR predicated on the “bundle of rights” theory of property and facilities exist to serve it. transaction involves the transfer of those rights from the ownership, which suggests that property owners maintain preserved land to the development area. Now, land that a set of “rights” which includes, among others: is appropriate for development can be built at a higher Development rights density, and land that should not be developed, can be protected in perpetuity. Air rights Subsurface resources (water, minerals, oil) Using the Planned Unit Development option discussed above, the City could allow for the transfer of DOWNTOWN Access rights development rights from one parcel of land to another. Use rights A TDR procedure could be included in the City’s current A conservation easement is executed after the planned unit development regulations. Some minor development rights are purchased, donated or otherwise changes would be needed in the procedure, such as negotiated as a commodity between the property owner permitting both the Sending and Receiving parcels, and the agency interested in preservation. Conservation separated by some distance, to be included within a easements are recorded the same way a deed of sale single PUD. TDR density computations would also need to is, and once executed, it “runs with the land,” meaning be included. it restricts activity of both present and future owners of A combination of fencing and landscaping buffers this Well-landscaped islands in parking lots reduce the heat the land. As such, the easement will become part of ACTION PLAN ACTION parking lot from the adjacent sidewalk island effect, improve views and pedestrian access the chain of title for the property, which notifies future 24 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

Subarea Application: Patrick Street Gateway INTRODUCTION

Objectives Potential Development Concept

Create a Gateway to the West Side Program

Provide an entertainment/retail destination 1. Restaurant NEIGHBORHOODS Improve connections, especially Patrick Street pedestrian crossings, to 2. Proposed Built Form adjacent residential neighborhoods 3. Existing Buildings Create a “restaurant row” along Kanawha River 4. Green Space/ Open Space Improve entrance and visibility to auto dealers 5. Riverfront Enhancement Provide strong retail power node for West Side residents and attract 2 6. Trail shoppers/diners from Greater Charleston 3 Look for large and medium scale retailers including a grocery store

Could catalyze further commercial redevelopment elsewhere on West Side 3 TRANSPORTATION (PROPOSED ST) 2 4TH AVE 2 2

1 Nearby Housing Demonstration Project 2 3 1 2 4 2 4 2 3RD AVE 2 QUALITY OF LIFE 6 1

PATRICK ST 4 1

5 4 4

1

1 3 DOWNTOWN

6

B N 0 100 300 ft

A A The residential area to the east of the Patrick Street commercial district is a prime site for concentrated infill housing. Located within the West Side Urban Renewal area, these few blocks host many vacant lots that could be used as ACTION PLAN a new housing demonstration project. Builders could showcase their model homes for small lots and the area would see an instant improvement. With the opening of the new Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary school and proposed Patrick Street revitalization, his infill development could spark more investment A Themed Restaurants in this part of the West Side. B Outdoor Car Display

25 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 K. Neighborhoods and Land Use Actions

Housing Create a new rural residential district (R5) calming measures (like speed tables, striping to rehabilitation of viable blighted structures and if not Develop infill guidelines (sample sketches and Allow non-commercial uses in select commercially distinguish parking from travel lanes, curb bumpouts suitable for rehab, demolition (P2); Survey buildings, photographs) and ordinance standards to promote zoned areas, have CURA target acquisition of at intersections, etc. (P9) first in CURA districts, and identify key opportunities INTRODUCTION new houses that complement the design of homes outdated commercial properties and then rezone City engineering and police identify a key staff person and priorities (P2a), Enact a vacant and abandoned in that neighborhood (i.e. new homes with modern them for a more appropriate non-commercial use to work with neighborhood organizations to develop building registration (P2b); Streamline the decision- amenities but that look like they are part of the (R3a) a traffic calming neighborhood involvement program making process for blighted and foreclosed properties neighborhood) (R1) to promote conversion to reuse or hold as green Update the zoning ordinance to promote a transition (P9a) Continue to use property maintenance inspections so space until an appropriate use is found in the future of non-conforming uses within buildings that are When neighborhoods identify a traffic problem, (P2c) rental units are safe and well maintained but consider worth saving into uses that are more compatible with the formula would be used for city staff and a more aggressive system of inspections and awards/ the surrounding area and would preserve the integrity neighborhoods to collect data and agree upon publicity for the “highest level” buildings or landlords of the historic building (R3b) appropriate response and funding (P9b) (to use in marketing and potentially at a higher rental rate) (R2) Consider design review/zoning overlay zones for each Encourage conversion of retail to other appropriate Historic District in the city (R11) uses such as residential or office in areas where retail NEIGHBORHOODS Modify the Rental Registration Ordinance inspection use is no longer viable (P20) selection so that problem areas are targeted more Prepare a subarea study for the Bigley/Pennsylvania frequently for random inspections (R9) area sandwiched between the Elk River and I-77 to Develop a commercial business owner’s Reuse resolve land use and zoning conflicts (R13) Guide that focuses cost effective ideas, techniques Promote the development of a variety of new rental Update zoning map with a comprehensive rezoning to and guidelines for renovation and reuse of historic housing units to appeal to young adults and empty commercial assets. (P21) nesters near the downtown and East End and West implement land use recommendations of plan where Side Main Street districts. (P3); Coordinate with future land use is different than current zoning (R12) Encourage local services and retail within developers to create demonstration projects for Review, assess, and adjust city ordinances to support neighborhood walking distance (P24) attached and detached residential units on targeted live/work and business incubators (R13) Develop an adaptive reuse program that offers urban blocks (P3a) development guidance, streamlined processes, TRANSPORTATION Create detailed design and development guidelines Work with the institutions which can provide for key areas recommended for form-based zoning reduced timeframes, and cost savings to resources/grants/funding to faculty members districts (guidelines should include location of developers looking to adapt older buildings for to purchase homes in neighborhoods near buildings, setback, height, size, color, landscaping, new uses (P27); Adopt Adaptive Reuse Ordinance the institutions – whether it is in an adjacent and parking requirements) (R28) (P27a); Support a demonstration project to promote neighborhood or within Downtown Charleston (P15) successful adaptive reuse (P27b); Alternative building Extend Ruffner Walk south to provide a pedestrian Develop incentives (P15a), Promotional materials codes should be followed for adaptive reuse within connection between the neighborhood and the (P15b), select realtors to match faculty/students to existing structures (P27c) commercial corridor (C17) targeted areas (P15c) Continue to promote low-cost incubator space for Formalize a program to inventory and prioritize student/professor entrepreneurs in older vacant QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY Continue programs that encourage responsible rehabilitation of viable blighted structures and if not homeownership while providing affordable, but industrial buildings, especially in the Warehouse suitable for rehab, demolition (P1); Survey buildings, quality rental options (P22) District or along West Washington (P34) first in CURA districts, and identify key opportunities Support and partner with non-profits to strengthen and priorities (P1a); Enact a vacant and abandoned Site Design and expand current programs that provide hands-on building registration (P1b); Streamline the decision- Provide additional opportunities for sustainable education and training for home maintenance and making process for blighted and foreclosed properties landscaping and hardscaping (R6) repairs (P22a) to promote conversion to reuse or hold as green Upgrade landscaping requirements along MacCorkle space until an appropriate use is found in the future Ensure a mix of housing types across neighborhoods (R7) to accommodate various income levels so residents (P1c)

DOWNTOWN Support use of renewable energy technologies can remain in the city or their neighborhood as needs Explore temporary uses for vacant residential on single-family homes, businesses and change (P23) property such as infill development, community institutions such as solar panels and small wind gardens, neighborhood open space, and use energy units (R135) Land Use of the land bank for parcels where redevelopment is Gradually adjust (reduce) the amount of commercially more likely long-term (P2); Explore the creation of a Supplement existing wayfinding sign system to identify zoned land based on location, character, market land bank by inventorying available land, matching key gateways to help direct travelers to and around demand and other factors (R3) parcels with potential buyers and future developers, neighborhood commercial districts (C6) Create new form-based districts for areas formerly and identifying additional strategies to incentivize and Work with West Virginia Department of Highways and currently under CURA design review (Main Streets publicize the program (P2a) to add smaller, more decorative lighting along and Downtown) and MacCorkle Avenue in Kanawha MacCorkle and Kanawha (C12) ACTION PLAN ACTION For neighborhood streets where traffic speeds are City (R4) more than 5 mph over posted speeds, evaluate traffic Formalize a program to inventory and prioritize 26 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS

Chapter 3 TRANSPORTATION + INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN

27 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

28 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

A. Introduction INTRODUCTION

Streets are among the most important public infrastructure and place-making elements of the city because they can define how a visitor, resident, or worker perceives a neighborhood, downtown, or the city as a whole. While it is Provide a safe and convenient transportation important that streets foster safe and convenient access and travel for all modes of transportation and are easy to navigate, they should also be attractive, well maintained, to help create a favorable impression of the city and districts.

system that provides travel choices and balances NEIGHBORHOODS A well-designed system of interconnected sidewalks, bike routes, and transit routes gives travel options that decrease the number of automobile trips. the needs of all users and provide quality Similarly, a quality municipal infrastructure system supports activities in Infrastructure includes: the city. While not as visible as transportation or most other municipal Public water system infrastructure, gradually upgrading the system functions, they are no less important. Like many mature cities, Charleston Sanitary sewer system has challenges associated with aging infrastructure. The topography and Stormwater—rainwater runoff and to reduce negative impacts on the environment rivers that add to the city’s unique charm also create issues with managing flood control stormwater, utilities, and flood events. and public health Technology TRANSPORTATION Complete Streets Approach Solid waste disposal and recycling For the next 20 years, improvements to the transportation system will be Transportation and Infrastructure Goals Flood Management as much about complementing the desired character of the surroundings and moving all types of users as they will be about moving autos. Improve wayfinding for visitors and ease of circulation downtown Recommendations in this plan build upon the city’s recent efforts to reconstruct streets to fit the context of the adjacent Enhance safety and flow for vehicles and trucks land uses – safe for motorists, but including streetscape and design details catering to the needs of pedestrians and Improve and promote public transit as a more viable alternative to driving bicyclists. Provide a network of bike trails and routes to make it comfortable and easy for people of all ages and

Nationally, this approach is often referred to as “complete streets”, harmonizing streets with their surroundings while QUALITY OF LIFE abilities to walk or bicycle throughout the city and link with neighboring communities interlacing transportation networks to meet the mobility needs of all users — motorists, goods movement, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and emergency service vehicles. In 2013, the West Virginia legislature passed, and the governor Provide a comfortable and well-maintained sidewalk and trail system, where physically practical, signed, a Complete Streets Act that requires consideration by the Commissioner of Highways consider complete streets especially to access downtown, institutions, and schools policies for all facilities under his jurisdiction. Charleston supports a complete streets approach, which is detailed in this Improve safety through adequate street lighting that complements the character of the street chapter. Continue efforts to reduce the severity of flooding impacts Gradually upgrade sewer system to separate sanitary from stormwater, as funding permits, to increase cars/trucks transit technology capacity and reduce negative environmental impacts DOWNTOWN Be a regional leader in technology promoting citywide WiFi and a centralized GIS database

stormwater bicycles pedestrians ACTION PLAN

airport railroads police/fire

Complete Streets 29 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 B. Opportunities and Challenges

Transportation Infrastructure Topography poses challenges for accommodating Topography poses challenges for construction and pedestrians and bicyclists maintenance of infrastructure INTRODUCTION Increasing number of aging and transit-dependent Periodic flooding in parts of the city including several residents repetitive “flood loss areas” (e.g. Luna Park and Young professionalize desire a multi-model Grant St. area, Garrison, Lower Donnelly, Rebecca St. transportation system that incorporates motorized and Park) non-motorized options The City recently started taking part in the Increasing senior population will change Community Rating System, a voluntary incentive transportation needs, such as types of transit, design program that recognizes and encourages community of facilities and sign font size floodplain management activities that exceed

NEIGHBORHOODS minimum National Flood Insurance Program One-way streets considered confusing by some and requirements typically have higher auto speeds than two-way streets Frequent sewer backups in basements Rivers are an impediment to connecting distinct city Taxi River Travel districts, opportunity for a pedestrian bridge across The city’s sanitary sewer and storm system is Charleston’s taxi service contributes to meeting its The Kanawha River is a working river with daily barge the river combined. Federal EPA regulations mandate separate transportation goals, providing safe late-night rides traffic carrying coal, rock, gasoline, cement, and systems, but that is a very expensive undertaking Grid streets provide good connectivity and alternative home, an affordable alternative to owning a second chemicals. routing A stormwater management manual has been car, and promoting tourism. prepared outlining a program and regulations to use TRANSPORTATION Support to improve non-motorized travel from several what are called “Low Impact Development,” or LID, well-organized groups stormwater design Federal funding is available for non-motorized Creating an extensive recycling system has been improvements encumbered by a lack of markets for materials, which Bicyclist advocates are very interested in adding bike is needed for an economically viable program lanes and facilities; but others are opposed to any City lacks WiFi service in much of the city perceived loss of traffic mobility to accommodate bicycles Unstable electrical service in South Hills QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY Good expressway access Implementation of MS4 requirements will require expansion of the City Engineering Department to Some of the key streets in the city are under include additional stormwater staff jurisdiction of the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) Make transit a more convenient alternative to driving and parking Airport Rail DOWNTOWN Improve the downtown transit center (see Downtown Yeager Airport, which opened in 1947 as Kanawha Charleston is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal service, Plan) Airport, is located just outside the city limits of which runs between Chicago and New York three Charleston and is operated by the Central West Virginia times a week. Total passenger ons/offs totaled 9,799 Airport Authority. As an important gateway to the city for the 2012 fiscal year. The train station, situated on and state, the Greenbrier entrance serving the airport the south side of the Kanawha River, was listed on the through the city can be improved to put Charleston’s National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Since the best foot forward to visitors. One recommendation Greyhound station is located in a city parking ramp, the also noted in the RIC Transportation Plan is to widen various transportation services throughout the city would Greenbrier to 3 lanes (i.e. add a center turn lane). be better served by an intermodal station located at a ACTION PLAN ACTION more convenient location with sufficient parking 30 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

Regional Transportation Plan

The Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC) is problem is the north end of Corridor G. Average Daily Traffic Volumes and Projections responsible for coordination of transportation planning Several projects in the region were tested. Most NEIGHBORHOODS for the Charleston Region, including the city. Major of the projects are outside the city limits but some transportation projects in the city that intend to use more directly would impact Charleston federal or state funds, typically first need to be shown §¨¦77 ƒƒA new underpass at the Lucado intersection ¤£119 in the RIC Long Range Transportation Plan its program with Corridor G (Rte. 119) north of Jefferson 12,200 for funding. The Long Range Plan is typically updated to provide a connection since an at grade §¨¦79 every four years. intersection is not practical. ƒƒContinued improvements along Corridor G 19,900 23,300 Major transportation projects in the city, particularly (Rte 119) as described in the West Virginia !(25 those along state roads and that intend to use federal Department of Highways “Oakwood Road Study”. TRANSPORTATION 9,000 or state funding, may need to be specifically listed in ƒƒWV 62 (Washington Street) – as an alternative 10,500 to widening WV 62 from WV 25 (Dunbar Ave) 10,000 the RIC Plan. In addition, as part of the overall effort to §¨¦64 to WV 501 (Big Tyler Road), add a left turning §¨¦77 improve air quality, a project that may reduce capacity, lane on Washington Street (southbound) onto 11,300 such as a reduction in the number of travel lanes to Woodrum Lane. 13,800 114 !( 13,300 add bike lanes or a conversion of a one-way street to ƒƒThe MacCorkle corridor through Kanawha City is 2,500 22,500 two-way, may need to first be modeled by the RIC for listed as a special study area. (see page 34) 1,700 10,300 air quality impacts before the project will be eligible for ƒƒThe plan includes a regional non-motorized 11,700 funding. plan and transit plan which are intended to §¨¦77 ¤£119 15,000 13,200 link with and complement the non-motorized 29,100 §¨¦64

24,300 QUALITY OF LIFE At the time this Comprehensive Plan was prepared, recommendations in the city’s plan. 16,400 16,400 29,200 the RIC was also updating its plan. To help ensure (!61 the plans were consistent, representatives of the RIC participated in public workshops for this plan, along 15,700 with hosting several events on their plan, where opinions about transportation were gathered. 16,000 Key components of the RIC Plan that influence 2010 Volumes 10001 - 16000 Charleston include the following: 0 - 4000 16001 - 22000 DOWNTOWN

Using a computer model of the street network 4001 - 10000 22001 - 51162 ¤£60 (called a travel demand model), future traffic 00.4 0.8 1.6 Miles I volumes were modeled based on growth rates Sources: WV State GIS Data Clearinghouse; 14,000 2013 Projections (2-way) 14,000 2013 Projections (1-way) for the year 2040 to identify any current or future U.S. Census Bureau; RIC; LSL Planning, Inc. capacity deficiencies. The only significant capacity General 24-hour Street Capacities # Lanes Volumes for Acceptable Level of Service 2 8,000-12,000 ACTION PLAN 3 12,000-18,000 4 18,000-25,000 5 25,000-40,000 Level of Service is determined at peak hour at intersections, but this is a general “rule of thumb”

31 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 C. Transportation Best Practices Tool Kit

Transit Transit is an important ingredient for any mid-sized Commuting to Work Proximity to Bus Routes city. Transit in Charleston and the surrounding 3.0%

INTRODUCTION .8% area is operated by the Kanawha Valley Regional Car, truck, or van Transportation Authority (KRT) with 21 fixed routes. KRT 6.2% (drove alone) 3.9% was created in 1971 by Kanawha County and the City of Car, truck, or van Charleston and is governed by a 13-member board. As (carpooled) 9.8% shown on the map at right, the vast majority of the city Public transportation is within walking distance (1/4 mile) of a transit route. Transit ridership in the city/county peaked at about 2.5 Walked million riders which was strongly influenced by the price 76.2% Other Means of gasoline (see figure below). Worked at home NEIGHBORHOODS Transit Ridership vs. Gas Prices

Source: ACS 2010 3-year estimates

to embark on a study of its routes and operations to see what adjustments should be considered to improve

TRANSPORTATION efficiency. While that will focus on the short range, the City should work with KRT to help integrate the future development and redevelopment pattern in a way to make transit a viable option in the future.

The following are recommendations to help improve transit use and service in the future:

Clustering of higher density mixed uses can help

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY Source: Baker/RIC create places that can be well served by transit, as shown on the future land use map and the example Based on comments during the plan process, many images throughout the Comprehensive Plan and non-transit users in Charleston view the typical user as Downtown Plan someone who cannot afford a car. Transit offers a way Some of the curb bump outs recommended in the Better information on transit routing and frequency of for the many people that do not drive to get to school, Plan could be used as bus stops. Since the bump service both on the website and through smart phone work, runs errands and other travel. In particular, transit outs extend to the edge of the travel lane, they may technology helps meet the needs of those who cannot drive due reduce the time for people to get on and off the bus DOWNTOWN Improve the image of the transit system, particularly to age, disability or cost of a car. But more and more A potential circulator route between the University of though changes to the downtown transit center people are choosing to use transit even if they can afford Charleston and attractions on the other side of the as noted in the Downtown Plan. A promotional a car. Those potential riders may choose transit to avoid river the costs of a second family car or for environmental campaign can also help freshen the images and help Provide sidewalk connections, where practical, to reasons. The millennial generation may prefer using even the residents that do not use the transit system to bus stops. Provide a paved platform for waiting transit so they can spend their travel time using social be aware of its benefits to the city at the bus stop. At key destinations, some type media. Greater use of transit frees up more land for of identification could be used to acknowledge a buildings and greenspace instead of parking. business or institution that pays for the construction ACTION PLAN ACTION At the time this plan was being finished, KRT was about and maintenance of the stop amenities or shelter

32 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

Non-Motorized Transportation accommodate non-motorized users where practical. as major bike routes to and from the downtown (see Expanding non-motorized connections is a high Charleston’s current network of non-motorized facilities below), Different Classes of Bicyclists priority for residents and city leaders. Their goal is includes the streets, pathways, sidewalks, and other The non-motorized system in Charleston needs to be 2. A separate two-way bikeway along Kanawha a safe and attractive non-motorized network for walking facilities for pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-motorized designed for a variety of bicyclists: Boulevard that links with a bikeway along MacCorkle to NEIGHBORHOODS and bicycling for people of all ages and physical abilities. travel. complete a bike loop around the river, A - “Advanced” riders include the more While the hilly terrain and narrow rights-of-way make This goal to serve different user needs makes experienced or commuter bicyclists who often having bicycle and pedestrian facilities on many streets implementation more complicated. Generally in-road 3. Focus on providing/improving sidewalks with 1/4 to travel where those with less confidence or challenging, Charleston is making significant strides to bike lanes or designated bike paths are safer than 1/2 mile of schools, parks, and bus stops, and experience will not travel, such as streets with higher vehicle volumes and speeds. Benefits of a Non-Motorized separate pathways because motorists are more aware of 4. Continue to explore the feasibility of utilizing the rail System riders at intersections. But the more casual user usually trestle as a non-motorized connection over the Kanawha B – “Basic” bicyclists comprise the highest prefers riding on local neighborhood streets with low Provides connections between homes, schools, River. Additionally explore the possibility of a pedestrian percentage of bicyclists or potential bicyclists. traffic volumes. The non-motorized approach in this plan river crossing near Greenbrier Street on the East End or This group may choose to use a bicycle if there parks, public transportation, offices, and retail TRANSPORTATION acknowledges the needs of the different types of users destinations. water taxi. is a convenient and comfortable route available, (see sidebar). but generally avoid bad weather and perceived Improves pedestrian and cyclist safety by reducing Construction of non-motorized facilities should be unsafe conditions. potential crashes between motorized and non- Since having special bike facilities on every street is not coordinated with other projects to save time and C – “Children and families” and the least motorized users. practical, one focus is to provide connections between resources whenever possible. Areas for bike parking confident bicyclists that typically use sidewalks but key destinations like schools, parks, cultural institutions, should be provided on site plans, in parking lots, and at Encourages walking and bicycling that improves may travel in the street where volumes and speeds and existing non-motorized facilities inside the city to prime parking structure locations. The bike racks could health and fitness are low. trails and linkages outside the city. The city already has have a distinct, Charleston-related design. Provides options to make fewer driving trips, an established sidewalk system and some designated safety.

