CREATING MORE FLOOD RESILIENT COMMUNITIES RIVERFRONT MASTER PLANNING FOR SHICKSHINNY BOROUGH
Prepared By: Susquehanna Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Lewisburg, Pennsylvania July 2014
Brian Auman, RLA Community and Greenway Planner GREENWAY Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
RIVER TOWN Acknowledgments
CREATING MORE FLOOD RESILIENT COMMUNITIES: RIVERFRONT MASTER PLANNING FOR SHICKSHINNY BOROUGH
Partners Shickshinny Borough Shickshinny Forward Luzerne County Planning and GIS PA Department of Community and Economic Development PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Chesapeake Bay Commission
SEDA-Council of Governments Kathy Hannaford
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Trish Carothers Dale Freudenberger, Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Erin Pierce
Zach Pyle The Preparation of this report was financed in part through a Municipal Assistance Program grant as administered by the Governor’s Center for Local Government Student Interns Services, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Tom Krajewski Renee Noll Amanda Taylor Michelle Zucker Taylor Wolfe This project was financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration Project Coordinator of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Brian S. Auman / Landscape Architecture, LLC Conservation.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 7
Introduction 13
Community Participation 21
Site Analysis 25
Riverfront Master Plan 35
Phasing and Implementation 50
Project CD (Back Cover)
Executive Summary 1
Executive Summary
Introduction River Towns Program Principles The Susquehanna River and its towns are the foundation of our • Respect and work with the nature of the Susquehanna River regional economy and places of enduring beauty and human • Connect with the River (physically, visually, spiritually) activity. Towns along the Susquehanna played a significant role • Involve people with the River and with their River Towns in building our nation as centers of manufacturing, industry and • Recognize that economic development favors River Towns commerce. Today, however, many of our river towns are not as vibrant as they once were due to loss of industry and jobs from a migration to suburban, regional and offshore locations. Susquehanna
To revitalize our river towns and save our farms and forests from sprawl development, we need to attract people and business back into our core communities. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has developed the River Towns technical assistance program to help communities embrace the Susquehanna River and their historic downtowns as assets for sustainable economic development and healthy living. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership has established the following goals and principles for GREENWAY the River Town technical assistance program:
Goals RIVER TOWN • Revitalize river towns by making them healthier, more attractive places to live, work and play • Attract investment to river towns and promote sustainable The River Town technical assistance program will provide economic development communities with the following services to help organize, • Protect and enhance our natural and cultural resources plan and implement projects and programs for community • Protect water quality revitalization:
7 Executive Summary
Technical Assistance • Community Organizing • Asset Mapping • Conducting River Town Assessments • Defining a Community Vision and Goals • Developing an Action Plan for Revitalization Projects • Conceptual Design of Green Infrastructure Project • Identifying Partners for Implementation • Collectively Promoting the River Towns of the Susquehanna Greenway
Technical Assistance Focus Areas Public Meeting on River Town Designation in Montgomery • Flood Mitigation Planning • Economic Development / Downtown Revitalization In the summer of 2011, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership • Walkable – Bikeable Communities was working with the Borough of Shickshinny on community • Green Infrastructure / Stormwater Management Assistance assessment and visioning. On September 7, 2011 the flooding • Water Quality Enhancements from Tropical Storm Lee devastated the community, shutting down many businesses and irreparably damaging many homes. While the Susquehanna Greenway River Towns program seeks FEMA recognized Shickshinny’s situation by selecting it as a to provide technical assistance addressing a broad range of demonstration community for the agency’s Long-Term Recovery community needs, the focus for this year’s outreach is on towns Assistance. and rural communities struggling to recover from September 2011 flooding. The River Towns program has selected communities The FEMA process has been very successful in creating a Steering that are actively seeking assistance in redefining their community’s Committee and Sub-Committees focused on the various elements relationship with the river, and help in planning a healthy and of community revitalization. SGP has been a participant in the sustainable future for their residents. FEMA-led process which has helped the community organize and establish priorities that include: riverfront recreation, economic
8 Executive Summary development, beautification, and town marketing and branding. With FEMA’s Long-Term Recover Assistance growing to a close, the community has expressed a desire for continued assistance from the SGP River Town program – to further refine and advance these concepts into projects and programs to revitalize the community.
The River Town technical assistance program has achieved positive tangible results in Shickshinny. The community is organized and guided by a clear vision and the specific steps necessary to move enhancement projects toward implementation. Additional funding has been secured from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to perform an assessment of the of the Shickshinny floodplain and identify opportunities for improved stormwater management, streetscape improvements, and habitat Shickshinny River Town Designation Celebration enhancements.
Preliminary outcomes of the NFWF grant include the following priority projects: • Wells-Fargo Bank Site Improvements • Floodplain Improvement Projects • Creary Park Floodplain Restoration Demonstration Project • Green Infrastructure Stromwater Drainage Improvement • Hillside Neighborhood Drainage Assessment
Additional updates to priority projects and funding sources will come as the NFWF grant comes to a close in late 2014.