saving money bike routes. The next steps are to expand the system, To improve safety for pedestrians in hilly areas, the city QUALITY OF LIFE Research demonstrates pedestrian and bike- especially for bicyclists. Key recommendations include should continue to look at improvements such as signs A number of organizations and agencies are involved friendly cities have more economic vitality. to remind motorists to stay alert for pedestrians. Where in development of the region’s non-motorized network, 1. A more specific designation of Quarrier and Virginia construction of sidewalks is not practical, wider shoulders including the NeighborWoods subcommittee of the or a pedestrian refuges near blind corners can improve Charleston Land Trust and KEYS 4 HealthyKids. Types of Bicycle Facilities Subarea Example: Virginia/Quarrier Bikeways

Quarrier and Virginia

These one-way streets have highly used parking along DOWNTOWN both sides of the street. Alternatives considered conversion to two-way, but that would require removal of parking Kanawha Blvd. and separate 5-foot bike lanes. But as shown, the (typ. comfortable for A, B riders separated bikeway depending on speed and volume) (typ. comfortable for all riders) available street width would not meet the preferred design or sharrow (see bike lane: a separate lane for bicyclists separated bike path dimensions to ensure door swings do not conflict with bike page xx) travel. Therefore, the recommendation is sharrows. ACTION PLAN

Recommendation Sharrows, “share the road” markings and (typ. comfortable for A riders) (typ. comfortable for B/C riders) convert one lane of sharrow: remind motorists bikes are bike trail: pathways that are “off- Summers to a bike lane permitted to “share the road” road” for loop end 33 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Sidewalk Priority Areas Subarea Application: MacCorkle Avenue Improvements

INTRODUCTION At the time this plan was being finalized, the City and Kanawha City Community Association started a study to continue improvements to make the MacCorkle more “livable” including changes to access control, traffic calming, more pedestrian-oriented design changes and an overall greening of the corridor. Concepts to help n n n achieve those objectives are shown in Figure A below.

n Access management can be applied to retain access to businesses while improving the overall safety and NEIGHBORHOODS n n n visual quality. This retrofit provides a landscape buffer separating the parking from the street, with driveways C. Bike lanes could be added to MacCorkle in Charleston clearly designated at key locations. A long-term solution n similar to how they were added near South Charleston

Typicaln Road Section - Option 2 (B), currently under development in a Kanawha CityTypical Road Section - Option 2 RECOMMENDATIONS PROGRAMMING SITE ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION Corridor Plan, is the conversion to parallel parking. n Please refer to that plan for more specifics. n n To complete the non-motorized loop of the Kanawha River shown on page xx, bike lanes could be added in TRANSPORTATION n n the segments outside Kanawha City (C). n

Key Destinations n Public Elementary Schools

1/4 mile walking from schools COST OPINION

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY Parks B. Long-Term Redevelopment 00.5 1 2 Miles I Existing Bike Routes (as proposed in the Corridor Plan by GAI) APPENDIX Sources: WV State GIS Data Clearinghouse; Planned Routes U.S. Census Bureau; RIC; LSL Planning, Inc. Proposed Routes

38 | Kanawha City Corridor Study Kanawha City Corridor Study | 39 Context-Sensitive Design Curb bumpouts, mid-block crossings, or raised Street design should consider the compatibility with the crosswalks should be considered where there is a goal to make it easier to cross the street.

DOWNTOWN surrounding area using an approach called “Context Sensitive Design”. This means streets that serve the same Streetscape elements like street trees, benches, and traffic function (i.e. arterial, collector, or local street) may similar amenities should be included as part of a have a different design depending upon where they are project design, especially in the business districts. located in the city. Factors that should be considered as Wider sidewalks could be used in those areas and for part of the reconstruction or even repaving of a street major routes to and around schools and parks. should include the following: Pavement texture or colors can be used to help Lane widths - 11 foot wide lanes can be used instead visually distinguish the street area designated for bicyclists (e.g. green pavement) or use of a green

ACTION PLAN ACTION of a wider dimension where there is a goal to reduce traffic speeds or make a district more walkable. dash where major bike routes cross signalized intersections. A. Short-Term Retrofit 34 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

As discussed elsewhere in this plan, improvements like In some cases, there may be a desire for a pedestrian elements can be used to help reduce speeds, such as median islands for pedestrian refuge, high visibility crossing but at an unsignalized intersection. Pedestrian- along residential streets, in parking lots or near schools Traffic Calming Examples crosswalks and pavement markings can all improve activated traffic signals at pedestrian crossings allow and parks. Traffic calming can include things narrowing the environment for non-motorized users. a pedestrian to activate a traffic signal in mid-block the lane widths, special pavement for pedestrian locations. Pedestrian volume thresholds in design manuals crossings, or raised features in the road (speed humps or NEIGHBORHOODS Intersection Improvements can be used to identify locations where pedestrian tables, not to be confused with speed bumps often found Generally, most intersections in Charleston work fairly volumes support such signal installations. in parking lots). Traffic calming at intersections can also well - for a city its size, there is little congestion and few include use of narrower curb radii and curb bump outs locations with a high crash rate. Still, some changes Traffic Calming to reduce the width that pedestrians must cross. This can would help improve operations and safety, especially for One of the biggest fears of a pedestrian or bicyclist is actually benefit vehicular traffic too, since shorter crossing pedestrians. being hit by an automobile. Studies show that the speed paths require less time for pedestrian time leaving more of the vehicle is one of the biggest factors in whether When intersection improvements are made, the focus time for vehicular traffic. Another option for lower volume Neighborhood Traffic Circle the result of such a collision is a few scrapes, a serious intersections is a mini-roundabout. should be on improving the level of service for all users TRANSPORTATION injury or a fatality. Research shows that a pedestrian or (i.e. pedestrians and bicyclists, not just cars and trucks) bicyclist hit by a vehicle traveling 20 mph or less has an These types of design techniques should be considered or reducing vehicle-vehicle and vehicle-pedestrian/ 95% chance of survival while only about 55% survive as especially for streets and intersections where there are bicyclist crashes. The following are key considerations in collision with a vehicle traveling 30 mph (and only 15% relatively high volumes of pedestrians or bicyclists and designing a new or reconfigured intersection: if 40 mph or greater). So there is a big difference if cars where typical traffic speeds are notably higher than the Need for additional vehicle lanes traveling through residential streets, where pedestrians target or posted speed limit. Sight distance limitations and bicyclists are most frequent, are traveling at 20, 25 or 30 mph. Pavement Striping Provision for bicycles Pavement markings are an often overlooked, but 6’ 10’ 6’ QUALITY OF LIFE Signal coordination and spacing Those types of statistics led to a package of design important, component of the transportation system. techniques called “traffic calming.” Different design Much like signs, pavement markings can help inform Speed table (3” high) Pedestrian crossings and related curb radii motorists, pedestrians and bicycles on the “rules of the road” and influence how they travel along streets. Subarea Example: Virginia/Quarrier Traffic Calming Pavement markings are a relatively easy way to change One objective is to make Quarrier and Virginia Streets driver behavior too, such as adding painted crosswalks more bike friendly. In addition to adding sharrows, (see B or defining a lane width and parking spaces with striping. box page x) different types of traffic calming measures Throughout Charleston, there are some wide streets that can help ensure traffic volumes and speeds remain are intended for two travel lanes and parallel parking low to make sharing the street more comfortable for along both sides. Usually the on-street parking spaces DOWNTOWN bicyclists. These traffic calming measures could include are signed but not striped. In most cases this is sufficient. bumpouts to replace a few parking spaces with a Along certain streets, especially where the on-street landscaped area at a mid-block location such as in front parking spaces are infrequently used, the impression is Curb bumpout on W. Washington of Carroll Terrace (A). Bumpouts (B) or a mini traffic that the street is very wide which gives the perception that circle (C) could also be used at intersections like Ruffner. speeds can be increased. These types of intersection changes will also make Using striping in those locations, especially when near crossing the street easier for pedestrians. C a school or along major pedestrian/bicycle routes, may

help lower speeds (i.e. “calm” traffic). Striping could ACTION PLAN A include markings for on-street spaces, striped crosswalks and stop bars. There are a variety of painted warnings and crosswalks that can be used. In cases where the pedestrian needs to cross very wide pavement, curb bump-outs can be used to shorten this distance in an aesthetic way. Mid-block crossing

35 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

At major pedestrian crossings where there are two travel lanes in each direction, staggered stop bars could be Keys to Access Management in Charleston used so the inner vehicle is farther from the crossing INTRODUCTION 1. Keep driveways as far from signalized intersections as possible than the vehicle in the outer lane. This provides more protection to the pedestrian by improving awareness of 2. Avoid poorly spaced offsets that can cause congestion and collisions the motorist in the inner lane of the pedestrian. It has 3. Design driveway geometrics in consideration of pedestrian crossings, truck turning radii needed, and to an added benefit of avoiding the “good Samaritan” minimize conflicts with parking maneuvers situation where the vehicle in the outer lane stops to let a 4. Space driveways on the same side of the street as far apart as practical pedestrian or bicyclist cross, but the motorist in the inner lane is not aware of that intent.

NEIGHBORHOODS Driveway, access points, intersection spacing and offsets Access management is implemented in a variety of ways:

Locate driveways as far from intersections as practical, especially signalized intersections. worst better best A staggered stop Consolidate and eliminate driveways wherever bar in Vancouver feasible to increase driveway spacing. Avenue, Patrick Street, and Kanawha Boulevard. While The WVDOH currently requires an encroachment permit Given the past history of granting motor vehicles the Establish shared access connections wherever feasible access management techniques should be applied along for all new accesses or significant alteration to existing TRANSPORTATION majority of consideration, it will be helpful to provide to promote cross-access and reduce individual access all major streets, it is particularly important on the street locations where they fall within WVDOH right-of-way. public information and education on what certain points. segments identified as Access Management focus areas City regulations will need to work with current WVDOH pavement striping means. This will be particularly Relocate or eliminate driveways with poor offset on the Transportation Map on page x. requirements on state-owned right-of-way within the city. important for bicycle lanes, which to date have been non- spacing from driveways on the opposite side of the existent or very limited in scope within the city. street. Access Management Design driveways to meet the needs of vehicles, Applying Access Management to developed sites may be done in stages Numerous studies nationwide have shown that a pedestrians, and bicyclists.

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY proliferation of driveways or an uncontrolled driveway Access management improvements can be implemented environment can increase the number or severity of in two ways: as part of street reconstruction and crashes, reduce capacity of the street, and may create improvement projects or as sites are developed and a need for more costly improvements in the future. redeveloped. Most often, access management is Excessive access points also make streets less safe implemented as private development applications are and inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists. Access submitted for review. Because not all sites will develop management is a program to reduce the number of or redevelop immediately, gradual compliance with the crashes and improve traffic flow for vehicles, pedestrians access standards is more likely to occur over time as DOWNTOWN and bicyclists. This is accomplished through control over sites change use, businesses expand or significant site the number and placement of access points, particularly improvements are made. along major streets. Required access changes should be relative to the extent Driveway spacing influences the amount of information of the proposed private application or investment. Change of Use: Building Expansion: Full Redevelopment or a driver must process and improves driver reactions. Examples of the type of changes that could be required No major increase in traffic Require cross-access Street Reconstruction: Adequate spacing reduces confusion resulting from for various applications are shown below. Require cross-access easement Close most problematic Comply with DOT standards the drivers’ need to watch for ingress and egress traffic driveways Provide cross-access at several points simultaneously while controlling their Charleston has several streets where the number and Close unsafe driveways

ACTION PLAN ACTION vehicle and monitoring other traffic ahead and behind location of access points have a noticeable influence Redesign driveway(s) them. on traffic flow, such as along segments of MacCorkle 36 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

Parking some changes though that can improve the effectiveness Off-Street parking (parking lots) are an important part of parking: On-Street Parking Parking Lot Examples of a businesses success. Customers are more likely to Much of the on-street parking is not striped, making frequent a business where parking is viewed as safe and its use inefficient. Striping parking spaces can help NEIGHBORHOODS convenient. In some cases, however, the amount of organize the parking to pick up additional spaces. parking provided is excessive. A large parking lot with Striping can also help reduce speed of traffic when many empty spaces does not say “shop here” it says the spaces are not occupied. “nobody shops here.” The Plan recommends that in cases where there is excess parking, that space be used instead In many places, use of curb-bump outs (as shown for new buildings or more green space (which could be a at right) can help distinguish the parking lane from holding zone until a future use is identified). Conversion the travel lane while also slowing down traffic and of some parking spaces to parking islands can also help shortening the paved distance a pedestrian must cross. improve circulation, aesthetics and make it more inviting TRANSPORTATION for customers to walk rather than drive to individual Many streets in Charleston are used by through traffic, when on-street parking is not striped, the travel lane this underutilized lot could benefit from businesses. Those types of changes can also reduce the parkers and bicyclists. One conflict created by on- seems wide, causing higher speeds landscaping and fewer spaces amount and pace of stormwater runoff, as recommended street parking is when a door opens and the bicyclists in the city’s draft Stormwater Manual. One example either hits the door or swerves into the adjacent travel is the redevelopment plan shown for the Patrick Street lane. Many cities that promote bicycling or have bike regional commercial along the river. lanes have used “buffer zones” a cross hatched area next to the drivers side of the parking lane, to help In addition, the amount of parking needed for different position bicyclists to the left of this conflict zone (see uses has changed in recent years. The city’s zoning the example for Quarrier Street ) QUALITY OF LIFE ordinance was recently amended with more modern standards. There still may be cases where the mixture of Parking for bicyclists can also help support the goal of a uses results in different peak use periods. In those cases, more bikeable city. Select on-street parking spaces can an additional reduction in the parking required may be be converted to bike parking. Similarly, one space on allowed. For example, in Kanawha City, the potential the first floor of parking structures should be converted to to add on-street parking and promote shared use of bike parking, with a couple of pilot projects used to help off-street parking lots may allow a notable reduction in identify the demand. In addition, the zoning ordinance the number of parking spaces that would otherwise be could promote the replacement of one required off- required for each individual use. street parking space with a place for bicycles. As noted

on page XX, the bike parking racks could have a dual curb bump outs and striping help better define DOWNTOWN On-street parking is prevalent on many of Charleston’s purpose as public art. the parking lane from the travel lane residential and business streets. This parking not only provides a convenience to residents and access for Downtown Parking is addressed in the Downtown Plan customers, it also helps to calm traffic speeds and making including the design of on-street spaces, access to surface walking along the sidewalks more comfortable. There are lots, re-purposing some surface lots to buildings, and Park and Ride design guidelines for parking structures in the future. Technology to help motorists locate available spaces is One way to reduce congestion and the demand for also mentioned. parking, especially downtown, the capitol complex,

On-street parking can ACTION PLAN and at institutions would be to implement a park and be made more efficient with striping of X’s every ride system. Key employers could map the locations two spaces to ease The City should ensure that adequate accessible of their employee’s residences to see if there are maneuvering, and, where parking spaces are available in parking ramps, on- patterns where a park and ride service could capture street parking, and in new private developments, in those riders. Sometimes large retailers with excess the lanes are wide, a door Landscaping islands greatly enhance parking lots swing zone to help protect accordance with ADA standards to accommodate parking are willing to advertise their lots as carpool or door use and slow vehicles those with disabilities. park and ride locations.

37 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Changing Road Design Virginia and Quarrier Streets – those one-way pairs have One-way Alternatives West Side One-way Conversions One-way/two-way parking along both sides that is heavily used. Rather than One frequent comment heard at many committee and a conversion to two-way, the recommendation is to use public meetings dealt with one-way streets. A number of traffic calming techniques (see page 35) to help lower people voiced that the one-way streets make wayfinding speeds and make the street more inviting for pedestrians. INTRODUCTION complicated, increase traffic speeds and generally do In additions, signs and sharrow pavement markings to not support the walkable environment that is desired in make the street more bicycle friendly. Charleston. Patrick Street – Between 5th and 7th Streets, Patrick Street Having this conversation is not unique to Charleston. changes from a two-way street to a one-way, with three Nationally, many cities have conducted evaluations of lanes directing traffic to routes Rte 21, Rte 25 and US 60. converting one-way streets to two-way for the same The traffic volumes are well below the capacity of a three Existing: One-way reasons. There are a lot of factors that need to be lane street section. As a result, speeds are high, which Processes highest traffic volumes considered: while friendly to those driving through or out of town, does not support the planned business district along the NEIGHBORHOODS Capacity – one-way systems have significantly higher street. The one-way circulation loop of Iowa, 7th and capacities, which is often the reason they were Patrick Street essentially creates an island of blocks that installed. But that extra capacity may not be all that is cut off from the rest of the West Side. A conversion critical in Charleston since there is not significant to change one lane back to southbound should be congestion. conducted.

Safety – one way streets tend to have fewer collisions Randolph and Virginia on the West Side – the segments because there are fewer conflict points. But traffic of this one-way pair on the West Side does not appear along one-way streets tends to travel faster, which

TRANSPORTATION to be warranted for traffic flow reasons. Traffic volumes makes the street less inviting to walk along or cross. are modest and there are a number of parallel routes. Wayfinding – The one-way streets in Charleston A conversion to two-way would help support the city’s

One-way Diet Road are difficult for visitors to navigate. The one-way Vision to revitalize the West Side. “Diet” frees up space for a bike lane, wider streets also reduce the volume of traffic that views sidewalks or on-street parking businesses. Most research shows two-way streets Downtown – Converting one-way streets to two-way may Easier pedestrian crossing are better for retail and service uses but do not really be an option in the downtown as well. A special study impact offices and destination businesses. would be needed that considers factors such as those listed earlier in this section. In some cases, retaining QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY Pedestrian crossings – one-way streets may be easier the one-way but adding traffic calming and pedestrian to cross because the pedestrian can focus looking in amenities may be offer many benefits without a need to one direction; also a one-way street may be allow convert back to two-way. In other cases, especially where narrowing at the intersection to shorten the crossing volumes are low and/or traffic speed higher than desired, distance. two-way may be the best option Parking – on-street parking can often be provided on one or both sides of a one-way street but that parking may be lost to accommodate two-way traffic. DOWNTOWN Air quality – since two-way streets may have more congestion, air quality may be impacted.

Two-way Conversion Two-way Eases wayfinding Cost – since conversion to two-ways requires Slows traffic changing all the traffic signals, and typically can not Improved business recruitment, access, easily be phased. and visibility So, taking those types of factors into consideration, several of the one-way streets were reviewed at a general

ACTION PLAN ACTION level, to identify any candidates to convert to two-way. Patrick Street should be converted to two-way for its entirety 38 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

D. Infrastructure INTRODUCTION

Infrastructure is a vital component of any comprehensive infrastructure and water quality restoration systems. For can be applied, it is specifically warranted in areas parking areas or the road gutter. To function properly, redevelopment plan, supporting the existing structure example, where proposed building additions will require where vegetation may be installed in lieu of impervious pervious pavement requires adequate subsurface soil of the community, but attentive to future development additional detention that cannot be accommodated on surfaces (i.e. pavement). It can be applied to open conditions, overflow connection to a storm sewer or and ready to support sustainable growth for the future. the site, sometimes use of the techniques below can spaces, rooftops, streetscapes, parking lots, sidewalks, other final discharge location and routine vacuum Utilities are a major element within the comprehensive provide the same function at less cost to the developer. and medians. In many cases, these beneficial design maintenance. Pervious pavement should not be NEIGHBORHOODS plan and will have to support all future growth within the Allowing such expansions helps maintain a healthy alternatives offer a significant long-term cost savings, installed in areas where there is a potential for soil Charleston city limits. Utilities are largely unseen elements economy and tax base for the community, especially since even when factoring in some additional maintenance contamination. Pervious pavement is most suited within the built environment, but are a necessity with otherwise, that business would be likely to relocate or costs. Design options to consider include use of rain for certain flat portions of the city and should not be regard to revitalization and future growth. Utilities need close due to limited expansion alternatives. gardens, native plant species, street trees (i.e. Planter used on clayey or rocky soils commonly found on the to be available and have adequate capacity to support Boxes, Tree Pits), bioswales and pervious pavement. The hillsides and ridgetops within the city. The site plan review process should provide a mechanism future development as it comes on line. Charleston Stormwater Manual addresses multiple best Sound thinking needs to be applied when installing for a stormwater management plan review when management techniques for use in the city. A few select Infrastructure includes Storm Water, Sanitary, Utilities, significant site modifications are proposed. Incorporating bioretention areas or promoting infiltration within city

items are discussed below: TRANSPORTATION Transportation, Green Infrastructure and Low Impact green infrastructure into private site design and public limits. Areas with aged or cut stone foundations are development. Current infrastructure conditions have road projects provides numerous benefits to property Bioretention (Rain Gardens) & Bioswales should be susceptible to leaks. Furthermore, areas with adjacent already undergone a fair amount of analysis. A summary owners, regulatory agencies and the general public: considered in areas between the new or existing basements should be avoided when promoting of that analysis and recommendations relevant to the sidewalk where driveways are removed and in areas infiltration as stormwater has a tendency to find those comprehensive plan is given below. Reduces municipal infrastructure and utility where the road median is relocated or enlarged. areas. maintenance costs (e.g., streets, curbs, gutters, storm Larger drainage areas may require a combination sewers). Sanitary Sewers Low Impact Development/ of facilities and overflow areas should be provided The Sanitary Board of the City of Charleston, West Stormwater Management Reduces stormwater runoff volume and improves for larger rain events. Plant species should be Virginia, a Municipal Utility (CSB), is a Publicly Owned Impervious paved and concrete surfaces increase stormwater quality. salt tolerant, provide aesthetic benefits and be low Treatment Works (POTW) that owns, operates and QUALITY OF LIFE the amounts of storm water runoff during rain events. Increases energy and cost savings for heating, maintenance. Sidewalks should be designed to direct maintains the sanitary and combined sewer treatment Increased runoff erodes streambanks, causes water cooling, irrigation. runoff into these areas, and maintenance agreements infrastructure within and in some parts outside the City quality violations, prevents groundwater recharge, should be included as part of any approval. Limits of Charleston. The CSB operates the POTW Protects community character/aesthetics. and can contribute to flooding problems. Charleston Native Street Tree Planters are recommended where in accordance with its NPDES permit, as regulated Reduces salt usage and snow removal on paved is uniquely situated in the corners of three major earth is disturbed due to the removal or relocation through the WVDEP. As part of the initiative to eliminate surfaces. watersheds: the Elk Watershed and the Upper and Lower of a driveway or median crossover. Maximizing storm water pollution, CSB has mandated that future Kanawha Watersheds. Those surface waters are an Protects/restores the water quality of rivers and exposed soil around the tree will facilitate water development projects comply with all regulations of the extremely valuable natural resource. The City is currently streams. infiltration; however, tree grates and planter options West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC), State operating under an existing permit (MS4) mandated by Improves urban wildlife and habitat opportunities. can be applied in more urban or high pedestrian Health Department, and the Kanawha-Charleston Health the EPA. That permit requires the city to move forward traffic areas. Street tree species should be varied to Department. This regulation supports the continued effort DOWNTOWN Provides additional stormwater capacity for with a program to reduce surface water pollution through minimize the potential of invasive threats. of separation of the City’s storm water and combined public education/outreach, detection/elimination, nonconforming sites without modern detention sewer discharge as part of the MS4 permit. Pervious pavement may be considered instead of construction site/long term runoff control, and elimination facilities. previous applications (i.e. asphalt or concrete) in of municipal operations runoff control. While low impact design is encouraged wherever it Drinking water West Virginia American Water serves more than 90,000 A critical component of the stormwater reduction program customers water within the city limits of Charleston as is implementation of Low Impact Development (LID). well as many outlying areas located. The source of the LID is an approach to development aimed at conserving water supply is the Elk River via an intake approximately ACTION PLAN natural resources and protecting the environment by one mile upstream from the confluence with the Kanawha strategically managing rainfall close to its source, River. The Kanawha Valley Water Treatment Plant (KVWTP) minimizing impervious coverage, using native plant is the sole water treatment facility for the Kanawha Valley species, and conserving and restoring natural areas Service Area. The facility is located within Charleston during site development or redevelopment. Design city limits at the corner of Court and Dryden Streets. The techniques are focused on the use of applications that facility was constructed in 1973 with a 40 million gallon are modeled after nature, rather than building costly Porous pavement and a rain garden in Columbus, OH Bioswales treat runoff in Indianapolis per day capability. Modifications increased capacity to 39 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

50 million gallons per day. WVAW has projected that systems. There currently are no plans to expand the maximum day demand will be 40.36 million gallons system except where a proposed development has a Floodways per day by 2025. One problem, similar to other older particular need for gas. INTRODUCTION systems, is that the age of many lines causes leaks and breaks in the mains. In response, the WVAW repaired Communications thousands of main leaks and breaks in 2010. WVAW Suddenlink is currently the largest supplier of cable, plans to replace several thousand feet of service mains, internet, phone, and other services within the Charleston within the city. These service main replacements are city limits and the state of West Virginia. There are no proposed to take place from 2013 – 2015 and range in current needs or plans for additional coverage areas to size from 2 inch - 8 inch service lines with the majority of be added as it relates to the comprehensive plan. replacements being 2 inch. Through its maintenance and replacement program, the plant continues to consistently Electric NEIGHBORHOODS meet federal and state regulations including the AWWA/ American Electric Power (AEP) is the current supplier of EPA Safe Drinking Water Partnership goals. power in the city. AEP has created a 10-year strategic plan in its power generation mix with actual and *Source: Comprehensive Planning Study performed by proposed changes intended to minimize generation costs West Virginia American Water through the year 2025. and stabilize prices. In addition to the strategic plan AEP has also instituted energy saving programs, such Natural Gas as the Home SMART Energy Assessment, to its business Mountaineer Gas is the current gas supplier within the and residential customers. Based on the company’s city. Since, gas can be stored and withdrawn based sustainable approach, it is a utility that is working to TRANSPORTATION on market demand, it does not require the same level remain a reliable source of power for future growth in the of planning as is needed for water and sanitary sewer city of Charleston. Green Charleston Initiatives

Green development practices involve the design and adopted by the City of Charleston and the West Virginia operation of infrastructure, buildings, and uses of land Department of Environmental Protection for all new that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable. development within the city limits. The requirement is

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY This approach is a relatively new concept within West for all new development sites with greater than 2,000 Virginia and the Charleston area. There is a small yet square feet of impervious area. The intent is to promote promising collection of green design projects installed a more comprehensive and sensitive approach to to date within the city limits that show a commitment to design that will include reviews by the city early in Charleston’s sustainable future. design development. Some current examples of this type of infrastructure include rain gardens at the WVDEP The largest current installation of green design was Headquarters, Bio-retention area associated with the established with the construction of the WVDEP new Edgewood Elementary and underground cistern for The floodway is the area of rapid moving water DOWNTOWN headquarters building in Kanawha City. The building building drainage, and proposed Bio-retention facilities during a flood event. Construction is not permitted in attained a Silver rating upon completion of the project for the future East End Park. in 2004. The most recent structure, that is currently the floodway. under construction, that will be implementing green In addition to the aforementioned improvements, some Any structure with a bank mortgage within the 1% strategies is the new Edgewood Elementary School existing sites have chosen to retrofit with Bio-infiltration annual chance of rain zone (100 year flood zone) is located off Edgewood Road in Charleston. areas such as John Adams Middle School and Habitat required to have flood insurance. The structures must for Humanity Restore to treat parking lot and building be built to flood zone standards. The city has also made a commitment to sustainable drainage. Charleston has realized its responsibilities The Repetitive Lose Plan encourages removal of site development and focusing on rehabilitating storm to the community and is implementing strategies that structures in the Repetitive Lose areas or to elevate ACTION PLAN ACTION water. Treating and /or infiltrating on-site storm water will allow sustainability to be an integral part of future them above the base flood elevation. is mandated by the current stormwater manual and growth. 40 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

Transportation Conditions Interstate US Highway State Road ¨¦§77 County Road NEIGHBORHOODS ¤£119 Railroad Existing Bike Routes Planned Bike Routes ¨¦§79 Proposed Bike Routes 14,000 2007 Average Daily Traffic Counts

11,000 (!25 10,200 One-way street TRANSPORTATION Yeager Airport Recommended conversion from One-way to Two-Way 25,100 Æ` 18,900 #* Proposed Bike Route Connection 64 £ ¨¦§ ¤60 6,950 ¨¦§77 11,000 Key Locations for Access Management (see Toolkit) 6,000 £ Improve Crossings ¤60 (!114 Æa

South Charleston 15,200 QUALITY OF LIFE 17,400 31,600 Æb Amtrak

Lee St E Mallory Airport 77 Donnally St 47,200 ¤£119 20,100 ¨¦§ ` §64 Quarrier St Town ¨¦ 15,400 15,800 Centre 10,100 Mall

Virginia St E (!61 9,500 7,100 Court St Summers St #* DOWNTOWN Æa 13,400 14,000

Court St 21,700 Capitol St 7,600

9,600 7,600 7,800 13,700 Kanawha Blvd E 5,200

Maccorkle Ave SE ACTION PLAN Hale St 9,500 Mc Farland St ¤£60 Ferry St 15,600

Dunbar St Broad St 0120.5 Miles I Sources: WV State GIS Data Clearinghouse; Æb U.S. Census Bureau; RIC; LSL Planning, Inc. 0250 500 1,000 Feet Downtown 41 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Subarea Application: Kanawha Boulevard

Objectives First Segment Preferred Alternatives Encourage more walking and biking, especially those The segment from the Patrick Street Bridge to Magic Trestle Rail to Trail Project INTRODUCTION who do not currently bike Island is proposed for an improved bikeway. This project As part of the City’s grant to improve bike trail Allow a transition to existing street cross-section and would “re-prioritize” a grant to provide bikeways across connections near the rail trestle, a segment of future extensions of bicycle facilities the trestle. [Engineering analysis determined the cost to Kanawha Boulevard (shown in purple below) will be make the trestle bridge was higher than the grant amount] retrofitted to accommodate bicyclists. Ensure safety for all users (vehicles, buses, pedestrians, bikes, all ages) Alternatives Considered The alternative pictured at left best meets the objectives Design for people of all ages and bicycling skill levels Reduce number of travel lanes - eliminated due to for this segment of the Kanawha River “loop”. This perceived impacts on traffic flow alternative includes a two-way bikeway along the Separate bicycles from pedestrians (for safety) riverside separated with a curb or decorative barrier Remove on-street parking - not preferred since on-

NEIGHBORHOODS Retain smooth traffic flow from the travel lanes. street parking is well used, and alternative parking is Retain on-street parking where practical limited An alternative to provide more room for wider Improve access to riverfront 5 foot wide bike lanes along both sides - conflicts separation is to move the curb. This alternative would with on-street parking (door swings, etc.) and would relocate existing lamps and add pedestrian scale Potential bollards, planters or curb not encourage as many “casual” bicyclists lighting. These details are being evaluated as part of the grant process. Existing Roadway Mixing bikes with pedestrians along riverside - less safe than separating pedestrians and bicyclists The trestle itself is still part of the non-motorized big picture, however due to funding is not the priority.

TRANSPORTATION Separated 2-way Bikeway - Preferred

Future Bikeway Loop Realign Blvd. at Union Building

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY First Segment (separated bikeway) Improve crossings Road Diet (reduce to 3 or 4 lanes) Potential Trailhead Parking Indianapolis CulturalShare Trail the Road (sharrows)Source: NACTO Source: NACTO Source: NACTO

Difficult pedestrian crossings future project: DOWNTOWN Bikes and pedestrians compete along narrow riverside trestle bridge pathway

MAGIC Speeds higher than posted limits STREET 36TH ISLAND

On-street parking highly used where it exists, PATRICK ST. especially west of the Elk River MACORKLE AVENUE Cross-section varies KANAWHA BOULEVARD Future Bikeway Loop Realign Blvd. at Union Building First Segment (separated bikeway) Improve crossings ACTION PLAN ACTION Road Diet (reduce to 3 or 4 lanes) Potential Trailhead Parking Share the Road (sharrows) 42 future project: trestle bridge

MAGIC

ISLAND STREET 36TH

PATRICK ST. MACORKLE AVENUE KANAWHA BOULEVARD DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

D. Mobility and Infrastructure Actions INTRODUCTION

Streets Solicit designs for public art, enhanced streetscape Begin to add on-street bicycle parking to replace the meeting (P28a) Ease pedestrian crossings and reduce traffic speeds treatments, signage, and greenspace (C22a) select on-street parking spaces in the downtown and Infrastructure at key crossings with design elements like wide Incorporate streetscape and street tree planting as convert at least one first floor parking space in each Enact application of the city’s Stormwater crosswalks, “yield to pedestrian” signs and curb bump part of street and underground construction projects parking deck to a well signed bike rack zone (C5) Manual with Low Impact Development (LID) NEIGHBORHOODS outs (R20) (C23) Upgrade intersections so pedestrian crossings meet guidelines for both private development and public Enact regulations on the location of access points Bury overhead powerlines when roads are ADA standards and replace pedestrian signals with infrastructure projects that minimize impacts on soil with minimum standards for spacing from signalized reconstructed (C30) countdown system at higher volume locations (C14); and water resources, sensitive ecological features, intersections, adequate sight distance near hills/ Adopt as standard practice for intersection design and wildlife (R17) For neighborhood streets where traffic speeds for curves, minimum offsets from access points across the projects (C14a); Identify two to three key locations Improve Kanawha Boulevard with two-way street and spacing from other driveways. This should most cars are documented to be more than 5 mph each year; begin with downtown but also include over posted speeds, evaluate traffic calming measures separated bikeway, aesthetic amenities, and mid- include provisions to gradually reduce/reconfigure some intersections on the West Side, East End, and block pedestrian crossings along both sides of the commercial driveways that have the most potential to (like speed tables, striping to distinguish on-street Kanawha City on a rotating basis (C14b) parking from travel lanes, curb bumpouts and downtown, with “share the road” sharrows in the impact intersection operations and safety (R21) TRANSPORTATION crosswalks at intersections, etc., see page XXX) (P6) Designate a percentage of street funds for downtown area (see subarea plan) (C3); Install two- Supplement existing wayfinding sign system to identify pedestrians/bicycles (C15) way separated bikeway from Patrick Street to Magic City engineering and police to each identify a key gateways to help direct travelers to and around Extend Ruffner Walk south to provide a pedestrian Island as part of rail to trail grant (C3a); Improve neighborhood commercial districts (C6) key staff person to work together to develop a pedestrian crossings and bike sharrows along neighborhood traffic calming program, including a connection between the neighborhood and the Evaluate changes to select one-way streets where commercial corridor (C16) Kanawha Boulevard near downtown (C3b); Evaluate process to respond to neighborhoods, collect data, bicycle options east of downtown (C3c) the volumes could be accommodated within the etc. (P6a) Improve bike and pedestrian connections though existing curb width to make traffic speeds more Provide key connections and traffic calming When city staff or neighborhoods identify a acquisition of property (off road connections) and compatible with the desired, walkable neighborhood along streets throughout the city particularly to measures (as shown on Map x) such as Greenbrier character (C7); City engineer to select an initial potential problem, the traffic calming process to Washington Street, across Bridge Road at the connect open spaces, activity centers (schools, places QUALITY OF LIFE one-way pair for further study, data collection, and would be initiated for the city’s team to work with commercial district at the top of the hill (C4) representatives of the neighborhood to collect data of public assembly, parks, etc.) (C33) recommendations (e.g. Randolph and Virginia) (C7a); Continue to expand the recycling system to RIC to lead an analysis of alternatives of Patrick and agree upon appropriate response and funding Establish an annual sidewalk maintenance and (P6b) priority installation program, with initial focus on main provide separate recycling receptacles alongside Street/Iowa one-way loop (C7b) trash receptacles in public places and along Non-Motorized routes to elementary schools (C34) Parking should be identified with the comprehensive streets (C30) Require bike racks for certain new, non-single signage and wayfinding system including directions Inventory sidewalks for gaps and conditions (C34a) family developments such as uses that may attract Implement the recommendations of the Sanitary to parking structures as well as technology to give Each year identify a priority sidewalk project (C34c) bicyclists like restaurants, shopping centers and Board to gradually separate the sanitary and storm motorists more information on available parking. (C8) promote installation of bike racks at key locations. Improve connections between the University of sewers per EPA requirements (C31) Increase lighting for cars and pedestrians along city (R18) Charleston, downtown, and Laidley Field (C29), Continue to enhance the recycling program so it DOWNTOWN streets including maintenance and repair of existing Evaluate non-motorized options across existing Increase pedestrian connectivity standards for private is competitive with programs from other capital lights and installation of new lights along streets and bridges (C29a) development to ensure safe and pedestrian routes cities and cities of Charleston’s size (P9); Meet in public areas currently below light level guidelines and walks are provided for new construction and Implement car-sharing and bike-sharing programs as annually with industry representatives on the “best (C19) expansion efforts. (R19) needs arise (P8) practices” and how to refine the recycling system Explore the feasibility of 2-way conversion of select (P9a) Enhance pedestrian convenience and safety with more Encourage businesses to be creative with conveniently 1-way pairs within Downtown for better and faster significant pedestrian crosswalks (curb bumpouts to located bike parking that could relate directly to the Technology connections as well as incentives for first floor reduce crossing distance, wider crosswalk markings, type of business or contribute as piece of functional Convert city’s code of ordinances and application commercial spaces or to make those streets more ACTION PLAN “yield to pedestrian, min fine” signs) where crossing public art (P28); Once a bike improvement project forms to be web-friendly and interactive, linked with pedestrian and bicycle friendly (C19) is difficult (e.g. Kanawha City hospital, Magic Island) has been initiated, meet with businesses along city’s GIS system (R19) Improve the gateway to and from the airport (C1) the corridor to inform them of the bike facility Replicate East End’s Wi-Fi program elsewhere in city with better wayfinding signs, lighting and other improvement and benefits to including bike parking Convert Virginia and Quarrier streets into “Bikeways” as technology and funding permits (C9) distinguishing streetscape elements. (C21) available by the time the project is complete; Show Continue upgrades to a consistent GIS system (C10), to improve safety and attractiveness for bicyclists examples at the meeting, provide contacts for Create gateway treatments at key entrance points into Gather existing data and maps from each department (share the road signs, sharrow pavement markings previous designers/manufacturers, and pair them at the city (C22) and traffic calming measures - see page X) (C2) (C10a), Work with the County on the creation of a 43 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

parcel shapefile (C10b), Convert existing CAD files to GIS shapefiles (C10c)

INTRODUCTION Rehabilitate aged water lines downtown (C32) Provide priority parking for alternative (natural gas) vehicles (P8); Pilot project on select highly visible on-street block providing free metered spaces during business hours for qualified vehicles (such as natural gas or electric) (P8a), Monitor frequency of use, if successful, then expand program to additional locations (P8b) Transit

NEIGHBORHOODS Ensure sidewalk connections or at least a paved pad at bus stops (C11) City to work with KRT, employers, and non-profits that have shuttle systems to increase transit ridership and service to those that most depend upon it (P7) TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

44 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS

Chapter 4 QUALITY OF LIFE TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN

45 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

46 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

A. Introduction INTRODUCTION

Quality of life can be described as how satisfied an individual is with Charleston appeals to a wide range of people to their community, and how well it fits their “happiness needs.” Several national publications annually review and rate the best (and worst) live, visit, do business, learn and have fun places to live. Rankings include a range of factors, such as access to a clean and healthy environment, quality education, financial NEIGHBORHOODS security, ample and accessible employment opportunities, a diversity because of its offerings in culture, education, tourism, of entertainment, cultural, and recreational amenities, and availability of quality health care. Cities perceived to have a good quality of recreation, and public/ private/ institutional life are typically safe, have available jobs and good schools, plenty of access to parks, a clean environment, and abundant cultural and collaboration as the region’s anchor. entertainment opportunities. Quality of Life Goals Those types of quality of life indicators are important to the future and stability of Charleston. A high quality of life in Charleston will Promote partnership development, community engagement, localized assessments, and TRANSPORTATION help attract businesses and potential residents to sustain the vitality strategic planning for policy and environmental changes that increase access to healthy and diversity of its economy. People living or growing up in a foods and physical activity opportunities at the neighborhood level Charleston that they see as being a great place to live are more likely to stay in the city throughout their lives and give back to the Promote and develop systems that support local food access through community community, further enriching it. Throughout the planning process, gardening, farmers markets and urban agriculture residents consistently commented on how much they like living in Ensure adequacy and a high quality of municipal services Charleston for its small-town yet big-city charm, close proximity to nature, and quick commute times around the city. Continue to build a strong partnership of public and private entities and citizens to support greenway plan development and implementation QUALITY OF LIFE Cultural Developments Through Charleston’s History Promote active lifestyles by maintaining outstanding parks and recreation facilities that 1788 - First settlers arrive, led by Clendenin, and build Fort Lee on the Kanawha River offer a variety of recreationImage assets and Placeholderprograms in a safe, accessible environment 1794 - Charleston is declared a town by the Virginia Assembly Proactively market the city’s assets through unified efforts by public/ private/ institutions 1872 - The Kanawha Chronicle, now the Charleston Gazette, is formed with every resident acting as an ambassador for the city 1909 - The Charleston Public Library opens with 1,200 volumes Promote “K through Gray” education and lifelong learning for personal fulfillment and 1932 - The Cass Gilbert-design Capitol building opens a highly skilled workforce

1935 - Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston) relocates to Charleston DOWNTOWN 1939 - Municipal Auditorium opens as Charleston’s home for the arts and theater Reinforce Charleston’s position as the region’s entertainment and cultural destination 1939 - The Charleston Civic Orchestra, now the West Virginia Symphony, forms Build upon existing successful social services efforts and recognize their role in building 1947 - Charleston-Kanawha Airport, now Yeager Airport, opens community stability 1959 - The Charleston Civic Center is completed Capitalize on Charleston’s rich history as the state capital 1961 - Sunrise Museum opens in the former home of Gov. MacCorkle 1983 - Town Center Mall opened as a part of a plan to keep retail inside city limits 1995 - Haddad Riverfront Park opens with outdoor amphitheater ACTION PLAN 1998 - The Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse is completed 2003 - The Clay Center opens, combining performance space with the art and science museum aspects formerly housed at Sunrise Museum 2005 - FestivALL opens as an annual festival celebrating the visual and musical arts 2005 - Appalachian Power Park opens 2010 - Shoenbaum stage erected along the riverfront

47 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 B. Opportunities and Challenges

Capitalize on state capitol complex/position as “Gateway to West Virginia” Crime Analysis Summary and Recommendations Improve access to fresh, local food

INTRODUCTION be proactive in solving those issues with the guidance Improve access to and utilization of the riverfront Findings Charleston crime statistics report an overall downward and assistance of the CPD. Build partnerships between Charleston, educational institutions, and the health institutions trend in crime based on data from six years with violent CPD should continue to build upon its successful crime decreasing and property crime decreasing. Coordinate with school district on things like pedestrian and street improvements around community policing and Neighborhood Watch The preliminary report for 2011 shows mixed results, programs by providing specialized training, revitalizing schools and future decisions on school buildings with some categories such as murder and burglary old groups, forming new groups and enhancing the remaining basically unchanged while other categories Build upon Neighborhood Watch and community policing programs programs outreach to citizens throughout the city. such as property crime increasing significantly and KEYS 4 HealthyKids are working with local communities to improve access to healthy local motor vehicle thefts decreasing. The Police Department can improve its communications

NEIGHBORHOODS food and to increase play and physical activity opportunities to combat the high rates of with and connectivity to the citizens of the community by The city violent crime rate for Charleston in 2009 was childhood obesity employing a variety of communications technology and higher than the national violent crime rate average by the use of social media. Today social media is used to: Some residents complain they cannot find certain goods or fashions in the city and must 149.28%, and the city property crime rate in Charleston go elsewhere was higher than the national property crime rate Communicate - Interact with the public in an effort average by 74.06%. to stay in touch electronically Build upon Clay Center, Appalachian Power Park, and future library as a Cultural District Connect – In an effort to mobilize and empower Data Source: FBI Uniform Crime Rate Database The city lacks adequate park space citizens Recommendations Promote - Positive accomplishments through stories,

TRANSPORTATION As the regional health care hub, the city can build upon that industry, seeking out affiliated Since the Police Department and Abatement Units are pictures and videos education and research opportunities separate city divisions, the city must work to enable Inform - On breaking news events, traffic accidents and empower Code Enforcement and Abatement and crimes personnel to work together to aggressively combat Educate - On issues and instruct on topics from crime and disorder in neighborhoods. Work with the crime prevention to personal safety Building Commissioner to enforce code compliance Request - Information on offences by posting and expedite the abatement process. Review current surveillance pictures or video city ordinances to allow officers to enforce some code Notify - Make real-time emergency notifications i.e. violations and modify the cumbersome abatement QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY weather emergencies, missing persons process.