9 10 Introduction 2
11 12 Introduction
Introduction In September 2011, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee brought heavy rainfall and flooding throughout eastern Pennsylvania. Shickshinny was one of the hardest hit towns along the Susquehanna River corridor. Over half of all the households and 94% of the downtown businesses district was damaged by flooding. One of the community’s historic landmarks, the First National Bank, was badly damaged in the flooding and was later demolished, leaving a large void at the community’s center. The town’s grocery store was closed for 8 months. And through it all – the flood damage, the clean-up, the long-term inconveniences - Shickshinny after Tropical Storm Lee the residents of Shickshinny persisted. Photo Credit: Dennis Briggs
The flood of 2011 changed the face of Shickshinny. With a economies, walkable and bike-friendly neighborhoods, nearby significant loss in population and tax-base, the community recreation, and with memorable town centers for business and needed a plan for the future that could be implemented social activity. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) incrementally. Shickshinny needed a plan that was practical given holds a vision for a system-wide network of vibrant River Towns, the community’s limited resources, but also a plan that would actively connected to the Susquehanna and engaged with challenge residents to envision a better future that would attract each other. SGP has initiated a River Town Technical Assistance reinvestment opportunities. program to make river towns more vibrant and appealing through the organization of River Town Teams’, community visioning, The Need conceptual planning, project implementation, promotion and River Towns were centers for economic activity from earliest marketing. times. The essentials needed for community life were within walking distance – home, work and play were conveniently One of the hardest jobs in the world is running a city or town woven together. Today, these community relationships are still – whether as mayor, a city councilperson, borough manager or valued. People choose to visit and live in communities with stable township supervisor. Every day they must meet constituent needs,
13 Introduction provide basic services, maintain aging infrastructure and, on top of The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership secured funding from the that, find the resources to attract new investment and growth to PA Department of Community and Economic Development and reinvigorate their community. Amazingly, many do this as a part- PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to expand time job. the River Towns program to help communities that are struggling with flood recovery, by providing technical assistance in the The SGP River Towns Program will provide professional technical areas of community organization, economic development, land assistance to communities to address these diverse opportunities use planning, community and neighborhood design, floodplain and challenges. The River Town (RT) Technical Assistance program management, greenways and green infrastructure, river and stream will assist communities to appreciate and take full advantage of dynamics, and park and recreation planning. their community’s strategic location on the Susquehanna River. The RT program will address the priorities and recommendations The Susquehanna’s 70 River Towns and 180 rural municipalities established in the Pennsylvania’s “State Land Use and Growth need various levels of assistance to realize their full potential as a Management” report. SGP understands the challenges facing Susquehanna Greenway River Town. SGP has begun the process these communities – and is implementing a multi-year RT program of building municipal support and the financial partnerships to to help communities grappling with pressing needs, including: sustain the program in the long-term, but needs DCED funding and technical assistance to get River Towns program fully established • How to mitigate for future flood impacts and operational. SGP’s goal is to have the River Towns program self- • Economic redevelopment / revitalization strategies for sustaining in 3 years. downtown and historic neighborhoods • Integration of greenways and green infrastructure • Innovative stormwater management solutions to improve water quality and meet new requirements for Phase II Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) • Improving human health and quality of life by creating safe and walkable communities
14 Introduction
Flooding – A Global Issue flooding. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership feels that by After the flooding in the fall of 2011, the Susquehanna Greenway reinvesting in greenways, parks and natural areas, a town makes a Partnership (SGP) organization thought long and hard about powerful and positive statement about its belief in a prosperous and the best way to respond to the devastation. The SGP outlined sustainable future. The SGP organizations wants to do what it can to an approach to provide technical assistance to two River Towns help these River Towns to succeed. significantly impacted by the flooding and was successful in securing PA DCED. PA DCNR and Chesapeake Bay Commission funding for the effort. Creative minds around the world are currently working on the issue of flooding from sea level rise and the increased reoccurrence and severity of flooding events. The SGP is pleased to be part of this global effort – as it seeks to find pragmatic and functional local solutions to flood-prone communities along the Susquehanna River.
Flood Control Solutions Engineers, architects, landscape architects and planners worldwide Flooding in Colorado are grappling to find workable solutions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of flooding. The solutions being conceived range from the redesign and elevation of structures, to massive flood control levees and gates, to green infrastructure solutions that provide a buffer between water and the built environment.