The city in cooperation with CPD should partner with For the complete Crime Analysis and Recommendations, area financial and real estate companies to develop a please see the appendix Fire Department Study Summary comprehensive foreclosure and abandoned building policy. This policy and its enforcement actions should A July 2011 study evaluated the Fire Department’s efficiency, coverage, station locations, and fire risk based on target distressed properties before they become a problem. In Las Vegas, Metro PD works with local

DOWNTOWN population density. The following conclusions relate to how station locations may affect future decisionmaking: and national lenders to ensure that properties stay The current configuration of fire stations provides good coverage, but stations are not necessarily optimally maintained throughout the foreclosure and sale process placed. Because several stations are located rather close to the jurisdiction boundary, it is likely that the same as an effort to ward off neighborhood blight. level of coverage can be achieved with fewer stations. Charleston does not appear to have any major coverage gaps. There is a coverage gap in the southeast corner One successful methodology to connect with citizens of the city. Because that area is relatively rural, it is not a huge concern. in the community and ensure community identity is to All other parts of the city have a fire station with six minutes drive time and most of the city is within four minutes host neighborhood-based Community Engagement of a fire station. There are other coverage gaps seen along some of the outer perimeters of the city, but these meetings. These meetings reaffirm community and are the result of areas that do not have roads. neighborhood identity by working on concerns identified ACTION PLAN ACTION The area of highest risk and demand is located right around Station 2 on the West Side. by citizens in the community and empowering them to

48 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN

C. Quality of Life Best Practices Toolkit INTRODUCTION

Fresh and Local Food Community Gardening West Side Farmers Market – Established in 2011, it now “Town and Gown” has a semi-permanent location provided by CURA. Communities across the country are rediscovering Community gardening is a growing initiative This term helps to illuminate the relationship between the health, financial, and environmental benefits nationwide that brings residents together institutions of higher learning and the towns or cities to produce food in or near their neighborhoods. Green Development Practices in which they are located. This is one of the many of local food production and consumption. Consumers Green development practices contribute towards NEIGHBORHOODS want to know where their food comes from and how Community gardening helps connect people to the land attributes to make an area a good place for living and and to the source of their food. They can help “green” sustainability by ensuring that site and building doing business through educational and social support it was produced. “Local food” includes food grown in projects minimize environmental impacts, resource community gardens, sold at farmers markets, or grown neighborhoods by growing vegetation and enhancing systems. In most places this relationship is developed by neighborhood aesthetics. consumption, and energy use, while simultaneously leveraging the value of in close proximity to the community, as well as animal providing healthier living and working environments for sources such as meat, dairy, and honey production. the institutions (learning What is Town and Gown? While community gardening efforts are sprouting up people. Healthier environments not only attract residents environment, professors/ City, educational and Charleston’s two farmer’s markets and a number of around Charleston, access is limited. A system is needed and businesses, but have been shown to increase community gardens are helping meet that objective. instructors, students, staff, health institutions to identify vacant properties, particularly in residential worker productivity, encourage healthy lifestyles that etc.) and the value of working together for each areas, that are most appropriate for a garden. This could reduce medical costs, and build community stewardship.

There is an interest among residents to continue the place. Institutions of other’s mutual benefit TRANSPORTATION expanding opportunities for local food production. This include areas near senior housing, neighborhoods with Charleston can promote a green philosophy through higher learning demand through public-private includes removing barriers to food production such as smaller lots, and where interest is strongly demonstrated. education and incentive programs to encourage their use and create a physical and partnerships ordinance restrictions and improving the City’s process The development of an Urban Agriculture Ordinance across the city: ideological environment will help formalize the City’s approach to community to identify potential sites for new community gardens and Recycling/composting to reduce waste to attract best talents. In a broader sense of place, it gardening, composting, and keeping of personal farm supporting their development. Air quality, reducing emissions demands amenities that the city/community can provide animals. such as housing, food, education, lifestyle, entertainment Increased coordination and cooperation between local Water conservation and reuse Existing Community Gardens and recreation opportunities. It is a symbiotic relationship food advocacy organizations, the City, and other non- Rebecca Street Community Gardens LEED principles or other green building practices that helps to raise the standard of a place and creates a profit groups is one option. This could start with a task Historic preservation and adaptive reuse (see page xx) brand identity that not only helps the city/community but QUALITY OF LIFE force or non-profit organization to address and support Carroll Terrace Low-Impact Development (see page xx) also the higher learning institutions to find its niche as a the range of local food issues including production, Orchard Manor town-gown community in a regional marketplace. transportation, labor, land use policies, distribution, Roosevelt Community Center Greenway connections (see page xx) education and marketing. This group could also East End Community Garden (1500 Block of Wash Accessory wind or solar energy units Charleston is a vibrant community that is home to help promote and support community gardening and Street E) Native species used in landscaping University of Charleston. Other institutions of higher coordinate activities at the farmer’s markets. West Side Community Garden learning such as the West Virginia State University, West Emanuel Baptist Church Virginia University Institute of Technology, Marshall University etc. are also located in close proximity to Westminster Presbyterian Church Charleston. All of these exceptional institutions attract Farmer’s Markets distinguished scholars and students to the City bringing DOWNTOWN Charleston’s farmer’s markets provide a focal point diversity and number of research opportunities drawing for local food activities, allowing growers from the in the outside world to Charleston. Leveraging this region to sell their produce and other goods. Farmer’s opportunity to create a collaborative environment with the markets should be readily accessible to residents. City would be beneficial through the following: Additional farmer’s markets should be considered for Addressing the impacts of the institutions of higher places that improve access in under-served areas to learning on the community and how the community strengthen the “market share” of local farmer’s markets responds

overall. Existing farmer’s markets can look for indoor Promoting new programs ACTION PLAN spaces in vacant commercial buildings to set up year- Work on public and private capital development round opportunities for fresh and local food. projects Existing Farmer’s Markets City and universities work together to attract top Capitol Market – For 15 years the Capitol Market has graduates of the programs to retain intellectual provided daily, year-round opportunities for fresh, local capital Carroll Terrace Community Garden food for residents. Capitol Market provides daily fresh food options 49 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Parks Analysis a premium in Charleston, these pocket parks are a way natural access control occurs. Green Infrastructure An analysis was done to increase the city’s parkland while removing blighted Natural Territorial Reinforcement: Territorial Parks and natural systems, such as river corridors, to inventory existing vacant lots. Pocket parks can attract undesirable activities INTRODUCTION reinforcement promotes social control through forests, and wetlands, play a vital role in defining the recreational opportunities and should be designed with appropriate lighting and increased definition of space and improved city’s quality of life. Public parks and other open spaces in the Charleston area landscaping to promote safety. proprietary concern. An environment designed to provide access to the outdoors for passive or active and to compare those clearly delineate private space does two things. First, it creates a sense of ownership. Owners have a vested recreation. These recreational amenities encourage resources to national Crime Prevention through guidelines for types and interest and are more likely to challenge intruders or healthy lifestyles and help retain and attract residents. Environmental Design (CPTED) report them to the police. Second, the sense of owned High quality and healthy natural systems also help protect number of parks. A brief Carriage Trail CPTED is an approach to preventing crime through space creates an environment where “strangers” or public health with clean water, uncontaminated soils, and summary of that analysis physical development considerations. Multi-disciplinary “intruders” stand out and are more easily identified. diverse wildlife and plant communities. and table summarizing the calculations are outlined programs are most effective because they join law By using buildings, fences, pavement, signs, lighting below. A complete analysis is included in the appendix. enforcement, community awareness and personal and landscape to express ownership and define NEIGHBORHOODS protection efforts so public safety officials, local leaders public, semi-public and private space, natural Additional Mini and Neighborhood Parks are needed territorial reinforcement occurs. Additionally, these What is Green Infrastructure? and neighborhood groups are all working toward the Connecting natural resources and linking them to to serve residents objectives can be achieved by assignment of space to same goal. CPTED policies generally promote the human activity zones, increasing property values, The amount of facilities (i.e. ballfields and play courts) designated users in previously unassigned locations. following three key principles and a variety of design Territorial reinforcement measures make the normal recreation opportunities, and improving air and water are not sufficient to meet current needs recommendations, which are described below. user feel safe and make the potential offender aware quality Of the facilities inventoried, playgrounds are most of a substantial risk of apprehension or scrutiny. needed to meet national guidelines Natural Surveillance: Natural surveillance increases the threat of apprehension by taking steps to increase Streetscape Improvements Developing the city’s green infrastructure is a way to have Additional ballfields and multi-use facilities would help address some of the recreation deficiencies the perception that people can be seen. Natural To help strengthen neighborhood and commercial interconnected green space throughout the city. During TRANSPORTATION surveillance occurs by designing the placement character, the city can build upon existing streetscape the public input process, residents described there were Look for opportunities for replacing old, unused of physical features, activities and people in such commercial property with parks improvement efforts executed by the West Side and not enough parks and green spaces to both actively and a way as to maximize visibility and foster positive East End Main Street associations and Kanawha City passively engage with nature. As part of the Charleston Pocket parks social interaction among legitimate users of private and public space. Potential offenders feel increased Neighborhood Organization. This can be an extension of Land Trust, the NeighborWoods subcommittee has sought Where redevelopment potential is low, vacant lots can be scrutiny and limitations on their escape routes. the city’s wayfinding program to create distinct “brands” to acquire land for future park development. This effort reused as recreational and natural resource amenities, Natural surveillance measures can be complemented for each neighborhood. can be more closely tied to the city-owned parks to often referred to as “pocket parks.” Pocket parks can by mechanical and organizational measures. For ensure that green spaces are appropriately coordinated incorporate stormwater management, habitat features, or example, closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras Streetscape treatment should be used to signify an and connected. off-road trail connections. Especially since flat land is at can be added in areas where window surveillance is entrance and contribute to a sense of place. QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY unavailable. Community amenities such as patio/seating areas, Natural Access Control: Natural access control limits water features, art work or sculpture, clock towers, Parks Analysis the opportunity for crime by taking steps to clearly pedestrian plazas with park benches or other differentiate between public space and private space. features located adjacent to the primary entrance to Acres Analysis By selectively placing entrances and exits, fencing, the building(s) are highly encouraged and may be Guideline Standard lighting and landscape to limit access or control flow, calculated as part of the landscaping requirement. Include amenities for Park Scale per 1,000 for % of Analysis of parks is based on guidelines from the bicyclists, pedestrians and

DOWNTOWN Classifications residents Charleston Provided # Guideline National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). transit riders, including wider These guidelines were developed to provide an sidewalks, bike storage Mini Parks 0.375 45.03 3.83 -41.20 8.5% facilities, bus shelters, understanding of typical recreation needs, based lighting and landscaping in Neighborhood Parks 1.5 180.12 25.9 -154.22 14.4% on local population. Typically, NRPA suggests parks the standards for site plan be categorized as Mini Parks that serve adjacent review. Community Parks 6.5 780.54 645.0 -135.54 82.6% neighborhoods, Neighborhood Parks that serve residents within a half mile, Community Parks that Regional Parks 7.5 900.62 674.73 -225.89 74.9% West Side streetscape serve the entire community and Regional Parks that improvements add to the Total - 1906.32 1349.46 -556.86 70.8% serve residents in the study community as well as

ACTION PLAN ACTION overall character of the others. Source: National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA, 1983) Main Street district 50 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

Cultural Amenities Public art Culture and entertainment is an important part of Many cities throughout the country have adopted a community’s quality of life. Cultural amenities public arts programs recognizing the need for public include museums, historic resources, a wealth of support and contribution to the arts. Public art programs ethnic influences, and access to the arts. Cultural promote life-long participation and learning in the arts NEIGHBORHOODS resources shape the character of the city, and a shared and integrate art into the urban environment. They understanding of the past and future reinforces a sense of provide opportunities for local and national, established community. Entertainment resources, like performance and emerging artists in the area to celebrate the city’s venues, restaurants, night-life, and other attractions help diversity. bring people together, contribute to vibrant and successful city districts, and attract outside visitors and investment. Other cities nationwide have held design competitions Cultural and entertainment resources also attract a for unique streetscape features, public works projects, and other “functional art,” including custom bike racks,

diverse population to the city. TRANSPORTATION tree grates, storm drains, benches, garbage bins, light Residents desire additional venues for arts, entertainment, posts, and newspaper stands. Some of these elements and events. Expansion of cultural and entertainment could be unique by neighborhood to help establish each resources will help attract a broader demographic of new neighborhood’s “brand.” residents and businesses to Charleston. Recent efforts in Charleston include the completion of Capitol Building New venues that draw from a citywide or regional market murals on the expressway columns along the Elk River should be directed downtown; smaller venues that draw and artist-designed bike racks. At the same time as primarily from the nearby neighborhoods should be this plan was being prepared, a Public Art Plan was directed to commercial nodes and park spaces within prepared for the City in August 2012. This plan sets QUALITY OF LIFE walking distance. Locations in or adjacent to parks create forth recommendations for future initiatives including a focal point for community or neighborhood gatherings. the development of a Public Art Commission, Design Review Board, strategies for incorporating art into future The proposed Cultural District would build on the development projects, and community outreach activities. existing strengths of the Clay Center, Power Park, the These recommended efforts should be undertaken in African-American Historic District, and the future library. conjunction with other actions outlined in the Action Plan Branding this area as an arts and culture district will section of this plan. help provide an identity for the transitional area between Downtown and the East End. The industrial buildings The Public Art Plan is included as an appendix to this plan. DOWNTOWN can be transformed into warehouse-style lofts to provide Clay Center opportunities for artists’ live-work studios. Innovative Public Art Examples For more information on the Cultural District, see the Subarea Application on page 55. ACTION PLAN

Charleston is already home to an Evansville, local artists some Portland, OR Power Park custom-designed bike racks IN bike rack is painted Lexington, neighborhoods painted their whimsical and KY storm drains main intersections for traffic functional calming 51 DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Building on Capital Identity, Regional Much of the success of heritage tourism depends on and historic districts through the process of historic Neighborhood Design Guidelines Anchor, Heritage marketing. Charleston can market its historic resources resource surveys and National Register designations for Each local neighborhood should develop design which are identified in the Action Plan. individual properties and historic districts. Properties guidelines that meet the needs of its members. While

INTRODUCTION Historic preservation connects people to the city’s local which reach 50 years of age become eligible each year. there will not always be unanimity, it is important that history and protects important landmarks, culturally Historic Preservation historic, and exceptional built features. Historic Funding to support such activity is available annually neighborhood-specific guidelines be developed by Charleston has myriad properties listed in the preservation in Charleston improves property values and through the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. consensus. Unfortunately, in many cases, neighborhoods National Register of Historic Places, ranging from enhances the experience of living and working in the city. and community leaders do not become pro-active until individual homes to governmental buildings, churches, Adaptive Reuse some cataclysmic loss has occurred—the demolition of In addition to continuing to protect historic assets, and educational buildings, along with the following The adaptive reuse of existing buildings preserves history, a key historic building or a highly visible incompatible increased efforts should be made to raise the public’s historic districts: contributes to economic vitality, promotes building effort, remodeling. It is too late when a building or demolition and creates more vibrant neighborhoods. Many of awareness of historic resources and encourage potential East End Historic District: Roughly bounded by the permit has been applied for. The time to protect the tourist opportunities. Kanawha River, Bradford, Quarrier and Greenbrier Charleston’s former industrial or commercial buildings no neighborhood by developing workable neighborhood NEIGHBORHOODS Streets; and Kanawha Blvd from California to East longer meet the needs for which they were first designed rehab guidelines is before such unfortunate and Already known in the region as a lively, unique, Ave (listed 1978) and stand vacant and unused. There is great potential to irreversible activities take place. and interesting destination, increased organization, Edgewood Historic District: Roughly bounded by convert these historic and under-utilized structures into coordination, and promotion of current and expanded Edgewood Drive, Highland, Beech, Chester, and new housing units, especially in the Warehouse District cultural, entertainment and heritage opportunities will Lower Chester (listed 1989) and Downtown Transition character areas. Likewise, further strengthen Charleston’s position as a destination Grosscup Historic District: Grosscup, Rosecommon, many older homes along commercial corridors such for visitors, residents, and businesses. Roller and Bridge Road (listed 1984) as Kanawha Boulevard have successfully been reused Downtown Charleston Historic District: roughly as offices but maintain the residential character of the Heritage Tourism bounded by Washington Street East, Leon Sullivan adjacent neighborhood. TRANSPORTATION It has long been understood that people travel to see Way, Kanawha Boulevard, and Summers Street history. Everyone knows that Civil War buffs visit Harper’s (2006) Charleston may elect to develop an adaptive reuse Ferry, Antietam, and Gettysburg, and that the interest Elk City Historic District: portions of Bigley Avenue, program that offers development guidance, streamlined in colonial America draws millions to Williamsburg. Jarrett Court, Lee Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, processes, reduced timeframes, and cost savings to The term “heritage tourism,” however, is a fairly recent Tennessee Avenue, and West Washington Street (listed developers looking to adapt older buildings for new coining. The National Trust for Historic Preservation 2008) uses. Such an expedited approval process would ensure defines heritage tourism as “travelling to experience Luna Park Historic District: roughly bounded by Main that older and historic buildings are not subjected to the places and activities that authentically represent the St., Glenwood Ave., Delaware Ave., and Kanawha the same zoning and code requirements that apply to

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY stories and people of the past.” More and more, the Blvd. West (2012) new construction, providing an incentive for a type of travelling public is interested not only in the Mt. Vernons The East End Historic District (EEHD) is both a National redevelopment that helps preserve Charleston’s existing and Monticellos of America, but also in the downtowns, Register district and the City’s only local ordinance urban fabric. neighborhoods, and local landmarks which define what a district. As such, the preservation oversight is on a community is. building-by-building basis, triggered by the application for a building permit. No other areas of the city are Recent Landmarks Commission Initiatives The National Trust for Historic Preservation has covered by this ordinance, so preservation is something of undertaken intensive study on the economic impact of a scatter-shot process. Luna Park Historic District: Completed survey and Reached out to local college students for project DOWNTOWN historic preservation in American communities. With nomination to become the City’s 7th National collaboration (West Virginia State University, University respect to heritage tourism alone, the Trust found that The City created the Charleston Historic Landmarks Historic District. of Charleston, University of Tennessee, West Virginia Commission to undertake historic preservation activities University). 78% of U. S. leisure travelers (118 million adults) Awarded a state grant to host a Preservation Training participate in heritage/cultural activities when throughout the community. The Commission is charged Seminar by the National Alliance of Preservation Awarded a state grant to do a historic survey of what traveling with encouraging the preservation of the community’s Commissions (NAPC), which was attended by could be our 8th Historic District, Jackson Addition. preservation commissioners from around the state. Heritage tourists spend, on average, $994.00 per trip significant historic properties and in protecting properties Continued efforts for future projects: Survey/ compared to $611.00 per trip for all U. S. travelers which bear local historic designation under the City Continued design review on renovation projects Expansion of the East End HD; Survey/Expansion of Code. within the East End Historic District. the Edgewood HD; working with WVSU students on Cultural/heritage tourists took an average of 5 trips a “Civil War In Charleston” project; working with in 2008-2009 as compared to fewer than 4 trips for Furthered outreach via a Facebook page/site and a

ACTION PLAN ACTION Charleston should continue the identification and community to establish a new park at Fort Scammons non-cultural/heritage tourists new, standalone, website. encouragement of the preservation of historic properties (Civil War site). 52 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Tools to improve walking/biking

SRTS promotes physical improvements and encourage walking and biking. Teach bicycle and Traffic Calming including speed bumps/humps/ programs aimed at increasing students’ use of the non- pedestrian safety to students as part of their classroom

tables, traffic diverters, medians, islands, and NEIGHBORHOODS motorized system as a travel means to school. It begins curriculum. Develop a safety campaign that promotes other barriers safe driving through the use of banners, posters, with preparation of an action plan describing the physical promotions, and direct appeals to the community. Marked crossings at main intersections and mid- network, or lack thereof, of sidewalks and pathways that block locations where crossing activity is noted. Enforcement enlists the help of local police connect students to local schools. The program aims to departments to focus enforcement efforts in problem Signals including advanced pedestrian signals, eliminate accessibility and connectivity barriers to safe areas and increase community awareness of school count-downs, and audible beacons can all pedestrian movement, through proper maintenance and safety issues. Beefing up enforcement around schools facilitate safer road crossings. upgrades to the system. This can include anything from helps keep drivers on their best behavior. A consistent Pedestrian bridges can be used where vehicle clearance of vegetation that inhibits free movement, to but random presence of law enforcement will traffic volumes dictate a grade separated encourage motorists to drive with care. crosswalk. construction of sidewalk extensions, to installation of new TRANSPORTATION traffic signals. Engineering tools include a variety of street design Sidewalks that are connected, well-maintained, techniques that can reduce traffic volumes, decrease wide, flat, and separated from traffic are the most Why is SRTS Important? speed, and improve safety. Some engineering welcoming. solutions, moreover, don’t require large expenditures, Bicycles can be accommodated through Safe Routes to School seeks to improve the such as posting signs, re-timing lights, or re-painting installation of bike lanes, multiple-use pathways, environment for students walking and biking to school crosswalks and bike lanes. Long-term engineering paved and/or wider road shoulders, and shared solutions will require a funding plan, which should be lane markings. in hopes they will choose these options. If successful, included in the SRTS Improvement plan developed by SRTS programs can provide many community your SRTS Task Force. benefits, including but not limited to: SRTS programs are typically recommended for schools QUALITY OF LIFE Improved community health results from where improvements are likely to increase walking and increased physical activity, which will lessen the biking activity. However, the principles of safe routes can For more information on non-motorized transportation likelihood of child and adult obesity, reduce the be applied on a broader basis, and should generally be number of coronary heart disease deaths, lower principles, see the Mobility chapter on page xx. considered where the community wishes to encourage blood pressure, reduced occurrence of diabetes and cancer, and lower health care costs. walking and biking activity, or where it could occur, but usually doesn’t because of physical factors. KEYS 4 HealthyKids Walkability Audits Reduced greenhouse gas emissions results from fewer and shorter car trips. Each mile of vehicle Walk Walkability travel emits roughly one pound of carbon dioxide Piedmont Elementary successfully developed and 1 implemented a SRTS program that can serve as a Location Date Score Assessment Key Observations into the atmosphere. DOWNTOWN Kanawha Missing sidewalk entrance Improved social justice results from higher quality local model for other schools to reference. non-motorized networks created through the SRTS Boulevard No crosswalks process. At least one-third of American’s don’t 32 = …at McFarland Sidewalks blocked with poles and vegetation drive, and about half wish they could walk more. KEYS 4 HealthyKids, a county partnership comprised 3/22/11 Awful Narrow sidewalks of over 22 business, educational, governmental, social Street, Leon Car service and health organizations, organized two SRTS Sullivan Way, Dependent Lack of trash receptacles To create a safe route for every child, there should be Walkability Audits. Results of these audits are summarized Brooks Street, and Fast moving traffic ample room to walk and bike, preferably separated from at right. Morris Street

traffic. Every major road crossing needs a safe and visible West Side Broken, cracked sidewalks ACTION PLAN crosswalk and sometimes traffic controls and crossing Elementary School 62 = Sidewalks blocked with poles, vegetation, train trestles guards. One can address these issues by creating a Safe 3/19/12 Somewhat Fair Unmaintained sidewalks Routes to School (SRTS) Improvement Plan using the three Walkable Narrow sidewalks Es: Missing curb ramps Education programs teach motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists about their responsibilities and 1 Walk score was that reported by www.walkscore.com about traffic rules, while promoting activities that 53 n nn n n n n n

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k Dayton Dr Oakmont k k Mary St Dognk Park Allen Dr Little Creek ¤£ n 77 119 §¨¦ Baird Dr Riverfront South £ Park k n Watts St Market Dr Park Grove Ave O'Dell Shops at k 64 Lee St W §¨¦ n Mary St Washington St W n Trace Fork WV State Ella Ave O'Dell Roane St Crescent Rd n n n nk Capitol Indiana Ave GlenSt n £ Wyoming St k University of Bigley Ave Bigley Ave Charleston ÆP k Randolph St Bigley Fields n OF LIFE QUALITY Kanawha City n Daniel Boone n n £ Community Centerk Park ÆP n SpringSt Barlow Dr Indoork Tennis n n Twilight Dr n Center n Elk St

k Donnally St n n k Pennsylvania Ave n N Rand St Bullitt St Berry Hills n n Reynolds St Country Club Ross St n £ Bibby St k k MLK Jr. Rec Slack St Sunset Dr k Civic Center QuarrierClendenin St St Hinton Ter Center k Landfill Property Kanawha Blvd E Farnsworth Dr Wallace Hartman ÆP Virginia St E ÆP Nature Preserve k k Town CentreCourt St n k n Laidley St Sunset Park Mall Southridge Fields Lee St E Summers St Capitol St Æa Piedmont Rd

DOWNTOWN ñ k Shrewsbury St Court St Davis Park n ÆP Pickens ^ Washington St E £ Laidley St Milton St Baines St Ferry St Dickinson St n Maccorkle Ave kSE Æc Sentz St Morris St Capitol St Clay Centerk Brooks St n Holly Rd Haddad Riverfront Smith St n£ Hale St Mary Price Park n Quarrier Stk Lewis St n £ Fern Rd n Ratire GreenspaceÆP Myrtle Rd Mc Farland Stn Broad St Æb Dixie St k £ n Shaw St Spring kRd Maccorkle Ave SE £ Laurel Rd n Carriage Trail k ¤£ Circle Rd 60 LewisJackson Street St Grosscup Rd Morris St Shelton Ave nQuarrier St E Playground n n£ Lee St E Bridge Rd Bradford St

0 0.5 1 2 Miles I Scott Rd

ACTION PLAN ACTION Sources: WV State GIS Data Clearinghouse; Kanawha State k £ Forest k n U.S. Census Bureau; RIC; LSL Planning, Inc. k £ 00.125 0.25 0.5 Miles Downtownn n 54 n n

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Subarea Application: Leon Sullivan Gateway/Cultural District INTRODUCTION

Objectives Potential Development Concept Bolster the warehouse district for the transition around Power Park, through streetscape, signage, wayfinding, architectural character and quality Program

Leverage existing Clay Center, new library location, CURA-owned property, 1. Single-Family Housing NEIGHBORHOODS African-American Heritage District, CAMC, and Power Park into a new, well- 2. Existing Appalachian Power Park defined district 3 4 3. Existing Buildings Provide a transition from more intense uses and building heights downtown to lower intensity East End 7 4. Proposed Built Form 5 4 5. Surface Parking Provide more “urban living” housing options close to downtown 4 Promote connections to nearby Warehouse District, which can be an eclectic 7 6. Existing Park mix of reuse buildings, lofts, and live/work units 4 4 7. Green space/ Open space 4 5 Integrate new library into urban fabric TRANSPORTATION 4 Incorporate more green space 5 4 Improve Leon Sullivan Gateway 4

Provide infill standards to promote redevelopment that fits with the character 7 6 of proposed district 2 4 Celebrate the historic home near the intersection of Leon Sullivan and Smith 4 Identify growth opportunities for medical uses ancillary to CAMC 3 Extension of existing Mary Place Ratire park at the southeast quadrant of the 7 LEWIS ST intersection of Leon Sullivan and Washington - creating a green edge along 3 3 QUALITY OF LIFE Washington 4 Visual/functional connection between Clay Center and Power Park to 4 integrate the ballpark with rest of downtown LEON SULLIVAN WAY Retrofit Plaza East - strip commercial center - for higher and better use - 4 with commercial buildings facing Morris Street and integrating residential 7 development south on Lewis WASHINGTON ST Improve post office site streetscape to provide green edge echoing the Clay Center Plaza 1

7 DOWNTOWN BROOKS ST

LEE ST

MORRIS ST Alternative Development N Concept 0 100 300 ft ACTION PLAN

Townhouses

55 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 D. Quality of Life Actions

Greenspace civic life and to support the health of nearby services throughout the city (P29) monitoring, using public buildings and facilities Expand existing conservation guidelines to and businesses (P47) Support the recommendations of the new Public Art (rehab projects or new construction) as a model for further manage the development of sensitive or Plan (P30) energy reduction practices (P19)

INTRODUCTION Safety important environmental areas (floodplains, steep Promote use of energy efficient lighting (P44) slopes, woodlands etc) (R23) Implement the recommendations of the recent fire Actively promote Charleston as an arts and culture dept evaluation including relocation of fire stations to destination (P31) Promote educational awareness regarding the To preserve the vistas and views both to and from the provide more consistent response times throughout environmental, financial and social benefits of hills, revise development requirements for building Actively seek out additional cultural institutions, the city (C17) galleries, workshops, etc to locate in the newly- implementing green practices; utilize local green height, siting and grading to preserve the natural initiative successes such as the WVDEP building and Employ CPTED (Crime Prevention Through branded Cultural District (P32) slopes and woods to the greatest degree practical the New Edgewood Elementary School (P48) (R24) Environmental Design) principles (P41) Promote Charleston as a city that offers a range of Require provision of green space as part of any Maintain clean parks and green spaces and trails, lifestyle choices (P33) Education major development - whether it is provided within immediately removing litter, graffiti and undesirable Formalize a city/university Joint Task Force (Town & the building setback area along the streets, interior conditions. Citizens can be trained and assigned Site Design Gown) to develop and implement shared initiatives, Increase lighting for cars and pedestrians along city NEIGHBORHOODS courtyards, green parking spaces, etc - this will help specific roles on committees or clean-up teams to coordinate event planning and help facilitate joint in green connections of the existing parks and public ensure compliance with principles. (P41a) streets including maintenance and repair of existing ventures between the city and the area’s academic gathering spaces (R25) lights and installation of new lights along streets and and cultural institutions (P10) Modify the built environment to help reduce crime in public areas currently below light level guidelines Redevelop Davis Park to open views and provide and improve the perception of safety - examples (C18) Establish a regular communication channel between additional amenities (C21) include trimmed trees and shrubs, clearly defined the City, the Kanawha County School District and walkways, proper fencing, and adequate lighting Create gateway treatments at key entrance points private schools to coordinate initiatives and leverage Create more accessible and usable park space along (P41b) into the city (C22); Solicit designs for public art, resources (such as use outside of school hours for the Kanawha River (C31); on the south bank (C31a), enhanced streetscape treatments, signage, and public events, recreational opportunities) (P11) near Patrick Street (C31b); Create mini parks and Encourage neighborhoods to develop their own greenspace (C22a) public viewing opportunities along Kanawha and safety and security priorities which can and should be Encourage youth volunteer programs to assist seniors Bury overhead powerlines when roads are

TRANSPORTATION Elk riverfronts that will help coalesce the riverfront addressed by citizens and officers alike (P42) with home exterior and yard maintenance (P36) reconstructed (C30) greenway (C31d); Overlooks proposed in the Proactively engage communities in the fight against Encourage programs to partner seniors with school- Riverfront Plan (C31e) crime through both traditional means such as Sustainability age children for mentoring (P37) Streetscape and green connection along major north Neighborhood Watch and non-traditional means Explore lighting technologies, such as induction Encourage higher education institutions to develop south corridors from Downtown will terminate in such as the increased use of technology and social and LED lighting (new and retrofits), and timing connections to high schools to provide mentoring public viewing areas and vistas on the banks that will media to inform and educate the public about the systems for municipal energy, cost and labor savings programs, scholarships to low-income students in the help create a pleasant visual and physical connection roles and responsibilities. (P43) (C32) city (P38) from Downtown to riverfront. (C37c) Art/Culture Strive for city building and renovation projects to meet Promote a program where business school students Develop an overall park plan with recommendations Explore opportunities to beautify bridges above the green buildings standards (such as LEED) that provide can offer assistance to local businesses on their QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY for improvements and replacement of facilities etc Kanawha and Elk rivers with lighting, artwork, cultural long term payback on investment (C33) finances, developing business plans, etc. and with a timeframe and priorities (including a capital plaques, and other potential aesthetic treatments to Explore and pursue opportunities for using alternative architecture students provide design services (P39) improvement budget) (P13) create gateways to and from Downtown (C20) fuels and hybrid or electric vehicles in city fleets (C34) Coordinate school expansions and improvements with

Coordinate between Land Trust, CURA, and Parks/Rec Conduct a citywide cultural resources survey to assess Create informational and incentive programs to city zoning and infrastructure improvements (P40) department to create a greenway plan to achieve a unmet demand of cultural and entertainment activities encourage green buildings (i.e. LEED) (P4) complete, thorough network of accessible greenways (P16) Health throughout the city (P14); Inventory existing resources Provide priority parking for alternative (natural gas) Offer guidance on ways to improve residents’ access and future opportunities (P14A); Identify and create Build public awareness of the city’s historic resources vehicles (P8); Pilot project on select highly visible to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities connections (P14b); Establish a phasing plan for (P25) Conduct educational forums for property on-street block providing free metered spaces for through the provision of a toolkit with resources DOWNTOWN improvements and a dedicated funding source, which owners, financial institutions, real estate professionals, qualified vehicles (such as natural gas or electric) on developing partnerships, engaging community could start with a grant (P14c) and developers explaining the benefits available for (P8a), If successful, then expand program (P8b) members, assessing local policies and environments, the rehabilitation of historic properties, commercial Create an Environmental Interpretive Signage advocacy, and strategic planning (P12) Pursue the acquisition or protection of sensitive and homeowner-occupied (P25a) environmental areas through a range of techniques, Program with public/private partners to showcase the Improve access to fresh food (P46); Promote using such as conservation easements, deed restrictions, Development of programs to call attention to specific city’s progress and to raise community awareness of food from local sources in schools and other transfer of development rights, land conservancy historic properties and neighborhoods, including environmental cleanup, low-impact design, and green institutions (P46a); Support community gardening, donations, acquisition by foundations or public published self-guided walking tours, interpretive infrastructure (P17) additional smaller scale farmers markets that could plaques, welcome signs at neighborhood/historic bodies, or developer incentives (P45); Start with Develop, adopt, and maintain a sustainability action rotate to different locations, use of vacant commercial district entryways, street signs indicating the existence identifying key parcels or general areas to preserve plan that tracks progress toward objectives (P18) buildings on the Westside for food vendors, and (P45a) of a historic district or specific neighborhood (P25b) convenient grocery stores (P46b); Mandate and ACTION PLAN ACTION Develop, adopt, and maintain an energy conservation Partner with art students to create public art projects implement nutrition standards and healthy vending Increase programming of outdoor spaces to promote program with reduction targets and progress 56 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION

policies for food and beverages available, including drinking water, at City-sponsored events and City buildings, parks, and recreation centers (P46c); Offer incentives such as endorsement or recognition for

restaurants, pharmacies, and convenience stores near NEIGHBORHOODS schools and parks that offer healthy snacks, foods, and beverages. Allow mobile farmers markets or fresh food vendor carts to locate in underserved areas or food deserts

Historic Preservation Consider design review/zoning overlay zones for each Historic District in the city (R11) Consider a Delay Demolition Ordinance to protect historic structures from being destroyed by absentee TRANSPORTATION and/or speculative property owners (R12) Build public awareness of the city’s historic resources (P25) Conduct educational forums for property owners, financial institutions, real estate professionals, and developers explaining the benefits available for the rehabilitation of historic properties, commercial and homeowner-occupied (P25a)

Development of programs to call attention to specific QUALITY OF LIFE historic properties and neighborhoods, including published self-guided walking tours, interpretive plaques, welcome signs at neighborhood/historic district entryways, street signs indicating the existence of a historic district or specific neighborhood (P25b) Continue the identification and encouragement of the preservation of historic properties and historic districts through the process of historic resource surveys and National Register designations for individual properties and historic districts (P26) DOWNTOWN Develop an adaptive reuse program that offers development guidance, streamlined processes, reduced timeframes, and cost savings to developers looking to adapt older buildings for new uses (P27); Adopt Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (P27a); Support a demonstration project to promote successful adaptive reuse (P27b); Alternative building codes should be followed for adaptive reuse within existing structures (P27c) ACTION PLAN

57 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

58 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 59

IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT DOWNTOWN PLAN - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PLAN - EXECUTIVE DOWNTOWN separately The complete Downtown Plan is published Chapter 5 60 ACTIONACTION PLAN PLAN DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWNQUALITYQUALITY OF LIFE OF LIFETRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATIONNEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODSINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION 6 Executive Summary 6 BigIdeas Based on for theDowntownarea. future planneddevelopmentstocreateaunifiedvision and ongoing account prior initiativesandtakesinto on vision. ThisDowntownRedevelopmentPlan alsobuilds upcoming opportunitiesthatwillhelptoachievethe It islongrangeinitsvision,yetitleverages current and guide growthanddevelopmentintheCityofCharleston. with relevantpublicpolicy,along strategies that, will help physical framework oftheDowntownandrecommends result isaplanthatprovidesdetailedanalysisofthe strategies. The and concensusonsomeimplementation areas including specifictarget Downtown, improving the and providedaclearsetofrecommendationsfor Citizen participationinformedtheevaluationofneeds (CAA). Alliance Authority (CURA)andCharlestonArea the CityofCharleston,CharlestonUrbanRenewal public participationandthecommittedleadershipof development ofthisframeworkwasguidedbyextensive vision. The creates adynamicframeworkforrealizingthat City,sustainable futureand a vision toward provides a Plan, aspartofabroaderComprehensiveforthe The Plan Process of theAppalachianregion. the cultural,recreationalandbusinesscenter that willallowCharlestonto in DowntownCharlestonandcreateanenvironment 2013 DowntownCharleston Redevelopment FRAMETHE ISSUES UNDERSTANDING 10 SustainableGuidingPrinciples , the plan willshapeallfuturedevelopments , the continue to emergeas and DRAFT AUGUST2013 GUIDINGPRINCIPLES AND IDEAS PLAN & extend vibrancyofactivity stimulate economicgrowth connect activityareas and catalyticprojects areas ADOPT IMPLEMENT INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION QUALITYQUALITY OF OFLIFE LIFE DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN ACTIONACTION PLAN PLAN 7 61 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN | CHARLESTON IMAGINE IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE PUBLIC SPACE PUBLIC RELATIONS MIXED-USE INCENTIVES RIVERFRONT Encourage mixed use riverfront development including use riverfront development Encourage mixed entertainment and recreation dining, shopping, living, opportunities that connect to the river Establish and implement a public relations campaign implement a public relations Establish and livable, improves know that Downtown is that lets people shows that the of Downtown, and the public’s perception Downtown is a safe environment Downtown by augmenting Enhance all public spaces employing lighting, parks and greenspaces, improving improving the safety and traffic calming measures and and walking attractiveness for bicycling Explore opportunities and alternatives for developers, Explore opportunities and to benefit Downtown tenants and lending institutions development use housing and encourage mixed DL1 DL2 DL3 DL4 DOWNTOWN LIVABILITY (DL) LIVABILITY DOWNTOWN VISION core of Charleston through environment in the urban living Create an exceptional of safety while public spaces and the perception to the quality of significant improvement and new housing development investment toward renovated incentivizing DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT ACCESS (AUTO) ACCESS ACCESS (PEDESTRIAN/ BICYCLE) ACCESS TRANSIT ALTERNATIVE DISTRICTS MARKET/ MANAGEMENT PRESERVATION Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections between Downtown activity centers and adjacent neighborhoods Enhance roadways to promote better business environment and to accommodate alternative transportation Preserve the character and historic assets within Downtown Preserve the character and market according to existing Establish different districts niches within Downtown Coordinate efforts for the marketing and management of and marketing Coordinate efforts for the Downtown Enhance parking within Downtown to provide better within Downtown to provide Enhance parking and potential businesses existing accessibility to DB5 DB6 DB4 DB2 DB3 DB1 VISION strategic real estate Downtown Charleston through business culture to Bring a progressive business retention professional management, public/private partnerships, development, business recruitment and targeted DOWNTOWN BUSINESS (DB) BUSINESS DOWNTOWN Downtown Vision & Goals & Vision Downtown IMPLEMENT 62 ACTIONACTION PLAN PLAN DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWNQUALITYQUALITY OF LIFE OF LIFETRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATIONNEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODSINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION 8 ction section (page 12) and sustainable guiding principles’ icons are represented for cross-referencing purposes. The bigideasnumberingpresentedheredoesnotexhibitanyhierarchyofimplementation.Downtowngoals(DBorDL)fromIntroductionsection(page12)andsustainableguidingprinciples’iconsarerepresentedforcross-referencing Big Ideas 3 2 1 LEVERAGE ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT UTILIZE CHARLESTON’S IMPRESSIVEHISTORY ANDRIVERCITYLOCATION TO RESHAPE THEBUILT ENVIRONMENTOFDOWNTOWN CHARLESTON PROGRAM COMMIT LOCAL RESOURCESFORASUCCESSFULDOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT DB2 DB1 DB1 DB3 DB3 DL2 DL4 DB4 - To GuideandShapeDowntownCharleston DB5 DL2 DRAFT AUGUST2013 6 5 4 ESTABLISH A PROFESSIONALURBANCOREMANAGEMENT AUTHORITY NEIGHBORHOOD TREAT THEURBANCOREASANEQUALLY IMPORTANT CHARLESTON RETAIL &ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATIONS DEVELOP ADISTRICTIDENTITYSYSTEMFORTHEDOWNTOWN ANDCONTIGUOUS DB2 DB2 DB2 DB4 DB4 DB4 DL1 DL1 DL3 DL3 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION QUALITYQUALITY OF OFLIFE LIFE DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN ACTIONACTION PLAN PLAN