Finding Local Solutions In service to the River Towns of the region, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) seeks to contribute to this global dialog on flood mitigation. The SGP advocates and promotes green infrastructure solutions for communities to mitigate future Example of a Sustainable Recreation Area
15 Introduction
Balancing Goals and Objectives History of Shickshinny In producing the Master Plan – we sought to balance various Shickshinny is one of those communities where it’s easy to play goals and objectives. One challenge was to balance the rights Monday morning quarterback and ask – what were they thinking of private land owners – with the needs of municipal leaders to locating most of their community in the floodplain? Part of the ensure the health and safety of residents. Many rural emergency explanation is to understand history and the transportation responders (Fire and EMS) are volunteers, who risk their lives systems that built the community. With the location of the canals protecting residents and their property. The master plan seeks and railroads, the riverfront was the community’s transportation to proactively identifying structures that, for public health and and commerce hub. safety reasons, should be removed from the floodplain. The master plan also seeks to balance appropriate park and recreation design The River was Shickshinny’s original highway. But a steamboat with the dynamic nature of a health river or stream. Flooding is a explosion in 1826 just down river, near the town of Berwick, set natural process and we want to propose facilities that are durable, in motion drastic changes in transportation. The North Branch compliment natural stream functions, and contribute a vibrancy Pennsylvania Canal was built in the first half of the 1800’s and was and economic value to the community. later replaced by the railroad that was built on canal property.
History helps us understand how we got to where we are today. Historic maps show how the form of the town changed over time. A glimpse of historic photos show both dramatic and subtle changes over time. Understanding history also puts the community’s current struggles with flood recovery into perspective. Current challenges would likely have paled in comparison with the economic upheavals affecting the town when the coal mining industry declined. In a way it seems comforting that previous generations struggled with similar or greater challenges, and yet the town still remains and thrives. The riverfront master plan represents this generation’s effort for Vintage View of Shickshinny community re-invention.
16 Introduction
Demographics of Shickshinny and later the railroad – Shickshinny was the destination for the Shickshinny Borough has a long and interesting history. The areas agricultural and industrial products going to urban markets towns’ name is derived from the Native America name meaning downriver. either “Fine Stream” or “Five Mountains” depending on who you ask, the town and its strategic location at a break in the mountains Shickshinny is located at the lower end of the Wyoming Valley – has served as a transportation crossroads and gathering place. Coal Deposit and once supported a thriving mining industry. The A transportation hub for the North Branch Pennsylvania Canal Borough is 0.5 square miles in size and has been steadily losing population since the 1930’s.
In the decade between 1970 and 1980 – Shickshinny experienced nearly a 30% decline in population with much of that loss attributed to flooding from Hurricane Agnes. The full extent of the population and tax-base impacts for Shickshinny is not yet known from the flooding of 2011.
Vintage View of Union Street in Shickshinny
17 18 Community Participation 3
19 20 Community Participation
Introduction The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership – Technical Assistance program engaged Shickshinny residents in a participatory planning process for the development of the Riverfront Master Plan, and included the following:
Community Organization and Background Data Gathering • Meeting with Borough and Shickshinny Forward members to form River Town Project Committee – describe the planning process, discuss expectations, and prepare for RT Workshop at Bloomsburg University • Background Research and Data Gathering – compile existing plans and policy documents • Compile existing and available GIS mapping data
Community Self- Assessment • GIS asset mapping and field assessment of Shickshinny Borough’s Susquehanna River, Shickshinny Creek, and Little Shickshinny Creek corridors • Existing Plans and Planning Policy Review and Evaluation • Project Committee meeting at Shickshinny Fire Hall –review the “Shickshinny, Pennsylvania – Long-term Community Recovery Plan (April 2012); review community vision statement; list community needs / priorities for the riverfront area
21 22 Site Analysis 4
23 24 Site Analysis
Introduction The Shickshinny planning process evaluated a riverfront area nearly one mile in length – and included the neighborhoods north of Spruce Street, to the Route 239 / Mocanaqua Bridge. The master plan also considered Shickshinny’s downtown area focusing on the intersections of Main (Route 11) and Union streets and the Shickshinny Creek corridor which is approximately 0.5 miles in length through the center of town. Much of Shickshinny Borough is located within the floodplain of the North Branch Susquehanna River. Outside of the floodplain – many homes are built on steep hillsides which are impacted by stormwater runoff issues.
GIS Mapping The following section contains ArcGIS based site analysis maps created by Bloomsburg University student interns under the supervision and instruction of Brian Auman, Kathy Hannaford and Erin Peirce. The following maps cover the following analysis areas: Shickshinny’s regional context, land use, property ownership/ parcels, and geology.