9 63

Kanawha Blvd Kanawha

Virginia St Virginia

Quarrier St Quarrier

Lee St Lee

Washington St Washington Lewis St Lewis

Morris St Smith St Smith

Brooks St

Dickinson St

Leon Sullivan St

Capitol St

Summers St

Laidley St

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Clendenin St OF DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON OF DOWNTOWN IMAGINE CHARLESTON | DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN | CHARLESTON IMAGINE Historic Core Civic Cultural Commercial Regional Fringe Residential CREATE BUSINESS DISTRICT OF DOWNTOWN ACTIVITY AREAS ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITY SITES PROJECTS CATALYTIC COMPLETE STREETS TRAILS IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE BUILT ENVIRONMENT THE BUILT RESHAPE Create niche districts (Civic, Regional Commercial, Historic Core, Cultural) within Downtown to drive the to drive the within Downtown Historic Core, Cultural) Commercial, Regional districts (Civic, Create niche environment of the built redevelopment Create context-sensitive urban design standards to shape future development urban design Create context-sensitive Elevate the architectural character of new buildings through high quality design standards that embrace through high quality design standards character of new buildings Elevate the architectural and principles urban design qualities Adopt the “complete streets” approach to enhancing the street network and supports pedestrian zones and the street network and supports streets” approach to enhancing Adopt the “complete activity areas

2

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DOWNTOWN DOWNTOWN A SUCCESSFUL FOR RESOURCES LOCAL COMMIT PROGRAM REDEVELOPMENT Clendenin St Identify public-private partnering opportunities, collaboration with quasi-public organizations and explore organizations with quasi-public collaboration opportunities, partnering Identify public-private vehicles creative implementation and liturgical and institutions of higher learning institutions, community foundations Engage local financial institutions as partners state Virginia for mutual real relationship with the State of West Establish an effective

1 TARGET AREAS TARGET A. Appalachian Power Park Area Park A. Appalachian Power Library & Quarrier Housing B. C. Capitol Street & Brawley Walkway Slack Plaza D. E. Civic District Boulevard Kanawha F.

FOR REDEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR REDEVELOPMENT AREAS SIX TARGET 64 ACTION10 ACTION PLAN PLAN DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWNQUALITYQUALITY OF LIFE OF LIFETRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATIONNEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODSINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION HISTORIC DISTRICTS

A 3

financial benefit Promote sustainabledevelopmentpracticesthatencourageenvironmentalstewardship,socialinteractionand development. theKanawha andElkriversforpublicaccess,pedestrian activityandhighqualitymixeduse Re-engage asset toenhancetheurbanenvironmentandmarketabilityofcore. Embrace historicpreservationasanimportanteconomicdevelopmenttoolandvaluehistory African AmericanLocal Historic District

LOCATION TO LEVERAGE ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT UTILIZE CHARLESTON’S IMPRESSIVEHISTORY ANDRIVERCITY

Court St Court

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Downtown HistoricDistrict Brooks St Brooks

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4

potential mixedusedevelopmentopportunities. District. Thesystemshouldwilldelineatekeypedestrian/alternativetransportationcorridorsandsupport Plaza, CapitolStreet,Market,Hale/Quarrier/DickinsonStreets,TheClayCenterandtheWarehouse Develop adistrictidentityprogramthatbeginstolinkmajordestinationssuchastheTown Center, Slack CONTIGUOUS RETAIL &ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATIONS EMBRACE ADISTRICTIDENTITYSYSTEM A

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lighting. Graphicsandsignage.Plantmaterialwhereappropriate New pavement-connectwithpedestrianconnector. Lighting-considercatenary Informal seating/benches.Stormwaterexpression Linear pedestrianconnector. Trees onnorthandsouthedges.Lightcolumns. beds. Introducenewplantersforartisticexpressionandseasonalflowercolor. of uprighttreesbetweenpedestriancorridorandparkingarea.Placeinlandscape Updated storefront.Pavement toextend pattern ofpedestrianconnector. Linearrow B FORTHEDOWNTOWN AND

SUMMERS ST C 5 0150ft 50 0

N INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION QUALITYQUALITY OF OFLIFE LIFE DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN ACTIONACTION PLAN PLAN 11 65 Foundation Valley Greater Kanawha Foundation Institutional Partners University of Charleston Schools Charleston Public Sacred Heart Grade School Other higher Education Partners Library Hospitals Estate Partners Real Developers Banks Investors Corporations Owners Property

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DUNBAR ST DUNBAR QUARRIER ST DICKINSON ST DICKINSON DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT ALSO CHARLESTON CHARLESTON IMPORTANT AN AS CORE URBAN THE TREAT NEIGHBORHOOD Establish and implement a public relations campaign that promotes Downtown’s livability, improves public’s improves livability, Downtown’s campaign that promotes public relations and implement a Establish to BID below]. environment [refer as a safe and represents Downtown of Downtown, perception to promote Downtown tenants and lending institutions and alternatives for developers, Explore opportunities mixed use development. housing and encourage

5

KANAWHA COUNTY MAIN LIBRARY & QUARRIER STREET MAIN LIBRARY & QUARRIER COUNTY KANAWHA VISION FOR 66 ACTION PLAN DOWNTOWN QUALITY OF LIFE TRANSPORTATION NEIGHBORHOODS INTRODUCTION

12 ACTION PLAN DOWNTOWN QUALITY OF LIFE TRANSPORTATION NEIGHBORHOODS INTRODUCTION ƒ ƒ ƒ Action Plan

3 2 BIG IDEAS 1 CVB - Convention and Visitor’s Bureau CVB -ConventionandVisitor’s Foundation -GreaterKanawha Valley Foundation CAA -CharlestonAreaAlliance DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON THROUGHPUBLIC UTILIZE CHARLESTON’S IMPRESSIVEHISTORY SUCCESSFUL DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT RESHAPING THEBUILT ENVIRONMENTOF AND RIVERCITYLOCATION TO LEVERAGE SUPPORT PRIVATE INVESTMENTBY COMMIT LOCAL RESOURCESFORA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM POLICY ƒ ƒ ƒ

DMA -DowntownManagement Authority CURA -CharlestonUrbanRedevelopment Authority HLC -HistoricLandmarks Commission DRAFT AUGUST2013 ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ STRATEGIES

interactions andfinancialbenefits Promote sustainabledevelopmentpracticesthatwillhelpenvironmentalstewardship,social quality mixedusedevelopment. theKanawha andElkriversforpublicaccess, pedestrianactivityareasaswellhigh Re-engage as animportantassettoenhancetheurbanenvironmentandmarketabilityofcore. Embrace historicpreservationasanimportanteconomicdevelopmenttoolandthevalueofhistory zones andactivityareas Adopt the“completestreets”approachtoenhancingstreetnetworkandsupportspedestrian embrace urbandesignqualitiesandprinciples Elevate thearchitecturalcharacterofnewbuildingsthroughhighqualitydesignstandardsthat Create context-sensitive urbandesignstandardstoshapefuturedevelopment drive theredevelopmentofbuiltenvironment Create nichedistricts(Civic,Regional Commercial,HistoricCore,Cultural)withinDowntownto Establish aneffectiverelationshipwiththeStateofWest Virginiaformutualrealestate liturgical institutionsaspartners Engage localfinancialinstitutions,communityfoundationsandinstitutionsofhigherlearning explore creativeimplementationvehicles Identify public-privatepartneringopportunities,collaborationwithquasi-publicorganizationsand ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

EPNIL EDRHPTIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP Engineer) CURA/CAA City (Planning, Engineer, Parks &Recreation, Traffic Owners City (Planning, Engineer)/Land Trust /Private Land Preservation Society City /HLCCVBKanawha Valley Historical& Engineer /Land Trust City (Engineer, Planning, Traffic Engineer)/County City (Planning)/HLC City (Planning)/CURA City /CVBCAA State /CityCURACAACVB CURA /CAAFoundation City /CAA (5+ Years) Long Term (3-5 Years) Medium Term (1-2 Years) Short Term INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODSNEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATIONTRANSPORTATION QUALITYQUALITY OF OFLIFE LIFE DOWNTOWNDOWNTOWN ACTIONACTION PLAN PLAN 13 67 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN | CHARLESTON IMAGINE City (Building, Planning) / CURA / CAA City (Building, City / CURA / CAA DMA / CURA / CAA, City City / CURA / CAA / Main Street Wayfinding / Main Street Wayfinding City / CURA / CAA Owners Major Property Commission, CVB, CURA / CAA / CVB / DMA IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIPRESPONSIBLE TIMEFRAME

ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ Explore opportunities and alternatives for developers, tenants and lending institutions to promote Explore opportunities and alternatives use development. Downtown housing and encourage mixed (DMA) Establish a Downtown Management Authority [BID] to garner commitment and financial support from Develop a Business Improvement District targeted management efforts in the urban core property owners to provide professional Develop a district identity program that begins to link major destinations such as the Town Center, Center, destinations such as the Town program that begins to link major Develop a district identity and Streets, The Clay Center Street, Capitol Market, Hale/Quarrier/Dickinson Slack Plaza, Capitol / alternative transportation should will delineate key pedestrian District. The system the Warehouse opportunities. potential mixed use development corridors and support improves livability, campaign that promotes Downtown’s Establish and implement a public relations represents Downtown as a safe environment [refer to BID public’s perception of Downtown, and below].

STRATEGIES ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY MANAGEMENT & ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATIONS & ENTERTAINMENT TREAT THE URBAN CORE AS AN EQUALLY AN EQUALLY THE URBAN CORE AS TREAT ESTABLISH A PROFESSIONAL URBAN CORE A PROFESSIONAL ESTABLISH DEVELOP A DISTRICT IDENTITY SYSTEM FOR A DISTRICT IDENTITY DEVELOP IMPORTANT CHARLESTON NEIGHBORHOOD CHARLESTON IMPORTANT THE DOWNTOWN AND CONTIGUOUS RETAIL RETAIL AND CONTIGUOUS THE DOWNTOWN 4 6 5 BIG IDEAS 68 ACTION PLAN DOWNTOWN QUALITY OF LIFE TRANSPORTATION NEIGHBORHOODS INTRODUCTION DRAFT AUGUST2013 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 69 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE

You’ve imagined it, now let’s imagined it, make it happen! You’ve DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT ACTION PLAN ACTION Chapter 6 DRAFT AUGUST 2013 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

70 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 71 Working together, together, Working Meeting Expectations for Public Services. Economic Meeting Expectations for Public conditions make it more difficult for individual communities to meet residents’ needs and expectations. More sharing of resources and eliminating duplicated efforts may result in more cost effective ways of providing essential community services. its many Maximize Investments. The City, organizations and academic institutions have all made significant investments in Charleston. Ongoing relationships can help ensure those contributions continue to attain a high rate of return in terms of financial and social capital. Solve Larger Issues. Many issues are beyond the Solve Larger require control of individual jurisdictions and cooperation, including major infrastructure other transit improvements, non-motorized and social issues, options, economic development, and such as homelessness. Improve the Vitality of Each Entity acquainted community leaders can become more vision and the role each has to with Charleston’s more cooperative, rather than working toward offer, urban core competitive, relationships. A vibrant benefit not only and unified, attractive corridors will Charleston, but its suburbs and the region as a whole.

future. Partnerships with the public and private sector, sector, and private with the public future. Partnerships of Charleston, the hospitals, including the University and business will also lead to success major employers, initiatives. plan’s implementing the to may range from sharing information Partnerships promotions or services. While funding and shared given strong history of civic involvement, Charleston has a in this plan, the spirit of cooperation the challenges noted with a renewed commitment by each must be refreshed

organization so that alliances and partnerships can be alliances and partnerships can organization so that in the region. formed and sustained to benefit everyone not do it all. Only City government cannot and should vision can the plan’s through public/private collaboration do that the City be realized. What can these partnerships cannot do alone?

IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE

While the City is in a position to coordinate many of the implementation tasks, responsibility should not plan’s solely rest on the government. Instead, the vast array of stakeholders having key roles in either the city or region this plan will be endorsed by must all participate. Ideally, the many organizations in the city as a “shared vision,” the foundation of future efforts. Entities such as CAA, CURA, neighborhood associations, County Schools, Kanawha County, Kanawha KRT, and many others should have something WVDOT, to contribute relative to their role in Charleston’s Partnerships Continued Community Involvement Involvement Community Continued was the cornerstone of this planning Citizen involvement even involvement by the public is process, and continued Adoption of success. ensure the plan’s more essential to end of the initial phase of the process, the plan marks the of the evolutionary process of but only the beginning plan. A continued effort to focus implementing the and vision and recommendations attention on the plan’s the community participation in making to further promote be essential activities. plan a reality will is continued One tactic for sustained public involvement Successful use of extensive use of electronic media. e-mailthe web page, social networks, and blasts can information on hot be continued to regularly distribute identify where input topics, publicity for upcoming events, needed. Regular is desired and where volunteers are could be progress reports on master plan implementation help confirm or adjust featured, and online surveys could with the university may provide a priorities. Partnerships a leader in electronic technology resource so the City is communication. Decisions Guidance for Development This plan is designed for routine use and should be This plan is designed for routine use affecting consistently employed during any process the community’s investment decisions future. Private owners should by developers, corporations, and land Other planning efforts for direction. consider the plan’s neighborhoods, corridors, and community facilities should be in harmony with the comprehensive plan. Finally, the plan should be used when reviewing development proposals and referenced in related reports and studies.

In and of itself, the plan is capable of accomplishing the In and of itself, businesses, community leaders, very little. Rather, organizations, and citizens must assume ownership of the plan to see that it is successfully implemented. City officials and departments must embrace the City officials and departments must to help shape plan, applying its recommendations the design annual budgets, work programs, and example, the City’sof capital improvements. For engineering division can support implementation streets, and through infrastructure improvements, storm systems designed consistent with plan policies and recommendations, or the planning and building Each department, department through site plan review. staff person, and elected official should find it a benefit, if not an obligation, to reference the plan when making decisions and setting priorities. Foundation for Future Efforts Any future planning efforts must be consistent with the overall vision and basic framework of this plan. For example, neighborhood plans should be consistent with this plan as the framework for more in-depth analysis and recommendations for a particular area. Integrate with Capital Improvements Integrate with Capital DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT Commitment through the Comprehensive While the input received the a foundation to help achieve Plan process provided city’s involvement must vision, community support, and plan implementation will be directly continue. Successful city leadership. While elected related to a committed and City Council, - the Mayor, and appointed officials role, - will have a strong leadership Planning Commission and leaders department directors, staff, many others - city from the community’s and organizations many institutions the plan. - will also be instrumental in supporting reaches beyond just these commitment However, of individuals with an individuals and includes the array landowners, interest and stake in the future. Citizens, will be impacted developers, and business owners who toward the plan’s by how Charleston changes must unite enthusiasm from the common vision. Momentum and planning process large constituency engaged in the plan will remain the must be sustained to guarantee the important action-oriented it is intended to be. document

a a a a Goal Vision Action Refine Monitor

This plan includes a lot of ideas that need to be This plan includes a lot of ideas that the city do to translated into action. What should ensure the vitality in the future--what comes next? The Action Plan details those next steps and priorities. Transforming the plan’s lofty goals into reality will the plan’s Transforming commitment and political require a long-term consensus. The plan is designed to be a road map for action, incorporating strategies, specific projects, and programs that will achieve the desired results. This chapter synthesizes the many plan recommendations and identifies the actions and timing needed to transform the vision into reality. plan’s Charleston is fortunate to have many organizations, business leaders, and individuals committed to a There is often overlap in what better future for the city. Sometimes organizations or city departments are doing. the well-intended efforts and activities are not as well coordinated as they might be. Much effort was expended to gather input and unify the forces. This plan is intended to be a policy This plan is intended to be a policy guide for moving Charleston forward, guiding decisions about future physical plan is more than and economic development. But the the With and staff. just a policy guide for City officials effort comes commitment of resources to this planning will be the high expectations that the recommendations over the next five to implemented, some soon, or others ten years. Charleston’s Comprehensive Plan was developed was developed Comprehensive Plan Charleston’s interactive process that engaged the through a highly a preferred future. Through this community in defining and the community leaders, the City, collaborative effort, time both resources and personal public have contributed and visionary blueprint exciting, to formulate a useful, level and breadth of participation for the future. This commitment as a signals Charleston’s creative solutions community to seek The plan to its many challenges. to manage will position Charleston future development, redevelopment, capital improvements, collaborative partnerships, and programs on a solid foundation of fiscal, social, and environmental sustainability. A. Tenets of Successful Implementation of Successful Tenets A. DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Evaluation and Monitoring and acknowledge the implementation to date. Yearly will be to prioritize various action items and establish how sustainable Charleston will be. Therefore, several This plan has been developed with a degree of flexibility, workplans should be prepared to assess what has been timeframes by which each action must be initiated and tasks in the Action Plan are the responsibility of the allowing nimble responses to emerging conditions, accomplished in the action plan and what should be completed. They must also consider and weigh the Planning Commission and its staff. INTRODUCTION challenges, and opportunities. To help ensure the plan achieved in the coming year. The Advisory Committee funding commitments necessary to realize the city’s As an example, the Planning Commission is charged with stays fresh and useful, periodic reviews and amendments should stay in tact and meet yearly to review the status of vision, whether involving capital improvements, facility preparing studies, ordinances, and certain programmatic are required. This will ensure plan goals, objectives, and the plan’s implementation, discuss funding opportunities, design, municipal services, targeted studies, or changes initiatives before they are submitted to the City Council. In recommendations reflect changing community needs, refine priorities, involve new implementors and to development regulations, such as municipal codes, the other instances, the Planning Commission plays a strong expectations, and financial realities. participants to ensure all organizations and key players zoning ordinance and procedures. remain committed. role as a “Plan Facilitator” overseeing the process and Any more detailed subarea plans should be adopted Planning Commission as Facilitators monitoring its progress and results. Together, City staff as comprehensive plan amendments. The plan should Roles of the Mayor and City Council The Planning Commission is charged with overseeing and the Planning Commission must be held accountable, be reviewed at least every five years. Updates should The Mayor and City Council must be solidly engaged in plan implementation and is empowered to make ongoing ensuring the city’s Comprehensive Plan impacts daily

NEIGHBORHOODS reflect changing conditions, unanticipated opportunities, the process to implement the plan. Their responsibilities land use decisions. As such, it has a great influence on decisions and actions by its many stakeholders.

B. Zoning Recommendations

Zoning is a key mechanism for achieving the desired land schools or parks. If those sites are considered for a new requested zoning change. This must include sufficient form-based elements and applied to the West Side use pattern and quality of development advocated in use in the future, the use should be compatible with the sewer and water capacity, a transportation system to “Main Street.” The remainder of the Washington the plan. This section provides a useful guide relative to adjacent land areas and their overall character. support impacts, and a stormwater system designed corridors on both the West Side and East End (shown TRANSPORTATION the inconsistencies between current zoning patterns and to limit impacts. as “Mixed-Use Corridor” on the future land use/ The plan categories correspond to zoning districts, proposed future land use designations. In addition, the For sites near the rivers and sensitive hillsides, the character map) currently designated as CVD should Regulatory section of the Action Table identifies elements but there is some generalization. The following table similarly be zoned to a new form-based corridor provides a zoning plan indicating how the future land use environmental conditions of the site should be in the current regulations that could be refined to more capable of accommodating the types of development district. This new corridor district may or may not be strongly support Comprehensive Plan recommendations. categories in this Comprehensive Plan relate to the zoning applicable to MacCorkle Avenue, which may need its districts in the zoning ordinance. In certain instances, or potential uses allowed with a zoning change. The impact to natural features should be minimized to the own form-based district (currently being evaluated in Because the Future Land Use Plan is a long range more than one zoning district may be applicable to a the Kanawha City corridor plan). vision of how land uses should evolve over time, it future land use category. Notes are provided to guide maximum extent practical.