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Shickshinny Creek Watershed
L u z e r n e
Shickshinny Lake
S Shickshinny Creek hi ck sh in n Watershed y C re e k Susquehanna River
k ree C y nn hi ks ic Sh e tl it L
0 2.5 5 Miles Date Source: Pennsylvania ± Spatial Data Access, ESRI
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Shickshinny Borough L u z e r n e
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0 ¼ ½ Miles Data Source: Pennsylvania ± Spatial Data Access, ESRI
27 Site Analysis
Land Use in Shickshinny Borough
Developed 33%
Forest 45%
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Transitional 22% s
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0 ¼ ½ Miles Data Source: 2007 Pennsylvania ± Spatial Data Access
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Parcels: Shickshinny Borough
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0 ¼ ½ Miles Data Source: 2007 Pennsylvania ± Spatial Data Access, Luzerne County GIS Site Analysis
Shickshinny Borough: Geology by Rock Type
Catskill Formation
Llewellyn Formation S
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Pocono Formation u e
Pottsville Formation h
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Data Source: 2007 Pennsylvania 0 ¼ ½ Miles ± Spatial Data Access, ESRI
Service Layer Credits: 30 30 Site Analysis
Shickshinny Borough Flood Hazard Area
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500 Year Floodplain
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0 ¼ ½ Miles Data Source: 2007 Pennsylvania Spatial Data ± Access, Luzerne County GIS, Kathi Hannaford
31 32 Riverfront Master Plan 5
33 34 Riverfront Master Planning
Introduction Compatible Uses and Themes – Community Wish List There has been a major shift in focus in flood control in planning In developing the Shickshinny Riverfront Master Plan – a lengthy and design publications. In decades past the focus was on community ‘wish list’ was compiled. engineering flood control structures such as flood walls and levees. While structures are still the preferred choice for many • River Access densely developed urban areas – we have begun to recognize • Athletic/Sport Fields the limitations of engineering solutions. The effect of a new flood • Natural Areas wall or levee simply transfers the flooding problem downstream. • Water Quality Projects There is a growing interest in more natural flood control/ flood • Regional Trail Hub mitigation methods. Park, recreation and natural areas are being • Riverfront Trails (i.e. Warrior Trail & Mocanaqua Loop) designed to create aesthetic and functional park space that • Multi-use Pavilion provides a buffer between the river and the community. The new • Community Gardens generation of riverfront parks do a good job at both protecting life • Dog Park and property during floods, while physically connecting people to • Camping Area the river for recreation and enjoyment. • Public Restrooms • Picnic Tables and Grills • Adult Exercise Equipment Shickshinny – Vision • Passive Recreation i.e. benches and gathering spots • Canoe and Kayak Area A safe, vibrant, attractive River Town community, an area hub of • Scenic River Overlooks recreation, culture, business and community activity, Shickshinny welcomes all to live, work, and play. The wish list’ items were clustered into groups of compatible or complimentary items, and targeted to specific areas of the (From the Shickshinny Long Term Recover Plan, April 2012) community riverfront. The various ‘areas’ were defined as Creary Park, Central Riverfront (area at E. Union Street and McClintock Streets), Oak Street Area and North Gateway Area (Ash Street and north).
35 Riverfront Master Planning
Creating Connections Greenways create connections within the community of Creating Connections Shickshinny and connect Shickshinny with the larger region. The Susquehanna Warrior Trail is the primary trail through the town Creary Park Central Riverfront Area Town Green / Event Lawn and connects all of the areas of the Riverfront – North Gateway, River Access Primitive Camping Heritage Park Oak Street Recreation Area, Central Riverfront and Creary Park. Dog Park Amphitheater
There are opportunities to develop an entire trail network in the Natural Areas Picnic Area y Scenic River Overlooks Adult Exercise Area
Shickshinny area, including: the conversion of Canal Street to a Family Picnic Area Restroom Facilities pedestrian / bicycle trail; nature trails to connect with the river; Benches and Seating
improved streetscapes and sidewalks that encourage walking in Communit North Gateway Area the downtown and to link the neighborhoods to the riverfront, Oak Street Recreation Area Athletic / Sport Fields Community Gardens and; hiking trails on the hillside that interpret the community’s Event Lawn Private Gardens / Plots industrial heritage and connect to the State Gamelands. Basketball Court Trees & Woodlots Playground Native Grass / Skate Park Wildflower Meadows Marketing Themes Teens Outdoor Classroom Natural Area Shickshinny has several possible themes it could develop to Stream Daylighting Nature market and promote the community. One of the marketable Greenway Trails attractions of the community is the small town and neighborly character of Shickshinny. The town also has many resources to market it as a recreational hub, including its location on the North Branch Water Trail, new fishing access, proximity to the Mocanaqua Trail and location on the Warrior Trail, proximity to rock climbing and mountain biking trails. The community also has the potential to develop an Art Town marketing theme – by promoting a wide range of the arts including culinary arts (restaurants and cafes), performing arts (plays, music and art festivals) and public display of art in the downtown and on the riverfront.
36 Riverfront Master Planning
Riverfront Master Plan Creary Park – Family Recreation Area The Shickshinny Riverfront Master Plan organizes the features, • Build Upon the New River Access and Children’s Playground themes and user groups, locating them in areas best suited • Primitive Camping Area to accommodate them. The Master Plan is meant to represent • Family Picnic Area / Pavilion an expansive vision to challenge Shickshinny Borough, the • Dog Park Shickshinny Forward organization, and residents, to take action • Horseshoes and Courts (Tennis or Basketball Courts) and work towards incremental improvement to the town. The time • River Access / Nature Trails / Scenic River Overlook frame for implementation could be decades, but timing is less • Greenway Trail Extension (Warrior Trail) to PPL Riverlands important than steady progress towards a better community. • Softball and Field Hockey – full size fields*
See Page 47 for complete Riverfront Master Plan Creary Park – Family Recreation Area Creary Park is the location of a new river access and playground River Connections – and the master plan seeks to build upon these successes by The Shickshinny Riverfront Master Plan seeks to create many ways suggesting other family-oriented park uses and features. The for people to connect to the Susquehanna River. The plan includes Shickshinny Master Plan proposes Creary Park as the best location primitive walking trails to access the water, overlooks to view the for a dog park, picnic pavilion, rehabilitated tennis or basketball scenic river landscape, and canoe and kayak landing areas to make courts, hiking trails, canoe and kayak soft-launch, primitive the town easily accessible by those using the North Branch Water camping area, and enhancements to the existing little league Trail. baseball field. The master plan also identifies Creary Park as the town’s best location for a full size softball and field hockey field, but this will require expansion into the forested area south of town, which could pose some permitting and regulatory challenges.
37 Riverfront Master Planning
Creary Park Inset Map from Riverfront Master Plan
Creary Park River Access Area
38 Riverfront Master Planning
Downtown & Central Riverfront parking spaces. The open lawn area at the corner is 0.07 acres in Shickshinny’s Main and Union Street intersection and the size and could be improved with art and landscaping without Central Riverfront are strategic areas for the town’s revitalization impacting the remainder of the site. The other vacant lot, located effort. The intersection is the community’s most visible site and southeast of the signalized intersection is 0.16 acres in size and is enhancements made there will be seen by thousands of people suitable for new construction or art and landscaping. each day. The Central Riverfront – with its proximity to Route 11 and Shickshinny’s downtown – is also a visibly area for strategic Central Riverfront Area reinvestment. A list of potential enhancements for each area is The Riverfront Area at the end of East Union Street – is a very listed on the following page. strategic location for Shickshinny’s economic revitalization. The area’s high visibility and direct connection to downtown, coupled Downtown & Central Riverfront with a scenic and historic significance make it a logical place • Street Tree Plantings / Landscaping to begin the community’s revitalization effort. This area of the • Streetscape Enhancements (lighting, trees, crosswalks) riverfront is well suited for larger community events such as the • Main & Union Street Corner Design Competition auto show, carnivals and possible future activities. • Public Art Displays • Community Green / Event Space Town Green / Community Event Space • Community Gardens / Ag. Education Area North Canal Street and the Warrior Trail define an area well suited • Amphitheater / Scenic Overlook for a Town Green – an area capable of hosting a wide range • Heritage Park of community activities including the car show, arts festivals, • Adult Recreation Area carnivals and outdoor music concerts. Enhancements suited for this area may include landscaping, walking paths, amphitheater, Intersection and Streetscape Enhancement outdoor skating area – uses that would attract a wide range of Shickshinny’s signalized intersection contains an empty lot and users and 4 seasons of activity. a parking lot where the Wells-Fargo bank was previously located. The lots make an excellent location for a highly visibly community beautification project. The former Wells-Fargo Bank lot is 0.55 Acres in size, containing an ATM machine, landscaping and 35
39 Riverfront Master Planning
Main intersection area in Shickshinny but former site of Wells Fargo Bank - Ideal site for streetscape improvements and intersection enhancements
Central riverfront area near Shickshinny’s central downtown area
40 Riverfront Master Planning
Heritage Park If the idea of community gardens takes off and the area develops a The privately owned land at the river’s end of North Union Street certain threshold of farmers/ producers – Shickshinny could become was the location of a Native American village. The master plan the location of a farmers / growers market. The master plan seeks to calls for the creation of a heritage park to interpret the town’s accommodate that future potential by identifying a highly visible rich Native American and European settlement history, mining highway location for a farm stand, parking and gardens to support the heritage, and canal and railroad history. market.
Community Gardens / Agricultural Education Adult Recreation The riverfront open space and fertile soils of the Shickshinny Shickshinny is home to a county-owned senior housing facility. The riverfront are ideally suited for community gardens. The Interest new riverfront park offers an opportunity to create facilities to get from the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in these senior and other adults active and involved in the downtown establishing an agricultural education center in the community park. Opportunities for community gardens, walking trails, dog park, – can help to incrementally build community gardens and passive recreation seating areas, scenic river overlooks, and sport agricultural education programming in Shickshinny. facilities such as bocce and basketball.
Remnants of Shickshinny’s industrial past Example of an adult oriented recreation program
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Oak Street – Teen Recreation Area Teens are the primary user of the existing riverfront. The Oak Street playground and basketball courts are a favorite gathering place for teens and ‘tweens. The master plan seeks to build upon and enhance these existing assets and proposes enhanced basketball / multi-use courts, a skate park, and an outdoor classroom built around the daylighting of the underground stream / stormwater pipe currently under Oak Street.