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY should not be confused with the City’s zoning map, the Planning Commission in determining the appropriate Review Zoning Districts and Map Consider developing a Planned Institutional/Office Park District that might contain some of the known which is a current (short term) mechanism for regulating zoning district based upon the context of the surrounding Review current zoning districts to ensure they project the developments that are currently zoned C-10. For development. Therefore not all properties should be area. desired character. Table A shows the suggested future example, the Charleston Job Corps Center and the immediately rezoned to correspond with the plan. The land use categories and the current zoning districts Zoning changes in accordance with the plan should be Northgate Office Park developments are nestled Future Land Use Plan is intended to serve as a guide for to show how they can provide direction for future made gradually so that change can be managed. The within a larger residential context, but contain land use decisions over a longer period of time (5 to 15 zoning decisions. Generally speaking, changes to the Future Land Use map as well as the plan’s goals and important employment uses that can co-exist if years). zoning district regulations should be consistent with the recommendations should be consulted to judge the properly regulated. recommendations for the corresponding future land use DOWNTOWN Review of the Existing Land Use map in comparison to the merits of a rezoning request. In review of rezoning and category. Consider converting the PUD District from a rezoning Future Land Use and Character map reveals a gradual development proposals, the City should consider the application to a conditional use that could be an transition to the planned land use pattern. Achievement following sequencing standards: Short Term Recommendations: overlay in any of the underlying residential districts. of this goal will be gradual particularly where established Replace the DVD District with a form-based district Any rezoning or development proposal must be This maintains the integrity of the underlying zoning, businesses and homes are located in areas intended for since the CURA design review expired. Similarly, compatible with the Comprehensive Plan as a whole and provides direction in cases where the PUD other types of uses in the long term. create form-based districts for those areas currently and be able to stand and function on its own without is not actually constructed. This allows the City under CURA design review for the West Side and In addition, the Future Land Use map (Map x) is harm to the quality of surrounding land uses. to automatically revert the zoning to its original East End “Main Street” districts. The C-8 Village designation rather than having to reverse the rezoning generalized. More detailed evaluation would be required There must be sufficient public infrastructure to Commercial District (currently applied to the East action.

ACTION PLAN ACTION as part of any rezoning consideration. In particular, accommodate any proposed development or the End “Main Street”) could be strengthened with more the Future Land Use map does not specifically call out types of uses that would be allowed under the 72 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 73 resources (trees, slopes, non-regulated wetland resources (trees, slopes, non-regulated areas, views to the river); Shared vehicular access between properties or uses; Mitigation to offset impacts on public facilities (such as road improvements); or Significant use of sustainable building and site design features such as: water use reduction, innovative wastewater water efficient landscaping, technologies, low impact stormwater management, optimize energy performance, on-site renewable reuse/recycled/ passive solar heating, energy, renewable materials, indoor air quality or other elements identified as sustainable by established groups such as the US Green Building Council (LEED) or ANSI National Green Building Standards. Preservation or restoration of historic resources; Preservation of open space or public plazas or Provision features; Efficient consolidation of poorly dimensioned conditions (e.g. parcels or property with difficult site shape etc.); Topography, and lower Effective transition between higher and density uses, and/or between non-residential adjacent residential uses; or allow incompatible that is not land uses to be developed in a manner possible using a conventional approach; East End and West Side Main Streets (currently Side Main Streets (currently East End and West C-8 and UCD) corridors Side Washington East End and West (currently CVD) City (currently in Kanawha MacCorkle Avenue and R-10) C-8, R-O, DVD) Capitol Street (formerly (especially Cultural/ areas Downtown Transition District) Warehouse Center (could be a PUD as Street Power Patrick well) Mixed Use Neighborhood R-10 ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ

ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ Recommended Form-based Form-based Recommended Districts: Parking and Access: Parking access can access, and pedestrian In many ways, parking, affect the character of development. IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE Mixed-use development with residential, and non- residential uses or a variety of housing types; of brownfield or greyfield sites; Redevelopment design with buildings Pedestrian/transit-oriented oriented to the sidewalk and parking to the side or rear of the site; High quality architectural design beyond the site plan requirements of this chapter; Extensive landscaping beyond the site plan requirements of this chapter; or restoration of natural enhancement Preservation, ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ Establish a list of “Recognized Benefits” that promote Establish a list of “Recognized the types of things envisioned in the Plan. The following benefits could be listed as desired elements that are incorporated as required elements, review criteria, or as the basis for rewarding density bonuses, streamlined application review processes, or other incentives developed by the City. In addition to the downtown, a form-based code may a form-based to the downtown, In addition District, where maintaining in the R-10 be appropriate is desired, but where the residential character not be the highest and best use. residential uses may are allowed to occupy residential Here, office uses form-based code could be used to structures, and a or building additions will not ensure redevelopment with the neighborhood feel. The be out of context City’s Overlay District Neighborhood Conservation similar results, but is less effective attempts to achieve the developer to initiate rezoning, because it requires to the form- and there are locations where adherence based standards should not be optional. Code in the Warehouse Consider a Form-Based Street Districts, District area, MacCorkle and Main where pedestrian-oriented are planned. environments still be included, a While some restrictions on use can on the feeling and form-based approach focuses first rather than the environment created by development use it might contain.

Planned Unit Development that the PUD district As noted above, it is recommended use in any be changed from a rezoning to a conditional are district. The following additional recommendations PUD regulations and suggested to further strengthen the its use: incorporate incentives to encourage Recommendations: To N/A Change CBD P Current To N/A Change C-12 P Current To N/A Change C-10 Form-based codes place a primary emphasis on Form-based location and building type, dimensions, parking on uses. They façade features, and less emphasis or public stress the appearance of the streetscape, types. Form realm, over long lists of different use where the based codes are appropriate in districts specific character, purpose is to preserve or create a than the or where the use of land is more flexible context. desired building form and development designate zero setback requirements than Rather consider Central Business District, for the CBD, designating a “build-to” line that ensures all buildings along a block will maintain a consistent building line and streetscape. Re-evaluate the uses in the table below, which may Re-evaluate the uses in the table below, in the district it not promote the desired development is located. P

Current would be allowed in all districts, even in more intense even in more allowed in all districts, would be it might not be appropriate. districts where commercial C-10 C-12 and their purposes districts state Charleston’s office a broad range of high traffic are to accommodate these districts also allow residential. and retail uses, but with commercial is a solid While mixing residential districts such as C-4strategy in mixed-use and C-8 Village Commercial), single-family(Neighborhood and not be permitted in the higher residential uses should districts. intensity commercial Recommendations: Recommendations: DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT Develop Form-Based Regulations: C C To N/A N/A N/A N/A C or Change C-8 P P P P P P P Current District Minimum lot size could be 5000-6000 square feet, Minimum lot size could be 5000-6000 districts. and R-6 similar to the current R-4 Small commercial uses like restaurants, gas Small commercial uses like restaurants, consumer stations, kennels, farm equipment, like corners industrial, shops at certain locations from and along major streets when buffered residential performance-Setbacks could be more variable or shape of the frontage based based on topography, the massing and along roads and consistency with established setbacks of adjacent homes Keeping of livestock and animals Keeping restrictions on home-based businesses Fewer buildings and uses accessory Large stands Roadside Duplexes ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ ƒ A new rural district that helps preserve the rural preserve the district that helps A new rural make these areas appealing characteristics that residents. The regulations would choices for some and may allow certain uses be a bit less restrictive uses that may not be intermixed with residential residential districts such as appropriate in other

Drive-Thru Facility Drive-Thru Automobile, Motorcycle and Boat Sales, uses Repair and Rental Crematorium Gasoline Service Stations and Mini-Marts Contractor’s Establishments Single Family Dwelling, Shopping Centers Use Review Permitted Uses Permitted Review uses in each zoning district to ensure permitted Review Like many urban they promote the purpose of the district. zoning has elements of zoning ordinances, Charleston’s That old style zoning what is called “pyramid” zoning. allows in intense zoning districts all the uses allowed in example, single-family less intense zoning districts. For

Long Term Recommendations: Term Long DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Recommendations: include performance measures that can be used Other deciduous and minimum height for evergreen to evaluate where flexibility in the above standards The Plan and the RIC Plan both promote Access General Provisions of the ordinance all work together to Include standards for Nonconforming Sites to identify might be appropriate Management, which regulates the location and promote the vision in the Plan. To strengthen the quality

INTRODUCTION when certain site improvements, such as lighting, design of access points (i.e. driveways and side Allow Deferred Parking for sites where immediate of future development, the following additional concepts landscaping and parking, should be required, or streets) to help maintain safe and efficient traffic demand does not exist, but where it may in the future. should be considered. when they should not prevent re-occupancy of a non- conditions. To implement this element of the Plan, conforming building or use The Plan encourages pedestrian environments, Recommendations: the following provisions should be added to Section especially in the, Downtown Transition, Downtown 22-050-03: Setback averaging is included in Section 21-020, but Consider more specific outdoor lighting restrictions. and both Mixed-Use Corridor designations (which should specify a distance from the subject site that The current ordinance could be strengthened through ƒƒMinimum driveway spacing from intersections – relate to the CBD, C-8, and R-10 Zoning Districts). should be considered in the calculations the following: greater spacing from signalized intersections should To implement this this element of the Plan, the be required ƒƒMaximum parking lot light pole height – shorter following should be required in Article 22: Landscaping standards could be strengthened ƒƒMaximum number of driveways – should be through addition of the following: poles should be required within proximity to

NEIGHBORHOODS ƒƒRequire five-foot concrete sidewalks along the residential districts specified, typically one driveway is sufficient ƒƒList specific planting requirements for greenbelts frontage of non-residential sites (subdivision ƒ ƒƒPromote shared driveways – and cross access and buffers – number of trees and shrubs per linear ƒMinimum and maximum illumination requirements regulations should require sidewalks along at least to provide safe levels of lighting that do not cause between parking lots to prevent vehicles from one side of residential streets) foot having to re-enter traffic to visit adjoining sites glare on adjacent sites – lower lighting levels should ƒƒBike racks should be required – one vehicular space ƒƒAllow for consideration of different buffer be required at property lines that abut residential ƒƒMinimum spacing from other driveways – both on could be replaced by 2 bike spaces applications, including walls, setbacks, landscaping, districts the same side and from opposing driveways etc. that could be required in a variety to settings – ƒƒConnections between the sidewalk and building Address alternative energy such as wind by ƒƒMinimum spacing from other items – interchanges, even those where adequate “bufferyards” cannot be entrances should be required, especially in provided. including regulations for residential and commercial median crossovers, railroad crossings pedestrian-oriented districts like the Downtown and applications Main Street Mixed Use Corridor future land use ƒƒMinimum planting sizes - minimum caliper for

TRANSPORTATION ƒƒWhere the desired standards cannot be met, areas

C. Signature Implementation Opportunities

The following projects are identified as potential prominent location at the intersection of Lee Street and underutilized. Some form of subsidy will more than likely 230 Costello Street - Watts Elementary momentum builders that can inspire catalytic change: Dickinson Street make this building an important part of be required for the building to be fully utilized. Slated for closure once the new West Side Elementary

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY the downtown urban fabric. School is constructed, this three story building should be 123 West Washington Street - Staats Hospital 23 Brooks Street - Brooks Manor adaptively reused for a use that is compatible with the A vacant contributing structure in the Elk City Historic This five story 57 unit building, built and used since 107 Hale Street – Masonic Temple surrounding residential neighborhood. Compatible uses District. This four story classical revival style building 1969, for low-income senior housing, helps fill important A vacant contributing structure in the Downtown include various forms of housing or professional offices is on the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s list of affordable housing demand in the city. Significant Charleston Historic District. This five story, three bays that have a low traffic count. endangered buildings. Built in 1922, Staats Hospital Gothic Revival style building has a prominent location upgrades are needed to modernize the facility and bring was designed by John C. Norman, Sr., a prominent and at the intersection of Virginia Street and Hale Street. it in line with today’s codes and standards of living. 1423 Lee Street, East - St. Paul Lutheran Church Charleston resident and West Virginia’s first registered This building is an important part of the downtown urban The major upgrades include electrical and ventilation Built in 1915-1916 this historic church is located at

DOWNTOWN African American architect. The building is the largest fabric. upgrades, a second elevator, more living space, more the corner of Lee Street, East and Beauregard Street. structure in the historic district and is prominently accessible kitchens and bathrooms and some green Like many churches in the region, the congregation is positioned at the terminus of Bigley Ave at West 170-178 Summers Street space dwindling and their stewardship of the building is no Washington Street. The building has been in bankruptcy A contributing structure in the Downtown Charleston longer possible, thus the building has been listed for sale. 915 Beech Avenue - JE Robins Elementary and been significantly neglected. Some form of subsidy Historic District, this three story, Neo-Classical Revival The historic architecture should be preserved and a new Slated for closure once the new West Side Elementary will be required for the building to be renovated for reuse. commercial building located at the intersection of use identified that is both compatible with and reflective School is constructed, this two story building should be Summers Street and Brawley Walkway is ideally situated of the neighborhood. 800 Lee Street - Stone and Thomas Building for mixed use development with retail space on the first adaptively reused for a use that is compatible with the A vacant contributing structure in the Downtown floor fronting Summers Street and Brawley Walkway and surrounding residential neighborhood. Compatible uses

ACTION PLAN ACTION Charleston Historic District containing over 130,000 sq.ft. residential or office space on the second floor. Over the include various forms of housing or professional offices of office and retail space. The building’s sheer size and years, the building has been significantly neglected and that have a low traffic count. 74 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 75 IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE

Long-Term Long-Term Recommendations 15+ years 15+

Mid-Term Mid-Term Recommendations Based on the plan, economic Based on the plan, 10 years 10 Short-Term Short-Term Recommendations

Plan implementation will require adequate Plan implementation will require adequate Funding. a new funding from current revenue sources, federal grants, dedicated funding source, state and Annual or public/private sector partnerships. funds should appropriations and capital improvement in setting use plan recommendations as a factor priorities. Economic Incentives. can be developed or refined development initiatives goals. For to achieve specific implementation employers or example, incentives could encourage sites. businesses to locate on targeted redevelopment infill and redevelopment sites should include Preferred by existing areas that can be most efficiently served potential to infrastructure and have the greatest stimulate investment on nearby properties. 5 years 5

Immediate Recommendations economic development efforts, housing, infrastructure, housing, development efforts, economic community all cross improvements and transportation not only Charleston, but the county borders, impacting health economic region. Charleston’s and surrounding area are also inherently and that of its metropolitan the success of one is largely connected, meaning of all. the success responsible for, dependent on, and

DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT Promotion/Programmatic: uuu ugg u uu by 2018 by 2025 by 2033 1-2 years

Partnerships: Intergovernmental cooperation has become more important as each jurisdiction struggles with increased service demands and limited resources. Shared concerns cut across jurisdictional boundaries and affect many communities and the metro area overall. Frequently, the actions, or inactions, of one jurisdiction can have a the public tremendous impact on others. Increasingly, and local officials are becoming more aware of the widespread, rather than localized, ramifications of individual community decisions on finances, service and ecosystems, and quality of life. Watersheds delivery, Capital Improvements: buildings are Streets, trails, utilities, parks, and municipal quality development. the integral framework that supports must complement key objectives are that 1) design Two the context of the surrounding area and 2) sustainable materials and practices should be employed to the degree practical. Regulatory: are provided for amending city Recommendations proposals. Most of ordinances to better support plan as part of an update these actions could be implemented city regulations related to the zoning ordinance and other and the City is the to land use, streets, and infrastructure primary responsible party. Mid-term Long-term/ Ongoing Immediate Short-term Priorities are established based on the following are established based on the Priorities timeframes: The Action Plan table summarizes the recommendations the recommendations Plan table summarizes The Action into specific categories, the plan from throughout the tasks to be accomplished within outlining individual period. This format serves as a useful 20-year planning accomplishments and reassign priorities. checklist to track checklist to facilitate annual reviews It also serves as a recommendations of the plan. The Long-term/Ongoing annually for progress with the should be evaluated that year. actions set to “expire” D. Action Table Action D. DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Neighborhoods Mobility and Quality of Life Downtown Regulatory Actions - Immediate Implementation and Land use Infrastructure # Topic Action R1 Housing Develop infill guidelines (brochure with sample sketches and photographs) and ordinance standards to promote new houses that complement the design of homes in that p neighborhood (i.e. new homes with modern amenities but that look like they are part of the neighborhood) R2 Housing Continue to use property maintenance inspections so rental units are safe and well maintained but consider a more aggressive system of inspections and awards/publicity for p the "highest level" buildings or landlords (to use in markeTing and potentially at a higher rental rate) INTRODUCTION R3 Land Use Gradually adjust (reduce) the amount of commercially zoned land based on location, character, market demand and other factors R3a • Allow non-commercial uses in select commercially zoned areas (such as multiple-family residential), have CURA target acquisition of outdated commercial properties and then rezone them for a more appropriate non-commercial use p R3b • Update the zoning ordinance to promote a transition of non-conforming uses within buildings that are worth saving into uses that are more compatible with the surrounding area and would preserve the integrity of the historic building R4 Land Use Create new form-based districts for areas formerly and currently under CURA design review (Main Streets and Downtown) and MacCorkle Avenue in Kanawha City (see p Zoning Recommendations in this chapter) R5 Land Use Create a new rural residential district (see Zoning Recommendations in this chapter) p

NEIGHBORHOODS R6 Health Allow mobile farmers markets or fresh food vendor carts to locate in underserved areas or food deserts

R7 Site design Add incentives for sustainable landscaping and hardscaping (native plants, LID, pervious pavers where practical) p R8 Site design Upgrade landscaping requirements along MacCorkle p p R9 Site design Refresh sign regulations for sign types and design that complement the character of particular parts of the city p R10 Housing Modify the Rental Registration Ordinance inspection selection so that problem areas are targeted more frequently for random inspections p R11 Historic Consider design review/zoning overlay zones for each Historic District in the city p p Preservation TRANSPORTATION R12 Historic Consider a Delay Demolition Ordinance to protect historic structures from being destroyed by absentee and/or speculative property owners p Preservation R13 Land Use Prepare a subarea study for the Bigley/Pennsylvania area sandwiched between the Elk River and I-77 to resolve land use and zoning conflicts p R14 Land Use Update zoning map with a comprehensive rezoning to implement land use recommendations of plan where future land use is different than current zoning p R15 Economic Review, assess, and adjust city ordinances to support live/work units (flexible mixture of uses) and business incubators (flexible short-term commercial space) p R16 Green Support use of renewable energy technologies on single-family homes, businesses and institutions such as solar panels and small wind energy units p R17 Infrastructure Apply the city's Stormwater Manual with Low Impact Development (LID) guidelines design of for both private development and public infrastructure projects p R18 Non-motorized Require bike racks for certain new, non-single family developments that may attract bicyclists like restaurants, shopping centers p QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY R19 Non-motorized Add standards to ensure safe pedestrian routes and walks are provided on sites including parking lots and connections from building entrances to sidewalks for new p construction and major expansions R20 Streets Ease pedestrian crossings and reduce traffic speeds at key crossings with design elements like wide crosswalks, "yield to pedestrian" signs and curb bump outs by integrating p p these as standard design practice for city street projects where pedestrians are present R21 Streets Enact regulations through site plan review for the location of access points with minimum standards for spacing from signalized intersections, adequate sight distance near hills/curves, minimum offsets from access points across the street and spacing from other driveways (i.e. Access Management). This should include provisions to gradually p reduce/reconfigure existing commercial driveways that are not well spaced and therefore have the most potential to impact intersection operations and safety

DOWNTOWN R22 Technology Convert city's code of ordinances and application forms to be web-friendly and interactive, coordinated with city's new web-integrated GIS system p R23 Greenspace Expand existing conservation guidelines to further manage the development of sensitive or important environmental areas (floodplains, steep slopes, woodlands etc). p R24 Greenspace To preserve the vistas and views both to and from the hills, revise development requirements for building height, siting and grading in key locations to preserve the natural slopes and woods to the greatest degree practical (this could involve placement of posts that identify the corners and height of buildings to better visualize their impact on p views) R25 Greenspace Require provision of green space or a plaza area with amenities as part of any major development - whether it is provided within the building setback area along the streets, p p interior courtyards, green parking spaces R26 Site Design Parking lots should be well illuminated, signed and nicely landscaped with green parking aisles with opportunities for stormwater management. p p ACTION PLAN ACTION

76 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 77 p p p p Downtown Quality of Life Quality p p p p p p p p p p p Mobility and Mobility Infrastructure p and Land use and Land Neighborhoods Neighborhoods Key Key IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE Players Wayfinding Wayfinding Commission, parking lot/ garage owners DMA, West City, Side Main Street each City IS, dept., Kanawha County KRTA City, Kanawha County, County, Kanawha IS Department, City Departments Traffic Trust, Land Engin Dept. of Highways, City Engin, Traffic Engin, Planning Depart CHLC, Taffic Engin, So Hills Neighborhood Assoc Authority Parking Wayfinding Commission, Neighborhood/ Business Organizations Engin, Traffic Planning Dept., RIC Term Priority Priority uu uu uu uu u u u uu uuu uu uu uu uu DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT Gather existing data and maps from each department on the creation of a parcel shapefile with the County Work Convert existing CAD files to GIS shapefiles Use GIS system to map bus stops and compare to sidewalks Identify highest board/alighting stops with out sidewalks Gradually improve stops City engineer to select an initial one-way pair for further study, data collection, and recommendations (e.g. Randolph and Virginia) Randolph data collection, and recommendations (e.g. City engineer to select an initial one-way pair for further study, one-way Street/Iowa loop of Patrick RIC to lead an analysis of alternatives Install two-way separated bikeway from Patrick Street to Magic Island as part of rail to trail grant Street to Magic Island as part Install two-way bikeway from Patrick separated downtown Boulevard near crossings and bike sharrows along Kanawha Improve pedestrian east of downtown Evaluate bicycle options

• • • • • • • • • • • Ensure sidewalk connections to, and a paved pad, at bus stops Parking should be identified with the comprehensive signage and wayfinding system including directions to parking structures as well as signage and wayfinding system including directions to parking structures as should be identified with the comprehensive Parking on available parking. technology to give motorists more information program elsewhere in city as technology and funding permits East End's Wi-Fi Replicate Continue upgrades to a consistent GIS system Provide key connections and traffic calming measures (as shown on Map x) such as Greenbrier to Washington Street, across Bridge Road at Street, across Bridge Road shown on Map x) such as Greenbrier to Washington key connections and traffic calming measures (as Provide hill the commercial district at the top of the Begin to add on-street on-street bicycle parking to replace select spaces in the downtown and convert at least one first floor parking parking signed bike rack zone space in each parking deck to a well commercial to identify key gateways to help direct travelers to and around neighborhood Supplement existing wayfinding sign system projects are implemented as described in this plan districts, especially as redevelopment Evaluate changes to select one-way to make traffic speeds where the volumes could be accommodated within the existing curb width streets neighborhood character more compatible with the desired, walkable Convert Virginia and Quarrier streets into "Bikeways" to improve safety and attractiveness for bicyclists (share the road signs, sharrow bicyclists (share the road signs, sharrow improve safety and attractiveness for Quarrier streets into "Bikeways" to Convert Virginia and X) and traffic calming measures - see page pavement markings both sides of the mid-block pedestrian crossings along aesthetic amenities, and Boulevard with two-wayImprove Kanawha separated bikeway, area (see subarea plan) the road" sharrows in the downtown downtown, with "share Enhance pedestrian convenience and safety with more significant pedestrian crosswalks (curb bumpouts to reduce crossing distance, wider to reduce crossing (curb bumpouts pedestrian crosswalks more significant and safety with convenience Enhance pedestrian Island) City hospital, Magic Kanawha is difficult (e.g. signs) where crossing pedestrian, min fine" markings, "yield to crosswalk Action Topic Transit Streets Technology Technology Streets Non-motorized Streets Non-motorized Non-motorized Non-motorized Non-motorized # C10b C10c C11 C11a C11b C11c C10a C10 C9 C7b C8 C7 C7a C6 C5 C4 C3c by 2018 Actions to be Accomplished Short-Term C3a C3b C2 C3 C1 Capital Improvement Actions Improvement Capital Immediate Actions to be Accomplished by 2015 to be Accomplished Actions Immediate DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Priority Key Neighborhoods Mobility and Quality of Life Downtown Capital Improvement Actions Term Players and Land use Infrastructure # Topic Action Mid-Term Actions to be Accomplished by 2025 C12 Site design Work with West Virginia Department of Highways to add smaller, more decorative lighting along MacCorkle and Kanawha uuu KCCA, WVDOH p C13 Technology Install Intelligent Sign Systems for incidents, events, parking availability Dept. of uuu p p INTRODUCTION Highways C14 Non-motorized Upgrade intersections so pedestrian crossings meet ADA standards and replace pedestrian signals with countdown system at higher volume Public Works, City uuu locations Engin C14a • Adopt as standard practice for intersection design projects p C14b • Identify two to three key locations each year; begin with downtown but also include some intersections on the West Side, East End, and Kanawha City on a rotating basis C15 Non-motorized Designate a percentage of street funds for pedestrians/bicycles uuu City Engineering p C16 Non-motorized Extend Ruffner Walk south to provide a pedestrian connection between the neighborhood and the commercial corridor City Engin, uuu p p Planning Dept NEIGHBORHOODS C17 Safety Implement the recommendations of the recent fire dept evaluation including relocation of fire stations to provide more consistent response Fire Department uuu p times throughout the city, promote potential insurance savings C18 Site Design Increase lighting for cars and pedestrians along city streets including maintenance and repair of existing lights and installation of new lights Traffic Engin uuu p p along streets and in public areas currently below light level guidelines C19 Streets Explore the feasibility of 2-way conversion of select 1-way pairs within Downtown for better and faster connections as well as incentives for Planning Dept., first floor commercial spaces or to make those streets more pedestrian and bicycle friendly uuu City Engin, Traffic p p Engin C20 Public Promote design solutions that creatively mask the facades of the parking garages - screens, architectural features, etc. Planning Depart uuu p Improvements TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

78 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 79 p p Downtown p p p p p p Quality of Life Quality p p p p p p p p p p p Mobility and Mobility Infrastructure p and Land use and Land Neighborhoods Neighborhoods Key Key IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE Players Traffic Engin Traffic City Manager Public Fleet Works, Maintenance Wayfinding Wayfinding Commission, Engin Traffic Wayfinding Commmission Works Public Sanitary Board, Main St. Assns. CSB WV American Water Keys Trust, Land 4 Healthy Kids, State Safe City, to School Routes program City Works, Public Engin Univ Chas, City, State City Engin, Public Works Riverfront Commit, City Engin Term Priority Priority uu uuu uuu uuu ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg uu ugg ugg DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT Create mini parks and public viewing opportunities along Kanawha and Elk riverfronts that will help coalesce the riverfront greenway Create mini parks and public viewing opportunities along Kanawha Overlooks proposed in the Riverfront Plan Evaluate non-motorized options across existing bridges Evaluate non-motorized options across on the south bank Street Near Patrick Downtown will terminate in public viewing areas and vistas Streetscape and green connection along major north south corridors from Identify key connections working with schools etc. Identify key connections working with Audit the key routes and identify improvements Securing funding source Inventory sidewalks for gaps and conditions Educate property owners on their responsibilities? Funding? Each year identify a priority project Solicit designs for public art, enhanced streetscape treatments, signage, and greenspace art, enhanced streetscape treatments, Solicit designs for public

• • • • • • from Downtown to riverfront. The canopies adjacent to on the banks that will help create a pleasant visual and physical connection great examples and some form of the same overlook treatments should be replicated in other viewing areas to create are Haddad Park an unifying theme along the riverfront • • • • • • • Explore lighting technologies, such as induction and LED lighting (new and retrofits), and timing systems for municipal energy, cost and retrofits), and timing systems for municipal energy, Explore lighting technologies, such as induction and LED lighting (new and labor savings (such as LEED) that provide long term payback on Strive for city building and renovation projects to meet green buildings standards investment vehicles in city fleets Explore and pursue opportunities for using alternative fuels and hybrid or electric Create more accessible and usable park space along the Kanawha River space along the Kanawha Create more accessible and usable park Improve bike and pedestrian connections though acquisition of property (off road connections) and along streets throughout the city though acquisition of property (off road connections) and along streets Improve bike and pedestrian connections parks, etc.) centers (schools, places of public assembly, particularly to connect open spaces, activity schools and priority installation program, with initial focus on main routes to elementary Establish an annual sidewalk maintenance Field of Charleston, downtown, and Laidley Improve connections between the University are reconstructed where practical Bury overhead powerlines when roads Create gateway treatments at key entrance points into the city at key entrance points into the Create gateway treatments projects street and underground construction and street tree planting as part of Incorporate streetscape along receptacles in public places and recycling receptacles alongside trash the recycling system to provide separate Continue to expand streets requirements storm sewers per EPA gradually separate the sanitary and of the Sanitary Board to Implement the recommendations downtown aged water lines Rehabilitate Improve the gateway to and from the airport with better wayfinding signs, lighting and other distinguishing streetscape elements. streetscape elements. other distinguishing signs, lighting and better wayfinding from the airport with gateway to and Improve the Action Topic Sustainability Sustainability Sustainability Parks/Rec Site Design Non-motorized Non-motorized Non-motorized Streets Streets Community Services Infrastructure Infrastructure Streets # C34 C33 C31e C32 C31d C31b C31c C31 C31a C29a C30 C28a C27b C27c C28 C28b C28c C29 C27 C27a C25 C26 C24 C22 C22a C23 C21 Capital Improvement Actions Improvement Capital Long-term/Ongoing Actions to be Evaluated Annually to be Evaluated Actions Long-term/Ongoing DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Priority Key Neighborhoods Mobility and Quality of Life Downtown Programmatic/Policy/Partnership/Procedure Actions Term Players and Land use Infrastructure # Topic Action Immediate Actions to be Accomplished by 2015 P1 Land Use Formalize a program to inventory and prioritize rehabilitation of viable blighted structures and if not suitable for rehab, demolition CURA

P1a • Survey buildings, first in CURA districts, and identify key opportunities and priorities CURA INTRODUCTION p P1b • Enact a vacant and abandoned building registration City

P1c • Streamline the decision-making process for blighted and foreclosed properties to promote conversion to reuse or hold as green space CURA until an appropriate use is found in the future Short-Term Actions to be Accomplished by 2018 P2 Land Use Explore temporary uses for vacant property such as infill development, community gardens, neighborhood open space, and use of the land CURA uu p bank for parcels where redevelopment is more likely long-term P2a • Explore the creation of a land bank by inventorying available land, matching parcels with potential buyers and future developers, and CURA p

NEIGHBORHOODS identifying additional strategies to incentivize and publicize the program P3 Housing Promote the development of a variety of new rental housing units to appeal to young adults and empty nesters near the downtown and East City, CURA, CAA uu p p End and West Side Main Street districts. P3a • Coordinate with developers to create demonstration projects for attached and detached residential units on targeted urban blocks

P4 Sustainability Create informational and incentive programs to encourage green buildings (i.e. LEED) uu City p P5 Green Provide priority parking for alternative (natural gas) vehicles in city parking structures, lots, and on-street Parking, Public uu p p Works P5a • Pilot project on select highly visible on-street block providing free metered spaces during business hours for qualified vehicles (such as Parking

TRANSPORTATION natural gas or electric with charging station) P5b • Monitor frequency of use, if successful, then expand program to additional locations P6 Streets For neighborhood streets where traffic speeds for most cars are documented to be more than 5 mph over posted speeds, evaluate Public Works, traffic calming measures (like speed tables, striping to distinguish on-street parking from travel lanes, curb bumpouts and crosswalks at uu Traffic Engin intersections, etc., see page XXX) P6a • City engineering and police to each identify a key staff person to work together to develop a neighborhood traffic calming program, Traffic Engin, p p including a process to respond to neighborhoods, collect data, etc. Police Dept P6b • When city staff or neighborhoods identify a potential problem, the traffic calming process would be initiated for the city’s team to work ugg Traffic Engin, with representatives of the neighborhood to collect data and agree upon appropriate response and funding Police Dept QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY P7 Transit City to work with transit agency, employers, and non-profits that have shuttle systems to increase transit ridership and service to those that KVTA uu p most depend upon it (seniors, etc) P8 Transportation Implement car-sharing and bike-sharing programs as needs arise uu City p p P9 Community Continue to enhance the recycling program so it is competitive with programs from other capital cities and cities of Charleston's size Refuse Depart, uu Services Kan Solid Waste p P9a • Meet annually with industry representatives on the “best practices” and how to refine the recycling system u Authority P10 Education Formalize a city/university Joint Task Force (Town & Gown) to develop and implement shared initiatives, coordinate event planning and help City, Univ

DOWNTOWN uu p facilitate joint ventures between the city and the area’s academic and cultural institutions Charleston P11 Education Establish a regular communication channel between the City, the Kanawha County School District and private schools to coordinate School District uu p initiatives and leverage resources (such as use outside of school hours for public events, recreational opportunities) P12 Health Offer guidance on ways to improve residents’ access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities through the provision of a toolkit Keys 4 Healthy with resources on developing partnerships, engaging community members, assessing local policies and environments, advocacy, and uu Kids p strategic planning P13 Parks/Rec Develop an overall park plan with recommendations for improvements and replacement of facilities etc with a timeframe and priorities Parks/Rec, Land uu p (including a capital improvement budget) Trust ACTION PLAN ACTION

80 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 81 Downtown p p p p p Quality of Life Quality Mobility and Mobility Infrastructure p and Land use and Land Neighborhoods Neighborhoods Key Key IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE Players Land Trust, Trust, Land Parks/Rec, Beautification Commission, CURA CAMC University, Clay Center Trust, Land Wayfinding Commission City City Term Priority Priority uu uuu uuu uuu uuu uuu DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT Select realtors to match faculty/students to targeted areas Select realtors to match faculty/students Inventory existing resources and future opportunities existing resources and Inventory connections Identify and create with a grant funding source, which could start plan for improvements and a dedicated Establish a phasing Develop incentives materials Promotional

• • • • • • Conduct a citywide cultural resources survey to assess unmet demand of cultural and entertainment activities Conduct a citywide cultural resources partners to showcase the city’s with public/private Signage Program Create an Environmental Interpretive progress and to raise community low-impactawareness of environmental cleanup, design, and green infrastructure action plan that tracks progress toward objectives Develop, adopt, and maintain a sustainability using public buildings and conservation program with reduction targets and progress monitoring, Develop, adopt, and maintain an energy as a model for energy reduction practices facilities (rehab projects or new construction) Work with the institutions which can provide resources/grants/funding to faculty members to purchase homes in neighborhoods near the faculty members to purchase homes provide resources/grants/funding to with the institutions which can Work within Downtown Charleston it is in an adjacent neighborhood or institutions – whether Coordinate between Land Trust, CURA, and Parks/Rec department to create a greenway plan to achieve a complete, thorough network of thorough network to achieve a complete, a greenway plan department to create CURA, and Parks/Rec Trust, between Land Coordinate the city greenways throughout accessible Action Topic Art/Culture Sustainability Sustainability Sustainability Housing Greenspace # P19 P16 P18 P17 P15 P15a P14b P14c be Accomplished by 2025 Actions to Mid-Term P15b P15c P14a P14 Programmatic/Policy/Partnership/Procedure Actions Programmatic/Policy/Partnership/Procedure DRAFT AUGUST 2013

Priority Key Neighborhoods Mobility and Quality of Life Downtown Programmatic/Policy/Partnership/Procedure Actions Term Players and Land use Infrastructure # Topic Action Long-term/Ongoing Actions to be Evaluated Annually ugg P20 Land Use Encourage conversion of vacant retail space (which has an over-supply) to other appropriate uses such as residential or office in areas Main Street p where retail use is no longer viable associations uu INTRODUCTION P21 Land Use Develop a commercial business owner’s Reuse Guide that focuses cost effective ideas, techniques and guidelines for renovation and reuse CHLC p of historic commercial assets. P22 Housing Continue programs that encourage responsible homeownership while providing affordable, but quality, rental options ugg MOEDC P22a • Support and partner with non-profits to strengthen and expand current programs that provide hands-on education and training for uu Habitat, home maintenance and repairs RCCR, Hope p Development Corp ugg P23 Housing Ensure a mix of housing types across neighborhoods to accommodate various income levels so residents can remain in the city or their Planning Depart, p neighborhood as needs change MOECD P24 Land Use Encourage local services and retail within neighborhood walking distance ugg City p NEIGHBORHOODS P25 Historic Build public awareness of the city’s historic resources ugg CHLC Preservation P25a • Conduct educational forums for property owners, financial institutions, real estate professionals, and developers explaining the benefits available for the rehabilitation of historic properties, commercial and homeowner-occupied p P25b • Development of programs to call attention to specific historic properties and neighborhoods, including published self-guided walking tours, interpretive plaques, welcome signs at neighborhood/historic district entryways, street signs indicating the existence of a historic district or specific neighborhood ugg P26 Historic Continue the identification and encouragement of the preservation of historic properties and historic districts through the process of historic CHLC, CURA, p p

TRANSPORTATION Preservation resource surveys and National Register designations for individual properties and historic districts CAA P27 Historic Develop an adaptive reuse program that offers development guidance, streamlined processes, reduced timeframes, and cost savings to ugg City, CURA Preservation developers looking to adapt older buildings for new uses P27a • Adopt Adaptive Reuse Ordinance u City p p p P27b • Support a demonstration project to promote successful adaptive reuse uu City, CAA P27c • Alternative building codes should be followed for adaptive reuse within existing structures Building Dept P28 Non-motorized Encourage businesses to be creative with conveniently located bike parking that could relate directly to the type of business or contribute as ugg CAA,Public Arts piece of functional public art Commission,

QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY Clay Center and patrons p P28a • Once a bike improvement project has been initiated, meet with businesses along the corridor to inform them of the bike facility CAA, Mainstreet improvement and benefits to including bike parking available by the time the project is complete; Show examples at the meeting, provide Associations contacts for previous designers/manufacturers, and pair them at the meeting ugg P29 Art/Culture Partner with art students to create public art projects throughout the city colleges/ p university P30 Art/Culture Support the recommendations of the new Public Art Plan ugg City p DOWNTOWN P31 Art/Culture Actively promote Charleston as an arts and culture destination ugg City, CVB, CAA p

ugg P32 Art/Culture Actively seek out additional cultural institutions, galleries, workshops, etc to locate in the newly-branded Cultural District Clay Center, East p End Main Street P33 Economic Promote Charleston as a city that offers a range of lifestyle choices ugg City p p

ugg P34 Economic Continue to promote low-cost incubator space for student/professor entrepreneurs in older vacant industrial buildings, especially in the CAA p p Warehouse District or along West Washington P35 Education Promote the university's service learning program to neighborhood associations and non-profits to engage young adult volunteers ugg University p ACTION PLAN ACTION

82 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN 83 p Downtown p p p p p p p p p p p p p Quality of Life Quality Mobility and Mobility Infrastructure p p and Land use and Land Neighborhoods Neighborhoods Key Key IMAGINE CHARLESTON | COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN PLAN REDEVELOPMENT DOWNTOWN AND PLAN | COMPREHENSIVE CHARLESTON IMAGINE Players City, CAA City, Co Kanawha Board of Ed CAA, Main City, Street Programs Kanawha City, Co Board of Ed, CAA, Main Street Programs City City KVSS, East KVSS, End Family Center, Resource Shoenbaum East KVSS, End Family Center, Resource Shoenbaum School District, university, colleges nonprofits, university School District City Neighborhood Organizations, Police Neighborhood Organizations, Police CAA, Public Works Trust Land Term Priority Priority ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg ugg , at -income DRAFT AUGUST 2013 AUGUST DRAFT Mandate and implement nutrition standards and healthy vending policies for food and beverages available, including drinking water Mandate and implement nutrition standards and healthy vending policies for and convenience stores near schools and parks that Offer incentives such as endorsement or recognition for restaurants, pharmacies, Start with identifying key parcels or general areas to preserve Start with identifying key parcels or general using food from local sources in schools and other institutions Promote additional smaller scale farmer’sSupport community gardening, could rotate to different locations, use of vacant markets that Maintain clean parks and green spaces and trails, immediately removing litter, graffiti and undesirable conditions. Citizens can be graffiti and undesirable conditions. and trails, immediately removing litter, Maintain clean parks and green spaces trees and shrubs, crime and improve the perception of safety - examples include trimmed Modify the built environment to help reduce

• City-sponsored events and City buildings, parks, and recreation centers • offer healthy snacks, foods, and beverages. • • • for food vendors, and convenient grocery stores commercial buildings on the Westside • committees or clean-up teams to ensure compliance with principles. trained and assigned specific roles on • adequate lighting and clearly defined walkways, proper fencing, Increase programming of outdoor spaces to promote civic life and to support the health of nearby services and businesses Increase programming of outdoor spaces to promote civic life and to support Promote educational awareness regarding the environmental, financial and social benefits of implementing green practices; utilize local educational awareness regarding the environmental, financial and social benefits of Promote Elementary School green initiative successes such as the WVDEP building and the new Edgewood Pursue the acquisition or protection of sensitive environmental areas through a range of techniques, such as conservation easements, deed areas through a range of techniques, such as conservation easements, the acquisition or protection of sensitive environmental Pursue or developer incentives land conservancy donations, acquisition by foundations or public bodies, restrictions, transfer of development rights, Improve access to fresh food Employ CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles Through Environmental Employ CPTED (Crime Prevention by citizens and officers their own safety and security priorities which can and should be addressed Encourage neighborhoods to develop alike and non-traditional through both traditional means such as Neighborhood Watch engage communities in the fight against crime Proactively and responsibilities. and social media to inform and educate the public about the roles means such as the increased use of technology use of energy efficient lighting Promote Encourage higher education institutions to develop connections to high schools to provide mentoring programs, scholarships to low to high schools to provide mentoring institutions to develop connections Encourage higher education business plans, local businesses on their finances, developing students can offer assistance to a program where business school Promote students provide design services etc. and architecture with city zoning and infrastructure improvements Coordinate school expansions and improvements Encourage youth volunteer programs to assist seniors with home exterior and yard maintenance with home exterior to assist seniors youth volunteer programs Encourage children for mentoring to partner seniors with school-age Encourage programs students in the city Action Topic Parks/Rec Sustainability Greenspace Health Sustainability Safety Safety Safety Education Education Education Education Education # P46b P46c P47 P48 P46a P45 P45a P46 P44 P41b P42 P43 P41 P41a P39 P40 P38 P37 P36 Programmatic/Policy/Partnership/Procedure Actions Programmatic/Policy/Partnership/Procedure DRAFT AUGUST 2013 INTRODUCTION NEIGHBORHOODS TRANSPORTATION QUALITY OF LIFE QUALITY DOWNTOWN ACTION PLAN ACTION

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