To the south side of Oak Street and east of the Warrior Trail is an open grass area. While too small for full size football or field hockey fields – this area is ideal for youth soccer and practice fields for football and field hockey. The side of the field adjacent to the Existing park area in Shickshinny near proposed teen recreation area Warrior Trail could be terraced for spectator seating and planted with trees to provide a nice shaded seating area. The open sports fields could also function as an event lawn – oriented towards a performance stage suitable for concerts and performances.
Oak Street - Teen Recreation Area • Replace or Rehab Basketball Courts • Practice Athletic Fields – youth soccer, football, field hockey • Teen Playground • Outdoor Classroom – with Day-Lighted Stream (under Oak Street) Example of an enhanced basketball court with lighting and modern amenities • Skate park • Event Lawn / Stage Area
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North Gateway – Land Management Options Natural Landscaping Many communities that acquire flood prone properties typically Shickshinny Borough should encourage the productive use restore a level grade and plant grass. The following information for all the acquired FEMA properties. Not all the land is needed is to encourage different practices that could benefit the for current or future recreational needs, so a list of potential environment, encourage growing of food and crops on the land management options are outlined here. As an alternative land, and reduce maintenance costs for the municipality. The to planting turf grass – Shickshinny Borough should consider municipality should consider leasing the use of some parcels to planting trees along the river corridor, native grass and wildflower adjacent landowners for the establishment of specific uses such meadows in upland areas, and establish wet meadows / wetlands as: gardens, planting of crops, establishment of fruit tree orchards, in low lying or poorly drained sites. The benefit of this natural berry vines or vineyards. The agreement, such as an MOU, will landscaping would be to enhance wildlife habitat, reduce have to define a time-frame agreeable by the municipality maintenance costs associated with weekly or bi-weekly mowing, and landowner and define the expected level of upkeep and and create a habitat area that would attract residents and visitors maintenance. This type of legal agreement would relieve the to the riverfront. burden of maintenance of the site and encourage productive use of the land.
North Gateway - Land Management Options • Land Management Options – Beyond Lawn • Walking Trails – Infrastructure Removal • Community Gardens / Private Gardens • Community Gateway – Route 11 and Warrior Trail • Floodplain Restoration
Example of a naturalized landscape - recreated wetland
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Stream Daylighting Neighborhood / Private Gardens Water flows through the underground stormwater drain, located Different than community gardens – these are smaller scale under Oak Street, even during summer months. The underground garden plots typically managed by 1 or 2 families. On smaller pipe is capturing water from the hillside to the west of Route 11 plots at the north end of town – the Borough should provide (Main Street). Stream Daylighting is the process of bringing an interested adjacent homeowners the opportunity to garden or underground stream back to the surface, to create a park amenity farm small pieces of land. The proper use and maintenance of the and improve the aquatic health of the stream. Oak Street appears land will be defined in a use agreement between the Borough and to be the most likely location to attempt stream daylighting – homeowner. because of what appear to be a perennial water flow. A daylighted stream fits nicely with the Teen-Recreation Area, and can be used Fruit and Nut Trees / Grape and Berry Vines as an outdoor classroom by the Northwest Area School District. The planting of trees is a long-term commitment and will require long-term agreements between the borough and the ‘grower.’ Trees and vines give physical form to the site and have the potential to generate significant income. The growing of fruit and nut trees, berries and grapes would fit with the National Center for Appropriate Technologies plans to establish an agricultural education center in Shickshinny – and serve as a demonstration project for cooperative extension and master gardener programs.
Example of a daylighted stream
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Walking Trail / Infrastructure Removal As flood prone homes are removed and additional homes may be removed in the future – Shickshinny Borough should evaluate if streets, curbs, sidewalks, sewer, water, electric and other infrastructure could be removed from the riverfront. North Canal Street, which ranges from 20’ – 28’ wide, could be reduced to an 8-10’ wide walking path – designed for pedestrians and bicyclists and to accommodate the car show and other community festivals and events. The removal of the pavement will reduce runoff and encourage stormwater infiltration, while adding additional greenery to the riverfront.
Reconnect Floodplain In areas where more contiguous land has been acquired – there Green infrastructure example - curb bump out is an opportunity to reconnect the Susquehanna River with its historic floodplain. The benefit will be to dissipate the energy of future flooding and mitigate flooding damage. North Gateway and Central Riverfront areas offer the best potential for reconnecting the floodplain. With the removal of homes, streets and other infrastructure, riverside properties can be re-graded lower and planted in native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plant materials. The excess soils can be hauled off-site or used for fill material outside of the existing floodplain. The form of the proposed Amphitheater, with its various terrace levels – could serve as an environmental education area depicting the various water levels, such as base flow, bank full, and floodplain elevations.
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Stormwater Management The problem of flooding is not limited to the Shickshinny Riverfront. Because much of the town is built on the hillside – many homes are impacted by stormwater runoff. Green Infrastructure demonstration projects should be considered for application in hillside areas affected by flooding and possible projects include use of pervious pavement, tree plantings, rain gardens, bio-filtration swales, rain barrels, and cisterns. A potential partner for these types of projects is the County Conservation District.
Engaging the Community The Borough and Shickshinny Forward need to find ways to engage all residents in the revitalization of their community. Collaborative opportunities exist to development Business Retention and Creation Stormwater management example - rain water garden strategies; incentives for flood proofing homes; policies that encourage infill development, and; residential stormwater management programs.
Engaging the Community • Engage Hillside Residents – Involved in the Downtown and the Riverfront • Business Retention & Creation • Flood Proofing / Home Reinvestments • Infill Development • Residential Stormwater Management Programs
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47 48 49
Phasing and Implementation 6
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Introduction Street Corner Design Competition The master plan sought to accommodate all the community’s wish A project that would express the ‘Art Town’ theme, would be list items. The plan will serve as a general guide for community a design competition for the former Wells-Fargo Bank site. A enhancement and revitalization. Shickshinny Borough leaders and competition would attract interest and attention to Shickshinny. the Shickshinny Forward organization have evaluated the various The design competition would be open to local and regional components of the plan and proposed the following priorities: designers – challenging them to create buildable solution that physically ‘holds the street,’ while creating visual interest and 1. Downtown Streetscape improves aesthetics. The art display can capture the spirit of the 2. Central Riverfront new Shickshinny. The parking area also offers the opportunity 3. Public – Private Investments for innovative stormwater management – to reduce impervious surface area and treat stormwater runoff from the site. An Priority 1: Downtown Streetscape example of ‘artful’ stormwater management can easily be Following the flooding in the fall of 2011, the loss of the Wells incorporated into the site design. Fargo Bank was a significant blow to the community. The demolition of the bank left a major void in the heart of the downtown. For many this space represents a constant reminder of what was lost. It also represents a highly visible and symbolic location for a demonstration of community revitalization. The enhancement of the downtown streetscape and an art and landscaping enhancement to the Wells Fargo site has been determined to be the community’s top priority.
Streetscape Enhancements This illustration depicts improvements to Main and Union Street that includes: street trees, street lights, benches, landscaping, and crosswalks. It also depicts an installation of sculptural pieces and landscaping on the former Wells-Fargo bank location. Conceptual rendering of streetscape enhancements along Main and Union Streets
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Priority 2: Central Riverfront The Shickshinny Riverfront Area offers beautiful river views with a forested ridge as backdrop. The area is a focal point from Union Street and downtown and is a natural gathering / meeting location. The site has mature trees in a natural bowl-shaped lawn – sloping towards the river. The area is a mix of public and private land. The private landowner has spent significant money to improve the site including the removal of trash from illegal dumping and flood debris and planting and maintain the grass lawn.
Central Riverfront – Amphitheater This conceptual illustration of a riverfront amphitheater seeks to have a light hand on the site. Working with the existing Conceptual rendering of proposed design competition at former Wells Fargo site topography, a terraced amphitheater is built into the existing grade. Views of the river are framed and accentuated by the canopy of large trees. In areas not used for access and seating, the lawn is converted to native shrub plantings and grass and wildflower meadows to minimize maintenance costs associated with mowing. The amphitheater will not be overly large and its more human scale will make it a unique venue for more intimate music concerts or other performances. The organic form of the amphitheater is more appropriate for its location on the river and in nature. The stage could be designed to be flooded in winter, to provide an ice-skating venue and to encourage 4-season use of the riverfront.
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Use of Durable and Flood Resilient Materials The amphitheater and all riverfront park features will need to be designed to withstand the impacts of flooding. The terraced amphitheater can be designed using pragmatic materials such as rock gabions that are ideally suited for riverbank stabilization project. Gabions – wire baskets of rock – can be fit into the existing riverbanks and be artistically designed using local river rock or cut stone. The gabions can be capped with slate or concrete to produce an amphitheater that is durable, visually aesthetic, comfortable, and ‘green’ using local materials.
Conceptual rendering of amphitheater area
Reconnecting the Floodplain and Environmental Education The form of the amphitheater could help to educate residents and visitors about the river and the form of the river landscape. The various amphitheater levels could define such floodplain features as base flow, bank full and flood elevations, and be graded in a way to illustrate how to reconnect the river with the floodplain. The use of native plants for the forested river buffer and natural landscaping will enhance wildlife habitats and improve water quality, while keeping down maintenance costs. Flood resilient material ideas
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Priority 3: Public – Private Investment Public Investments Enhance Private Redevelopment The goal for public investment in the Shickshinny Riverfront – is There are several possible uses for the Old Opera House including to encourage private reinvestment back into the community. a recreational outfitter, café, or microbrewery / brew pub. The café Shickshinny’s Central Riverfront near Union Street seems a and microbrewery idea fits well with resident input that identified strategic place for public investment due to its easy access to a need for more places to eat in town and an attraction that will downtown, high visibility and potential to enhance the economic bring people in from out of town. When setting priorities for redevelopment potential of the Old Opera House. public investments – the community should prioritize areas where redevelopment opportunities exist – such as the Old Opera House. Old Opera House Possible public investments may include parking and streetscape The Old Opera House may be the most recognizable building in enhancements; development of the riverfront amphitheater; Shickshinny. The building’s historic significance, size, and strategic landscaping, and; access to land for landscaping or the planting of location, a block from downtown and a block from the Riverfront, hops and vineyards. make it an intriguing economic redevelopment opportunity. The Old Opera House’s location on the Warrior Trail adds to the location’s assets - providing additional foot and bike traffic past the site.
Shickshinny’s old opera house - economic redevelopment opportunity Conceptual rendering of enhanced downtown area
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Shickshinny Master Plan – Project: Main & Union Street Corner Design Competition Other Potential Projects / Estimated Costs Schedule: • Design Competition (3 Months) • Main & Union Street Corner Design Competition • Funding Procurement (1 Year) • Shickshinny Riverfront Amphitheater • Final Design and Permitting (6 Months) • Basketball and Multi-Use Court Resurfacing • Construction (6 Months – 1 Year) • Oak Street – Multi-Use Athletic Fields and Event Lawn • Community Gardens / SIFT Farm Educational Center Costs: • Dog Park • Design Award – $3,000 - $5,000 • Construction Budget - $25,000 - $100,000
Partners: • Shickshinny Borough • Shickshinny Forward • Susquehanna Greenway Partnership • Commonwealth Financing Authority / Act 13 • Luzerne Foundation • Central Susquehanna Community Foundation • PPL and UGI Utilities • PA Department of Community and Economic Development • PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources • TreeVitalize Program • Wells Fargo • Private Donors
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Project: Shickshinny Riverfront Amphitheater Project: Basketball and Multi-Use Court Schedule: Schedule: • Feasibility Assessment (3 Months) • Engineering Design and Permitting (6 Months) • Funding Procurement (1 Year) • Funding Procurement (1 Year) • Engineering Design and Permitting (6 Months) • Construction (6 Months) • Construction (6 Months – 1 Year) Costs: Costs: • Final Design $5,000 - $10,000 • Site Survey - $2,500 - $3,500 • Construction $35,000 - $60,000 • Feasibility Study - $5,000 • Final Design - $45,000 – $75,000 Partners: • Parking - $25,000 - $35,000 • Shickshinny Borough • Amphitheater - $ 200,000 - $400,000 • Shickshinny Forward • Landscaping - $ 30,000 • Susquehanna Greenway Partnership • ADA Access / Walkway - $20,000 - $40,000 • Commonwealth Financing Authority / Act 13 • Luzerne County Foundation Partners: • Central Susquehanna Community Foundation • Shickshinny Borough • Geisinger Health System • Shickshinny Forward • PPL and UGI Utilities • Susquehanna Greenway Partnership • PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources • Commonwealth Financing Authority / Act 13 • Private Donors • Luzerne County Foundation • Luzerne County • Central Susquehanna Community Foundation • PPL and UGI Utilities • PA Department of Community and Economic Development • PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources • TreeVitalize Program
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Project: Oak Street Multi-Use Athletic Fields and Event Lawn Schedule: • Funding Procurement (3 Months - 1 Year) • Final Design and Permitting (6 Months) • Construction (6 Months)
Costs: • Design - $7,500 - $15,000 • Field, Terraced Seating Wall and Landscaping - $50,000 - $100,000
Partners: • Shickshinny Borough • Shickshinny Forward • NorthWest School District • Youth Sport Leagues • Susquehanna Greenway Partnership • Commonwealth Financing Authority / Act 13 • Luzerne Foundation • Geisinger Health System • PPL and UGI Utilities • Central Susquehanna Community Foundation • PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources • TreeVitalize Program • Private Donors • Luzerne County
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Shickshinny - Action Strategies
Collaboration Strategy Establish a Collaborative and Mutually Beneficial Relationship Match all local money with other funding sources to achieve between Shickshinny Borough and maximum benefits from the community’s limited resources Shickshinny Forward Celebrate Vision With the completion of each milestone – celebrate the Adopt the Master Plan as a shared Vision for a Better Future accomplishment
Priorities Sustain Define Priority Actions and Priority Projects Make slow but steady progress towards the betterment of Shickshinny, led by a strong and dedicated municipal government Leadership and Shickshinny Forward organization Identify a lead person for each priority initiative, produce a schedule for implementation, and clearly define the support needed from various partners to guarantee success Phasing and Implementa- Partnership tion Establish new relationships with agencies, organizations, and individuals that support and share your vision for Shickshinny
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Project CD 7
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